PattayaMale Posted May 12, 2010 Posted May 12, 2010 May 12, 2010 This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government has indicated that authorities will cut power and water, and possibly telephone and transportation links, within the next 24-48 hours to the Ratchaprasong rally site in central Bangkok where the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") continue to demonstrate. It is currently unclear how large an area will be affected. It is also unclear how the UDD will respond. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area and the areas in and around all demonstrations, if possible. If U.S. citizens must travel to these areas, they should exercise special caution and remain vigilant with regard to their personal security. U.S. Embassy personnel who live around this area have been given the option to relocate to housing outside of the affected area until the situation is resolved. The U.S. Embassy is also planning on limiting personnel who work on, or directly off of, Rajdamri and Langsuan roads. Other U.S. Embassy facilities, such as the Chancery and Consular Section, will remain open. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance at all times. The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok. The UDD may change or expand their demonstration locations at any time. Various other groups are engaging in pro-government or counter-demonstrations. There have been several minor clashes between the security forces and the UDD and other demonstrators. These clashes may escalate with no warning. For areas currently affected by demonstrations, please refer to local media. These demonstrations are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok. The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Thailand to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or through the State Department's travel registration website < https://travelregistration.state.gov/ > . For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website < http://travel.state.gov/ > . U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas. The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok < http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/ > is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk@state.gov. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000. Quote
