US Consular Alert for Northern Thailand – 2010-03-05

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Northern Thailand to media reports that, following the recent Supreme Court verdict regarding the disposition of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s frozen assets, supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) are planning a demonstration in Phrae on March 9. UDD supporters also might demonstrate at Bangkok Bank branches in Sankampheng and Doi Saket between now and the planned March 12-14 rallies in Nakhon Sawan, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima and Bangkok.

We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. U.S. citizens should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information of any demonstrations and areas to avoid.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in northern Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State (https://travelregistration.state.gov) or the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/). The Consulate General is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

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March 5, 2010 • Tags: , • Posted in: Travel

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