US Embassy Closure/Possible Outages

(May 13 , 2010)

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government through the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) has announced its plans to close off the demonstration area at the Ratchaprasong rally site in an attempt to disperse the protesters. We understand that beginning today, May 13, at 6:00 p.m., authorities will take the following measures:

• Limit transportation services, including the BTS Skytrain, MRTA, canal routes, and possibly bus routes.
• Set up check points at all access routes to control and limit access to the rally site. For details on what routes may be affected, please refer to local media.
• Cut off electricity, water, and telephone to the rally site and possibly surrounding areas. It is currently unclear how large an area will be affected. It is also unclear how the UDD will respond.

The U.S. Embassy, including visa operations, will be closed tomorrow, Friday, May 14. American Citizen Services (ACS) will be available for emergencies only. If at all possible, the U.S. Embassy recommends against coming to this area on May 14. If U.S. citizens currently have appointments with ACS for May 14, you may go online or call us at 02-205-4049 to reschedule.

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. 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 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.

U.S. CITIZEN SERVICES For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at 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 U.S. 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).

American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Thailand is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at mailto:ACSBKK@State.gov. The after hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

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