Warden Message
Demonstrations at Sanamluang and Government House in Bangkok on Thursday, March 26, 2009
This warden message alerts U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that elements of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)—known as “red shirts”—have started to gather at the Sanamluang ceremonial grounds to express their opposition to the sitting, Democrat-led government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. It is anticipated that the UDD will have over 10,000 protesters in attendance at this rally.
Since assembling early this morning, the demonstrators have remained peaceful. At approximately 1200 hours, the demonstrations are expected to move to Government House. The Royal Thai Government has a sizeable presence of Royal Thai Army and Police personnel on standby to maintain order.
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
For the latest security information, Americans 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 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. The Embassy 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 ACSBKK@State.gov. The after hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.