Warden Message
Thai PM Declares State of Emergency in Bangkok and Surrounding Areas
This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bangkok that Prime Minister Abhisit has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas following demonstrations by protestors from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts’). This declaration follows demonstrations of anti-government redshirts in Bangkok protesting the arrest of one of their leaders. The state of emergency empowers the government to restrict gatherings of more than five persons and to prohibit and/or block communications. Media reports gunfire at the Ministry of Interior and demonstrations at Government House, Parliament, and the Central World/Siam Paragon Shopping Malls.
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 anywhere in Bangkok.
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.