Warden Message
Demonstrations Tomorrow in Sanam Luang, September 18, 2009
This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bangkok that media reports indicate that as many as 30,000 supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or ”Red-Shirts”) will rally at Sanam Luang and plan to march to the residence of Privy Council Chair General Prem Tinsulanonda on Saturday, September 19. In order to maintain peace during the rally, the Royal Thai Government plans to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Dusit District (to include the Dusit Palace, Government House, Sanam Luang, and the area near General Prem’s residence) from Friday, September 18 to September 22. This may mean that armed troops will join police on the streets to maintain order. Media reports indicate that over 5,000 soldiers and police officers have already been deployed to the Dusit District in anticipation of the rally.
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are urged to avoid the area of Sanam Luang 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.