Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Political Demonstrations Planned November 19-22 in Bangkok and Chiang Mai

Collapse
X
Collapse
  •  

  • Political Demonstrations Planned November 19-22 in Bangkok and Chiang Mai

    This message alerts U.S. citizens in Thailand to planned demonstrations in Bangkok on November 19, and to the possibility of political demonstrations and road closures in and around Chiang Mai city from November 19-22 (the final weekend of the Loy Krathong festival).

    From 8:00 am until approximately 9:00 pm on Friday, November 19, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD-Red Shirts) plans to hold demonstrations in various areas of Bangkok, including the Rajaprasong area (around Central World), to mark the six- month anniversary of the incident during which 89 lives were lost when the UDD occupied parts of Bangkok's central commercial zone in April and May of 2010.

    The streets in all directions around Rajaprasong are expected to be filled with 10,000 to 15,000 persons, and many vehicles will be parked along Rajadamri and Ploenchit roads, snarling traffic throughout the area. Although the gatherings around Rajaprasong are scheduled to peak in the evening, we suggest avoiding that area throughout the day and evening. It is possible that Siam Paragon will also be affected. A smaller demonstration is planned in the morning at Klong Prem Prison on Ngam Wong Wan Road.

    Also, media report that supporters of the UDD plan a rally November 20 near the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek site in Mae Hia, just south of Chiang Mai city. Demonstrations at other sites in and around Chiang Mai city are possible November 19-22. In addition, Loy Krathong celebrations in Chiang Mai regularly lead to road closures and traffic delays. In particular, expect heavy traffic in the Mae Jo area November 20 for the mass release of floating lanterns, and road closures in central Chiang Mai city November 22 for the Loy Krathong parade.

    We are not aware of any general, specific, or implied threat to U.S. citizens or U.S. interests throughout this period. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Although the level of violence in Bangkok and Chiang Mai subsided following the UDD protests in April and May 2010, the potential for random acts of politically-motivated violence remains. You should maintain a heightened sense of awareness, be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places, and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement personnel.
      Posting comments is disabled.

    Latest Articles

    Collapse

    • Increased danger in the deep south of Thailand
      by doc
      Security in the Deep South of Thailand This is to alert U.S. citizens of a recent rise of violence in the deep south of Thailand in the border provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. Last month, at least 50 violent incidents killed over 30 people and injured almost 40 others. There is the possibility that foreigners, including westerners, may be targeted in this region. We remind you that the deep south of Thailand has experienced almost daily incidents of criminally and politically motiv...
      04-12-2014, 03:50 AM
    • Severe flooding in Bangkok
      by doc
      This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to difficulties related to travel in the flood-affected areas of Thailand, including Bangkok. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert dated October 27, 2011, to update information on flooding. Floodwaters are generally receding, and the overall situation is improving. However, flooding still hampers transportation and limits access to some essential services in the affected areas. The U.S. Department of State advises caution if traveling...
      11-18-2011, 06:58 PM
    • NEW TRAVEL ALERT FOR THAILAND
      by doc
      1. This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to difficulties related to travel in the flood-affected areas of the central and lower parts of northern Thailand, including Bangkok. Severe flooding has hampered transportation and limited access to some essential services in the affected regions. The U.S. Department of State recommends against all but essential travel to the affected areas. This Travel Alert extends only to the areas of Thailand listed in the following paragraph. Most...
      10-28-2011, 02:15 AM
    • Flooding continues in Thailand
      by doc
      Flooding continues in central Thailand and is becoming more widespread in the Bangkok Metropolitan area. It is unknown how long these conditions will persist. Water levels are dropping in most other parts of Thailand that have been flooded. As a purely precautionary measure, U.S. citizens assigned to the Embassy who live approximately 12 kilometers north of central Bangkok in Pakred District, Nonthaburi Province have the option of relocating for a few days to central Bangkok, should they wish...
      10-21-2011, 05:23 PM
    • Emergency Message to U.S. Citizens on Flooding in Thailand
      by doc
      Seasonal monsoon rainfall worsened by a series of tropical depressions is flooding wide areas of central Thailand and scattered locations in northern and northeastern Thailand. These conditions are expected to continue for at least several more days, worsening in the Chao Phraya River basin from Uthaithani and Chai Nat provinces to Ayutthaya. Flood conditions between Ayutthaya and the mouth of the Chao Phraya River south of Bangkok are expected to increase in severity for several additional days....
      10-08-2011, 06:18 AM
    • US State Department Travel Alert
      by doc
      The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to the enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan. Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage...
      05-03-2011, 02:55 AM
    Working...
    X