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  • TRAVEL ALERTS AND WARNINGS

    August 27, 2008
    This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling toand residing in Thailand of demonstrations by the People's Alliance forDemocracy (PAD) throughout Bangkok.


    Police representatives indicate that early on Wednesday, August 27, there were approximately 10,000 people protesting in the Government House compound and nearby, including the Makawan Rangsan Bridge used by the PAD as the main rallying point. Thus far, the demonstration remains non-violent. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have deployed police to the
    area, while pledging not to use force. As of this morning, only Government House and the Makawan Rangsan Bridge area still had PAD demonstrators. On Tuesday, August 26, protesters blocked transportation in the areas surrounding these facilities, several other ministries and government buildings, as well as into and around Bangkok. Transportations routes, including major highways, may continue to be partially or fully blocked by demonstrators as the demonstrations continue.


    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 if possible, and to exercise caution if within the
    vicinity of any demonstrations.
    Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

    "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

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  • #2
    This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of demonstrations by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) throughout Thailand, their effect on airports in Phuket, Hat Yai, and Krabi, and on the Thai railway system.

    The situation around the Government House appears to be deteriorating as of late August 29, with the police unable to control PAD demonstrators pushing out of the Government House compound. Very small numbers of protesters have attempted to use violence to impede RTP progress into the Government House compound, though the majority of protesters are
    employing civil disobedience tactics by sitting or laying down and have discouraged the use of violence by their activists.

    The RTP continues to block all vehicular access in the area of the Government House. The area near Makawan Rangsan Bridge, Chamaimuruchet Bridge, Government House, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operation located on Rajdamnern Road should be avoided. Major traffic delays are expected in areas surrounding Rajdamnern Road including the following: Sriyudhaya Road, Pitsanuloke Road, and Rajvithi Road. Vipawadee Ransit Road inbound is also blocked by the protesters in front of NBT.

    PAD leaders have asked their protesters to continue their efforts until Sunday and have called for supporters to block provincial airports in Thailand, but not airports in Bangkok. PAD demonstrators have already blocked the entrance of at least three airports in the south, Phuket
    International Airport, Hat Yai Airport, and Krabi Airport. Thai Airways and Air Asia have cancelled all flights to and from Krabi Airport. At other airports, passengers have to walk through the demonstrators to get to the front entrance or follow airport officials' instructions to
    alternative entrances because the airport is trying to prevent the demonstrators from entering the airport. At the present time, Phuket International Airport and Hat Yai Airport are confirmed to be open and operating. Passengers are advised to confirm their flight, check with the airport authorities, and give themselves extra time to deal with possible delays. The list of airports that are affected by the demonstrations may continue to grow.

    Phuket International Airport Call Center: 076-351-111
    Hat Yai Airport Call Center: 074-227-000
    Krabi Airport Call Center: 075-636-541

    News reports also indicate that railway workers have stopped most trains nationwide in sympathy with PAD protesters.

    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 if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
    Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

    "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

    (more comments in my User Profile)
    russbo.com


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    • #3
      This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that demonstrations in the area near Government House in Bangkok have turned violent. One demonstrator has been killed and others injured.

      On Tuesday morning, September 2, Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency in Bangkok following the street violence that occurred overnight between anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters and the pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). The fighting resulted in one death and over 30 people injured. Unarmed Royal Thai Police and Military were able to separate the two parties and restore peace by early morning. The state of emergency gives the government additional powers, which are intended to bring a peaceful end to the demonstration.

      News reports also indicate that various railway, bus, utility, and airline workers may go on strike September 3 in sympathy with PAD protesters, possibly causing delays and outages. If you will be flying within or from Thailand, we recommend that you contact the airline and reconfirm your flight.

      The government has announced that Thai government schools in Bangkok will be closed for the next three days. Media report that some schools around the Government House area closed at noon September 2, but we do not know the extent of school closings. If you think that your child's school may be affected, please call your school directly for updated information.

      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 if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

      The Embassy remains open with no interruption of consular 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 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.
      Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

      "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

      (more comments in my User Profile)
      russbo.com


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      • #4
        This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that demonstrations in the area near the Parliament building in Bangkok turned violent early on October 7. Media reports indicate that police fired tear gas at anti-government protesters to disperse a crowd that had surrounded the Parliament building overnight. By midday, protesters again gained control of the perimeter of the Parliament, clashing with police in the process. There are reports that about a hundred people have been injured. Many of these injuries appear to be related to tear gas inhalation. PAD demonstrators continue to congregate at the Parliament building and Government House.

        Police are investigating a vehicle explosion which occurred late afternoon October 7; it is unclear if it was related to the events around the Parliament.

        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 if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
        Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

        "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

        (more comments in my User Profile)
        russbo.com


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        • #5
          This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that media reports indicate the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders have called for a mass rally at Police Headquarters on Monday moning, October 13, 2008. Police Headquarters ilocated on Rama I Road, which is the same road that Siam Paragon, Central World, and other large shopping areas are located. We ask Americans to exercise caution if you are going to be in this vicinity or in the area of any demonstrations.

          We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence
          Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

          "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

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          • #6
            American citizens resident and traveling in Thailand should be aware of tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border in the area of the Khao Phra Wihan temple, also called Preah Vihear. This temple is located on the border region between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia. Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 in this area. We recommend American citizens defer travel to this area until the situation has been resolved. We also recommend that American citizens exercise caution if they must travel to this area or any area along the Thai-Cambodian border.
            Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

            "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

            (more comments in my User Profile)
            russbo.com


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            • #7
              Tuesday, November 25, 2008
              Reports indicate that PAD protesters are currently at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports. PAD protesters at Suvarnabhumi airport are currently (as of 17:30 Tuesday evening) blocking some taxi cab access on the main road to the airport. This situation may change, as protesters may move to a different site that will allow normal traffic to the airport to resume. Traffic from the airport is not affected.

              Currently, incoming flights are not affected, but departing flights are starting to be delayed. People who are going to the airport this evening may want to find alternate routes to the airport, including Bang Na - Trat highway, should allow extra time, and contact their airline for updated information. PAD protesters at Don Muang airport are not affecting access to the airport or flights.

              Approximately 5000 supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) gathered late in the afternoon at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Command Headquarters located in Lak Si on Chaeng Watthana Road. As of 17:30, this number had dissipated to 2500 and continues to decrease. Traffic flow on the expressway between the Sukhumvit corridor and Chaeng
              Watthana remains normal, but traffic is highly congested on Chaeng Watthana Road. The Royal Thai Armed Forces Command Headquarters is located approximately 5 kilometers east of the International School of Bangkok (ISB).

              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.
              Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

              "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

              (more comments in my User Profile)
              russbo.com


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              • #8
                Wednesday, November 26, 2008
                At this time, Suvarnabhumi International Airport has ceased all flight operations due to the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest at the airport. We advise Americans to stay away from the airport given the potential for violence and civil disobedience. It is unclear at
                this time when normal flight operations will resume. Please contact the airlines for the latest departure/arrival information.

                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.
                Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

                "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

                (more comments in my User Profile)
                russbo.com


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                • #9
                  November 26, 2008
                  The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to the continuing large-scale political demonstrations in Thailand that have resulted in the disruption of services as well as isolated incidents of violence. At this time, Bangkok's international and domestic airports have ceased flight operations due to the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protests at those locations. It is unclear when normal flight operations will resume. Americans in Thailand should avoid travel to these airports until airport operations return to normal. Americans in Thailand, or who have plans to travel to or transit Thailand, should monitor local media and contact airlines for the latest departure/arrival information. This Travel Alert will expire on December 1, 2008.
                  Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

                  "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

                  (more comments in my User Profile)
                  russbo.com


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                  • #10
                    The Department of State is evaluating whether to charter aircraft to facilitate the onward travel of American citizens seeking to depart Thailand. Americans who would like to take a U.S. government chartered flight from Bangkok to another airport in the region, such as Singapore, where they would then make their own arrangements to connect to onward flights, are requested to read through this message and respond as noted below.

                    Under U.S. law, an American citizen receiving U.S. government transportation assistance is required to pay for the cost of travel at the rate of the most recently available full fare economy ticket. Therefore, American citizens who choose to fly on this charter must either pay prior to departure with a personal check or sign a promissory note (an Emergency Loan Application and Evacuation document <http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/80109.pdf> ) for the amount
                    stated and reimburse the U.S. government for the flight within sixty days. Cash and credit payments can not be handled. American citizens who depart Thailand on a U.S. government charter will be individually responsible for booking and paying for their onward travel from the transit point to their final destination. Americans will also be individually responsible to pay for their own accommodation at the transit point should an overnight stay be required before connecting to the onward flight. However, U.S. Embassy officials at the transit point will be available to provide information about local hotels and may be able to facilitate onward travel arrangements if assistance is needed.

                    Commercial flights continue to depart Thailand through airports outside of Bangkok, although space has been limited. While more commercial flights will become available as the Bangkok airports reopen, the backlog of demand may continue to make departure travel arrangements difficult for the near future. American citizens may choose to wait until regular commercial flights
                    are available using their already purchased tickets. We anticipate that the charter flight will cost approximately $550 (though this may change depending upon the transit point destination).

                    American citizens in Thailand who would like to depart Thailand by charter should contact the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok immediately to alert us of your interest. Your response will help us evaluate whether charters are a viable option and how many charters would be needed.

                    Please note that at this time no final decision has been made on the use of charters.

                    The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by phone at 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at ACSBKK@State.gov. If that number is busy, please call 66-2-205-4000.
                    Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

                    "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

                    (more comments in my User Profile)
                    russbo.com


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                    • #11
                      The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who had previously entered and forced the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports in Bangkok, have now departed those premises. Airport authorities have begun the process of reopening the airports. Due to the lack of demand and the upcoming reopening of the airports, the Department of State will not be pursuing charter flights at this time.

                      As always, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of U.S. Embassy (contact details below) if you need assistance or information.

                      Americans in Thailand, or those with plans to travel to or transit through Thailand, should monitor local media and contact airlines for the latest departure/arrival information. We understand the inconvenience this situation has placed on American travelers to Thailand, and we continue to monitor the situation very closely. It is our understanding from Thai immigration officials that those individuals who have stayed in Thailand beyond the time permitted by their visa due to the airport closures will not face penalties when they depart the country.

                      In addition, the following numbers may be helpful for additional information:
                      Ministry of Tourism Aid Center: 1414, 02-356-0720, 02-356-0729
                      ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents): 02-134-4263
                      Thai tourist police emergency line: 1155
                      Suvarnabhumi International Airport hotline: 02-132-1882, 02-132-1888
                      Suvarnabhumi International Airport flight inquiries: 02-132-0000, 02-132-9328-9
                      Don Mueang Airport: 02-535-1669
                      Don Mueang Flight inquiries: 02-535-1616
                      Tourism Authority of Thailand: 02-652-8313-4
                      United Airlines Reservations: 02-353-3939, www.united.com
                      Northwest/Delta Airlines: 02-660-6999, 02-660-6900, www.nwa.com, www.delta.com

                      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 areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution within the vicinity of any demonstrations.
                      Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

                      "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

                      (more comments in my User Profile)
                      russbo.com


                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Happy New Year, and here is our first advisory.

                        January 12, 2009

                        This warden message alerts U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that tomorrow, January 13, 2009, at approximately 9:00am, a large gathering of demonstrators protesting Israeli and U.S. policies related to the ongoing situation in Gaza is expected to march from
                        Lumpini Park to the U.S. Embassy on Wireless Road. The demonstration is expected to conclude at approximately noon.

                        When the demonstrators arrive outside the front entrances to the Embassy compounds, the Embassy may be forced to close to visitors. This means that there is a possibility that American Citizen Services may be closed for part or all of the morning hours, even to those who already have an appointment. We will continue to have public hours in the afternoon from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. We will endeavor to help all people who arrive by 2:00pm. We ask Americans to exercise caution if you are going to be in this vicinity or in the area of any demonstrations.

                        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.
                        Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

                        "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

                        (more comments in my User Profile)
                        russbo.com


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                        • #13
                          Wow. So, whats with all the beef in bangkok Doc?

                          Surely this has got to be deeper than israel vs palestine?
                          Show me a man who has forgotten words, so that I can have a word with him.

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                          • #14
                            It's Thai government in action. Not a problem.

                            In the US, we elect a shitty president and we're stuck with him for eight years.

                            In Thailand, they have a coup, and put another one in within days.

                            Far more efficient.
                            Experienced Community organizer. Yeah, let's choose him to run the free world. It will be historic. What could possibly go wrong...

                            "You're just a jaded cynical mother****er...." Jeffpeg

                            (more comments in my User Profile)
                            russbo.com


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                            • #15
                              Excellent, sounds like we could learn a thing or two.
                              Show me a man who has forgotten words, so that I can have a word with him.

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