As security improves, US Department of State cancels Travel Warning for Thailand

The Department of State has canceled the May 27, 2010, Travel Warning
for Thailand due to improvements in safety and security conditions

The Department of State has canceled the May 27, 2010, Travel Warning
for Thailand due to improvements in safety and security conditions
throughout the country. The Thai government ended the nightly curfew
May 29, 2010. On July 6, 2010, the Thai Government renewed the emergency
decree powers in 19 provinces but ended the emergency decree powers in 5
provinces. On July 20, 2010, the Thai Government ended the emergency
decree powers in 3 additional provinces, Lampang, Roi Et, and Sakon
Nahkon.

This message reminds U.S. citizens that emergency decree powers remain
in effect in the following provinces:

* Bangkok metropolitan area
* Ayutthaya
* Chaiyaphum
* Chiang Mai
* Chiang Rai
* Chon Buri
* Khon Kaen
* Maha Sarakham
* Mukdahan
* Nakhon Ratchasima
* Non Bua Lamphu
* Nonthaburi
* Pathum Thani
* Samut Prakan
* Ubon Ratchathani
* Udon Thani

Emergency decree powers give the police and military increased powers to
maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority
to:

* prohibit gatherings of more than five people;
* prohibit distribution of media or publications deemed to affect
security or public order;
* prohibit or limit the use of vehicles or particular routes; and
* evacuate buildings or areas or prohibit entry into them.

You might encounter security forces personnel at roadblocks or other
security checkpoints. If you do, you should obey all instructions from
them. Be sure to carry identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship
at all times to present if asked by authorities.

There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including
several isolated grenade and arson attacks, in and around Bangkok and
Chiang Mai over the past three months. Additional explosive devices
were discovered before detonation. Some of these incidents occurred at
or near areas frequented by U.S. citizens. These incidents appear to be
motivated by domestic politics and do not appear to be acts of
international terrorism. More such attacks are likely to occur.

You should exercise caution and vigilance at all times. Immediately report
to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags
or suspicious objects in public areas.

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
of demonstrations and areas to avoid.

The Department strongly encourages U.S. citizens in Thailand to register
with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok or through the
State Department’s travel registration website
.

For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website . U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747
from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok
is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok
10330, Thailand. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy
can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at [email protected]. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at [email protected]. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

About the author

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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