Travel Alert for Thailand amid ‘Red Shirt’ Protests

Red Shirt Protestors (AP)

The U.S Department of State is alerting U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government (under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva) 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”). 

According to a press release issued by the U.S., while the details of how the State of the Emergency will be implemented are still unknown, U.S. citizens should expect to see an increase in the presence of security personnel on the streets of Bangkok and should adhere to any and all instructions from such personnel.  The State of Emergency grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army; however, it is not known how these powers will be exercised against the UDD demonstrators who have been protesting around the Ratchaphrasong intersection adjacent to Central World, Rajadamri Road and Soi Lang Suan, as well as the Phanfa Bridge area in old Bangkok. 

Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok throughout the Songkran holidays (April 13-16).  That’s why the Travel Alert will expire on April 19, 2010.  Until then, and as a good practice, the U.S. 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.