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Public Announcement from U.S. Embassy Bangkok

Posted by Stuart at 09:42 PM on February 02, 2006

I just received a very interesting email from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. It says:

Attention American Citizens:

The Royal Thai Police (RTP) authorities have confirmed that a large demonstration is expected to occur in the area of the King Rama 5 statue, Rajdamneon Avenue, near Sanam Luang and Government House in Bangkok on Saturday, February 4. Police estimate up to 100,000 people will gather in an anti-Thai Prime Minister Thaksin demonstration headed by Sonthi Limthongkul, a prominent Thai government critic. The crowd will include several diverse groups of demonstrators and is expected to start assembling in the morning with no announced starting or ending times. Organizers have not indicated a marching route, should they leave the area.

Bangkok demonstrations are usually peaceful in nature, but all demonstrations are unpredictable and conditions can change unexpectedly. The RTP has indicated that 2,000 ï¿½ 3,000 police officers will be on hand to maintain public order. There are concerns that anti-Sonthi groups may attempt to confront the demonstrators, which could lead to violence. For this reason, please do not approach the demonstrators.

The Embassy encourages all Americans to avoid this area. Should you find yourself in or near the demonstrators, move indoors for shelter until the demonstration has passed, or ask for police assistance to leave the area. While the demonstration is not expected to pass near U.S. Embassy facilities, Embassy entrances and functions may be restricted depending on circumstances.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Departmentï¿½s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings 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., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

I for one will certainly be nowhere near this area on Saturday. I hope that the demonstration remains peaceful, and I hope that the organizers and protesters realize that there are better ways of making changes in government than storming the Government House (which is what a small group did last week).