THAILAND: CODEL HASTERT JAN 13-16

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 007571

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPARTMENT FOR H AND RM/F/DFS/FO/AA/CAA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND: CODEL HASTERT JAN 13-16

REF: SECSTATE 222079


1. (U) Post grants country clearance and looks forward to a
successful visit by CODEL Hastert. Control officer for the
Bangkok portion of the visit will be:

Political Officer Mark Lambert
Office: 66-2-205-4729
Fax: 66-2-253-3876
Cell: 66-1-808-1056
Home: 66-2-285-6186
Email: LambertMB@State.gov


2. (U) Admin POC is Management Officer Fred Olivo
Office: 66-2-205-5668
Fax: 66-2-255-2913
Cell: 66-1-174-9019
Email: OlivoF@State.gov

After-hours emergency number for the Embassy is (66-2)
205-4108.


3. (U) Control officer has been in contact with Ms. Martha
Morrison via email to begin work on the visit.


4. (U) Embassy will meet the delegation upon arrival at
Bangkok International Airport.


5. (U) Visas are not required of holders of U.S. passports
(whether diplomatic, official or tourist) who plan to stay
fewer than 30 days.


6. (SBU) SECURITY INFORMATION
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A. (U) CRIME:
--------------

- (U) Crime is generally non-confrontational in nature.
Criminal acts are usually crimes of opportunity such as
purse-snatchings, thefts of unattended property, and pick
pocketing. Visitors should be especially alert in crowded
buses, streets, and markets or while on "tuk-tuks." Visitors
should lock valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes not in
their hotel rooms.

- (U) Be aware of common scams and frauds (including credit
cards, in particular). Visitors should only use credit cards
at well-established and reputable businesses. Visitors
should be careful when purchasing branded or copyrighted
goods. There are many pirated counterfeit products in the
marketplace; their purchase is against post regulations and
it is illegal to import these products into the U.S. Be wary
of common scams for jewelry, suits, silks, gems, or
antiquities. There are no Thai government-owned or sponsored
gem stores. If victimized, seek assistance from Tourist
Police by dialing 1155.

- (U) Visitors are cautioned from visiting bars involved in
the sex trade. Many of these operate illegally and clients
can be subject to RTG law; they often charge exorbitant drink
prices and cover charges. There are also many incidents of
crime against patrons in these establishments. Drugging and
robbing of unwary individuals is not uncommon. There are
frequent reports of victims being drugged and robbed or
beaten when visiting these bars. The drugs used can cause
serious temporary memory impairment, unconsciousness, and if
overdosed, death.


B. (U) TRAFFIC:
--------------

- (U) The traffic situation in Bangkok can be difficult and
dangerous for both pedestrians and vehicle occupants. All
visitors should be alert to traffic patterns and unexpected
motorcycle drivers. Traffic drives on the left-hand side,
opposite from the U.S., although there may be a bus lane that
flows in the opposite direction. Pedestrians should use the
overhead walkways for crossing busy streets.


C. (SBU) TERRORISM:
--------------

- (SBU) The threat from transnational terrorist groups to
the U.S. Mission in Bangkok is currently ranked high. Despite
stepped up RTG efforts to monitor its borders, they remain
relatively porous and allow easy illegal access.
Transnational terrorist groups, including Al-Qa-ida and
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI),have utilized Thailand as a transit
point.
- (SBU) The threat from indigenous terrorist groups is
currently rated as low. There is no evidence to indicate
that indigenous terrorist groups are planning acts against
U.S. personnel or facilities. The far south of Thailand has
experienced incidents of criminally and politically motivated
violence, including incidents attributed to armed local
Muslim separatist groups. Although Americans have not been
specifically targeted in the past, the indiscriminate nature
of past attacks by these groups - including bombings of
public places - indicates a potential threat to American
citizens.

- (U) The State Department is concerned that there is an
increased risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including
Thailand. Travelers to Thailand should therefore exercise
caution, especially in locations where Westerners congregate,
such as clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, tourist
areas, and other places frequented by foreigners.


D. (U) OTHER SECURITY TIPS:
--------------

- (U) Visitors should avoid making any pejorative comments
about any members of the Thai Royal Family or engaging in
disrespectful conduct within temples or toward religious
objects. Such behavior can result in arrest and/or expulsion
from Thailand.

- (U) Precautions should also be taken not to discuss
sensitive or classified matters outside secure environments
or over unsecured and/or cellular telephones, and to securely
safeguard classified or sensitive materials at the Chancery
and not at hotels or residences.

- (U) Visitors should also be aware of the State
Department's Consular Information Sheet for Thailand and the
most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcements, which are
available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. DOD
personnel must review the PACOM Force Protection Levels for
Thailand found at http://131.84.1.218/staff/at/athome.shtml.

- (U) In essence, visitors to Bangkok must exercise
appropriate caution and be alert to their surroundings with
regard to their personal security. Suspicious
incidents/activities should be reported to RSO Bangkok (Tel.
02-205-4000, 24 hrs/day). On behalf of U.S. Embassy Bangkok,
we hope you have a safe and pleasant visit.
BOYCE