TRAVEL ALERT FOR THAILAND

UNCLAS STATE 125620 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC ASEC TH SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT FOR THAILAND ¶1. 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. ¶2. 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. ¶3. For the latest security information, Americans living or 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 United States 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). ¶4. American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ or with the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The Embassy website can be visited at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/embassy/wwc/rece nt.ht m. 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. The after- hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000. ¶5. Minimize considered. RICE