Disclaimer: Please note that we at Sunburst International Risk Management provides Travel Information as a value-added service to our international clients and visitors of this website. We update our posting frequently, in order to provide you with current and reliable travel alerts as quickly as we can. However, Travel Warnings posted on this website are subject to change without notice. We suggest that you also check with the State Department and other governmental agencies regarding the safety in the your destinations before you leave.

On July 20, 2010, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok released the following Warden Message:

 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. 

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

·         Lampang

·         Maha Sarakham

·         Mukdahan

·         Nakhon Ratchasima

·         Non Bua Lamphu

·         Nonthaburi

·         Pathum Thani

·         Roi-Et

·         Sakon Nakhon

·         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 were 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.  The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.  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.

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On June 3, 2010, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok issued the following Warden Message:

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. 

This message reminds U.S. citizens that a State of Emergency remains in effect in the following provinces:
 

·  Bangkok metropolitan area

·  Chaiyaphum

·  Chiang Mai

·  Chiang Rai

·  Chon Buri

·  Khon Kaen

·  Lampang

·  Nakhon Ratchasima

·  Nakhon Sawan

·  Nan

·  Nonthaburi

·  Pathum Thani

·  Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

·  Samut Prakan

·  Si Sa Ket

·  Udon Thani

A State of Emergency gives the police and military increased powers to maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority to:

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On May 14, 2010, U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai released the following Warden Message:

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government has declared a state of emergency in the following provinces:  

• Chiang Mai

• Chiang Rai

• Lampang

• Nan

• Nakhon Sawan

• Samut Prakan

• Chon Buri

• Nonthaburi

• Pathum Thani

• Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya

• Khon Kaen

• Udon Thani

• Chaiyaphum

• Nakhon Ratchasima

• Si Sa Ket

This action expands the existing state of emergency in the Bangkok metropolitan area that the government declared on April 7, 2010. 
 

A state of emergency gives 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 should expect to see more security forces personnel in the streets.  You might encounter them at roadblocks or other security checkpoints.  If you encounter police or military personnel, you should obey any and all instructions from them.  Be sure to have identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship on you at all times to show them if they request it.

Media report that hundreds of supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") in Chiang Mai city are preparing to go to Bangkok to assist UDD supporters there.  They have assembled at the Grand Worarot Hotel (near Wat Phra Singh) and at the Chiang Mai railroad station.  Similar gatherings in other provinces are possible.  Security forces may try to block these movements, which could  lead to violent confrontations.

In addition, we remind you that UDD supporters previously threatened demonstrations in the provinces if their current demonstration in Bangkok is forcibly dispersed.  Possible demonstration sites include Provincial Halls and military and police installations.  The Chiang Mai Provincial government has increased security at the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang) and is considering additional public order measures under the state of emergency declaration.  Also, UDD supporters previously have attempted to block the movements of security forces. 

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  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 any demonstrations and areas to avoid.

Since April 28, 2010, the Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Thailand.  You should review the Department’s most recent Travel Alert for Thailand.

All U.S. citizens in Thailand should register 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 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 acschn@state.gov.  The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

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 acsbkk@state.gov.  The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.
 

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On April 28, 2010, the U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Alert:

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of ongoing demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.  Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, all U.S. citizens should avoid nonessential travel to Thailand. This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 22, 2010, to update information on security concerns and to recommend against nonessential travel to Thailand at this time. This Travel Alert will expire on July 28, 2010.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok.  The UDD may change or expand its demonstration locations at any time.  Various other groups are engaging in pro-government or counter-demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There have been several minor clashes between the UDD and other demonstrators. These clashes may escalate with no warning.  For areas currently affected by demonstrations, please refer to local media.

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Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok indefinitely.  As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok, and traffic patterns may change unexpectedly as demonstrators block roads.  Other forms of transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain, may close unexpectedly in response to threats or incidents, such as occurred on April 27, when protesters jumped onto the tracks and tried to block the tracks with tires.  

There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months.  Additional explosive devices have been 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.   The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.  U.S. citizens are reminded to 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. 

Supporters of a pro-Government movement known as “mixed shirts,” “no color,” or “multi-color” have begun nightly demonstrations in the Nimmanhemin area of Chiang Mai city, near Chiang Mai University, an area frequented by U.S. citizens.  Media report that these supporters intend to repeat these nightly demonstrations indefinitely.  Supporters of the UDD may confront these demonstrations.  In the past, similar confrontations have turned violent.

On Saturday, April 10, UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces clashed in the Phanfa Bridge area, resulting in a number of fatalities.  On April 27, UDD protesters clashed with police near the Thai Air Force headquarters at Don Muang.   The UDD stopped and entered vehicles looking for military and police personnel. Media report that UDD leaders plan to block the movement of security forces from the provinces to Bangkok. 

UDD supporters have threatened demonstrations in the provinces if its current demonstrations in Bangkok are forcibly dispersed, as occurred April 9, 10, and 24.    Therefore, U.S. citizens should monitor public sources of information to stay abreast of the latest information concerning demonstrations and areas to avoid. 

On the evening of April 22, 2010, several explosions occurred in the Silonm/Sala Daeng area at the Sala Daeng BTS Skytrain station causing a number of injuries, including at least one fatality.  The possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.  U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in this area. 

The Royal Thai Government, under the order of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, is still operating under a State of Emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas, that grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army.  It is unclear what additional steps the Royal Thai Government may take under the State of Emergency.

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning.  U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.

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.

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Thai protesters fortify camps in heart of Bangkok April 20, 2010

Army moves into key Bangkok area April 20, 2010
The Thai army moves into the business district of Bangkok to prevent anti-government protesters entering the area. Read More Here.

Thailand's PM declares emergency April 7, 2010
Thailand's prime minister declares a state of emergency in Bangkok amid growing anti-government protests. In a televised address, Mr Abhisit said the move - which gives sweeping new powers to the security forces to tackle protesters - would help restore order. It comes hours after thousands of "red-shirt" protesters marched on parliament - forcing MPs to flee the building. Read More Here.

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On April 12, 2010, the U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Alert:

The State Department alerts 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″).  The State of Emergency grants special powers to the Royal Thai Police and Army. 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.  This replaces the Travel Alert dated April 9, 2010, to include additional information about clashes between the UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces.  This Travel Alert will expire on May 14, 2010. 

On Saturday, April 10, UDD and Royal Thai Government security forces clashed in the Phanfa Bridge area, resulting in 21 deaths and at least 858 wounded.  The UDD continues to demonstrate around the Ratchaphrasong intersection adjacent to Central World, Rajadamri Road and Soi Lang Suan, as well as the Phanfa Bridge area in old Bangkok.  U.S. citizens should avoid travel to and lodging in these areas, as well as Khao San Road, a popular tourist street near the Phanfa Bridge area.

U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning.  U.S. citizens are urged to avoid the areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok.

Political demonstrations by the UDD are expected to continue in Bangkok throughout the Songkran holidays (April 13-16).  As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok.  There have been numerous incidents of explosive attacks, including several isolated grenade attacks, in and around Bangkok and Chiang Mai over the past two months.  Additional explosive devices have been 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.  Travel to Thailand remains generally safe.  However, the possibility of more such attacks cannot be ruled out.  U.S. citizens are reminded to 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. 

The Department also alerts U.S. citizens that if demonstrations in Bangkok are forcibly dispersed, the UDD demonstrators may move to other provinces, as occurred April 9 and 10.  Possible demonstration sites include provincial halls and military and police installations.  Therefore, U.S. citizens should monitor public sources of information to stay abreast of the latest information concerning 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. 

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 acsbkk@state.gov.  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 acschn@state.gov.  The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

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For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our Risk Managers today.
info@internationalriskmanagement.com
877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

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On April 6, 2010, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok released the following Warden Message:

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that security forces have started to move in around protest sites at Ratchaprasong intersection as well as Central World, Rajdamri, and Ploenchit Roads.

 

While demonstrations may intend to be peaceful, the possibility of violence cannot be ruled out and the government has extended the Internal Security Act (ISA), which gives the police and military expanded powers to maintain security, through April 7^th.  U.S. citizens are reminded of the small bombs which exploded (or were detected) and several isolated grenade attacks in Bangkok over the past two months.  Thai authorities are closely monitoring the possibility of similar occurrences.

 

Therefore, U.S. citizens should pay close attention to public sources of information concerning events on the streets of Bangkok and should be aware of their surroundings at all times.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution in their movements around Bangkok or if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

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On March 24, 2010, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok released the following Warden Message:

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that it is anticipated that the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) will embark on motorcycle road rallys around Bangkok for the next several days.  While it is expected that this procession will be carried out peacefully, the potential for violence and confrontations with security elements remains.

                        

In addition, the following roads specifically around Parliament have been closed off to ensure security for Parliamentary meetings:

 

- Nakhon Ratchasima Road between First Infantry Division and Suan Ruenrudi intersections

- Ratchawithee Road between Karn Ruan and Uthai intersections

- Rama V Road between Sukhothai and Wat Benjamabopit intersections

- Sri Ayutthaya Road between First Infantry Division and Saowani intersections

- Uthong Nai Road from the Royal Plaza to Uthong Nai intersection

- Sawankhalok Road between Saowani and Sawankhalok intersections

- Sukhothai Road from Sawankhalok intersection to Sam Sen boat pier

- Pichai Road between Khattiyani and Uthong Nai intersections

 

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 the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. 

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Bangkok Protests Planned, September 19, 2009

On September 18, 2009, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok issued the following Warden Message:

This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bangkok that media reports indicate that as many as 30,000 supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or ”Red-Shirts”) will rally at Sanam Luang and plan to march to the residence of Privy Council Chair General Prem Tinsulanonda on Saturday, September 19.  In order to maintain peace during the rally, the Royal Thai Government plans to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Dusit District (to include the Dusit Palace, Government House, Sanam Luang, and the area near General Prem’s residence) from Friday, September 18 to September 22.  This may mean that armed troops will join police on the streets to maintain order.  Media reports indicate that over 5,000 soldiers and police officers have already been deployed to the Dusit District in anticipation of the rally.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are urged to avoid the area of Sanam Luang and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

 

American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy.   The Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok.   The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at ACSBKK@State.gov. The after hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000. 

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Bangkok Demonstrations at Government House on
 February 24, 2009

On February  23, 2009, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok issued the following Warden Message:

 This warden message alerts U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that demonstrators from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)—known as “red shirts”—have started to gather at Government House to protest against the current Democrat-led government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.  It is anticipated that the UDD will have over 15,000 protesters in attendance at this rally.

 

There is also an ongoing demonstration taking place adjacent to the JW Marriott Hotel located on Sukhumvit Road between Sois 2 and 4.  Approximately 1000 labor union-affiliated individuals have gathered to protest against Krung Thai Bank.

 

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 the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. 

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The U.S. Department of State released the following Travel Alert on December 2, 2008:

"The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the continuing large-scale political demonstrations in Thailand which have resulted in the disruption of airport services and isolated incidents of violence.  Bangkok’s international and domestic airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Muang Airport, remain closed due to the large-scale protests spearheaded by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) at those locations. Although PAD protestors announced on December 2 that they will depart the airports, it is unclear when normal flight operations will resume.  Americans in Thailand should avoid travel to these airports until airport operations return to normal.  This Travel Alert will expire on December 10, 2008.    

Americans who plan to travel to or transit Bangkok should defer such travel until airline services are restored.  Americans in Thailand should monitor local media and contact airlines for the latest information regarding airport operations.  Americans will also find useful information on U.S. Embassy Bangkok’s website at www.bangkok.usembassy.gov ."  

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Bangkok Protests Ongoing and Bangkok International Airport Closed

The U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh issued the following Warden Message on November 28, 2008:

"The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok sent out a message on November 27 stating that American citizens travelling or living in Thailand should be aware that the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has entered and forced the closure of Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports in Bangkok. All incoming and outgoing flights have been cancelled.  We do not know when flights will resume. While the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has conveyed its deep concern with these closures to the Thai authorities and remain hopeful that the airports will reopen in the near future, ultimately it is a situation that can only be resolved by those involved. The Embassy in Bangkok is urging the Foreign Ministry to provide appropriate compensation to stranded American travelers, but there are no details on this yet.

"These airport closures have, unfortunately, left a large number of Americans in Thailand unable to leave the country as planned.  It is unclear when normal flight operations will resume.  Americans in Thailand, or those with plans to travel to or transit Thailand, should monitor local media and contact airlines for the latest departure/arrival information.  The Embassy in Bangkok provided the following numbers which may be helpful for those who find themselves stranded by airport closures:

Tourist Aid Center +66-2-356-0720, +66-2-356-0729
ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents) +66-2-134-4263
Thai tourist police emergency line: +66-1155 Suvarnabhumi International Airport hotline: +66-2-132-1882, +66-2-132-1888
Suvarnabhumi International Airport flight inquiries: +66-2-132-0000, +66-2-132-9328-9
Don Muang Airport: +66-2-535-1669
Don Muang Flight inquiries: +66-2-535-1616
Tourism Authority of Thailand: +66-2-652-8313-4

"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.

For Information on How to Protect Yourself, Your Family, Your Employees, and Your Trips Abroad,
Contact our Risk Managers today.
info@internationalriskmanagement.com
877-211-3654 or 559-294-0316

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Bangkok International Airport Closed

The U.S. Embassy Bangkok released the following Warden Message on November 26, 2008:

"At this time, Suvarnabhumi International Airport has ceased all flight operations due to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest at the airport.  We advise Americans to stay away from the airport given the potential for violence and civil disobedience.  It is unclear at this time when normal flight operations will resume.  Please contact the airlines for the latest departure/arrival information.

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 the areas of demonstrations, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations." 

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Updated Thailand Security Guidance Regarding Preah Vihear

The U.S. Embassy Bangkok released the following Warden Message on October 15, 2008:

"American citizens resident and traveling in Thailand should be aware of tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border in the area of the Khao Phra Wihan temple, also called Preah Vihear.  This temple is located on the border region between Sisaket Province in Thailand and Preah Vihear Province in Cambodia.  Thai and Cambodian soldiers clashed on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 in this area.  We recommend American citizens defer travel to this area until the situation has been resolved.  We also recommend that American citizens exercise caution if they must travel to this area or any area along the Thai-Cambodian border.

"The U.S. Embassy Bangkok released the following Warden Message on August 13, 2008: 

This message is to alert U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in the North and North East of Thailand that as of August 13, the Mekong River was above flood level and may cause flooding in several areas of Thailand along the Mekong River, including Chiang Rai, Nan, Loei, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Mukdahan.  There is related flooding in neighboring areas in Laos, including Luang Prabang and the city of Vientiane.