INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Travel Alert for Thailand

Published: Thu 4 Dec 2008 11:54 PM
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UNCLAS STATE 128101
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC TH
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT FOR THAILAND
1. The State Department alerts U.S. citizens that the
recent large-scale political demonstrations in Thailand
disrupted airport services and sparked isolated incidents
of violence. Bangkok's international and domestic
airports, Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don
Muang Airport, are gradually reopening and reinstating
flights. While the political demonstrations that closed
the airports have ceased, political instability in
Thailand remains, and renewed demonstrations with
consequent impact on services affecting Americans are
possible. This supersedes the Travel Alert for Thailand
issued December 2, 2008, and expires December 15, 2008.
2. Americans who plan to travel to or transit Bangkok
should monitor local media and contact airlines for the
latest information regarding airport operations as normal
operations resume. Americans will also find useful
information on U.S. Embassy Bangkok's website at
bangkok.usembassy.gov.
3. American citizens are reminded that even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
American citizens are therefore urged to avoid such
gatherings and to exercise caution within the vicinity of
any demonstrations.
4. 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).
5. 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.htm. 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.
6. Minimize considered.
RICE
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