The following message is the latest posted on the US Embassy site at this time. Also, the US Embassy will be closed April 13-15 for the Thai Songcran Holiday, so I imagine the low man on the totem poll is minding the store!!

 

 

 

Warden Message

 

PM Declares “State of Emergency” in Pattaya and Chonburi

 

This warden message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Pattaya and Chonburi that Prime Minister Abhisit has officially declared the ASEAN Summit meeting in Pattaya over and has issued a decree authorizing emergency powers in Pattaya and Chonburi. The PM issued this decree following breaches of security at the conference’s hotel and meeting venue by protesters from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”). Local media reports indicate that one person has been shot and five injured during these demonstrations in Pattaya.

 

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.

 

For the latest security information, Americans living and 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 U.S. 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).

 

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.

 

 

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.

It's always a great pleasure to have one's intelligence insulted. Thank you, Embassy. Actually, it isn't necessary to tell us the absolutely obvious. The incredibly obvious will do.