August 30, 200917 yr August 29, 2009 This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bangkok that media reports indicate that as many as 20,000 supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "Red-Shirts") will march from Sanam Luang to Government House on Sunday, August 30. In order to maintain peace during the rally, the Royal Thai Government plans to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the areas around Government House and the Dusit District (to include the Dusit Palace) starting on Saturday, August 29. The ISA will remain in effect until Tuesday, September 1. 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 Government House 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.
August 30, 200917 yr Todays rally is cancelled - however they have pledged it WILL happen on or before september 12th so the advice still applies for several weeks to come.
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