Cablegate: Travel Alert for Thailand

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O 022353Z DEC 08
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UNCLAS STATE 127072

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC TH
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT FOR THAILAND

1. 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.

2. 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
bangkok.usembassy.gov. United States government employees
have been told to defer travel to Thailand.

3. Because even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can
turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence,
American citizens are 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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