Just in case anyone missed it

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Travel Alert: Thailand

April 12, 2010

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.