State Dept Travel Warning on Political Unrest in Thailand

The State Department has issued a May 15, 2010 travel warning for Thailand regarding ongoing political demonstrations and unrest in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

(This Travel Warning replaces an April 28, 2010 Travel Alert, and is in response to updated information on increased violence and security concerns.)

Bangkok Travel and Non-Essential Travel to Rest of Thailand Should be Deferred

Due to escalating violence in central Bangkok, including gunfire near the U.S. Embassy, demonstrations in Chiang Mai, and other incidents throughout Thailand, the State Department says that U.S. citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand.

The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok.

(The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (aka UDD or "red-shirts") continues to demonstrate in central Bangkok. The UDD may change or expand its demonstration locations at any time. Various other groups have engaged in pro-government or counter-demonstrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. There have been several clashes between security forces and the UDD and other demonstrators. These clashes may escalate with no warning.)

U.S. Embassy May Close if Security Issues Persist

According to the State Department, the U.S. Embassy, including visa operations, was closed on May 14, 2010 and May 17, 2010 and if security issues persist, the U.S. Embassy may continue to close on additional days.

The U.S. Embassy is also restricting the travel of official visitors to Thailand.

Royal Thai Government Declares State of Emergency in 15 Provinces

The Royal Thai Government has declared a state of emergency in the following provinces:

This action expands the existing state of emergency in the Bangkok metropolitan area that the government declared on April 7, 2010.

Travel warning (dated 05/15/10) available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_4888.html.