Note: The following snippet is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=117372
YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Thailand Expands State of Emergency
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
East Asia / Pacific - Thailand
14 May 2010
U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai released the following Warden Message on May 14, 2010:
This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Thailand that the Royal Thai Government has declared a state of emergency in the following provinces:
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Lampang
• Nan
• Nakhon Sawan
• Samut Prakan
• Chon Buri
• Nonthaburi
• Pathum Thani
• Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya
• Khon Kaen
• Udon Thani
• Chaiyaphum
• Nakhon Ratchasima
• Si Sa Ket
This action expands the existing state of emergency in the Bangkok metropolitan area that the government declared on April 7, 2010.
A state of emergency gives the police and military increased powers to maintain public order. Specifically, security forces have the authority to:
• prohibit gatherings of more than five people;
• prohibit distribution of media or publications deemed to affect security or public order;
• prohibit or limit the use of vehicles or particular routes; and
• evacuate buildings or areas or prohibit entry into them.
You should expect to see more security forces personnel in the streets. You might encounter them at roadblocks or other security checkpoints. If you encounter police or military personnel, you should obey any and all instructions from them. Be sure to have identification and proof of your U.S. citizenship on you at all times to show them if they request it.
Media report that hundreds of supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) in Chiang Mai city are preparing to go to Bangkok to assist UDD supporters there. They have assembled at the Grand Worarot Hotel (near Wat Phra Singh) and at the Chiang Mai railroad station. Similar gatherings in other provinces are possible. Security forces may try to block these movements, which could lead to violent confrontations.
In addition, we remind you that UDD supporters previously threatened demonstrations in the provinces if their current demonstration in Bangkok is forcibly dispersed. Possible demonstration sites include Provincial Halls and military and police installations. The Chiang Mai Provincial government has increased security at the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang) and is considering additional public order measures under the state of emergency declaration. Also, UDD supporters previously have attempted to block the movements of security forces.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information of any demonstrations and areas to avoid.
Since April 28, 2010, the Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Thailand. You should review the Department’s most recent Travel Alert for Thailand.