thethaireport · @thethaireport
17th Dec 2010 from Twitlonger
This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand
that media reports indicate that the United Front for Democracy Against
Dictatorship (aka UDD or red-shirts) will hold a demonstration on
Sunday, December 19, 2010 scheduled from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Bangkok's
Rajaprasong area (around Central World) to mark the 7 month anniversary
of the end of the spring protests in May 2010.
Based on similar past demonstrations, the streets in all directions
around Rajaprasong are expected to be filled with approximately 10,000
persons. Many of them will be parking their vehicles on the sides of
Rajadamri and Ploen Chit roads, snarling traffic throughout the area.
Central World and Siam Paragon may also be affected and close down
early. We strongly suggest that you avoid that area throughout the
afternoon and evening of Sunday December 19th.
We are not aware of any general, specific, or implied threat to U.S.
citizens or U.S. interests throughout this period. However, even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. 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
about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Although the level of violence
in Bangkok and Chiang Mai subsided following the UDD protests from
March- May 2010, there were a series of explosions from June through
October, and the potential for random acts of politically-motivated
violence remains. You should maintain a heightened sense of awareness,
be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places,
and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement
personnel.