PHUKET: The US Embassy in Bangkok has warned citizens of another demonstration involving several hundred people that is scheduled for 10am tomorrow.
But the embassy plans to remain open for ''consular service appointments.'' The embassy closed for half a day last week for a protest.
It is believed the same issue is behind tomorrow's protest - the making in the US of an anti-Islam film that Muslims believe is blasphemous.
The film has triggered protests and violence around the world, especially in Pakistan where a government minister offered a $100,000 reward for the death of the film's producer.
Reaction has been muted in Thailand, with peaceful placard-waving protests so far in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Phuket's Muslim community has so far opted not to protest.
Today the US Embassy issued the following advice to US citizens:
The Royal Thai Police has informed the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, that a demonstration involving several hundred people is planned on Wireless Road in front of the Embassy beginning at 10 AM on Thursday, September 27.
Although the demonstration is not expected to be violent, it may cause traffic disruptions in the area. The Embassy will remain open for consular service appointments.
The US Embassy in Bangkok is not aware at this time of any specific threat to US citizens in Thailand.
As a general precaution, the US Embassy advises you to exercise caution and to be aware of your surroundings, particularly around large crowds or gatherings.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the U.S. Embassy at (66-2) 205-4000 or visit the U.S. Citizens Service website at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/. We will post the most updated information on the website.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www.travel.state.gov/.
STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the embassy or nearest consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Thailand. For additional information, refer to ''A Safe Trip Abroad.''
But the embassy plans to remain open for ''consular service appointments.'' The embassy closed for half a day last week for a protest.
It is believed the same issue is behind tomorrow's protest - the making in the US of an anti-Islam film that Muslims believe is blasphemous.
The film has triggered protests and violence around the world, especially in Pakistan where a government minister offered a $100,000 reward for the death of the film's producer.
Reaction has been muted in Thailand, with peaceful placard-waving protests so far in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Phuket's Muslim community has so far opted not to protest.
Today the US Embassy issued the following advice to US citizens:
The Royal Thai Police has informed the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, that a demonstration involving several hundred people is planned on Wireless Road in front of the Embassy beginning at 10 AM on Thursday, September 27.
Although the demonstration is not expected to be violent, it may cause traffic disruptions in the area. The Embassy will remain open for consular service appointments.
The US Embassy in Bangkok is not aware at this time of any specific threat to US citizens in Thailand.
As a general precaution, the US Embassy advises you to exercise caution and to be aware of your surroundings, particularly around large crowds or gatherings.
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.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the U.S. Embassy at (66-2) 205-4000 or visit the U.S. Citizens Service website at http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/. We will post the most updated information on the website.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at http://www.travel.state.gov/.
STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the embassy or nearest consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Thailand. For additional information, refer to ''A Safe Trip Abroad.''
