Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Thai Government Invokes Emergency Decree

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Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Thai Government Invokes Emergency Decree

January 21, 2014

This is to advise and update U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Thailand that the Thai government on January 21 imposed a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and several surrounding provinces, effective January 22.

The decree provides the government additional authorities to deal with security challenges, such as impose curfews, ban certain assemblies, detain suspects without charge, and restrict information. The government has not yet specified what authorities it will invoke under the decree. We continue to advise citizens to avoid protests, demonstrations and large gatherings.

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 www.Travel.State.Gov.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State 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” on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing acsbkk@state.gov. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service.html) is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

 
Welcome to American Citizen Services Unit (ACS) of the Consular Section at U.S. Embassy Bangkok.  The most common services we provide are listed both below and to the left.  Please also review the links to the right for further information about your visit to ACS.  If you do not find what you are looking for from the links below, please check our A to Z Index.  If you still have questions or are experiencing an emergency, please contact us.

PLEASE NOTE: You must have an appointment for all routine services.  The appointment system is online at our ACS Appointment System Website, which can be found here.  These services include passport applications, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, notarials, and federal benefits questions.  If you come to the Embassy for non-emergency services without an appointment, we will not be able to assist you.

For the safety of all of our customers and staff, all visitors to the Embassy must pass through security screening before entering the building.  To avoid excessive wait times, only customers with appointments or those experiencing legitimate emergencies will be allowed through security screening.  Please do not plan to bring guests inside the building with you.

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