No Shopping Monday (Bangkok ACS Warning)

I find this forwarded to my email as I emerged from the 'jungle' yesterday. Whatever happened to TravellerJim who used to post these for us? Or is someone pulling my leg? Is the "situation" in Bangkok not improving?

Monday morning would not be the first time that I landed in BKK during or just after an "event". Maybe the third time.

And the rain? Has the rainy season ended yet or still?

Bangkok ACS wrote:
> October 10, 2008
>
> This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to
> and residing in Thailand that media reports indicate the People's
> Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders have called for a mass rally at
> Police Headquarters on Monday morning, October 13, 2008. Police
> Headquarters is located on Rama I road, which is the same road that Siam
> Paragon, Central World, and other large shopping areas are located. We
> ask Americans to exercise caution if you are going to be in this
> vicinity or in the area of any demonstrations.
>
> We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to
> be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into
> violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of
> demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the
> vicinity of any demonstrations.
>
> For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling
> abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular
> Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current
> Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and
> health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on
> security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the
> U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll
> line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to
> 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
> holidays).
>
> American citizens traveling or residing in Thailand are encouraged to
> register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy
> is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok. The American Citizen
> Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling
> 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at ACSBKK@State.gov. The after hours
> emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.
>

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[ceejay]

PAD have organised a demonstration, essentially against the police as I understand it, at Police Headquarters tomorrow:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_new ... ?id=131327
That by itself carries obvious risks of confrontation developing into something worse.

Add to that a planned counter-demonstration by (pro-government) PDD on Monday, and the risks are obvious:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_new ... ?id=131356

The sheer cheek of PAD is breathtaking - to occupy the Parliament Building and then blame the police for an outbreak of violence defied belief. Remember, PAD were the ones who opened fire and shot 4 policemen on the 7th. If it had been Westminster, or Capitol Hill, they would have been our of there long since - with whatever degree of force was necessary.

The British Governments advice to visitors to Thailand is unchanged since 8th October - basically it is still "Don't do anything stupid, stay away from trouble"
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and ... a/thailand

[Beachlover]

To clarify, the pro-government protest is supposed to take place at Sanam Luang, and they have said that they are not looking to confront the PAD who are likely to cause total traffic chaos around Siam. Currently about 10,000 pro-government supporters are massed at Muang Thong Thani (Sunday).

Sounds like a city under siege... with giant mobs of protesters about... and never knowing where they're going to swarm to next. Uh oh... here they come. Alright, bolt the doors!

To clarify, the pro-government protest is supposed to take place at Sanam Luang, and they have said that they are not looking to confront the PAD who are likely to cause total traffic chaos around Siam. Currently about 10,000 pro-government supporters are massed at Muang Thong Thani (Sunday).

Sounds like a city under siege... with giant mobs of protesters about... and never knowing where they're going to swarm to next. Uh oh... here they come. Alright, bolt the doors!

Haha...you have a fertile imagination.

The PAD demonstrations have been postponed until Wednesday ...

PAD delays rally in front of police head office
Published on October 13, 2008

People's Alliance for Democracy decided Sunday to delay for a few days a rally before Police headquarter scheduled on Monday.

nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/13/politics/politics_30085870.php

That's goodk, for now, I found traffic to be unusually light this morning rush hour maybe many stayed home. My friends will get in Tuesday night.


AND, let me put this succinctly and as a question:

Has anyone heard of a "did you exceed cigarettes or alchohol?" customs men in uniforms between the greeting area exit doors and the curb? yup.

[Patexpat]

[quote="

Has anyone heard of a "did you exceed cigarettes or alchohol?" customs men in uniforms between the greeting area exit doors and the curb? yup.[/quote]

Yes. My dear sister and family were stopped by two men in black jackets as they left the airport for their taxi. My sister thought they were touts and told them to get lost - it wasn't till one turned round to show the back of his jacket that read 'CUSTOMS' in big letters that my sister caught on, bless.

But the officers were polite throughout, found nothing wrong and my family happily proceeded to Pattaya.

But yes, you should be aware!

My sister thought they were touts and told them to get lost

I must be ur sister then :-)

We'll see maybe.

[thrillbill]

I wish PAD would take a hike... There is enough right now to make things unstable.

I wish PAD would take a hike... There is enough right now to make things unstable.

Perhaps you could journey from your bijou condominium in Pattaya <chortle> and let them know your mind :idea:

I wish PAD would take a hike... There is enough right now to make things unstable.

Perhaps you could journey from your bijou condominium in Pattaya <chortle> and let them know your mind :idea:

I don't know what it is you have been on lately Hommie, but I most definitely want some. :glasses8:

I wonder if thrillbill now considers you among the quality here on the forum, now that you are the current SGT member of the year, or if he still considers you to be among the quantity? My calculated guess is; that you wont give a flying Friar Tuck either way. :iconbiggrin:

George.