US citizens warned of possible danger

US citizens warned of possible danger

The US Embassy warned American citizens in Thailand early Wednesday of possible dangers because of the release of the report on CIA torture and rendition.

According to the email, sent to those who register for US government information, the release of the US Senate's report "could prompt anti-US protests and violence against US interests, including private citizens".

There was no specific information in the report about Thailand, and it did not mention that protests are banned by the military regime.

The email carried the usual US State Department warnings about staying alert, and said Americand should avoid demonstrations and confrontations.

Similar warnings have been issued in past years about political protests in Bangkok, and about the general, "worldwide alert" for possible terrorist activity.

Here is the full text of the overnight email:

US citizens in Thailand should be aware that release of declassified versions of the executive summary, findings, and conclusions of the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence’s report of the CIA’s Rendition, Detention and Interrogation program could prompt anti-US protests and violence against US interests, including private US citizens. US citizens should pay attention to their surroundings and take appropriate safety precautions, including avoiding demonstrations or confrontational situations.

We strongly recommend that US 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 US embassy or nearest US 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 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 US 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 US 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 US 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 US 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.

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