POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THAILAND - Fact Sheet as of 10 March 2010/ 16.00 hrs

POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THAILAND
Fact Sheet as of 10 March 2010/ 16.00 hrs
Government takes preventive steps ahead of weekend’s rally to ensure security.

Anti-government rallies are being planned by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) from March 12 – 14, 2010.

Given the large number of people expected to attend such rallies, on 9 March 2010, the Thai Cabinet approved the use of the Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008) in the areas of Bangkok and certain districts of seven nearby provinces from 11 to 23 March 2010.

These are:

	Areas of Bangkok
	Nonthaburi Province
	Pathumthani Province
	Samut Sakhon Province
	Samut Prakan Province
	Nakhon Pathom Province
	Chachoengsao Province
	Ayutthaya Province

The decision to invoke the ISA is deemed necessary as a precautionary step to ensure law and order. The ISA will enable security agencies — police, military and civilian — to more effectively integrate their effort and take measures provided for under the Act and applicable laws to prevent and mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public.

Some preventive measures have already been put in place, including setting up of checkpoints and patrols in the inner area of Bangkok. In this connection, additional checkpoints will be set up in Bangkok and other nearby provinces. There would be temporary closure of a few thoroughfares around important government buildings. Rapid deployment units have also been set up to ensure timely responses in case any incident occurs. Clear instructions have been given to all security agencies that officers exercise the utmost restraint, and should the situation escalate, that they take a graduated response — from light to heavy measures — in accordance with internationally accepted practices, with due respect to human rights principles.

For tourists visiting the Kingdom, it should be stressed that foreigners have not been targeted in the on-going political conflict.

However, foreigners are advised to be vigilant, particularly in the areas where crowds may gather. The Royal Thai Government will continue to step up measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all foreigners in Thailand.

On 9 March 2010, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also affirmed to the diplomatic corps that the Royal Thai Government would do its utmost to provide security for the public, including the diplomatic community, and would do so in accordance with the rule of law and with utmost restraint.

The law does not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstrations held within the bounds of the law. The Royal Thai Government respects people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, while the security measures to be put in place would help ensure security and peaceful and orderly assembly of the demonstrators.

The public have also been requested to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, including to the Bangkok Metropolitan Call Centre by dialing 1555.

For tourist assistance or information, please contact the TAT Call Centre by dialing 1672.

AREAS TO BE AVOIDED
ADVICE FROM THE TOURIST POLICE, SUB-DIVISION 1
Tourists are advised to avoid the following roads:

	Ratchadamnoen Avenue (consisting of Ratchadamnoen Nai, Ratchadamnoen Klang and Ratchadamnoen Nok)
	Vibhavadi Rangsit Road
	Rama 9 Road
	Samsen Road
	Victory Monument
	Rama IV
	Silom Road
	Rajdamri Road

According to other police reports, anti-government rallies are expected in the following protest sites. Roads may be blockaded. Visitors and tourists are also advised to avoid the following areas.

	Klong 4 in Thanyaburi district in Pathum Thani
	Klong 4 Rangsit in Pathum Thani
	Laksi democracy monument in Bangkhen
	Thung Song Hong police station
	Nonthaburi City Hall
	Tha Phra Chan Pier
	Thailand-Japanese Sports Complex in Din Daeng
	Lumphini Park
	Wongwien Yai, Thonburi
	Bang Na intersection
	Samut Prakan City Hall

RECOMMENDED ROUTES


	In the area around Sanam Luang, The Grand Palace and Khao San Road Maharaj Road, Bumrungmuang Road, Phra Arthit Road, Lan Luang Road Rama 6 Road

	Alternative Routes Around Silom Road Sathorn Road, Surawong Road and Narathiwat Rajanagarindra Road

Please click to expand

MAPS – Routes to Avoid VS. Recommended Routes

	Ratchadamnoen Avenue
	Silom Road

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE TAT CALL CENTRE — 1672

Sources:
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Tourist Police Division, Sub-Division 1