Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 10:37AM

The State Department yesterday requested that Americans defer or cancel all leisure travel to Thailand, and defer indefinitely all business travel if possible. Recent escalation of the violent demonstrations happening there prompted the State Department to issue the updated warning to American travelers. It noted the amorphous and protean nature of the demonstrations, particularly in and around the capital city of Bangkok, and urged American travelers to always be on guard against violence anywhere in Thailand. This violence includes but is not limited to gun violence, and grenade and other explosive attacks.

Numerous areas in and around Bangkok have seen intense, violent protests and heavy gunfire in recent days, including areas near the American Embassy, which will be closed tomorrow for security reasons. The State Department emphasized that the American Embassy in Thailand will close as often as necessary and be closed as long as necessary to ensure security. It urged Americans in Thailand to register online with the Consular Section of the Embassy. American-based and international phone numbers are listed in the online travel warning for Thailand, for more up-to-date information on violence there.

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United States Department of State