The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok announced it will be closed to the public at noon today, in anticipation of planned protests over a controversial film made in the US which is deemed insulting to Islam.
According to the Embassy’s website, the Royal Thai Police has informed consular personnel that a demonstration involving nearly 500 protesters is reportedly planned to be held on Wireless Road in front of the Embassy beginning between 1 PM and 2 PM today. Demonstrators are expected to assemble at Lumpini Park before marching to the Embassy.
The Embassy will offer its services until noon before sending non-essential personnel home. Visa and citizen services appointments scheduled for this afternoon have been cancelled and rescheduled for later dates.
The Embassy has also advised U.S. citizens to exercise caution and to be aware of their surroundings, and warned that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence with little or no warning. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Khamronwit Thoopkrajang said government troops will be deployed around the Embassy’s premises to monitor the situation.
He added that the police do not believe the protests will turn violent, and that security measures have been firmly put in place. Just to be safe the U.S. Embassy In Bangkok Closes In Fear Of Islam Protests.
Police have also urged commuters to avoid the roads surrounding the Embassy in fear of the planned protests exacerbating the already notorious traffic congestion. Also check this about Muslims protest outside American Embassy in Bangkok.
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