Bombs and Protests Warden Message for Chiang Mai

As we published an article yesterday,
named Travel Warning Thailand 2010 Bangkok and North Thailand
we´ve been informed that it wasn´t a travel warning,
but rather a warden message by the American Consulate.
While the polluted air, the Chiang Mai Smog was a bit better today,
we received the next warden message this morning,
about possible red shirt protests in Chiang Mai
and small bombs exploded at a branch of Bangkok Bank
and at a construction company in Chiang Mai.

While we had a look around Chiang Mai this afternoon,
we met a Team of the Thai Riot Police in town
and could take a picture at the Provincial Hall.
Several streets near Chiang Mai 700 years Sport stadium
and the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang) has been controlled by soldiers and police
and been closed with cement blockades.
At least today it was a quiet day in Chiang Mai
and the good news: at 18:00 h it started to rain in Chiang Mai city,
which will clear the polluted air a bit.

© Thai Eyes
Image: Thai soldiers have a rest in front of the cemet blockades
at the Chiang Mai Provincial Hall
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Warden message from the American Consulate Chiang Mai:
“This message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Northern Thailand to media reports that, following the recent series of protests in Bangkok, supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) have declared their intention to protest indefinitely in Chiang Mai. Possible protest sites include the area around the Provincial Hall (Sala Klang), police and military installations, and the 700 Year Stadium and the Municipal Stadium. Security forces have deployed at some of these sites. Also, following today´s demonstration at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, demonstrations at the U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai cannot be ruled out.

We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens are urged to avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. U.S. citizens should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information of any demonstrations and areas to avoid.

Also, we wish to alert U.S. citizens that, in the last 72 hours, small explosive devices detonated in Chiang Mai at a branch of Bangkok Bank and at a local construction company. These incidents appear to be politically motivated, not acts of international terrorism, and travel to Thailand remains generally safe. However, more such attacks cannot be ruled out. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution and vigilance, especially after dark. Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas.”
Scource: U.S. Consulate Chiang Mai