Much like the UK did a few weeks ago, the US has issued a warning today on their Thailand embassy website informing citizens living in or traveling to Thailand about the Aug. 7 referendum vote and telling them to exercise caution.
The warning tells Americans to avoid crowds and demonstration areas.
They say, “The National Council for Peace and Order has banned political gatherings and placed restrictions on the media, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly. Security forces have additional powers, including the right to control movement and search for weapons. U.S. citizens may encounter a heightened military presence throughout Thailand for this event. Individuals — including foreigners — may be detained for publicly criticizing the National Council for Peace and Order or the monarchy.”
They warn about possible disruptions to public transport and traffic movement. They further warn Americans to read the news and stay far away large gatherings.
They sign off by saying: “Although violence is not expected, even gatherings or demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate.”
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