Citizens across Thailand will be voting in a constitutional referendum on Sunday, August 7, 2016. The Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens that while traveling in Thailand you should exercise caution and avoid crowds and demonstrations. 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. In the past, security operations against possible demonstrations have led to disruptions to traffic as well as to some public transport services, and restricted access to some areas around major shopping and hotel districts in central Bangkok. Additional measures could be enforced at any time. U.S. citizens are advised to stay alert, exercise caution, and monitor international and Thai media. Always avoid areas where there are protest events, large gatherings, or security operations and follow any instructions and restrictions issued by the local authorities. Although violence is not expected, even gatherings or demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate.


th.usembassy.gov/security-message-u-s-citizens-august-7-2016-constitutional-referendum-thailand/