US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK1075

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 001075 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR RM/F/FDS/FO/AA/CAA AND H (JREDDY AND 
KJENKINS) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP, AMGT, ASEC, AFIN, TH, Codel/Staffdels, Country Clearance 
SUBJECT: BANGKOK WELCOMES CODEL MCHUGH 
 
REF: SECSTATE 21331 
 
1.  (U) Post welcomes and grants country clearance for 
Congressman John McHugh and his delegation arriving in 
Bangkok on THG 683 from Hanoi at 2225 local time on Thursday, 
February 24.  We understand that the delegation will depart 
for the United States on UA 9688 at 2355 on Friday, February 
25. 
 
2.  (U) Reservations have been made at the Conrad Hotel, 87 
Wireless Road, Tel: (66-2) 690-9999, Fax:  (66-2) 690-9000. 
Room rate is USD 125 net (taxes and American Breakfast 
included) and is within per diem for Bangkok. 
 
3.  (U) Political Military Officer Mark Lambert will assist 
the delegation during their visit to Thailand.  He will greet 
the party upon arrival at Bangkok airport and escort them to 
their hotel.  The Embassy's Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command 
office is also expecting your visit. 
 
4.  (U) Mark Lambert's Contact information is work:  (66-2) 
205-,4729; home (66-2) 651-1921, cell phone:  (66-1) 
808-1056.  After-hours emergency number for the embassy is 
(66-2) 205-4108. 
 
5.  (U)  We note that the delegation will obtain Thai visas 
in Washington. 
 
6.  (U) Thailand has an airport departure tax of 500 Baht 
that must be paid in local currency upon departure. 
 
7.  (SBU)  SECURITY INFORMATION 
------------------------------- 
 
 
(U)  CRIME: 
-------------- 
 
-  (U)  Crime is generally non-confrontational in nature. 
Criminal acts are usually crimes of opportunity such as 
purse-snatchings, thefts of unattended property, and pick 
pocketing.  Visitors should be especially alert in crowded 
buses, streets, and markets or while on "tuk-tuks."  Visitors 
should lock valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes not in 
their hotel rooms. 
 
-  (U)  Be aware of common scams and frauds (including credit 
cards, in particular).  Visitors should only use credit cards 
at well-established and reputable businesses.  Visitors 
should be careful when purchasing branded or copyrighted 
goods.  There are many pirated counterfeit products in the 
marketplace; their purchase is against post regulations and 
it is illegal to import these products into the U.S.  Be wary 
of common scams for jewelry, suits, silks, gems, or 
antiquities.  There are no Thai government-owned or sponsored 
gem stores.  If victimized, seek assistance from Tourist 
Police by dialing 1155. 
 
-  (U)  Visitors are cautioned from visiting bars involved in 
the sex trade.  Many of these operate illegally and clients 
can be subject to RTG law; they often charge exorbitant drink 
prices and cover charges.  There are also many incidents of 
crime against patrons in these establishments.  Drugging and 
robbing of unwary individuals is not uncommon.  There are 
frequent reports of victims being drugged and robbed or 
beaten when visiting these bars.  The drugs used can cause 
serious temporary memory impairment, unconsciousness, and if 
overdosed, death. 
 
(U)  TRAFFIC: 
---------------- 
 
-  (U)  The traffic situation in Bangkok can be difficult and 
dangerous for both pedestrians and vehicle occupants.  All 
visitors should be alert to traffic patterns and unexpected 
motorcycle drivers.  Traffic drives on the left-hand side, 
opposite from the U.S., although there may be a bus lane that 
flows in the opposite direction.  Pedestrians should use the 
overhead walkways for crossing busy streets. 
 
(SBU)  TERRORISM: 
-------------------- 
 
-  (SBU)  The threat from transnational terrorist groups to 
the U.S. Mission in Bangkok is currently ranked high. 
Despite stepped up RTG efforts to monitor its borders, they 
remain relatively porous and allow easy illegal access. 
Transnational terrorist groups, including Al-Qa-ida and 
Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), have utilized Thailand as a transit 
point. 
 
-  (SBU)  The threat from indigenous terrorist groups is 
currently rated as low.  There is no evidence to indicate 
that indigenous terrorist groups are planning acts against 
U.S. personnel or facilities.  The far south of Thailand has 
experienced incidents of criminally and politically motivated 
violence, including incidents attributed to armed local 
Muslim separatist groups.  Although Americans have not been 
specifically targeted in the past, the indiscriminate nature 
of past attacks by these groups - including bombings of 
public places - indicates a potential threat to American 
citizens. 
 
-  (U)  The State Department is concerned that there is an 
increased risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including 
Thailand.  Travelers to Thailand should therefore exercise 
caution, especially in locations where Westerners congregate, 
such as clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, tourist 
areas, and other places frequented by foreigners. 
 
(U)  OTHER SECURITY TIPS: 
---------------------------- 
 
-  (U)  Visitors should avoid making any pejorative comments 
about any members of the Thai Royal Family or engaging in 
disrespectful conduct within temples or toward religious 
objects.  Such behavior can result in arrest and/or expulsion 
from Thailand. 
 
-  (U)  Precautions should also be taken not to discuss 
sensitive or classified matters outside secure environments 
or over unsecured and/or cellular telephones, and to securely 
safeguard classified or sensitive materials at the Chancery 
and not at hotels or residences. 
 
-  (U)  Visitors should also be aware of the State 
Department's Consular Information Sheet for Thailand and the 
most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcements, which are 
available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.  DOD 
personnel must review the PACOM Force Protection Levels for 
Thailand found at http://131.84.1.218/staff/at/athome.shtml. 
 
-  (U)  In essence, visitors to Bangkok must exercise 
appropriate caution and be alert to their surroundings with 
regard to their personal security.  Suspicious 
incidents/activities should be reported to RSO Bangkok (Tel. 
02-205-4000, 24 hrs/day).  On behalf of U.S. Embassy Bangkok, 
we hope you have a safe and pleasant visit. 
BOYCE