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U.S. Embassy Bangkok

Force Protection Detachment – Thailand (FPD-T)OVERALL CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

Force Protection Briefing

Updated: October 2021

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Thailand Facts

• Thailand is referred to as the

“Land of Smiles”

• The capital city is Bangkok or Krung

Thep in Thai

• The currency is Thai Baht; current

exchange rate is approximately 30

Thai Baht to 1 U.S. Dollar

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• Thailand is a constitutional monarchy

• On 1 Dec 16, King Maha

Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X)

ascended to the throne.

• The former King Rama IX was deeply

beloved across Thailand.

Government of Thailand

King Rama X coronation procession

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• Lèse-majesté (a French term meaning "to do wrong to majesty") in

Thailand is a crime according to Section 112 of the Thai Criminal Code. It

is illegal to defame, insult, or threaten the king, queen, heir-apparent, heir-

presumptive, or regent. Modern Thai lèse-majesté law has been on the

statute books since 1908.

Government of Thailand

King Rama X coronation procession

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Lèse-majesté

Man jailed for 35 years in Thailand for insulting monarchy on FacebookThailand prosecutes Facebook, Google and Twitter over posts

Six-year sentence for defaming the crown prince in a novel

A former civil servant received a record

prison term of 43 years for insulting or

defaming the monarchy.

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Legal Status

oThere is no Status of Forces Agreement

(SOFA) between the U.S. and Thailand!

oThai Police are NOT required to relinquish

jurisdiction of U.S. Military Personnel/Citizens

oU.S. Persons CAN be prosecuted in local courts

for violations of Thai laws

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Cultural Considerations

• Behave respectfully during the Thai National Anthem played at 0800 and 1800

• Do not speak negatively about anything related to the Royal Family

• Be polite and patient when interacting with Thais (do NOT interrupt them)

• Do not place Buddha on the floor or at a low level

Images of the monarchy on money Buddhist Monk in traditional clothingImages of the Royal Thai Family

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Force Protection Condition

- FPCON in Thailand: ALPHA

- Violent Extremist Org Threat: High (only in southern Thailand)

- The southernmost provinces are travel restricted: Songkhla,

Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

- Criminal Threat: Low

- Medical/Health Threat: Medium

- Civil/Political Unrest: Low

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“Thailand-i-stan”

•Periodic acts of violence in Thailand.

– In August 2019, several small explosions and related arson events occurred in

various locations throughout Bangkok resulting in no deaths but some injuries.

– Jan 2021, two suspects wanted for allegedly throwing a "ping pong bomb" that

injured four people on Jan 17, 2021, have been arrested.

•Far Southern Thailand:

– Periodic violence directed mostly at Thai government interests by a domestic

insurgency continues to affect security in the southernmost provinces of Yala,

Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. U.S. citizens are at risk of death or injury

due to the possibility of indiscriminate attacks in public places.

– Ethnic Malay Muslim militants have been fighting the state for decades in the Muslim-

majority south of Thailand, which otherwise is mostly Buddhist. The militants seek

independence and an end to what they see as Thai colonialism.

•Thai Protests (Avoid All Protests).

– The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s website, Facebook, and Twitter sites and the U.S. Consulate

General in Chiang Mai’s website, Facebook, and Twitter sites post information about local

events that may affect Embassy functions.

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Criminal Threat

Thailand 2020 Crime &Safety Report: LOW THREAT

Be aware of:

• Stand alone ATMs; most secure ATMs are at banks and

hotels, usually three machines next to each other

• Running tabs at bars, pay as you go

• Credit card fraud, cash is better in non-commercial areas

• Fake gems and jewelry

• No meter taxis (taxis start at 35 Baht, increase in 2-3 Baht

increments); Grab (like Uber) is an app that can be safely

used for transit as well

Suspect ATM Safe ATM (several machines together)

Only buy jewelry from accredited jewelry

stores, avoid street vendors

Negotiate a price immediately or depart

the cab if the meter is not running

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Traffic

•Traffic accidents are common in Thailand. According to the World Health Organization,

Thailand has had one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates.

• Motorbikes drive at traffic, around traffic, and through traffic

• Use a pedestrian bridge

•If you are involved in a traffic accident:

• Assist the injured and get them medical attention (1669)

• Contact FPD immediately

• Contact the police and assist them with questioning (191)

• Make note of cameras in the area

• Everyone is at fault in Thailand

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Travel Advisory

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Medical

Hospitals:

• Thailand has high-quality healthcare systems. Thai doctors/nurses are professional

and competent. Most hospitals have internationally trained doctors

• The Bumrungrad International Hospital is the main COVID-19 treatment center

• JUSMAGTHAI has a TRICARE Representative

• Please do not argue with medical professionals

Local Emergency Numbers:

•Tourist Police: 1155

•Thailand Emergency Services (Fire, Ambulance): 191

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FIE Threat

• Foreign Intelligence Entities (FIEs): Known or suspected foreign state or non-state organizations or

persons that conduct intelligence activities to acquire U.S. information, block or impair U.S. intelligence

collection, influence U.S. policy, or disrupt U.S. systems and programs.

• China is the main FIE threat to in-transit DoD

• The Chinese Military often shows up during Royal Thai Armed Forces / U.S. training

• There are 77 Embassies in Bangkok as well as 120 other consulates spread throughout the country.

• Honorific - Thai citizens may ask you questions to identify your status

All incidents must be reported to the Force Protection Detachment - Thailand

Restricted Items

They are goods of which either the import and export

is restricted by law, and therefore require a permit

from the authorized government agencies in order to

lodge the customs formalities, e.g.,

• Buddha images, religious or ancient arts, and antiques

• Weapons, bullets and explosive devices

• Plants and planting materials

• Live Animals, pets and animal products

• Food and drugs

• Automobile parts

• Cigars, cigarettes and alcoholic beverage

• Wireless transmitters & receivers, telecom equipment

Information From Thailand Immigration

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Situational Awareness

Vaping:

• Illegal in Thailand

• E-Cigarettes will be confiscated; users will be arrested and fined

Ammunition:

– DO NOT transit through customs with ammunition

– If caught, 3,000 Baht (~ $100 USD) fine and up to 10

years prison

-Avoid Russian Bars

-Avoid tattoo parlors

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Situational Awareness

**Sexual Harassment - behavior characterized by the making of unwelcome and

inappropriate sexual remarks or physical advances is NOT tolerated and you will be

removed from Thailand ASAP**

Since 2019:

Army CW3 Chased Thai Female

Army CW2 Harassed Thai Female

Army SSG Harassed Hotel Worker

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Royal Thai Police (RTP)

• The Royal Thai Police (RTP) is a national police force

• RTP officers are helpful and ready to assist, treat them with respect

• RTP Tourist Police and associated RTP and Tourist Police foreign

police volunteers, if present, often speak English, and are

experienced at assisting tourists and in-transit DoD personnel

• If you are accused of a crime and taken to an RTP Station, always be

respectful and do as you are told and identify yourself as U.S.

Military or U.S. Government

• Contact FPD-T as soon as possible!

Phuket Foreign Tourist Police Volunteers

Thai male arrested by Phuket Tourist Police for stealing personal

items belonging to a tourist

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Best Practices

• Notify FPD if anyone is taken to the hospital or arrested

• Maintain a color copy of passport bio pages or US

driver’s license on your person (Thai law)

• All guests in the room must be registered with the front

desk, with their identification (Thai law)

• All U.S. military are required to have a passport

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What Can You Damage?

• Thailand is one of the oldest U.S. treaty

partners in mainland Asia

• The U.S. has a significant FMS relationship

with Thailand

• Cobra Gold, Hanuman Guardian, Cope

Tiger, Pacific Partnership

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Useful Website And Phone Numbers

• US Embassy Bangkok Website:

https://th.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulate/bangkok/

• Regional Security Office (RSO): 02-205-5508 (0700-1600, M-F)

• US Embassy Bangkok Operator: 02-205-4000

• US Embassy Post 1: 02-205-4108

• TRICARE in Bangkok: 02-205-7777

• Mobile Thai Police: 191

• Thai Fire Service: 199

• Thai Ambulance Service 1669

• Tourist Police: 1155Thai Tourist Police, dedicated to protecting international tourists

Royal Thai Police

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Points of Contact

• George Gale; FPD Chief Work Cell: +66 (0)92-283-9760 Office+66 2205 4090

– galegh@state.gov

• Robert Reuse; FPD Deputy Work Cell: +66 (0)92-283-9650 Office+66 2205 4091

– reuserh@state.gov

– robreuse_fpd

• (NCIS) SSA Charles Butler Work Cell: +66 (0)65-726-9581 Office+66 2205 4089

– butlercd1@state.gov

• Duty Interpreter Phone (24/7): +66 (0)6-1416-7834

• Address: US Embassy Bangkok

120-122 Wireless Road

Bangkok 10330, Thailand