BANGKOK, Thailand –The U.S. Embassy in Thailand has issued a security alert urging American citizens to exercise increased caution throughout the country. The advisory follows the Thai government’s deportation of 45 Uyghur refugees to China on February 27.
Similar deportations in the past have led to retaliatory attacks. Notably, after Thailand repatriated a group of Uyghurs to China in 2015, a bombing at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok killed 20 people and injured 125 others. The shrine is a popular site for Chinese tourists.
The U.S. Embassy has advised its citizens in Thailand to exercise heightened awareness, especially in crowded tourist areas, review their personal security plans, and follow guidance from local authorities.
Similarly, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand has issued a warning to Japanese citizens, highlighting the potential risk of terrorism following the recent deportation. The embassy referenced the 2015 Ratchaprasong bombing as an example of possible security threats. The embassy urged extra caution in high-risk areas such as tourist sites, shopping malls, public transport, and event venues.
The Japanese Embassy has encouraged its citizens to stay updated through the “Tabi-Regi” safety information system and other official sources while taking necessary security precautions.
On Thursday (Feb 27), the Thai government confirmed the deportation of 40 Uyghur individuals in the early hours of the morning. The move has drawn heavy criticism from the United Nations, the United States, and human rights organizations worldwide. Meanwhile, China has defended the repatriation as a lawful process conducted under bilateral cooperation with Thailand.
(From U.S. Embassy Bangkok FB)
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
Location: Throughout Thailand
Event: On 27 February 2025, the Royal Thai Government deported a group of 45 Uyghurs asylees to China. Similar deportations have prompted violent retaliatory attacks in the past. Most notably, in the wake of a 2015 deportation of Uyghurs from Thailand, improvised explosive devices detonated at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok killing 20 people and injuring 125 others as this shrine is heavily visited by tourists from China.
Actions to Take: The U.S. Mission in Thailand advises U.S. citizens to
– Exercise increased caution and vigilance, especially in crowded locations frequented by tourists due to the potential for increased collateral risk
– Review personal security plans
– Follow the instructions of local authorities
Assistance
– U.S. Embassy Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 205 4049
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: [email protected]
American Citizens Services
– U.S. Consulate General Chiang Mai, Thailand
Telephone: +66 053 107 700
+66 2 205 4000 (after hours)
Email: [email protected]
– State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
– Thailand Country Information
– Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
