To begin with, Dr. Paskewich and myself, Dr. Anderson, are in communication with officers from the State Department. The US Embassy continues to assess the situation in Thailand and deems it safe for travel for American citizens. The conflict in Bangkok is isolated to areas outside government buildings and polling areas, places we will stay far away from. Thus the State Department has declined to issue any travel warnings to the area.
Recent clashes are the result of a more desperate move by Suthep and his People's Democratic Reform Committee to stall elections that their backers, the Democrats, will surely lose against the popular, incumbent Pheu Thai party. The elections are scheduled for February but will most certainly be postponed at this point. Protests have largely been peaceful, but occasional violence has occurred over the past month. Our travel group will stay clear of all large political gatherings, keeping close to temple and tourist areas.
Any necessary changes to the itinerary will be posted to the website on site. Dr. Paskewich and myself will be in frequent communication with Centre and student families while there, through email, phone and blog posts.
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