U.S. Embassy in Bangkok Shut Amid Violence

After a nighttime curfew and a military offensive Wednesday, Bangkok  remained in the grip of deadly clashes between army troops and “Red Shirt” anti-government protesters. Central World, one of the city’s biggest shopping malls, was destroyed after rioters reportedly set fire to it.

Airports remain open, however, and some airlines will waive fees or refund tickets for travelers who want to avoid stopping in Thailand.

On May 14, the U.S. State Department warned American tourists to cancel all travel to Bangkok and all non-essential travel to the rest of the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has been closed since Friday, May 14, and will remain shut at least until Friday, May 21. No visas are being issued at this time. The embassy has set up a temporary location to provide emergency services at Westin Grand Sukhumvit in Bangkok (which remains open) from 8 a.m.-noon Mondays through Fridays. The office will be processing passport applications and provide limited services. Payment for any transaction must be made in cash, either U.S. dollars or Thai bahts.

Singapore Airlines will waive fees for passengers who want to rebook or reroute their itineraries to or from Bangkok for tickets that were issued on or before May 14 and for travel up to and including May 31.

Those traveling on Qantas Airways on or before May 26 may change their tickets, skip Thailand altogether or get a refund (certain conditions apply).

According to the website, Thai Airways is operating its regularly scheduled flights but warned passengers to abide by a curfew that was in effect from 8 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.