The statement continued by saying the Thai National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has granted soldiers the right to conduct random searches for weapons and bar people from sensitive areas. It adds that there will be heightened security over the coming days and military personnel are expected to maintain a visible presence.
The embassy’s advice is to avoid public gatherings of any kind until the votes have been counted. The embassy says people travelling on public buses or trains in towns and cities over the weekend could face delays too.
As a final codicil, the statement stated the referendum was not expected to trigger violence, but there was always a possibility that a peaceful demonstration could become confrontational without any warning. The referendum is being held on a new constitution designed to pave the way for a return to democracy.
Thailand US embassy advises caution for national referendum
News in Asia
The US embassy in Bangkok has issued an advisory telling its citizens in Thailand to be careful this weekend. The embassy notes in the advisory that 7 August is referendum day and the ruling Thai government has a ban on meetings, political or otherwise, in place.