Riots in Bangkok, Thailand may cause Delays for Thai Au Pairs

Anti-government protests have caused the Thai government to announce emergency law in the city of Bangkok today. Violent protests have left 35 civilians dead in only four days and many more injured.

The anti-government protests have been going on since March; however, they became more violent and intense when one of the leaders of the “Red Shirt” protesters was shot in the head while being interviewed by a New York Times reporter.

Numerous reporters and bloggers in the area have described the city as a war zone. Citizens of surrounding countries have been warned not to travel to Bangkok and most government offices have been closed. We received an email from our International Representative in Bangkok stating the following:

“The government announced emergency law in city of Bangkok so our office will be closed from 17-18 May and we will answer all e-mail by Wednesday, Thailand time. Many embassies in Bangkok have been closed since Friday, [May] 14 including [the] US embassy.”

Closed U.S. Embassies in Bangkok may result in longer wait times for visa interviews for Au Pairs. Thai Au Pairs are very popular among U.S. families because of their kind disposition and willingness to help and learn.

We will release any further information we receive from our International Representatives in Thailand regarding the situation in Bangkok and any delays with our Au Pairs and their visa process.