US Embassy calls for Americans to STEP up

PHUKET: The US embassy in Bangkok is calling for all Americans in Thailand to register with its Consular Section so it can better provide assistance to US citizens.

Tim Swanson, Chief of US Embassy Bangkok’s American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit, told the Phuket Gazette, “If you are an American citizen in Thailand – either as a long-term resident or a visiting tourist – please consider enrolling with the US Embassy’s Consular Section via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program [STEP].

“Using this system, you can enter information about your trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in the event of an emergency,” he said.

The range of emergency services offered by the ACS Unit includes assistance regarding arrests, missing persons, medical emergencies, death, crime and lost or stolen passports, he explained.

“STEP is a free service provided by the Department of State to US citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. It also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest US Embassy or consulate,” said Mr Swanson.

“You can enroll online in a few minutes at https://travelregistration.state.gov. After you’ve enrolled, you can use STEP to enter and update your contact information at any time, allowing you to keep your travel and contact information current.

“The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in embassies, consulates and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act. Enrollment is for American citizens only,” Mr Swanson said.

Kristofor Graf, Consul at the embassy, confirmed that the next ACS outreach service clinic in Phuket is still scheduled for September 16, though a location has yet to be set.

More details will be announced closer to the event date, he added.

To keep up to date with the latest news from the US embassy, follow them on Twitter at @ACSBKK or visit the website https://bangkok.usembassy.gov