American Embassy in Bangkok to Close Ahead of Planned Protest

Non-essential personnel to be sent home

BANGKOK - The United States said Monday it would close its embassy in Bangkok in response to a planned protest by "several hundred people" over an anti-Islam film.

The consulate, on a main road in the business district at the heart of the Thai capital, will close at noon Tuesday and "non-essential personnel will be sent home", according to a statement posted on the embassy website.