Anti-US protests over a film that insults Islam erupted across the Muslim world. (file photo)
The United States says it would close its embassy in the Thai capital, Bangkok, in response to a planned mass protest rally against a US-made 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 on Monday.
"The large number of demonstrators is expected to disrupt traffic in the area," it added.
Embassy spokesperson Walter Braunohler confirmed the planned rally was part of a wave of protest against an anti-Islam movie produced in the US.
Demonstrations over the movie have been held across the Muslim world, with the protesters in some countries marching on the US embassies and torching the US flags.
On Tuesday, US Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens along with three other consulate staff members were killed in Benghazi after clashes involving a group of angry demonstrators near the consulate building.
Demonstrators in Iran, Sudan, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, and many other Muslim countries poured into the streets after Friday prayers to value their faith and condemn the movie that insulted Prophet Muhammad.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that the blasphemous movie has been produced by anti-Islam Israeli-American Sam Bacile.
Washington has been evacuating most of its diplomatic staff from Libya to Germany following the attack.
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