eTN Thailand security update for tourism

This is a breaking news summary update from our eTN Bangkok correspondent about the ongoing protests in the capital of Thailand.

– Tourism-related businesses have been affected, however tourists can go to locations outside of Bangkok such as Pattaya; Chiang Mai; Koh Samui; Hua Hin and Phuket.

– Hotel bookings, conferences and foreign investments planned for Thailand have been affected and have either been cancelled or postponed.

– An attempt by the military to broker reconciliation late Sunday appeared to have failed. Military commanders organized a meeting between Ms. Yingluck and the leader of the protests, Suthep Thaugsuban.

– Prasarn Trairatvorakul, Bank of Thailand’s governor, said on Saturday the political conflicts could only be resolved by talks. Several people and organisations are willing to act as mediators, he said.

-Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban on Sunday night at a meeting gave Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra an ultimatum of two days to return power to the people. Mr Suthep told a press conference before protesters at Government House that the prime minister was given the ultimatum in a meeting that took place at about 8.30pm.

– The meeting was held before all armed forces leaders including Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

– The resignation of the prime minister and a House dissolution was not enough to satisfy the protesters, Suthep said. “There was no negotiation and no compromise,” stressing that it would be the last meeting between the two.

– his was the first time that the top military leaders had become involved since Mr Suthep led the rally for a month to end the Thaksin regime.

-P rime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not go to Johannesburg as was first reported and moved from one place to another in Bangkok on Sunday as protesters escalated the rallies in several parts of the capital.

– Shortly after protest leaders claimed that the prime minister was packing her bags to defect to South Africa on a Thai Airways International flight amid the cheers of protesters at Democracy Monument, the national carrier issued a statement to dismiss the claim. The trip to South Africa was cancelled a month ago. The airline urged the media to provide accurate reports.

– Business leaders are supporting the offer from the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and the Board of Trade to mediate the recent political dispute, saying all groups must help the country to move on.

– Analysts at Asia Plus Securities, said the TCC’s offer would be a good solution, as the country essentially requires an organisation with no direct interest in either side to bring them both together. Everyone must change their way of thinking. Society needs to change its perceptions in so many regards, particularly the idea of looking up to rich people even if their wealth comes from graft.

– Comments from bloggers: The PM’s getting some really bad advice. She should give in. The demonstrators won’t give up. Eventually, the Police will fold as they are tired and fed up. It’s pointless having the Police keep fighting the demonstrators and risk demonstrators (and policemen) getting killed.

– Stanley Kang, chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand, said foreigners living in Thailand and Thais are starting to worry now that the conflicts have turned violent and may be prolonged.

– Judy Benn, executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, said US businesses were concerned about further disturbances.

– The head of the Khao San Road Business Association says the New Year countdown on Khao San Road may be cancelled if the protest on Ratchadamnoen Avenue becomes prolonged and the Internal Security Act (ISA) remains in effect until then. If the demonstration continues on Ratchadamnoen until year-end, the countdown may not be staged due to a lack of tourists in the area.

– The situation worsened over the weekend with clashes reported in the Ramkhamhaeng area, resulting in at least one dead and several casualties.

– Tear gas was used near parliament and the Royal Thai Police headquarters to prevent protesters from entering.

– Shopping complexes in the Ratchaprasong intersection, where the police headquarters are located, were closed on Sunday.

– With the closures of Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, retail businesses have been affected although factories have yet to feel the pinch.

– Rolf-Dieter Daniel, president of the European-Asian Business Center, suggested both sides step back and see what went wrong. “There is always room for talks,” he said.

= A veteran member of the anti-graft organiZation calls for the government to take responsibility by seeking a way to end the dispute. Toshiba Thailand chairwoman, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul was a member of the Anti-Corruption Organization that formulated the recent anti-graft campaign. “The reason people are coming out onto the streets is not just about politics. They did not particularly take sides before. But they cannot accept the lack of transparency of this government in policy implementation. The government has failed to provide clarity,” said Ms Kobkarn.