News and Events
Press News
Political unrest in Thaliand - Supplied by BCCT Advisory
22/04/2010
Indicators of imminent military action to be attuned to include Government Declarations of Martial Law and the establishment of a curfew.
The use of live ammunition can be expected and injuries and deaths exceeding past recent encounters can be anticipated. The protestors past use of antiquated and/or homemade grenades and explosives may result in collateral damage to civilian on-lookers and the general public in the vicinity of any encounters.
Recommendations.
Given the current political unrest and the possibility of military intervention, the BCCT Security Committee highly recommends:
1. Everyone.
a. Try not to make unnecessary trips into the City. When you need to travel, review maps and establish alternate routes. Avoid the areas of concerns. Currently sections of roads have already been closed by protestors or government forces. These include:
. Chidlom Road from Petchaburi Road until Chidlom intersection.
. Ratchadamri Road from Saladaeng (corner Rama IV Road) intersection until Pratunam intersection.
. Thai-Japanese Friendship Bridge from Rama VI Road until Sam Yan intersection.
. Ploenchit Road inbound and outbound from Ploenchit intersection adjoining Wireless Road.
. Rama I Road inbound and outbound from Ratchaprasong intersection to Pathumwan intersection.
Additionally as noted in the latest BCCT Bangkok Travel Advice, for security reasons the following department stores and shopping malls around Ratchaprasong intersection and Siam Square remain closed:
. CentralWorld
. Zen
. Big C Rajdamri Superstore
. Gaysorn Plaza
. Amarin Plaza
. Siam Center & Siam Discovery Center
. Siam Paragon
b. Consider utilizing BTS or MRTS if operational and available.
. Bangkok Mass Transit (BTS) is currently operating all stations. One may anticipate several BTS stations closing in the event of military intervention against the protestors. For current information on BTS operations contact their hotline number at 02- 617- 6000
. Bangkok Metro (MRT) is currently operating all stations. For customer relations center, please contact at 02- 624- 5200
c. Monitor the local news / and Internet sites for any changes in political movement or activities.
2. Management.
a. Stay informed. It might be a good idea to dedicate select staff to monitor ongoing news releases from radio, Internet, and other forums to have up to date information on protestor or government activities and areas to avoid.
b. Keep all personnel informed on known, expected, and planned venues of protests, demonstrations, rallies and areas of Bangkok to avoid.
c. Update your Emergency Points of Contact list.
d. Establish Contingency Plans for personnel who become stranded at the workplace, their residences, or enroute.
e. Identify and keep updated alternative routes from your point of origin to other significant destination points.
f. Consider closing the premises in the event you are in or adjacent to the planned political activities.
3. Security.
a. Establish checkpoints on a 24/7 basis. Monitor, screen/identify, and check all pedestrians and vehicles (including motorcycles) entering your site.
b. Increase security roving patrols on perimeter, car parks, and ground floor areas.
c. No unauthorized outsiders should be allowed on the premises. For authorized and legitimate personnel (e.g. vendors, contractors, suppliers or visitors) arrange for escort onto the premises.
d. Utilize a hand held metal detector (or walk through metal detector) for all persons entering your facility.
e. Ensure all unoccupied offices, rooms, and functional areas are locked when not in use.
