Negotiation continues to ease the tension between Election Commission and the government. While protesters would not except delay unless reform process is agreed along with Prime Minister resigns from her post.

Following information is only for business security-alert purposes and not to be treated as political viewpoints.
As security risk is assessed to be lower, we would now continue to monitor and will relaunch report on major changes.

16 January 2014: Negotiation continues

TEBA Summary:

• Negotiation continues to ease the tension between Election Commission and the government. While protesters would not except delay unless reform process is agreed along with Prime Minister resigns from her post.
• PDRC continues it daily march to business districts and governmental offices. Many businesses including Banks, Shopping Malls, Schools and Taxi operators remain precautious due to security reason. With reports suggesting good business around rally sites.
• Government reform forum fails to conclude while corruption allegations are being investigated by the court, which mounts pressures on the government.
• PDRC leader Suthep and the Government tries to avoid bloodshed by not encouraging confrontations.
• Business must plan for contingency actions to mitigate any disruption to their operations.

Actual Activities as it happened:

• An unidentified gunman opened fire on security guards manning barricades at Nang Loeng protest site late Wednesday night, but no one was injured.
• Police arrested navy officers found in possession of weapons and VIP cards issued by Students and People Network for Thailand’s Reform (SPNTR), but their superior denied their involvement in the protest, saying that they are on a mission to investigate drug cases.
• Kittirat Na Ranong, Acting Deputy Minister called for economic impact evaluation meeting.
• An explosive device was thrown at the Laksi home of People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) co-leader Issara Somchai in the early hours of Thursday.
• The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) fell to its lowest level for 25 months in December, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Payungsak Chartsuthipol said on Thursday.
• Protesttors block Health Ministry’s Nonthaburi Headquaters.
• Election Commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn insisted Thursday that the EC had clearly informed the Commerce Ministry that its caretaker minister, Niwatthumrong Boonsongpaisan, cannot hold rice sale talk with China.
• The three navy officers arrested this morning also worked on the side as guards for the anti-government protesters, and defence permanent secretary Nipat Thonglek has been asked to investigate and report to the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (Capo), caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul claimed on a programme broadcast by the Television Pool of Thailand.
• The Social Security Office sent its officials at the head office homes after protesters rallied there Thursday.
• Two explosions were heard near the rally site of the Students and People Network for Thailand’s Reform (STR) Thursday.
• The Election Commission has sent a letter to caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra inviting her to talks at the navy meeting hall on Friday, Jan 17, to discuss the problems surrounding the election, election commissioner Somchai Srisuthiyakorn said on Thursday.
• National Police Chief Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew has appointed a team to get People’s Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban arrested.
• Commercial banks have closed 46 branches as of 3.30pm Thursday, according to Bank of Thailand.The National Anti-Corruption Commission Thursday resolved to investigate caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for allegedly failing to stop the damage in the rice-pledging scheme.
• Commercial banks have closed 46 branches as of 3.30pm Thursday, according to Bank of Thailand.