Security Briefing – 20 March 2009

Leaders of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have announced that a major anti-government protest in Bangkok is being brought forward to 26 March. UDD supporters will stage demonstrations in three Thai cities between 21 and 26 March in an effort to force the government to remove Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya from cabinet, prosecute leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and restore the 1997 constitution. Organisers have warned that protests may continue until these goals are met.

Protest Locations

The first protest will be held at the Chiang Rai Rajabhat University in Chiang Rai on 21 March before the second demonstration takes place at the 700 Year Sports Stadium in Chiang Mai on 22 March. A major demonstration (organisers claim that up to 300,000 may attend, however this is likely to be an exaggerated figure) will then take place in Bangkok on 26 March. The Bangkok demonstration will begin at Sanam Luang before moving along Ratchadamnoen Klang and Ratchadamnoen Nok roads to Government House.

International Operations Group - Analysis & Advice for Personnel

Thailand has experienced regular protests recently, particularly in Bangkok, and PAD supporters caused a political crisis in the country with a series of demonstrations late in 2008. The political situation currently remains very uncertain and tensions are high. There is a strong likelihood that further demonstrations will occur in the near future beyond those scheduled for 21 to 26 March.

Foreign personnel are not generally targeted during protests in Thailand and the upcoming protests are likely to pass peacefully. However, personnel are advised to keep away from all large political gatherings and protests in case they do escalate to violence. UDD demonstrations will be highly visible as many supporters will be wearing red. Due to the rally on 26 March, personnel should exercise extra vigilance and avoid Government House, Ratchadamnoen Nok Road, the parliament buildings, the Police Headquarters and the Foreign Ministry on Sri Aydhya Road.

International Operations Group provides intelligence and security support for corporate and indivdual clients across the globe. Our team can assist in managing critical incidents by way of security management services, executive protection, surveillance and counter-surveillance. Please email intel [at] interopsgroup [dot] com for further information.

For more information on our fee-based intelligence updates or bespoke reporting, please email Rob Stevenson - rob [at] interopsgroup [dot] com. Rob can also be telephoned on +61 [0] 420 244 909.