THAILAND DISTURBANCES – MYI RESPONSE
McLARENS THAILAND LTD. REMAINS FULLY OPERATIONAL
The ongoing political crisis in Bangkok reached a critical point on Wednesday, 19 May 2010 when the army began operations to remove United Front For Democracy Against Dictatorship protesters (the UDD or “Red Shirts”) from their protest site at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok.
The army offensive began at dawn and started at the southernmost barricade at the junction of Ratchadamri Road and Rama IV Road, opposite McLarens Thailand’s offices. The operation has been viewed as broadly successful in that the military regained control of the protest zone and key leaders of the UDD handed themselves over to the authorities.
Groups in the areas surrounding the protest zone began looting and setting fire to a number of key buildings. The buildings damaged to date include:
• Central World Shopping Mall which incorporates Central Department Store, Isetan and Zen Shopping Centres in Ratchaprasong
• The Stock Exchange of Thailand Building on Ratchadapisek Road
• Channel 3 Television Building on Rama IV Road
• Carrefour, Tesco Lotus and Big C Surpercentres on Rama IV Road
• Numerous branches of banks throughout Bangkok
• Numerous 7-Eleven stores throughout Bangkok
• Metropolitan Electricity Authority (both office and sub-station) on Rama IV Road
• Centre 1 Shopping Centre at Victory Monument
• Zeer Rangsit Shopping centre
Damage has also been reported to the BTS Skytrain and MRT Underground system and there are continuing reports of buildings across the capital and in 24 provinces and municipalities in the country being targeted by protesters.
Whilst the situation in Bangkok is calmer today, 20 May 2010, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable. A curfew has been imposed by the government, and it will last until at least 23 May 2010.
As a result of the continuing political instability we have temporarily relocated our entire office to a safe location in Bang-Na in the eastern suburbs of Bangkok from where we are now fully operational.
We are already receiving instructions for damage arising from the unrest as well as continuing to service our existing work.
We have full access to our server and are able to receive and send emails as well as produce reports.
Our 24 hour helpline +66 (0)2 636 3200 remains operational. Alternatively you can contact us on the following new office numbers:
Tel: +66 (0)2 744-8962
Fax: +66 (0)2 744-8961
Or the normal office email address:
bangkok@mclarensyoung.com
All our staff remain contactable on their mobile ‘phones.
Key Personnel in Bangkok:
Pilai Klongpitayapong
Mob: +66 (0)81 834-8032
pilai.klongpitayapong@mclarensyoung.com
Robert Lea
Mob: +66 (0)81 837-2714
robert.lea@mclarensyoung.com
A regional support team is also on standby to supplement resources if required.
Other McLarens Thailand personnel:
Tim Eastham
+66 (0)81-8153066
Tim Hollinrake
+66 (0)81-9053427
Nadda Jintawiwatwong
+66 (0)81-9350930
Saroj Pholboon
+66 (0)81-9068513
Somluck Chanyawongrat
+66 (0)81-9344306
Chainarong Kiatkasem
+66 (0)81-8103620
Utit Atchacosit
+66 (0)81-8411044
Saridpong Ouiwatanapong
+66 (0)81-6909498
Thakarn Rukchai
+66 (0)89-8156772
Charoen Russamesuk
+66 (0)89-2052203
Nongnuch Pongklang
+66 (0)81-4075982
Chalong Phodsiphithak
+66 (0)85-8210284
Sathawat Kingkate
+66 (0)89-1991716
Thaweesak Sakaorat
+66 (0)81-8380461
Sedthaphon Pairat
+66 (0)83-8377259
Paisarn Kongpientham
+66 (0)86-8919379
Peerawas Kiadjaroensiri
+66 (0)84-5123457
Suepsak Kosoongnern
+66 (0)81-5996141
Asia Pacific Regional Office
Tel: +852 3412-2222
Fax: +852 3412-2221
Simon Chick, Hong Kong
Mob: +852 6290-9881
simon.chick@mclarensyoung.com
Simon Stacey, Singapore
Mob: +65 9127-8332
simon.stacey@mclarensyoung.com
London Liaison
Tel: +44 (0)20 7481-3399
Fax: +44 (0)20 7702-0512
Andrew Brown
Mob: +44 (0)7515 922-890
andrew.brown@mclarensyoung.com