The Gist of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited’s Press Briefing on 14 January 2014

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On 14 January 2014, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with Mr. Seksan Narkwong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Squadron Leader Prajak Sajjasopon, President of Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Limited (AEROTHAI) held a press briefing on the current political situation in Thailand at the Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO).  Gist of the briefing as follows:

    DPM/FM Surapong: Regarding Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban and the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC)’s attempts to paralyze the Government by preventing officials from going to work as well as surrounding key government offices, the Government would like to reemphasize that such actions are illegal.  However, the state agencies have prepared measures and set up temporary offices throughout Bangkok to ensure that their services will continue to function unhindered.  Many government agencies have also established call centers to provide alternative channels to assist the public.  The numbers for the call centers are 1164 for the Department of Customs, 1203 for the Ministry of Commerce, and 1546 for the Ministry of Labor.    

    DPS of Ministry of Tourism Seksan:  the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has prepared 5 measures to accommodate tourists and facilitate visitors who may be inconvenienced or affected by the protests:

1.  The Tourist’s Friend Center (TFC) has been established as a channel to provide essential information for tourists. It is located at the Sports Authority of Thailand (Huamark)

2. Joint Operation Centers have been established at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airports.     

3. Help Desks have been established at Siam, Phaya Thai, and Sala Daeng BTS stations, as well as  at Hua Lampong MRT station.

4.  Transfer Stations have been established in case of emergency at 3 locations: Eastin Grand Hotel (Sathorn), Windsor Suites Hotel (Sukhumvit 18) and Twin Tower Hotel.  The Ministry has also arranged 1 shuttle bus and 2 vans per location, and 1 boat for transportation across the Chao Phraya River.

5.  Volunteers recruited from the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand are on standby and ready to assist tourists if needed.

To date, there have been no complaints or reports of tourists being affected by the political demonstrations.  The 7 tourists who called the Ministry did so to ask for directions. Tourists can also directly contact the Tourist’s Friend Center 24 hours at 02-3141212 for further information.

    President of AEROTHAI Prajak: AEROTHAI fully respects the freedom of expression and assembly of all groups, but also has responsibilities and international commitments that must be fulfilled.  AEROTHAI is part of an international network that provides air navigation services in accordance with international standards and regulations to ensure the safety of air travel for all airlines that pass through Thailand (approximately 2,000 flights per day).  In response to protesters’ announced intention to seize AEROTHAI, the company has organized a briefing for all airline operators with offices in Thailand to ensure that their operations will be uninterrupted by the political demonstrations. President Prajak expressed his hope that the protesters would understand and respect this important responsibility.

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