ASIA - The Thai Prime Minister has defied both demonstrators and the national election commission by confirming the snap election will continue on 2 February.
Yingluck Shiniwatra claimed the postponement of the election would not resolve civil unrest in the country, which has flared up in recent weeks as protestors urge the resignation of Shiniwatra, sister of ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.
Her statement comes as Thailand’s election commission warned political activity in the Southeast Asian country is too unstable for a general election. Ten people including a protest leader have been killed and hundreds injured since the demonstrations began last November.
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) earlier this week provided advice for organisers and event attendees, urging business travellers to “be vigilant and avoid the demonstration areas for their own safety and security”.
“Bangkok is a large city, so it is possible for local residents and business travellers to avoid the demonstration areas,” said a TCEB spokesman, adding that all major MICE venues and tourist attractions remain open.
However the unrest has already led to the cancellation of several events in the capital including December events the Race of Champions and the UFI Asian CEO Golf Friendship Cup, as well as the upcoming Thailand Open golfing event. "We want to ensure the environment is stable in order to stage our world class tournament and national Open," said Rungsrid Luxsitanonda, president of the Thailand Golf Association.
More recent cancellations include the Nordic and Thai Chambers networking event, and the ISPO Short Stroke medical event.
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