Thailand and Indonesia are among the growing list of countries currently experiencing pockets of civil unrest. The Indonesian military were deployed onto the streets of Jakarta this week, and Thai police have been controlling defiant demonstrations around key government installations in Bangkok.
Citizens in Indonesia are protesting the controversial ‘Omnibus Bill’. The legislation seeks to attract investment in Indonesia by international companies, which adversaries to the bill argue could have a knock-on impact to current labour and environmental protections. Coupled with the latest restrictions under COVID-19, large numbers of government forces have been deployed to quell further demonstrations.
In Thailand, democratic factions are protesting the interim government, after several years of political instability and dissent, along with the influence of the monarchy. Once COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings are lifted, the city could potentially face organized demonstrations reaching similar to levels seen in 2010 and 2016.
Aside from the protests, both Thailand and Indonesia are in the midst of discussions for travel resumptions following COVID-19 restrictions; for tourism and business respectively. With the underlying threat of further disruption, these travel talks have highlighted concerns over how corporations and individuals will consider the risk of political unrest while desperately keen to resume international travel.
Visiting countries experiencing civil unrest is a high-risk exercise, especially for those needing to travel through, or conduct business in, affected areas. Those unfamiliar with a country and its political situation can find themselves suddenly trapped in central areas as flash demonstrations take place. With protesters using covert communication techniques to avoid detection ahead of protests, advance public warnings of potential unrest are becoming more difficult to identify.
To minimize risks during travel, avoiding potentially higher risk areas and mitigating against disruptions is key. Using proactive research and on-the-ground intelligence, ASAP Group are able monitor conditions in affected areas in real time, such as expected numbers of demonstrators, the capability and intent for violence, and the likely locations or routes impacted.
Although times may be changing, multi-national corporations are still reliant on international business travel. Duty of care has never been more important, and at ASAP Group we fully believe that the resumption of travel in these turbulent times is viable as long as risks can be adequately mitigated.
We are equipped with the experience and expertise to guide and advise with journey risk management concerns, the reach and capability to protect our clients and guard their assets, while ensuring confidentiality and protecting reputations.
For more information on how we can assist your travel and business preparations during civil unrest, get in touch via our website or email us at [email protected]