On January 22, 2014, the Thai government declared a state of emergency for Bangkok and surrounding areas because of anti-government protests. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani’s Lat Lum Kaeo district and Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district are currently affected. The state of emergency will last 60 days (until March 22nd).

According to authorities, at least nine people have died and more than 450 have been wounded since demonstrations against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government started in November. The emergency decree gives authorities additional power, such as the ability to detain suspects without court permission, impose curfews, censor media and declare parts of the capital off-limits.

Please be assured that the unrest is not currently affecting the movement of cargo into and out of Thailand.  All seaports, both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Muang (DMK) airports, CFS operators, airlines, shipping lines and Thai Customs are operating normally.   For Shapiro, it is business as usual for SE Asia, but we are closely watching the developing tensions in Thailand and will inform you of any important changes.