APAC Assistance Director Paul Quaglia discusses security issues for South Asia and East Asia Pacific.
Main Issues in South Asia
PAKISTAN
- Yesterday the Federal Investigative Agency seized 39 properties of the Khidmat-i-Khalq Foundation in a money laundering case. The foundation is affiliated to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement party. The seized properties in Karachi are valued at USD 250,000.
- The foundation is a chritable agency of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement party. The Federal Investigative Agency suspects that the properties were bought with extortion money and the income from the properties is being used for terror financing,
- Clients are advised to be vigilant in Karachi. Security situation in the city is deteriorating and protests are expected by the supporters of Muttahida Qaumi Movement party.
INDIA
- Violent clashes between the right-wing groups and the supporters of the ruling Communist Party of India were reported yesterday across the south-Indian state of Kerala. Stone pelting and arson were reported in several towns across Kerala. Right wing groups had called for a state-wide strike, more than 900 people were arrested for violence.
- The protests and violent clashes are expected to continue though the temple retuals ended yesterday. The protests and clashes started after two women below the ago of 50 entered the Sabarimala temple on January 2.
- Clients are advised to avoid prominent landmarks expected to host further protests. Monitor alerts and advisories from APAC assistance for further updates.
Main Issues in East Asia Pacific
THAILAND
- Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said that the elections expected on February 24 is likely to be delayed to avoid overlapping with coronation ceremony. He assured that the elections will be held no later than the May 9 deadline.
- He refused to answer if the military government has directed to the Elections Commission to delay the elections. The elections must be conducted within 150 days of the Organic Law enacted last December. The government can potentially cause a political controversy for using coronation ceremony as an excuse for possible delay in elections.
- Clients are advised to monitor the election related announcements. The Les Mejeste law which forbids any insult to the king and royalty can be used against the government if there is a political crisis due the delay in elections and using the coronation as a pretext.
THAILAND
- Tropical Storm Pabuk is expected to bring 40mph winds, heavy rains and dangerously high waves to southern Thailand today. Thousands of tourists have reportedly evacuated popular resort islands Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Pabuk is the first tropical storm on southern shores in almost 30 years.
- Pabuk is expected to may landfall around 7pm local time today near Chumphon archipelago on the eastern border of Surat Thani and Nakhon Is Thammarat provinces. Heavy rainfall is anticipated to arrive in a few hours.
- Clients are advised to make necessary preparation in avoid being affect by power cuts. Transport network is likely to be affect, avoid traveling during the storm in the affected provinces. Monitor alerts and advisories from APAC assistance for further updates.