Energy companies, retailers and hotels are on high alert during the anti-government street protests to prevent unexpected incidents, especially violent attacks and power outages.
Security officers check visitors' bags at the CentralWorld shopping complex. Businesses have stepped up their security measures now that the prolonged political conflict looks set to intensify. THANARAK KHUNTON
Sarun Rungkasiri, chief operating officer for downstream business at PTT Plc, said the energy giant told all fuel dealers, cooking gas retailers and operators of oil and gas depots to closely monitor the situation and prepare security measures in case of emergency.
Customers and visitors will be strictly screened and must show their ID cards at arrival and departure. Extra security staff will be in place at oil and gas depots to prevent terrorism. The sale of fuel in bottles is banned by most retailers because protesters used them as weapons during the 2009-10 political unrest.
Mostly state-owned Bangchak Petroleum Plc (BCP) is also deploying top security measures, meaning all staff, equipment and systems must be in functional order.
BCP president Vichien Usanachote said security officers will be updated on the situation every morning. Petrol stations near protest sites may open only for non-fuel services such as toilets, ATMs and minimarts.
Somchai Roadrungwasinkul, governor of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, said the MEA has heightened security at its surveillance centre and all 18 service branches in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan to ensure adequate staffing in case of an emergency at the power grid.
"If an accident or attack happens at the power grid, we will know very quickly and tackle it immediately," Mr Somchai said.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is also on alert at its power plants in Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
Phaibul Kanokwatanawan, chief executive of The Mall Group, said his company is beefing up security measures and will hire police dogs to patrol areas surrounding the group's department stores in Bangkok.
The mall operator has arranged for security guards in-house and from private companies to stand by at each store.
Suwit Kingkaew, senior vice-president of CP All Plc, the operator of 7-Eleven convenience stores, said management has told personnel near the protest areas of Silom, Lumpini, Ratchadamnoen, Ratchaprasong and Aksa roads to keep a close eye on their premises.
The company also has CCTV cameras installed and plainclothes police officers on motorcycles monitoring the situation for staff and customer safety.
At Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, security checkpoints stand at every entrance and exit. A security team patrols the hotel 24 hours a day.
"Hotel management is monitoring the situation closely and will update guests on the situation as it unfolds," said marketing communications director Patty Lerdwittayaskul.