The Thai Journalist Association (TJA) on January 10 called on the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) and representatives from the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) to ensure media safety and access to information in covering the Occupy Bangkok rallies on January 13.

In its meeting with PDRC’s representatives, TJA delivered five demands, calling on protesters to provide a media safety zone at every protest site and not to incite hatred against the media among protesters, instead allowing reporters to cover the event unobstructed.

While meeting with representatives from CAPO, the media organisation asked police forces from the centre to ensure the safety of journalists at protest sites and assume responsibility for clearing the way for media agencies if protest areas are surrounded by demonstrators.

The same day, state agencies and hundreds of schools in Bangkok announced that their activities will be halted on January 13 to avoid negative effects from the campaign.

The US Embassy in Bangkok also advised its citizens in Thailand to stockpile necessary items such as food, water, medicine and to keep mobile devices charged in anticipation of a long blockade in Bangkok .

At present, more than 50 countries have advised their citizens not to visit Thailand in the coming time.

Anti-government protesters plan to occupy several key locations in the capital on January 13 in a bid to force the end of Caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s administration.

Thailand ’s TNN Television said at least six people were wounded in clashes between protesters and the government-supporting “Red Shirts” in Pathum Thani province in Bangkok ’s north.

The Thai Election Commission has also issued a resolution asking the Government to delay the election slated for February 2 to ensure security and safety.-VNA