Reuters first to report flash of violence in Thai crisis

When a standoff between Thai troops and anti-government protesters flared into violence in Bangkok on April 23, killing three people and wounding 75, Reuters was way ahead. The protracted political crisis is now weighing on Thailand’s economy, making it all the more important that investors are informed about significant developments in real time. The Reuters report on a series of deadly grenade blasts, came at least 15 minutes ahead of the first news breaks from AP and Bloomberg. Reuters was then first with four key developments through the night, including a further explosion and the mounting casualties. The BBC cited the first Reuters report well before other international news agencies had even started reporting on the blasts and media around the globe used Reuters’ authoritative on-the-scene reports.