Robbery, not violence, the main threat

Robbery, not violence, the main threat

200,000 police on duty, says Gen Seripisuth

ARANEE JAIIMSIN & AMORNRAT MAHITHIROOK

About 200,000 police have been deployed on full alert to cope with any violence over the New Year holiday and any unrest which may occur if the People Power party forms the new government. National police chief Seripisuth Temiyavej said police were well prepared, but admitted they still did not know who was responsible for the New Year bomb explosions in and around Bangkok 12 months ago.

On the night of Dec 31, bombs went off in nine areas, killing three people and injuring 42.

Pol Gen Seripisuth played down the threat of an attack connected to the unrest in the South, adding that three insurgent leaders were killed by security forces on Friday.

''My key concern is robbery, even though the frequency of this sort of crime has been drastically reduced during the year,'' he said.

Pol Gen Seripisuth did express concern that ''a third hand'' could create unrest at public gatherings to celebrate the New Year, saying careful monitoring would be provided.

Police would also be ready to cope with any possible unrest linked to Sunday's election.

There could be political protests if any influential groups disagreed with the faces in the new cabinet, said Pol Gen Seripisuth.

''Protests and political gatherings are acceptable if they abide by the law and the rules. If not, the Royal Thai Police Office will apply legal measures to control the situation,'' he said. ''Our manpower is fully prepared at all levels.''

Some groups opposed to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, including leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy, have threatened to oppose any government formed by the People Power party and its leader Samak Sundaravej.

Metropolitan police chief Assawin Kwanmuang said a joint military-police-city hall force will maintain security and ''x-ray all 1,570 square kilometres of Bangkok'' from Dec 25 to Jan 3.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said soldiers, police and 1,197 Bangkok tetsakij inspectors would man checkpoints to search for weapons and beef up security at crowded celebration venues. Rubbish bins would be removed and security cameras installed.

Suvarnabhumi airport director Serirat Prasutanont said there will be extra security guards, particularly at terminal gates and the conveyor belt system.