Public urged to carry on as normal despite security fears

Public urged to carry on as normal despite security fears.

SIRIKUL BUNNAG & ANUCHA CHAROENPO

Security fears following Sunday night's bomb attacks will not interfere with this month's Children's Day celebrations. The cabinet resolved yesterday that state agencies should continue with planned events.

The cabinet agreed that activities for both Children's Day, on Jan 13, and Teachers' Day, on Jan 16, should go ahead as planned as security authorities were confident of guaranteeing public safety.

''Cabinet ministers agree that we should see to the importance of children, young people and teachers because these people form the future of the nation,'' said Education Minister Wijit Srisa-arn after the cabinet meeting.

''We shouldn't let the unrest stop the activities. We know all parties should be aware of problems and should not be reckless, but we should not be overly concerned.''

The government has learned from the Dec 31 bombings and will use the experience to come up with security measures for the general public's safety as well as activities on Children's Day and Teachers' Day, he said.

''It is essential for the public and agencies to proceed with their activities as normal. Solving problems by cancelling activities would reflect that our society is facing chaos that prevents people from leading a normal life,'' Mr Wijit said.

''Security agencies have evaluated the situation and are confident that safety measures are under control.''

On Children's Day, the Education Ministry will organise a fair at Sanam Sua Pa beside the Royal Plaza and on Teachers' Day will hold activities at the auditorium of the Teachers' Council.

The Prime Minister's Office has been instructed to list other activities planned across the country and to coordinate safety measures, Mr Wijit said.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said yesterday that he had instructed all concerned agencies to prepare security measures and report them to him this Friday. He also confirmed Children's Day activities on Jan 13 would proceed as planned.

The cabinet also agreed to install more security cameras in crowded places including Suvarnabhumi

Airport, bus stations and some residential areas. Government Spokesman Yongyuth Maiyalarp said the ministries of transport and information and communication technology would have them installed.

Despite security cameras being in place in several of the locations bombed on New Year's Eve, police have failed to come up with any clear suspects for the attacks.

In January 2006, the government of Thaksin Shinawatra said it was in the process of installing thousands of cameras across Bangkok due to fears southern insurgents could launch attacks in the capital.

The ministries of transport and information and communication technology also agreed yesterday to look into the local production of signal jammers and have them installed in public places. Imported ones are too expensive, the government spokesman said.

Officials can activate the equipment to block mobile phone signals to prevent mobile phone-detonated bombs.

Bangkok police chief Pol Lt-Gen Viroj Chantarangsi said yesterday that police would be trained on strict safety measures and that police and soldiers would be deployed at Mor Chit bus terminal around the clock.

Bangkok Post
Thursday January 04, 2007