Command centre to monitor safety during Thai King’s birthday celebrations

[webfact]

Command centre to monitor safety during King’s birthday celebrations

BANGKOK, Dec 1 - Thailand's Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) on Wednesday set up a command centre to monitor the situation during the celebrations to mark His Majesty the King's 83rd birthday, according to army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.

The army chief said CRES has many times discussed security measures during the king's birthday celebrations from today through Dec 9 and agreed to set up a command centre to monitor the situation jointly by the national police bureau and the three armed forces.

Gen Prayuth said the public should help monitor the situation and inform security officials of any irregularities, but said there are to date no confirmed reports of possible violence although some [anti-givernment] groups are still active.

"However we are not negligent," the army chief said. "Intelligence agencies are keeping close watch, especially on those who still have escaped [being issued arrest] warrants. I advise those who intend to [initiate violence] to sympathise with security officials and the country. This is an auspicious occasion and they should stop causing turbulence."

Questioned about the appropriateness of the planned talk show of the Red Shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Dec 5, the king's birthday, the army chief said the public should ask the organiser whether such activity should be held that day.

First Army Region commander Lt-Gen Udomdej Sitabutr said that CRES assigned the police to be the main agency in maintaining order from Dec 1-9 but the army will also deploy troops from the three armed forces at 200 locations across Bangkok and at some spots troops will be on alert around the clock.

The combined forces will patrol in about ten routes and security will be tightened to the utmost at the celebration venues, while the public sector will also join the operation to monitor the safety in their areas, according to Gen Udomdej.

Meanwhile, following the planned demonstrations of the Red Shirt movement and the Yellow Shirts of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) after the festive week on Dec 10-11, acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said it is possible that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva may meet with protest leaders of both groups next week.

Dr Panitan said the government will try to talk with the two movements--the the 'Yellow' PAD and the 'Red' UDD--asking them to protest lawfully to prevent any violence or turbulence.

He said now that concerned officials are considering whether the premier should lead lead the negotiations himself.

Meanwhile, Police Advisor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang said on Wednesday that police will seek court approval to issue arrest warrants for two more suspects involved with several M79 grenades attacks after two persons were earlier arrested on the same charges.

Gen Aswin said intelligence reports confirmed the suspects, whom he did not name, are now hiding in the north, but he conceded that police must seek more evidence leading to those who planned the attacks. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-12-01

[webfact]

Army Chief Warns against Unruly Gatherings

The army chief asks the red-shirt group to reconsider their rallies scheduled during the upcoming celebrations of His Majesty the King's birthday.

He also warns that they carry out their activities lawfully.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan ocha stated the red-shirt group should review the appropriateness of its planned anti government activities on December 5, His Majesty the King's birthday, which is considered an auspicious day for Thais nationwide.

He went on to caution the protesters against violating the law.

Prayuth insisted the authorities have already prepared full security measures for handling the group's gatherings and urged anyone who plans to stir chaos to cease their movement for country's sake.

The general also said the revocation of the Emergency Decree in Bangkok and nearby provinces rests with the decision of the Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation.

He said regular security laws can be reimplemented if the situation is fully secure.

He reiterated the army's crucial role in the management of present security measures.

He insisted it is not the military's ploy to meddle with politics.

As for a rumor about a planned attack on Pattani province this month, the army chief said the situation in the southern border region is under close watch.

He revealed that he has often visited the region to reiterate the importance of stringent security measures in the area.

Prayuth also said the army has attempted to increase its presence to ensure the safety of residents in the region, but their scattering settlements have posted an obstacle for soldiers to provide thorough security.

-- Tan Network 2010-12-01

[asiawatcher]

Whilst all royalty globally commands security I find it hard to believe the red shirt threats against the monarchy are anything other than that. But then again, looking at the mentality of those behind the RS mob you can understand why the security is being beefed up. Sad situation for such a revered man in his winter years.

[Northman061]

Simply more talking up of the Millionaire General about unknown "threats", "escaped" persons, possible "anti government " viloence and reminds everyone that in the end, it is HE that will decide if the CRES is no longer needed.

And although the Army controlled CRES "assigned the police" (one would have thought that was the duty of the State) to cover the security, the Millionaire General decided that it was best to have armed Infantry troops patrolling 200 locations throught Bangkok. He obvioulsy thinks this is a prudent, unthreatening, diplomatic act that is certain not to "stir chaos" amongst the population.

We hear too much of these Milionaire Generals, we see too much of them and they have too much control and power over the state and the people as long as the CRES decides it still wishes to keep holding on..........

We have had almost 9 months of Thailands "Emergency", let it go, now!!!!

Or you may wake up and find the CRES is here to stay.

"Amazing" Thailand.