Bangkok To Trial Security Alert System In Three Areas In Early 2011

[webfact]

SMART BANGKOK

BMA to trial security alert system in three areas in early 2011

By Patcharee Lueng-uthai

The Nation

Bangkok citizens may gain a greater sense of security early next year when an "urban safety enhancement and menace alerts" project is launched in three pilot districts.

As crime, violence and fear of crime remain fundamental threats to urban safety and security and to sustainability, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) initiated this project to boost the public's confidence.

Teerachon Manomaiphibul, deputy governor, said that besides the red boxes serving as police checkpoints in various communities, the BMA would deploy green boxes to help combat threats by integrating GPRS, mobile phone and Internet systems.

The green boxes are equipped with GPRS, loudspeakers and microphones as well as cameras. In case of emergency, people can just place their ID smart card on the box and then press a button. The information would be transmitted to the menace warning box in the community, which will flash a light and sound a siren powered by solar cells.

This would be visible to 250 city law enforcement officers to take initial action. The green box would also automatically use the Internet via GSM/ISP to connect to the district management control centre with real-time data transmission. The centre would promptly coordinate with the police, military, fire department and other agencies to combat the menace.

The green boxes would not just report incidents, but also record the operations of the city law enforcement officers. All of their motorcycles would be equipped with GPS.

According to the plan, green boxes would be installed at seven points in the Klong Toei area covering seven communities and 5,600-7,000 households, six points in Pathum Wan covering five communities and 6,000-8,000 households, and seven points in Phra Nakhon covering communities, markets, accommodations, foreign tourist attractions and ancient sites.

City Hall would house the main centre with a server connecting to all of the district centres. The real-time data system would enable the main centre to communicate with and assign responsibilities to districts instantly.

The BMA would accelerate installation of more CCTVs next year. It has targeted 20,000 units by 2012, with 5,000 units already in operation. The network would cover 700 educational institutions; 600 communities, fresh markets and risk areas; and 160 hospitals and government agencies.

The CCTVs for security are different from those used for traffic reports in that they have higher image resolution.

-- The Nation 2010-12-13

[spiderleghead]

big brother welcomes you

[asiawatcher]

Weird. Another ploy?

[ianh68]

Bizarre! I think Dr Who must be involved.

[phaethon]

which will flash a light and sound a siren powered by solar cells.

Just what we need - more noise.

At least in the UK we have the good manners to get murdered quietly.

[LJW]

I am glad I'm living in Chiang Mai

[peacefulwarrior]

"The green boxes are equipped with GPRS, loudspeakers and microphones as well as cameras. In case of emergency, people can just place their ID smart card on the box and then press a button. The information would be transmitted to the menace warning box in the community, which will flash a light and sound a siren powered by solar cells."

1984, Helllooooooo?!? This is the next system so sheople enforce and spy on sheople, so the wolf can rest assured. Whom is this all 4? Are they techy-ing up for the next wave of real protest? Is there not enough spying of the government on it's citizens already especially in the internet (which is where you meet not only downtrodden and conforming people) ? Are the air-waves not patrolled by the official zealots already? Does the military not already have the right to intervene and occasionally threat the government with the option of a coup? Security, terrorists or is it 'real civil dissent' that is to be crushed ? Ghin, ki, pea, noon, but don't start to think or ask questions...

[Berek]

I hope they're going to be handing out smart cards at immigration... or will still have to find the nearest 7-11

[DickFarang]

Why is it necessary to insert an ID card before pushing a button ?!

To lose time in case of an emergency or to exclude foreigners and Thais with old ID cards ?!

[neverdie]

The placing of the ID card is to prevent false reports? Y/N

This could come in handy when the local som tum cart runs out of chilli !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J-y2rFfny8

[phaethon]

Why is it necessary to insert an ID card before pushing a button ?!

To lose time in case of an emergency or to exclude foreigners and Thais with old ID cards ?!

Presumably to deter pranks - false alarms will be followed up etc.

[DickFarang]

Why is it necessary to insert an ID card before pushing a button ?!

To lose time in case of an emergency or to exclude foreigners and Thais with old ID cards ?!

Presumably to deter pranks - false alarms will be followed up etc.

Is there no camera installed ?