Police to Address Local Political Violence

As political rivalry begins to heat up ahead of the next general election, police have stepped up intelligence gathering regarding political conflicts at the local level, in an effort to prevent political rivalry from turning violent.

Deputy National Police Chief, Police General Panupong Singhara na Ayutthaya, in his capacity as the deputy director of the Center for the Administration Peace and Order, said he has issued an order for all police agencies in the provinces to increase intelligence gathering operations concerning political conflicts, including its causes and all parties involved.

Panupong said he believes local police know the political movements in the areas under their supervision well, and negotiations will be held to protect local politicians from violent crimes.

The move comes after recent shootings of local politicians in the provinces of Prachin Buri, Nonthaburi, and Ratchaburi, all of which occurred on the same day.

Panupong expects political rivalries to intensify ahead of the next general election, which calls for secuity to be stepped up to prevent competition from turning violent.

-- Tan Network 2011-03-09

police have stepped up intelligence gathering

I couldn't read any further as I was overtaken by a fit of hysterical laughter.

Panupong said he believes local police know the political movements in the areas under their supervision well, and negotiations will be held to protect local politicians from violent crimes.

Of course they know they political movements well - they are so heavily involved in them.

They will protect the local politicians - the side that pays them the most, anyway.