Security Blitz For Bangkok New Year Countdown

[george]

Security blitz for New Year countdown

BANGKOK: More than 1,000 policemen and soldiers will be deployed to provide security at Central World Plaza and the National Stadium, which are the main venues for the New Year countdown, senior police officers said yesterday

Maj General Phadet Thalawong, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, said police and soldiers would cooperate with 200 security personnel at Central World Plaza to keep law and order. Security will also be beefed up at embassies during the New Year holidays.

He said most officers will be concentrated at Central World Plaza, formerly known as the World Trade Centre, because a lot of youngsters are expected to congregate there with concerts going on from 1pm until the New Year countdown.

He said police would search teenagers for weapons and articles like steel rulers or bamboo skewers; any found will be confiscated.

He said trucks will be used as mobile detention centres to hold anyone who causes trouble during the celebrations.

Phadet said Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would leave Central World Plaza at 11pm to see in the New Year at the National Stadium.

Deputy Police Commissioner-General Charnchit Pianlert said police would be deployed to provide additional protection at embassies in Bangkok during the holidays.

Officers will also man Bangkok railway stations and bus terminals and road checkpoints will be set up to check motorists' blood alcohol levels.

--The Nation 2003-12-31