Integrated security system set up at Bangkok's Ratchaprasong Square

[webfact]

SECURITY SYSTEM
Integrated security system set up at Ratchaprasong Square
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association and its members have set up an integrated security system, which it says is the country's biggest and most extensive, to ensure the safety and confidence of tourists in the central Bangkok shopping district during the New Year celebrations.

In cooperation with Panasonic Siew Sales (Thailand) Co, the RSTA has spent Bt5 million to upgrade 83 closed-circuit TV cameras to include full high-definition viewing, 30-times zooming and panoramic recording. Ratchaprasong's CCTV control centre also had a major upgrade with new software to connect the networks of more than 1,500 security cameras in 12 malls and hotels into a single system.

The association also strengthened its cooperation with the Royal Thai Police to help reduce crime in the area.

"All members of the RSTA, namely Gaysorn Shopping Centre, Amarin Plaza, CentralWorld, Erawan Bangkok, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, InterContinental Bangkok, Holiday Inn Bangkok, Four Seasons Bangkok, Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Maneeya Center, President Tower Arcade, and the Erawan Shrine have joined with the Royal Thai Police to set up a security solution for the district under three core strategies. These are technology, personnel, and proactive and defensive measures," RSTA president Chai Srivikorn said.

"The result is a unified security system of the highest efficiency designed specifically for our square. It is considered the biggest and most comprehensive security-system network in Thailand, which can be used to prevent or reduce the crime rate to zero.

"Our integrated security network will be used to ensure that Ratchaprasong is the business and commercial zone in Bangkok with strengths in safety and convenience under the 'Heart of Bangkok' concept. This system will also boost confidence among [tourists], as more are visiting our square nowadays.

"We expect to welcome 500,000 tourists during the New Year celebration in Ratchaprasong, especially on the night of New Year's Eve until the first sunlight of 2014. So our association will tighten our security measures with full integration and usage of our new security solution."

Chai said more than 1,000 security personnel had received training in such areas as detecting delinquent behaviour, tactically removing potential troublemakers from the area, detaining suspects, and coordinating with law-enforcement agencies.

"Our side and the Royal Thai Police constantly exchange information, so our security members will be informed of movements of offenders who may be in the Ratchaprasong area. We also can relay any information we have to Metropolitan Police Division 5's emergency call centre for further assistance," he added.

Rungyos Chantapasa, marketing director of Gaysorn Shopping Centre, said the upgrade of the security system in the Ratchaprasong area would give both Thai and foreign tourists greater confidence for entering the malls in the area and using their services during the New Year season.

"We are ready to participate in any programme that is good. We have also invested in the CCTV system and security staff on the skywalk area, to reduce the number of criminals significantly."

He said Gaysorn was still operating normally amid the political protests, as it has during such incidents in the past. However, the rallies have resulted in a decline in the number of shoppers at the shopping mall by about 10 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Currently, half of the shoppers at Gaysorn are foreigners.


-- The Nation 2013-12-25

[whybother]

CCTV cameras aren't much use if police cover them with black plastic bags.

Sent from my phone ...