Police Preparing Security Plans For 2 Feb Election

[Lite Beer]

Police Preparing Security Plans For 2 Feb Election

By Khaosod English.

The police are drafting plans to ensure that the 2 February election would go ahead smoothly, the deputy police spokeswoman said.

The advance voting for the election, which was held on 26 January, was marred by anti-government protesters′s seizing of numerous polling stations in Bangkok and 10 other provinces, clashes between the protesters and voters, and a shooting incident which killed one protest leader.

There are fears that the protesters, led by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD), would mount an even fiercer campaign to disrupt the poll on 2 February; PCAD has demanded that the election be scrapped in favour of the formation of an unelected "People′s Council".

Citing such possible violence, the Constitutional Court has ruled that the government and the Election Commission (EC) possess joint authority to postpone the election, throwing out the constitutional requirement that the snap election must be held within 45-60 days after a House dissolution.

However, following the highly anticipated meeting between EC officials and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today, the government has announced that the election will proceed as planned on 2 February.

Responding to the fears that the protests could escalate on the election day, Pol.Col. Vichayakorn Nichabawarn, Deputy Spokeswoman of the Royal Thai Police, said the police force is drafting plans to provide security to the polling stations, and to deter any violent incident.

The main focus of the plan would be to prevent clashes between anti-election protesters and those who wish to vote, and the protection of ballot boxes, Pol.Col. Vichayakorn said.

"The police will ensure, with the best of our ability, that the public can exercise their voting rights," Pol.Col. Vichayakorn insisted.

The police have been heavily criticised for failing to maintain order during the hectic advance voting day of 26 January.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNU1Ea3hNemd6TkE9PQ==

-- Khaosod English 2014-01-28

[EricBerg]

Still thinking feb 2 will have a go. I thought the caretaker government would let the EC decide to continue with it or not.

If the government decides to let it continue on feb 2 and it becomes a failure then they wil be held accountable for pooring another few billion down the drain.

The number of future court appearances is growing steadily.

[dcutman]

I wouldnt bet your life on it/

[wonder6281]

The whole election is costing monies that the country could spend elsewhere and the result of the election will no progress made. What a waste of money for Thailand. This Government really need to have a good look at its Fiscal Management ability other than their own pockets.

I would bet that if their money was being squandered like this they would be the one's protesting!

[thaisaregrt]

hahahahaha, hide and run if anyone approaches you, only help red shirts and ptp people, the rest we dont care about.

[wonder6281]

Security plans $$$$ = A huge joke!

If the election goes ahead (a BIG if) then the protestors should allow every Thai citizen the right to cast their vote. It won't make any difference because the country will be in more turmoil than it is and a lot worse off financially!

[Scamper]

It's truly an impossible task the police have set forth for themselves. All past history of the police show an uncanny ability to fail at almost every task they've ever been given. They also suffer from the significant disadvantage of not being trusted - a view shared - extraordinarily enough - by many on opposite sides of the political divide. The PDRC consider the police both untrustworthy and incompetent. Pheu Thai, on the other hand, view them as simply incompetent. But particularly under these markedly unprecedented set of circumstances for any polling day in the country's history, they seem to be a unit that has no sense of cohesiveness. ( Their uniforms look smart, though.) They are also crippled by being under the directive of Chalerm for reasons that are too obvious to labour. Chalerm's ego however, has again risen sufficient to the task by having it encoded at CMPO that the military is also under his authority. But - in the stark reality of things - only in Chalerm's wildest dreams.

[taony]

Planning for their own security.

Anyway, what makes anyone think they could plan for anything? Do they know how to tie their own shoes?

[Red Snake]

I land in Bangkok on Feb 3, I hope there are no problems.

[ETatBKK]

yeah, security plan ON PAPER, inside the police club !

well done.

[taony]

It's truly an impossible task the police have set forth for themselves. All past history of the police show an uncanny ability to fail at almost every task they've ever been given. They also suffer from the significant disadvantage of not being trusted - a view shared - extraordinarily enough - by many on opposite sides of the political divide. The PDRC consider the police both untrustworthy and incompetent. Pheu Thai, on the other hand, view them as simply incompetent. But particularly under these markedly unprecedented set of circumstances for any polling day in the country's history, they seem to be a unit that has no sense of cohesiveness. ( Their uniforms look smart, though.) They are also crippled by being under the directive of Chalerm for reasons that are too obvious to labour. Chalerm's ego however, has again risen sufficient to the task by having it encoded at CMPO that the military is also under his authority. But - in the stark reality of things - only in Chalerm's wildest dreams.

Maybe this is just the common ground Thailand needs to get back on track - we all think the police suck!

[Basil B]

Tomorrows Headline:

Police Officers Resign

[Basil B]

I land in Bangkok on Feb 3, I hope there are no problems.

Do not worry, the pilot always has to check he can land before departing.

[happynthailand]

yea "stocking up on coffee and donuts"

[Costas2008]

Suthep: Today in front of the Army Club, day time, two gun shots were fired at our protesters. One is injured and is now hospitalsed

Suthep: Our people caught the culprit who was armed with weapons

Suthep: He was hit by our people before bening sent to a hospital. Guess who he is. He was a police officer.

So his colleagues are preparing security plans to shoot more protesters?

Disgusting.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Costas2008

[transam]

Do they not know they haven't got 2 years to try and plan it.

[icommunity]

EC commissioners should encourage voters to exercise their voting right instead of caving in to the demands, intimidation and threat of the DEM and its PCAD/PDRC. They should speak up against them on denying the voting right of the people. Have they done it? What they have been focusing was postponing the election and continue to 'talk violence.' If the EC commissioners speak positively and unitedly about the election and the rights of the people, the election violators will not be emboldened. It looks like Somchai is the EC and CC.

Since the DEM choose to boycott the election, it is their problem not the EC. Anyway, they are political parties that can fill the place of the DEM. The DEM might as well take the chance to take stock and reform itself and prepare for the next GE. But, I wonder if it is possible, since they had boycotted twice.

Edited January 28, 2014 by icommunity

[rogerdee123]

Their security plan ? ....

Probably it's that well used plan ...... one cop standing in the middle of every intersection asking for gifts.

[Why ask]

Police Preparing Security Plans For 2 Feb Election

Police have been getting advice from the French Ambassador.

[SamMunich]

And what plan do they have, when all 50 polling stations (?) in Bangkok are without authorized personell?

We will see, that the police is standing around, not doing anything except showing their presence.

I have never seen such a mess produced by a caretaker or regular government bent on having an election.

Countless faces lost and still trying to plough on. Meanwhile YL must really hate her brother for what he lets her endure...

The Primeminister of the Ukraine just stepped down, maybe that is a positive example for YL.

[Publicus]

It's truly an impossible task the police have set forth for themselves. All past history of the police show an uncanny ability to fail at almost every task they've ever been given. They also suffer from the significant disadvantage of not being trusted - a view shared - extraordinarily enough - by many on opposite sides of the political divide. The PDRC consider the police both untrustworthy and incompetent. Pheu Thai, on the other hand, view them as simply incompetent. But particularly under these markedly unprecedented set of circumstances for any polling day in the country's history, they seem to be a unit that has no sense of cohesiveness. ( Their uniforms look smart, though.) They are also crippled by being under the directive of Chalerm for reasons that are too obvious to labour. Chalerm's ego however, has again risen sufficient to the task by having it encoded at CMPO that the military is also under his authority. But - in the stark reality of things - only in Chalerm's wildest dreams.

It would be no surprise you didn't want the Thai military under the authority of the elected civil government authority.

Thailand's democracy is under-developed and fragile because the military has made itself a de facto institution of Thai government and politics, shooting more Thais than enemy soldiers dating back to World War I or perhaps even before then. Suthep and his backers to include perhaps yourself had been hoping for a coup d'état military mutiny but you're all still waiting, with the realization that the chances of that occurring are slim and none and that Slim just left town.

The police have been ordered to protect voters in Sunday's general election and to protect the election itself, which you seem not to like at all. In fact, I don't recall a post of yours, and I certainly haven't caught every one, in which you even critique the madman Suthep or his authoritarian scheme to establish an appointed and still anonymous "People's Council" with their still secret elitist agenda to rule absolutely and indefinitely over Thailand.

Indeed, do you support the election being held the coming Sunday? Do you support the "People's Council" that Suthep advocates rule Thailand in place of the election and of democratic government? Do you support Suthep's campaign to overthrow the legitimately democratically elected government of Thailand?

Your narratives prevaricate and your views snake dance around a lot while you and your party line keep bumping into the furniture. What do you have to say when you're not partying?

[Gweiloman]

Really sad that foreigners are making light of serious circumstances in their adopted country of residence......

[Bkkbound]

I'm more interested in the movements of military personnel. the police have the problem that they are facing protestors with soldiers behind them and they don't know who is the real threat.... It is possible that a 3rd hand intervenes at a critical point and defuses this with a compromise that is imposed.

[oldthaihand99]

The police in LOS are not smiling cause they are poorly paid.

YL needs to offer the them an incentive to protect the voting stations from disruptions.

I'm sure she can think of something.

Maybe government bond certificates spendable at any local massage shop.

[thesetat2013]

I dont think So! They all make too much money with their payoffs, bribes, after hours side gigs, and roadside checkpoints. Not only that but most have many women also. Lots of perks to make them want to keep their jobs. Its easier for them to just sit back and pretend to care about upholding the law and protecting the people

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[hands22]

The police alone cannot win against the mob this Sunday. Simply because they cannot resort to force. The coup makers are watching.

They can only win if genuine Bangkok voters have the morale and courage to stand up against the mob. I hope all Bangkok voters will show the world this Sunday how much they value Democracy and will fight to protect it. Show up to vote and show the mobsters that you are not afraid. Good luck, Thailand!

Edited January 28, 2014 by hands22

[NongKhaiKid]

My l

Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen, the next bout on your card is the main event.

[chainarong]

The clowns in brown may as well plan for the next twelve months , as the protests wont stop after the 2nd, anybody with half a brain would see this , Thailand is a divided country on personalities, hate on each side, is a cancer that eats at the fabric of any country, this will continue for decades , with flare ups happening at any time.

[Red Snake]

I am new here but I wonder why they keep saying the military must protect the rights of the protesters. Doesn't the military also have a responsibility to protest the rights of voters? Believe the police can not do this on their own and need the military help.

[NongKhaiKid]

An Election Commissioner said the government wasn't convinced by their warnings but I'll bet if it all goes seriously wrong over the weekend the government will claim they would have postponed the election if only the EC had done their job and made the situation clear to them.