Phuket ramps up security for VIP visits
Nattha Thepbamrung


The police boat stranded by the tsunami 10 years ago will be the focus of ceremonies presided over by PM Gen Prayuth Chan-Ocha

PHUKET: -- Officers of the armed forces, the police and local government met this morning (December 24) to nail down security measures in advance of the arrival of two VIPs – Princess Siriwanwaree Nareerat and Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan Ocha.

First to arrive will be the Prime Minister, who will land in Phuket on his way to presiding over the ceremonies to mark the 10th anniversary of the Tsunami in Phang Nga on December 26.

“Our biggest concern is the possibility of a mob trying to get to the PM,” Governor Nisit Jansomwong said.

“There are always local groups trying to hand complaint letters to officials visiting Phuket.

We are also concerning about the possibility of opposition groups such as the one that gathered when the Prime Minister visited Khon Kaen [in November].”

Princess Siriwanwaree Nareerat will arrive on December 28 for a five-day holiday, basing herself on Koh Rang Noi.

For the visit of Princess Siriwanwaree Nareerat starting from December 28 to January 2, there will be more than 28 official departments and private sectors preparing for the safety and facilities.

She will dive at nearby islands and tour Phang Nga bay. On New Year’s day the princess will make merit early in the morning at Koh Rang Noi and then she and friends will take part in a sports day against police and army officers.

“The Police, the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy will set up concrete security systems while the police Special Branch will work on intelligence about groups of people who might try to disrupt the visits,” Gov Nisit said.

He added that a temporary centre will be set up at Provincial Hall where people can hand in letters of complaint that will be delivered to PM Prayuth.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-ramps-up-security-for-vip-visits-50284.php


-- Phuket News 2014-12-24

“Our biggest concern is the possibility of a mob trying to get to the PM,” Governor Nisit Jansomwong said.

“There are always local groups trying to hand complaint letters to officials visiting Phuket.

We are also concerning about the possibility of opposition groups such as the one that gathered when the Prime Minister visited Khon Kaen [in November].”

So to mitigate those risks we are keeping the details of the schedule private....

No wait - we'll publish the full schedule. What a wonderful idea...................

/sarcasm.

We are worried about the safety of the PM...so this is where he will be and what time he will be there and for how long. I thought this concept was only for the "crime sweeps" on Bangla.

Police: We will be looking for criminal activity on Bangla road this Friday between 8pm and 12am. Ridiculous.