February 2010 The Metropolitan Police Bureau has adopted full-scale security around the Supreme Court ahead of today's verdict on the 76 billion-baht assets seizure case against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Meanwhile, people will be checked before being allowed to enter the courtroom.
Metropolitan Police Division 1 Commander Police Major General Wichai Sangprapai revealed that 450 anti-riot policemen and both uniformed and undercover officers will be deployed to enhance security around the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court's division for cases against political post holders is set to hand down its verdict on the 76 billion-baht assets seizure case against fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Police Major General Wichai went on to say that policewomen will also join the security operations by screening people who want to enter the courtroom to hear the verdict. Only 120 people plus 80 more members of the media will be allowed.
He noted that no vehicles will be allowed to park on the three roads behind the Supreme Court, which have been closed to traffic from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. since Monday. The three roads are Rachinee , Lak Muang and Hub Poei. However, Rajdamnoen Avenue will still be accessible.
As for the report that red-shirt protesters would use pick-up trucks to cordon off the court on the verdict day, Police Major General Wichai said he had not heard about that but will order a close watch on the situation. He added that the government has not issued any special order but only asked all officials to perform their duties to the best of their ability.
Meanwhile, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Colonel Piya Uthayo, said he believes only small number of people will be at the Supreme Court to hear the ruling on the case.
As for the planned rally by the Red Siam group at Sanam Luang near the Supreme Court from yesterday evening onwards, Police Colonel Piya said around 2,000 to 3,000 people are expected to join the gathering. The group's leaders vowed to end their rally before midnight.
He further said a forward operation center has been set up in front of the Supreme Court with a company of policemen from the Metropolitan Police Division 1 deployed. He added that forces have scaled up their security operations around the court from noon yesterday.
Moreover, a company of anti-riot police, bomb disposal units and investigation police will team up to intensify security in the Bangkok metropolitan area from 6 p.m. yesterday.
Police Colonel Piya said ten companies of police from the Metropolitan Police Divisions 1 to 9 and quick response units will immediately join efforts if violence breaks out.
He added more than 20 CCTV cameras have been installed around the court and ensured that all of them are now operational while the five main security checkpoints near important places will also be reinforced today.
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