Police on high alert before political gathering
Nuttaporn Chanchokpong

BANGKOK, 3 October 2010 (NNT) - The National Police Chief launched the new center to operate during violent situation in preparation for the upcoming political rallies in October.

After reporting to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva about the preparations for the upcoming political rallies in October, National Police Chief, Police General Wichean Potephosree, asks the rally organizers to choose appropriate venues and not to violate the emergency law.

October marks many anniversaries related to politics, including student uprisings in 1973 and 1976 and the deadly suppression of the People’s Alliance for Democracy’s protest in 2008.

The Royal Thai Police have set up the new center to operate in case violence erupts. The center will integrate many agencies together in taking control of the situation.

Police General Wichean insists that the emergency law will not be added up in any area because the authorities consider the special law as the last resort.

Meanwhile, Deputy Pheu Thai Leader Plodprasob Surasawadee agrees with the appointment of General Prawit Wongsuwan as the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation Director, as the replacement for Mr Suthep Thuagsuban.

Mr Plodprasob stated that General Prawit was a former Commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, who understood the overall operation to protect national security.

thainews.prd.go.th