4,000 officers to be stationed at court as 3,500 supporters of ex-pm expected.
ABOUT 4,000 security officers will be
deployed to maintain order at the Supreme Court on Friday, when up to
3,500 people are expected to gather in a show of support for former
prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
On that day, the high court’s Criminal Division for Political Office
Holders is scheduled to deliver its verdict in the case, in which
Yingluck is accused of negligence in connection with her government’s
corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme.
Security measures will also include 40 more surveillance cameras and
three walk-through metal detectors installed in the area, in addition to
three patrolling helicopters, 20 riot trucks and four ambulances,
according to Metropolitan Police deputy chief Pol Maj-General Panurat
Lakboon.
Of the nearly 16,000-square-metre court premises, 1,500 square metres
would be allocated for Yingluck’s supporters, Panurat said yesterday.
Barricades would also be erected and officers posted to prevent
Yingluck’s supporters – or “third parties with bad intent” – from
trespassing in restricted court areas, he said.
Authorities have repeatedly warned of unidentified “third parties” that could try to create chaos during the event.
The crowd will be monitored using CCTV, the Bangkok deputy police chief
said, adding that anyone who violated the law or provoked the crowd
would be recorded by the cameras and could expect to face an arrest
warrant.
Supreme Court officials yesterday also told the media planning to cover
the verdict that security measures had been laid out including a plan to
set up checkpoints at every gate at the Chaeng Wattana government
complex, with free access only at the main gate near the Administrative
Court.
News reporters were advised to submit their car licence numbers in advance to avoid any difficulties.
A police source said security checkpoints would also be set up in
various areas across the country starting from tomorrow ahead of
“judgment day”. Any suspicious movements would be blocked and the people
involved could be detained, he said.
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