Little explanation provided, and no specific threats cited

The government is throwing a security blanket around Sanam Luang and the entrance to the Grand Palace, with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon promising optimal surveillance.

Gen Prawit, also the defence minister in charge of national security, ordered the security boost at Sanam Luang after meeting senior officials at the joint Peace and Order Administration Centre Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr, Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang, police chief Chakthip Chaijinda, army commander Chalermchai Sitthisart and 1st Army commander Apirat Kongsompong.

The centre deputy secretary-general, Manas Chandee, said security efforts were being carried out systematically in Sanam Luang and the adjacent area outside the Grand Palace.

They involve screening people entering Sanam Luang through eight entrances. The screening is conducted jointly by soldiers, police and trained volunteers.

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Another security checkpoint is outside the Grand Palace's Wiset Chaisri gate, through which mourners enter to sign condolence books for the late His Majesty the King.

Security procedures need to be put in order, given the large turnout of mourners signing the book and gathering at Sanam Luang, which are thought to have reached a combined 648,000 by last Friday.

Col Manas said more people are expected to turn up from this Friday onward, when the general public will be allowed access to the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to pay their respects to His Majesty, whose body lies in state there.

A group of security guard businesses previously installed surveillance cameras around Sanam Luang to support the policing operation.

A source in the command centre said Gen Prawit has ordered bomb disposal squads to comb the areas around Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace regularly.

In recent weeks, the government has been alarmed by intelligence reports of possible security attacks in Bangkok at the end of this month, which could be perpetrated by elements connected to the southern insurgency.

The reports subsequently led to raids and arrests of at least 14 suspects, nine of whom have since been released.

Mourners will be funnelled in to key locations, with ID and bags, if any, checked.

Gen Prawit told Sunday's security meeting that the police must work with other security agencies to protect mourners visiting Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace.

Sanam Luang and adjacent areas have been divided up according to the surveillance plan for easy security supervision and orderly management of logistics in the distribution of free food and delivery of first-aid to mourners.

At the same time, stricter regulations of people and vehicle movements coming into and leaving Sanam Luang will be imposed, Gen Prawit said. Fast-deployment teams are also ready to work in solving traffic problems and helping to suppress petty crimes such as pick-pocketing.

Gen Prawit also visited tents set up on the Sanam Luang grounds offering free food and drinks. He conveyed Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's concerns for the safety and convenience of mourners.

Gen Prawit has also ordered the army's engineering corps to build another Baily bridge across Khlong Lord to provide additional access for the people to pay their respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Palace.

Gen Prawit gave the order after assessing the security situation around the mourning venues.

The defence minister wants another Baily bridge, a type of portable and pre-fabricated bridge, to be built across Khlong Lord behind the Defence Ministry after the first bridge, built in front of the Royal Hotel, proved effective in allowing people to move to and from Sanam Luang for Saturday's singing of the Royal Anthem.

Wuthichai Nakwanich, commander of the 9th Infantry Division, was assigned to supervise the construction of the bridge.

He said the 9th Engineering Battalion was to transport parts of the bridge to the area after midnight last night.

The bridge is expected to be assembled by early Monday so people are able to use it in addition to travelling through Ratchadamnoen Avenue. "We can build more, if they are needed," Maj Gen Wuthichai said.

Also on Sunday, the administration centre released an estimate of the number of people turning up for Saturday's singing of the Royal Anthem in His Majesty's honour at Sanam Luang and surrounding areas.

The centre said that at its peak, the event drew about 177,000 people. The singing took place in the afternoon and late evening.

People use umbrellas to protect themselves from the afternoon sun as they wait in long lines for a chance to sign the condolence book for His Majesty the late King inside the Grand Palace. More people are expected to turn up from Friday, Oct 28, the 15th day of mourning, when the general public will be allowed inside the Dusit Maha Prasat Throne Hall to pay their respects to the late King whose body lies in state there.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by WASSANA NANUAM & AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

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