Thai Police Mobilise 126,000 Officers For Election Day Security

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- More than 126,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide to ensure safety and public order during Thailand’s general election this Sunday, according to a police spokesperson.

Assistant Commissioner-General of Police Pol Lt Gen Yingyot Thepchamnong said police are concerned about potential violations of the law and acts of violence, particularly in several high-risk areas.

“Strict measures have therefore been put in place to manage security, public order, traffic facilitation and law enforcement in accordance with the Royal Thai Police’s election security and public order plan,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Earlier, Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet chaired a meeting to review security and public order preparations for the upcoming election.

During the meeting, Kitrat instructed all police units to ensure maximum safety at polling stations and for the public, while directing commanders to look after the welfare and morale of personnel and ensure officers are well versed in relevant laws and procedures.

“All police officers have also been reminded to maintain strict political neutrality,” Yingyot said.

The Royal Thai Police Election Security and Public Order Operations Centre will be operational from Jan 13 to Feb 12 to oversee security for all election-related activities nationwide until the completion of the election and the constitutional referendum.

“Emphasis has been placed on operations both before and on polling day, including measures to prevent vote-buying, the sale of alcoholic beverages, and the transportation of ballot boxes,” he said.

On Sunday (Feb 8), voters will elect all 500 members of the House of Representatives for the next four years, alongside a constitutional referendum to gauge public support for drafting a new constitution.

According to the Election Commission (EC), 521 polling stations have been set up for in-constituency voting, 524 for out-of-constituency voting, and 22 special stations for elderly and disabled voters.

-- BERNAMA