Police in Bangkok gearing up for possible violence

The Center for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) has ordered police to keep 68 high-risk spots in capital Bangkok under a close watch for possible attacks by anti-government elements, local media reported Thursday.

The Thai News Agency (TNA) quoted the Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Col Songpol Wattanachai as reporting that fuel depots and oil refineries are in the list of watching spots.

Each of the 68 spots will be manned by at least two armed policemen for 24 hours, Pol Col Songpol said.

"Police personnel have been allowed to use definite measures, including riffles, in case of confronting with violence attackers, " he said.

He said the order has been made as recommended by Pol Lt- General Santhan Chayanont, the metropolitan police chief, after a meeting of commanders of police units on June 29.

The meeting took into consideration the attack with two rocket- propelled grenades (RPG) on an oil depot of the army's Quartermasters Department on the night of June 27 and two previous explosion and M79 attack incidents in two different provinces.

Moreover, the metropolitan police has sent police to provide security for residences of important persons such as the prime minister and some cabinet members.

Source: Xinhua