Highest security measures arranged for focal countdown sites in Bangkok

BANGKOK, December 27 (TNA) - Crowds of people joining in the upcoming New Year countdown in focal places in Bangkok will be provided with security measures at the highest level by the Royal Thai Police. Thai Deputy National Police Chief Police General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul told journalists on Thursday, after chairing a meeting with representatives of relevant parties, that he has ordered the Metropolitan Police Bureau to prepare and provide the public with the highest-level security service during the upcoming New Year countdown event, especially in six focal sites in the capital, including CentralWorld, Icon Siam, Crystal Design Center (DDC), Asiatique The Riverfront, King Power Building and Thanon Khao San. Police General Srivara said he has suggested the Metropolitan Police Bureau that the highest-level security measures particularly include those preventing any violent incident and sabotage, with the strict law enforcement. Besides, security officers, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) experts and police dogs (K9) should be assigned for thorough checks at all targeted places in the city, especially the six focal sites, and on standby with their highest alert for their perfect functions at any suspicious place. According to the deputy national police chief, a total of over 3,000 police officers have been assigned to be on duty to provide the highest-level security service to the New Year countdown celebrating crowds. The deputy national police chief also asked, meanwhile, that business operators owning or running the focal countdown centers to thoroughly check close circuit television (CCTVs) installed in their areas to ensure their proper functions and to limit the opening of their places just a short period of time after the New Year countdown to support the police security service. (TNA)