Police to step up security for Thai caretaker ministers

BANGKOK, May 19 (TNA) - National Police Chief Police General Adul Saengsingkaew has ordered beefed-up security for Thailand's 12 caretaker ministers, after the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) announced its plan to chase them whereever they are to force for their resignations. Royal Thai Police Spokesman Police Major General Piya Uthayo told journalists of the national police chief's order on Monday, saying that more police forces from the Royal Thai Police's Special Branch Division and special operational teams have, thus, been deployed at the caretaker ministers’ residences and offices, as well as at their motorcades enroute to venues where they perform duties. In response to PDRC secretary general Suthep Thaugsuban's call on state officials to report themselves to the PDRC, the police spokesman stressed that all police officers must work within the legal framework and follow only Thailand's legitimate government. Meanwhile, Acting Caretaker Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpaisan refused to step down to pave the way for an interim government, as demanded by a group of senators. Deputy Senate Speaker Phirasak Phorjit told reporters of the update on Monday afternoon, after he represented Acting Senate Speaker Surachai Liengboonlertchai to meet Niwattumrong to discuss solutions to the domestic political deadlock. Phirasak revealed that Niwattumrong insisted he would continue playing his caretaker prime minister's role until a new Thai government is formed, citing the Constitutional Court's recent ruling. It was reported that a group of 40 Thai senators would ask the acting Senate speaker to quickly nominate a new prime minister for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's endorsement no matter whether Niwatthamrong would agree to resign. Caretaker Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri stressed, however, that the Senate could not make the nomination and the caretaker Cabinet could not resign because the Constitutional Court has already ruled that the caretaker Cabinet members are to maintain their caretaker roles until there is a new government. (TNA)