Security around caretaker PM beefed up
The Prime Minister’s security personnel discuss changes of plans at Government House after hearing of an alleged attempt on his life.
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Security at Government House and around caretaker PM Thaksin Shinawatra's home has been stepped up in the wake of an alleged bomb plot to assassinate him.
More police officers were dispatched to provide security in and around Thaksin's residence on Charan Sanitwong Road following the arrest of a military lieutenant who allegedly drove a car carrying explosive materials near the residence yesterday morning. At Government House, which houses the PM's office, vehicles without entry permits were not allowed inside the compound while those with permits were checked carefully by security officials before being let through. Security guards took the unusual step of accompanying journalists, photographers and TV cameramen while they were on the premises. Following the arrest, Police General Jumpol Manmai, director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), met senior police officers at Government House to discuss enhancing security measures for the caretaker premier. Police Maj-General Atthakrit Tharichat of the Special Branch, which heads the prime minister's security detail, said after the meeting that security intelligence had learned about a possible attempt on Thaksin's life about a month ago and informed him about it. He said the number of security personnel around the prime minister was being increased along with beefed up measures. Security at Government House had already been heightened even before yesterday's alleged assassination plot. Police guarding the compound have been armed with M-16 assault rifles. Guards with sniffer dogs regularly patrol areas near the perimeter walls and inspect cars parked inside the compound.
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