In Bangkok alone soldiers have been stationed at 300 locations.

"Military police will be on duty at every spot holding National Children's Day activities," First Army Region I chief Lt-General Prayuth Jan-ocha said yesterday.

New Year's Eve celebrations in Bangkok were shattered when eight bombs exploded, killing three and injuring more than 40 others.

Following the bombings residents have lived in fear while celebrations, like today's children's fanfare, have caused security concerns.

"We have set up check points on routes in and out of Bangkok, especially in the inner area of the capital. We are tightening security," Prayuth said.

Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief and Council for National Security head Sonthi Boonyaratglin said security measures were in place and the day should pass smoothly.

"Children are the future of our nation. No one should want to harm children," Sonthi said. He added that martial law would be used against those who attempted to create disturbances.

Prayuth said if ill-intentioned people were apprehended they would face the harshest punishment allowed by law.

At Government House, plant-holders have been removed and refuse containers replaced with transparent ones.

Government House welcomes children and parents between 8am and 3pm.

An official disclosed that police and soldiers had been deployed for the event. In addition, 170 special branch police officers will be stationed at the building.

"Bomb-disposal teams will also be on hand," the official said.

One entrance only will be in service and all people will be subjected to bag searches. "If possible, please avoid carrying bags or backpacks," he said.

He added that cellular telephone signals would be jammed to prevent the remote detonation of bombs.

An Interior Ministry mobile satellite-communications unit is at Government House to allow Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to remain in contact with Cabinet members. The prime minister is attending the Asean Summit in the Philippines.

National Police chief General Kowit Wattana said officers were ready for the day's activities.

"We are working closely with other authorities," he said, adding that bomb-disposal teams would be stationed at venues.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Viroj Chantarangsi said teams had scoured all event sites.

"The areas we have already checked will be cordoned off until the events start," he said. Delivery vehicles will be searched.

Dusit Zoo director Visit Vichasilp said soldiers and police would provide security.

"We have already replaced opaque garbage bins with transparent ones," he said.

Education Minister Wijit Srisa-an complained that ill-intentioned people had spread rumours the day's events were targets for attack.

"It will be regretful if only a small number of children turn out, as all activities are held specially for them," Wijit said. He received reports of leaflets warning children against attending activities circulating in some Northeast provinces, including Buri Ram.

Nakhon Khon Kaen Municipality mayor Peerapol Pattanapeeradej said yesterday the city's events would proceed in spite of the material.

"We can't let a single leaflet change the way of life. As the municipality, we have to take the lead and continue our normal lives. We have prepared all-out security," he said.

Second Army Region commander Lt-General Sujet Wattanasuk assured that Khon Kaen would be safe.

"Police and soldiers will provide the best security," he said, adding that police were determining the source of the leaflets that were clearly intended to incite fear.

Cavalry Squadron VI commander Lieutenant Chakardpong Hongthong said his squadron would deploy five tanks on the base instead of outside.

"We are afraid someone might try to instigate a disturbance if the tanks are away from the base," he said.