IN BRIEF
Vendors feel the pinch following ban on business near court
Whatever the results of the verdicts due today, vendors and hawkers around the Constitution Court will be the first to feel the pinch of the continual political disorder, as they have been barred from doing their businesses in their regular space.
Many complained openly about the restriction when told by police officers yesterday of the security measures to be in effect all day long today. All schools in nearby areas have closed voluntarily.
Ambulances ready for emergencies Ambulances will be on standby across the capital today in the face of growing concerns that the Constitution Tribunal's verdict on the country's two largest political parties may trigger violence. If found guilty of electoral fraud, both parties face dissolution. Thousands of supporters of Thai Rak Thai and the Democrats are expected to turn out to support their parties. "There will be 80 or 90 ambulances stationed around Bangkok. In case an emergency arises, the ambulances are ready to reach any scene within five minutes," Narenthorn Centre director Dr Surachet Sathitniramai said yesterday. The centre provides emergency medical services. The Health Ministry's permanent secretary Dr Prat Boonyawongvirot said people could call hotline number 1669 at any time if they needed urgent medical assistance. He said all state hospitals across the country had been put on high alert and that medical staff must be ready with equipment, supplies and ambulances to respond to any emergency that might arise. Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla yesterday said he would not allow his ministry's officials to take time off today. "No vacations, no sick leave," he said.
It's not for the faint-hearted Are you ready for today's Constitution Tribunal decisions on the fate of political parties? Public Health Ministry spokesman and psychiatrist Dr Taweesilp Wissanuyothin suggests the following: As an individual Ask yourself how you will feel in any given scenario and your reactions. Consider how to handle them. If you suspect an aggressive reaction, it may be best not to listen to the decisions; it could result in trouble for you and others. In a group Group emotions can run high. To make sure these do not get out of hand have senior, respected figures nearby who can caution restraint. The advice of His Majesty the King and religious teachings offer wise words that can sustain society in a crisis.
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