Fear of trouble forces schools to close for day

Last night concerns grew over possible violence when the Constitution Tribunal rules on the Thai Rak Thai and Democrat party electoral fraud cases. The parties face dissolution if found guilty.

"We have agreed schools should be closed," Bangkok Educational Service Area I director Rapeepan Eksupapanthu said.

She closed Suan Kularb Wittayalai, Wat Ratchabophit, Satriwithaya, Wat Makutkasat, Wat Rajathiwat, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Chanasongkhram and Yothin Burana schools, as well as Wat Parinayok kindergarten.

Suan Kularb Wittayalai director Montri Sanwises said: "It's better to be safe than sorry".

"Even if the school wasn't closed I would keep my son home," one father said on condition of anonymity.

Samnak Phra Ratchawang police have reportedly asked government agencies, shops and businesses near the court to close for one day.

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority's Wat Liab office - opposite Suan Kularb Wittayalai School - is closed today.

Fears of violence prompted Proctor and Gamble Manufacturing to allow employees to voluntarily work from home. The company's premises are not near the court.

Police FM 91 Traffic Pro radio chief Apichai Panichsamai said it had received 80 calls an hour yesterday from people wanting to know about road closures.

"Avoid going to the Constitution Court. It's better to watch the live broadcast at home," he said.

Mayuree Sukyingcharoenwong,

Supinda na Mahachai

The Nation