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Published on December 14, 2007

The government will tomorrow implement a plan to beef up security and ensure public order in urban areas.

"The plan will remain in place until the day the new prime minister receives royal endorsement," Government Spokesman Chaiya Yimwilai said yesterday at a press conference.

He said as a part of the plan, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would install 1,300 security cameras across the capital within seven days.

The press conference was held after Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont met with National Security Council secretary general Sirapong Boonpat, National Intelligence Agency director Sirachai Chotirat, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin and Major General Daopong Rattanasuwan, commissioner of the 1st Division of the King's Guard.

"The meeting was called to prepare measures to ensure security. It has nothing to do with reports that unrest will erupt," Chaiya said, denying any link to speculation that disturbances would take place before or after the general election.

Voters across the country will cast ballots on December 23.

"We are most concerned about New Year celebrations," Chaiya said.

He said Surayud had instructed Apirak to check all security cameras after they were installed. Private entrepreneurs would also be asked to hold many events to count down to the New Year because a single big celebration could be more of a target for an attack.

Surayud emphasised that relevant authorities must closely monitor the situation in tourist centres including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Hat Yai and Samui Island.

"Officials will fan out to gather intelligence," Chaiya said.

He said relevant authorities would work closely to ensure security and would swiftly take action if any violent incident arose.

Asked whether the government foresaw any unrest coming, Chaiya said: "Intelligence reports say there will be movements and rallies that may be incited toward violence."

The Nation