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Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muenkaew said some 8 companies of policemen or 1,200 policemen would be on duty but their number would be increased by 9 more companies if an untoward incident happens.

Salang has threatened to lead government supporters to besiege the Government House to try to retake the Government seat from the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Suchart said he believes no violence would break out because there would soon be a royal ceremonies related to the royal cremation of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. But if police could not control the situation, he would seek reinforcement from soldiers.

“We have had a lot of experience so there should be no worry about police’s ability to control the situation. We will be in control,” Suchart said.

Salang threaten to use a “special weapon” to deal with PAD-led protesters.
Suchart said he had not been informed by Salang what the weapon would be. But he believes a certain procedure needs to be done before Salang could bring out the weapon for use.

On reports that some active policemen would join Salang’s crusade against the PAD, Suchart said if active policemen join a demonstration led by Salang outside their office hours, it would be fine.

“If police join the demonstration unarmed as citizens, it could be done. But if they carry guns to join the demonstrations, they will be take legal action against.

Suchart admitted that he could not prevent Salang from entering the Metropolitan Police head office to express moral support to police because Salang used to be his boss and mentor.

Suchart said Salang had his rights to organise campaigns and police did not officially take part in the campaigns. He said active police officers have never joined Salang’s press conference.

Suchart said the Metropolitan Police had been negotiating with the PAD to stop blocking the Rajdamnone Road at the Makkhawan Bridge because the road would be need for royal ceremonies however the PAD still blocked the road.

On Tuesday, the PAD stop blocking the road and said it would rally only inside the Government House. But on Thursday, the PAD seized the area at the Makkhawan Bridge again on security reasons.