Security stepped up across 11 sites to be watched to prevent bombs

The are as are Victory Monument, Major Ratcha-yothin shopping complex,

Central World, Khao San Road, Chitralada Villa, Si Sao Thewet Intersection, Mor Chit Bus Terminal, Soi Nana, Central Pinklao,  Seacon Square,and Saphan Kwai.

Most of these areas saw bombs go on New Year's Eve two years ago.

"We will ensure public safety," Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Maj Gen Wiboon Bangthamai said yesterday. "We have a plan. We have also received co-operation from the armed forces and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration".

He said relevant officers would pay attention to risky spots such as flowerpots, telephone booths, garbage bins and more.

"We will have 10 sniffer dogs on duty," Wiboon said.

He said members of the public could contribute to ensuring safety by lending dogs to police during this period if their pets had successfully completed the sniffer training course at the Police Canine Sub-Division.

Wiboon also called on people to alert police as soon as they noticed anything suspicious.

Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people headed out of Bangkok yesterday. All buses to Nakhon Ratchasima were so full that many passengers had to stand all the way.

For planning to drive up-country in their own vehicles, many service centres are available offering free drinks, refresher towels and massages.

Relevant authorities are now working hard to boost road safety over the New Year break.

The festive season usually sees heavy road casualties as millions of people hit the roads during this rare opportunity for a longer holiday.

This year it's feared the road toll could be particularly high over a seven-day period starting tomorrow (December 30).

"We hope the road casualties during the New Year celebration will drop when compared with last year," Interior Ministry permanent secretary Preerapon Traitasawit said.

Last year there were 4,475 road accidents over the New Year period. Some 401 people were killed and 4,903 others injured.