Pressured police intensify patrols

Police reportedly have their hands full dealing with a flood of cases in the aftermath of the riots by the red shirts during Songkran plus the gang-like shooting of media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul that shocked the nation last week.

Deputy National Police chief General Thanee Somboonsab has called a meeting of investigators in charge of Sondhi's case at 9am today.

More than 100 police have set up five checkpoints at Pinklao Bridge, Bang Lamphu Intersection, Siam Commercial Bank, Rattanakosin Hotel and the Bank of Thailand. Some police have been sent to patrol Sanam Luang. Police also man a checkpoint at the ASTV studio on Phra Athit Rd.

Newin meets press

Bhum Jai Thai Party spokesman and Newin Chidchob, an adviser to the party leader, will hold a press conference today after Jittanart, Sondhi's son, linked Newin to the assassination attempt on his father.

Joint session

 Government and opposition whips and senators will meet tomorrow to discuss convening a joint parliamentary session on Wednesday and Thursday to brainstorm a solution for the socio-political ills weakening the country.

The meeting will not call for a vote. Government whip Shinaworn Bunyakiat said the joint session will not discuss a motion to revoke the constitutional immunity of Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn Prompan, who faces charges of trespassing on state property, blocking traffic and conspiring with more than 10 people to violate the emergency decree.

BMA ceremony

 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will sponsor a merit-making ceremony to ward off bad luck from the recent events. Members of the public are invited to join the prayer chanting at Sanam Luang.

The morning will start with a Brahmin rite followed by a Buddhism rite. Prayers of five religions - Buddhism, Christian, Islam, Sikh, Brahmin and Hindu - will be conducted simultaneously at the premises of each religion.

The BMA will also provide security training for municipal police to improve their potential to ensure safety for the city. Besides the one-month course, the BMA will also overhaul the municipal police organisation and laws and regulations governing the city.