Insurgents could target Bangkok : Sukhumbhand

Citing an urgent report by the National Intelligence Agency, he said the insurgents were now based mainly in Bang Kapi district and would carry out non-lethal attacks at celebratory events just to cause a disturbance.

"The directors of all 50 district offices have been instructed to be on standby, especially to watch out for incidents at local celebratory events in their jurisdiction," he added.

In a recent meeting among authorities and volunteer agencies to discuss security measures during the four-day holiday break, concern has been raised over motorcycles without licence plates, either parked or in use, in that they could be used in bomb attacks or by attackers as getaway vehicles.

Employees with private security companies also expressed concern over an insufficient number of surveillance cameras and streetlights in many areas of Bangkok, as well as inefficient urgent public warning systems in case of incidents.

Bangkok police chief Pol Lt-General Santhan Chayanon said at least two checkpoints would be set up in each of 21 police precincts that covered 39 major events in addition to 10 major checkpoints at key spots in and out of Bangkok.

At the countdown event at CentralWorld alone, 4,400 policemen will be mobilised to provide security to about 100,000 revellers expected there and other nearby areas.

A team of 150 military policemen from the Armed Forces will be made available as a back-up force.

Police patrols will be carried out at all major bus and train terminals starting from today, to provide extra security to travellers heading from Bangkok.

Emergency medical services and rescue teams will be ready at all 50 Bangkok districts to provide both routine and emergency services around the clock.

Shops that sell fireworks without permission will face drastic action or closure, while parents of young street racers will be prosecuted if their children are arrested or found to have held or participated in street racing, the officer warned.