Emphasis on security at Prem's provincial visit

Prem invited Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Prachak Suwanphakdi, Second Region Army commander Lt General Wiwalit Jonsamrit and Third Region Police commander Lt General Dechawat Ramsomphob for a meeting with him at his official Rai Kangwon residence. The meeting lasted almost one hour and no details of the discussion were disclosed.

The three senior local officials were among those greeting Prem upon his arrival at the residence, which is located opposite the Second Army Support Command in Muang district of the northeastern province.

Inside the residence's compound, more than 50 police and military officers were assigned to guard duty. Police checkpoints were also set up on roads in the adjacent areas to prevent the red shirts, who have campaigned against Prem, from holding a demonstration at the residence.

At the Third Region Police headquarters in Nakhon Ratchasima yesterday afternoon, some 900 police officers took part in a crowd-control drill. The event was presided over by the province's police chief, Maj-General Chatkanok Khiewsangsong.

The two-day drill, which ends today, involved a mock demonstration and a clash between protesters and police who used shields and water jets from fire engines.