Since midnight of the first day of enforcing the internal security law, security checkpoints have been activated today at the designated rally site on Rajdamnoen Avenue and around the capital.
Military, police and civilian forces are deployed at checkpoints and security has been tightened at key locations such as Democracy Monument and the city hall.
The Interior Ministry has stepped up security to prevent any attempts by protesters to transgress and use its offices for accommodations during the mass rally.
The Peace-keeping Operations Command will deploy 30,000 soldiers, 10,000 policemen and a contingent of 10,000 civilians from the Bangkok's city police forces to safeguard peace.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban outlined steps taken for peace-keeping as the followings:
- The red shirts have been warned against blocking traffic, raiding and seizing government offices and homes of leading figures.
- The peace-keeping forces will be unarmed. Each officer will be issued a tracheon and shield for self-protection.
- Only the SWAT teams are to be armed to quell violent attacks, if happened. The teams are on standby for deployment at the scene within 15 minutes.
- If deemed necessary to disperse the unruly crowds, anti-riot operations will conform to international standards of using tear gas and water canon.
