Police eye bad flood spots, lawbreakers

Tightening up control in flood-threatened areas, police yesterday warned people using road spikes to stop vehicles helping flood victims that they could face severe punishment.

Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo, police spokesman for flood-disaster operations, said national police chief Pol General Priewpan Damapong had assigned the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Provincial Police Region 1 and Region 7 to be in charge of traffic on flooded roads.

He singled out especially inner Bangkok, eastern Bangkok from Lat Phrao Road to Ram-Indra Road, and western Bangkok's Rama II Road.

Traffic Police and Highway Police were also to inform the public which routes motorists could use, to prevent traffic congestion.

Regarding complaints about people using road spikes to stop flood-aid vehicles in Bangkok's Bang Phlat, Don Muang, Sai Mai and Khan Na Yow districts as well as Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong district, the police chief urged officers to investigate and install security cameras to catch wrongdoers, who would face legal action.

Property damage is punishable by a three-year jail term and Bt6,000 fine, the endangerment of others by a two-year jail term and/or Bt4,000 fine, while the traffic offence of scattering sharp objects and causing vehicle damage is punishable by a Bt1,000 fine.

Police also warned providers of boat-transport services for hire not to jack up fares unfairly, as it could be a crime of cheating by fraud.

People needing mobile teams to take patients or women in labour to hospital should call 02-252-8080.