Government committed to ensuring public safety (13/3/2010) Bangkokians went about their business as usual, as rallies began in Bangkok amidst reports of some traffic congestions in certain areas.
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Anti-government demonstrations by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), which began on 12 March 2010, proceeded in a peaceful manner. The rallies were held at five locations in Bangkok, including Lumpini Park, Dindaeng Junction, Laksi Monument, Bang-na Intersection, and Vongvienyai Roundabout area in Thonburi, with security officers on stand-by to ensure security and manage traffic flows. These ended by late afternoon. Protest leaders have reportedly said that the rallies would resume on the afternoon of 13 and 14 March along Radjadamnern Avenue and Sanam Luang area.
Meanwhile, Mr. Korbsak Sabhavasu, Secretary-General of the Prime Minister, who heads a government working group to liaise with the demonstrators, also met with representatives of the UDD leadership with a view to establishing a line of communication to prevent any misunderstanding and alleviate difficulties caused to the general public.
Earlier on 9 March 2010, the Thai Cabinet invoked the Internal Security Act, B.E. 2551 (2008) in Bangkok and nearby provinces from 11 to 23 March to enable security agencies to more effectively integrate their efforts and take measures provided for under the Act and applicable laws to prevent and mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public. The Act, nevertheless, does not prohibit peaceful demonstrations, and the Government regards peaceful assembly within the bounds of the law, as the people's constitutional right.
The public can also continue to commute around Bangkok normally, except in a few areas where some thoroughfares have been closed such those near Government House or in front of the Royal Thai Army Club on Sri Ayudhya Road. This is part of the measures taken in preparation for continued demonstrations during the weekend to better ensure safety in key areas and prevent any blockade of government buildings and disruption of the government's administration. In addition, checkpoints have been set up, patrols organized, and rapid deployment teams been on stand-by to take a timely response should any incident occur.
All security officials have clear modus operandi. They are to carry only anti-riot, crowd control gears, with no firearms, exercise utmost restraint, and, should the situation escalate, take a graduated response – from light to heavy measures, starting with negotiation – in accordance with internationally accepted practices, including the principle of proportionality, with due respect to human rights principles.
Throughout the demonstration period, government agencies will continuously disseminate information to the public to update them on the situation, including traffic conditions.
Meanwhile, the public have also been requested to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, including to the Bangkok Metropolitan Call Centre by dialling 1555 or the police emergency number 191.
For tourists visiting the Kingdom, it should be stressed that foreigners have not been targeted in the on-going political conflict. Be that as it may, foreigners are advised to be vigilant, particularly in areas where crowds may gather. For further information, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has a 24-hour English language hotline at 1672, while the tourist police can be reached at 1155. The Royal Thai Government will continue to step up measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all foreigners in Thailand.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a 24-hour operation centre, which can provide foreigners with further information at +662-575-1023, +662-981-7225, +66-88-022-1540 or +66-88-022-1541.
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