Bangkok police to ramp up counter-protest measures

Police in Bangkok say they’ll get tougher on anti-government protest action, but without resorting to violence, according to a Bangkok Post report. Piya Tawichai from the Metropolitan Police Bureau says there is a need to control activists rallying at the Din Daeng intersection in order to keep law and order.

However, he adds that the capital’s residents will not be affected by police action, nor will traffic be disrupted, as the plan is to track activists down after the event, rather than arrest them during the protest. According to Piya, there are already 3 people who face charges after officers were tipped off about them selling weapons to protesters. He says MPB officers will be on duty at the Din Daeng intersection because anti-government activists have announced they will rally there.

“Checkpoints will also be set up but officials need to be careful not to inconvenience residents. Some 200 motorcycles have been seized in total.”

The Bangkok Post reports that Piya has accused protesters at Wednesday’s rally of hurling explosive items such as fireworks at police and starting fires under tollways. He says those responsible are being tracked down and will face legal action. In the case of anyone underage, their parents will face charges. He adds that people who’ve shared illegal content on social media could face charges under the Computer Crimes Act. According to Piya, snce July, 454 out of a total of 699 wanted people have been arrested.

Meanwhile, Red Shirt activist Nattawut Saikuar has called on protesters to rally at the Asok intersection in Bangkok on September 19.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post