Security boosted at court ahead of red shirts ruling
Play
Bailiffs and police will secure the Criminal Court building on Ratchadaphisek Road, where Jatuporn Promphan and other red-shirt leaders will learn on Thursday whether their release on bail will be cancelled.
Court secretary Orn-usa Krisnalom Charanrattanasri said yesterday that red-shirts would not be allowed to enter the compound, as 70 other cases were scheduled and convenience had to be ensured for over 100 people who had to come.
She spoke after a meeting of judges, court officers, plus crime suppression and metropolitan police, and corrections officials.
Col Chatree Kanchanakanti, superintendent of Phaholyothin Police Station, said 70 unarmed police would be stationed at the court but they could be reinforced if necessary.
There was no estimate on how many red shirts would come to support their leaders but police had contacted the leaders to help keep the gathering peaceful and orderly, he said.
Visitors and vehicles must pass through bomb detectors. If too many vehicles come, some might be allowed to park outside on the road. If the
road needed to be closed, the public will be informed via JS100 Radio, FM 91 and television, he said.
Chumpol Choowong, one of the judges considering the bail review, said barricades would be placed outside on the road as well as inside the court compound.
All visitors and media would have to exchange identification cards for entry passes, he said.
The court may not issue a ruling on Thursday, as it will have to consider the testimony of the accused.
The court has summoned 24 red-shirt leaders on charges that they breached bail conditions. They are facing charges of terrorism for their speeches and rally in front of Parliament House on June 7.
