Police prepare for possible major protest
Police have staged three days of anti-riot drills, from Saturday till Monday, in anticipation for anti-government protests in coming days as when parliament will debate bills such as a controversial amnesty law.
The anti-riot drill prepared for two scenarios: a takeover of the parliament or Government House. Police expect some 5,000 protesters to converge on Sunday. The drill was presided over by National Police Chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew and a number of senior police.
Actual anti-riot deployment would be headed by Bangkok Metropolitan Police Chief Pol Lt Gen Camronwit Thoopgrajank and would involve 30 companies of police, including anti-riot police and police commandoes.
VIPs will also be given extra security and police have prepared an additional backup of officers if needed.
The drill took place at both Government House and the Parliament.
Police said they would adhere to international standards of engaging with protesters starting from the removal of people who are not-protesters from a crowd, then setting up barriers to prevent protesters from entering restricted areas. They would then hold talks and if negotiations failed and laws were broken and violence used against officers, police would then arrest violators using handcuffs.
An anti-riot noise generator, plus water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray and batons would be used if necessary – but protesters would be warned in advance.
Camronwit stressed that the law would be upheld and that protesters must respect this.
