Protest 'allowed within legal limits'
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The Peacekeeping Operations Centre has reaffirmed that it will not block protest activities carried out within legal limits.
Police forces would focus on ensuring peace and order, facilitating traffic flows and safeguarding Government House, Parliament and residences of government leaders.
“The Metropolitan Police Bureau will form nine rapid-response teams as a precaution to respond to any protest-related situation,” POC spokesman Pol Maj-General Piya Uthayo said yesterday.
Police commanders in Bangkok have been assigned to oversee riot forces deployed at strategic areas near the seat of government.
Police put up head-high barriers at main roads near Government House. Anti-riot forces made preparations for crowd control in case protesters decided to encroach on government installations.
The officers were equipped with shields and helmets with masks to protect them from tear gas. They were also prepared to push protesters back if any try to invade state offices.
National Police chief Pol General Adul Saengsingkaew said the number of protesters was close to what police expected and most were in Bangkok, so his officers were not worried.
