PM orders nationwide boost in security

He said the focus would be on important tourist destinations, risky locations and areas with traffic congestion.

The PM urged members of the public not to be startled by a large presence of security personnel, who will soon begin patrolling different places across the country. More security cameras would also be installed, he said.

Security officers would focus their attention on the upcoming Bike for Dad cycling event, to be held on December 11, and would also cover other big national events like the New Year celebrations, he said. 

The increased security would be maintained for the rest of this administration’s tenure, he said.

General Prayut spoke to reporters in the afternoon after addressing a meeting of state agency heads from all ministries at the Budget Bureau.

His talk about increased security followed the arrest of two suspects in an alleged plot to create unrest and attack government leaders. Two people were arrested and police were hunting for seven more allegedly involved in the plot.

Deputy Premier and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said yesterday that his security details would not be boosted despite the reported threat on his life. 

“I have no ill will against anyone. My duty is to work for the country and the people. I have no conflict with anyone. I don’t think anyone would want to hurt me,” Prawit said.

In response to a reporter’s remark that it seemed he and the PM were both targeted in this alleged plot, Prawit said they were rather “moving targets”.

Meanwhile, Police Maj-General Chayapol Chatchaidej, a senior investigator into the alleged plot, said yesterday that immigration police at all border checkpoints had been informed about the seven other suspects, who are still on the run.

Chayapol said the arrested suspects had implicated a number of people based overseas who posted messages insulting the monarchy on social media. He said that police would also seek the arrests of anymore people found to be involved.

Nuttawut Saikuar, a Pheu Thai Party politician and red-shirt leader, called on the authorities yesterday to make the suspects appear for a press conference in order to eliminate suspicion that the alleged plot was a set-up.

He said people doubt that the alleged attackers had the potential to carry out a plot to attack any government leader.

The arrested suspects have been held at the 11th Military Circle in Bangkok.

In a related development, Justice Minister General Paiboon Koomchaya said yesterday the detainees were in better condition than when in an ordinary prison, that tend to be crowded. He said he had suggested that Corrections officials allow visits by the media so they can observe the detainees in the facility.