Large police presence around charter court ahead of Prayut tenure ruling
More than 300 police officers were deployed on Friday to stand guard around Constitutional Court, which is set to issue a verdict on General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s tenure as PM.
Pol Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen, Royal Thai Police deputy spokesman, said the court premises had to be secured after news reports said that some political groups were planning to gather there when the ruling is being read.
Kissana was also present to observe the security arrangements at the court compound inside Government Complex in Bangkok’s Laksi district.
The charter court had initially marked Building A in the complex, where the court is located, as a controlled area from 7pm on Thursday until 6am on Monday.
“Protesters should be aware of laws and regulations and avoid disorderly behaviour,” the spokesman said on Friday.
He also said the demonstrations planned at the Ratchaprasong intersection and the Pathumwan Skywalk nearby had been approved by the police. However, he said, the protesters should follow all terms specified to avoid violating the law.
There have been no requests for additional police security for Prayut and the nine judges of the Constitutional Court, he said.
The court is scheduled to issue a verdict at 3pm on Friday on whether Prayut has completed eight years as prime minister.
