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Authorities to tighten cordon around protest area
On 19 May 2010 at 0930 hrs., Deputy Secretary General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesman Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn gave a live press briefing at the 11th Infantry Regiment regarding the current situation and the operations undertaken by security officers since early morning.
The Acting Spokesman informed the residents of Bangkok that on 19 May, security officers would be conducting operations in several locations to secure the perimeter around the protest area, and that a number of operations are under way. The operations are designed to make sure that the security officers could provide security and safety for the public at large, and would continue throughout the day, about which the public would be kept informed.
He further noted that local officers and volunteer emergency teams have been asked to remain on standby and on alert to control fires and other incidents. As in the past few days, Dr. Panitan emphasised, the focus of the operations would be on the perimeters of the protest area to ensure the security and safety of the public within the area.
The Acting Government Spokesman advised that for those Bangkok residents who are concerned about the current operations, or need assistance, they could call or inform the authorities by contacting government emergency hotlines, particularly 199 and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's hotline 1555, so that the officers concerned could work to mitigate such incidents.
Later, on 11.30 hrs., the Acting Government Spokesman stated that the security officers have been able to secure the area around Lumpini Park. He reaffirmed that the intention of the operations was to provide safety and security for the public, and that the officers were carrying their operations strictly in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Government and supervised by the CRES.
Dr. Panitan further noted that some of the UDD protest leaders have escaped from the areas, and asked the public to help notify the authorities if they spot any of these individuals. For members of the public who have concerns over their safety, they could call the CRES’ hotline at 02 551 1515.
For those demonstrators who wish to return home safely, Dr. Panitan said, the Government would provide safe passage for them, whereby they could board buses from the National Stadium next to Pathumwan Intersection.
Finally, Dr. Panitan confirmed the Government’s commitment to public safety, stressing that operations were proceeding under strict control, designed to provide maximum safety to the public, both Thai and foreign. The authorities would inform the public of further progress.
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