CCTVs installed in Bangkok for Royal celebration security

BANGKOK, June 5 (TNA) - Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Bureau has installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) across the capital as part of the plan to improve safety in the city.

The system has been put in place and is ready to monitor the 60th Anniversary celebrations of His Majesty the King's Accession to the throne to provide security for world royalty and other dignitaries who will visit Thailand during the event.

At the opening of the project, which uses digital technology, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Lt-Gen Wirote Chantharangsee said that CCTV will be installed in 240 locations and that it will extend the capacity of police to monitor larger areas of the city.

About 1,000 CCTVs have been installed. The project is aimed to have 100,000 CCTV cameras in place across the city for the security of the public.

General manager Nattawut Amornwiwat of True Internet Co., Ltd. said that his company had set up the system for the Royal Thai Police as a public service.

TNA
June 5, 2006

AOT fully ready to welcome world royalty

BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) – Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. (AOT) says it is now fully prepared for welcome receptions of royalty from across the world who are due to arrive in Thailand later this week to join Royal and state ceremonies marking the auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60 years on the throne.

Chotisak Asapaviriya, AOT President, said on Tuesday that AOT, as the management of Bangkok's International Airport, the company is fully ready for preparations of the receptions on its parts of responsibility.

First, it has coordinated with the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Royal Thai Police for preparations of security measures.

Second, it has given full cooperation to the Bureau of the Royal Household in decorating airport reception areas in preparations for the honorary welcome of the royal guests.

He said AOT’s executives and staff had been instructed to be on a 24-hour alert for operations.

The company has also sought cooperation from people and passengers who are due to come to the airport during June 7-14 to comply with the security measures and set more time for travel because there might be traffic closure in some areas toward to the airport.

TNA

Bangkok's BEST flood response teams mobilised for Royal celebrations

BANGKOK, June 5 (TNA) - On the eve of the historic anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne, which will put the Chao Phrya River on television screeens worldwide, 70 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) quick response teams are ready to control possible flooding in the capital to ensure that no flood will interfere with the procession of royal barges next week.
Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin announced that the emergency teams will quickly respond to and contain flooding anywhere in the capital, concentrating on the Chao Phrya River neighbourhoods.

The crisis-response teams--Bangkok Emergency Service Teams, called 'BEST' units by the BMA--will control both water in the streets and storm sewers to make certain that floods will not mar the festive events.

Governor Apirak said the BEST units will be on full alert from this Friday through Tuesday for the celebrations centreing on His Majesty the King. During the long weekend, the BEST teams will coordinate with the Traffic Police and Bangkok Metropolitan Police to ease traffic.

Interior Minister Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana said that no critical flooding is now in the provinces, following last month's calamitous floods and mudslides in five northern provinces.

TNA

Supreme Commander says security heightened for royal guests

BANGKOK, June 8 (TNA) - Royal Thai Armed Forces Supreme Commander Ruengroj Mahasaranond assured the public on Thursday that Thailand is fully prepared to provide security for the royal guests and heads of state who will join the kingdom's celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne.

Gen. Ruengroj, in his capacity as chairman of the sub-committee responsible for the security of the dignitaries, said there is "over 100 percent" readiness because government agencies have coordinated in practice exercises before the events.

The police are the main security force, Gen. Ruengroj said. Anti-terrorist exercises have been conducted for several months. According to intelligence, there is no report of any likely incident that could be worrying.

"Everything will be just fine," the supreme commander said. "The experience [we] gained from hosting the APEC meetings in 2003 will help us improve our work during the auspicious celebrations."

Speaking about the military and "tam boon", or doing good deeds for the King as a merit-making exercise, he said soldiers take an oath of allegiance every year and will continue doing good for His Majesty the King and make it better every year.

"What I hope to demonstrate is that the military can support the public. So, soldiers must be good. When the people are happy, His Majesty the King will have no worries," he said.

TNA