BANGKOK, April 4 – The Thai capital, Bangkok and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (City Hall, the BMA) is on high alert with increased security measures set for this month’s Songkran festival April 12-15.
The BMA’s precautions are meant to prevent any violence after last weekend’s car bomb attacks in Yala and Songkhla, according to a senior City Hall official.
BMA City Law Enforcement Department director Kramol Olarawat said the agency will mobilise 1,240 law enforcement staff from the city’s 50 district offices to assist police in providing security and to help motorists during the traditional water festival.
Thousands of Bangkokians will travel to the provinces, while many visitors will flow into the capital for the festivities, he said.
The BMA’s law enforcement contingent staff will also be on duty at bus terminals, shopping and tourist centres, and other areas considered to be at possible risk.
Chiang Mai Governor Panadda Disakul said the province was also stepping up security measures. Security will be heightened at all gateways to the province—by road, rail and air.
Provincial agencies will report on a daily basis, said the governor, who urged the public to help the authorities by noting and reporting irregularities
