BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Police have tightened measures against illegal activity during the coming Makha Bucha Day while indicating there have been no signs of a demonstration by Buddhist clergy.
Deputy Spokesperson for the National Police Office, Pol Maj Gen Songpol Wattanachai, has ordered officers to stringently monitor against the sale of alcohol this Makha Bucha Day and let on police will be visiting entertainment venues, transport hubs and gas stations to actively inspect retailers. Checkpoints will be set up from midnight on February 21 to midnight of February 22 to check drivers for alcohol consumption and those found to be driving under the influence will face up to 6 months in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 baht or both.
On rumors that members of the Buddhist clergy will hold a demonstration on the religious holiday, fellow Deputy Spokesperson for the National Police Office, Pol Col Krissana Pattanacharoen affirmed that intelligence has not indicated any action is being planned. He added that police have received complaints against monks previously gathered in support of the Sangha Association’s choice for the new Supreme Patriarch and are considering if the action was in violation of demonstration laws.
