BANGKOK, 24 January 2014 Director of the Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung has revealed that the center will be based at the office of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.
Following the government’s establishment of the CMPO to oversee the enforcement of the emergency decree in Bangkok and nearby provinces, Pol Capt Chalerm stated that authorities had come to a conclusion to utilize the compound of the Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau, which is located inside the Royal Thai Police Sports Club, as the CMPO base.
He said meetings would be convened at least once a day, starting from today onwards, with officials responsible of reporting on developments over the past 24 hours and assessing the overall protest situation. Only police will be in charge of peacekeeping operations for now, whereas military reinforcements will be deployed if necessary.
Pol Capt Chalerm confirmed that the setting up of the CMPO and the declaration of the state of emergency were not against the law. The Director reiterated that the center would adhere to international standard practices and negotiations in handling the protesters and no force would be applied. He added that peaceful, unarmed gatherings would still be allowed; however, the protesters must respect the rights of others in return.
On this occasion, the CMPO Chief also pleaded with the rally-goers to stop their besiegement of government offices as well as road closures.
