BANGKOK, 11 July 2012 -Deputy Prime Minister General Yutthasak Sasiprapa has convened a meeting to assess the political situation on Friday when the Constitution Court hands down a verdict as to whether the proposal for a charter rewrite of Section 291 is in breach of Section 68 of the Constitution or not.
National Intelligence Agency Director Mr. Suwapan Tanyuwatthana and Special Branch Division Commander Police Major General Thongchai Tor-ngarm as well as related agencies have been invited to assess what could happen before and after the Court’s ruling.
The purpose of this meeting is to prepare for the unprecedented events that may occur during the Court’s deliberation. The Deputy Prime Minister said he has been informed that many political groups will converge on the Constitution Court building on Friday, and it, therefore, would be wise to have a safety measure in place to maintain law and order.
However, General Yutthasak said the situation, if occurs, will not drag on. The security units will be on stand-by to take action prior to and after the ruling is made. Regardless of the Court’s decision, one of the political groups will incite a riot.
Reportedly, 450 policemen will initially be deployed, but the number will be incresed, if necessary. Police will be conducting body search for weapon on anyone passing through and entering the demonstration venues to prevent violence. Police have been undergoing drills, which include the evacuation of the Court judges. The Army will also cooperate with the police in the evacuation if the situation escaltes into violence.
