Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner conducted an inspection on the first day of registration for constituency-based parliamentary elections, ensuring that the proceedings were orderly and secure. Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commander of the Metropolitan Police, oversaw the security measures at the Din Daeng Sports Complex, emphasizing the readiness of the police force to maintain order and facilitate traffic.
According to Thai News Agency, the Metropolitan Police Command has deployed a total of 50 officers from various police stations, including Makkasan, Bang Pho, Phaya Thai, and Din Daeng, to ensure a smooth registration process. The initial reports showed that the situation was calm, with no unusual activities observed. Furthermore, no candidates had requested special police protection, indicating a peaceful start to the election process.
Tomorrow, registration for party-list MPs and the submission of prime ministerial candidates will take place at the Government Complex in Chaeng Wattana. Police presence will be heightened to manage the process and to monitor any potential election-related disturbances, particularly along the border areas. The Royal Thai Police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Police are prepared to address any election campaign-related threats, including intimidation and attacks on candidates. They have implemented a crackdown on crime, focusing on drug trafficking and firearms, coinciding with the New Year's celebrations.
In terms of applicant safety, there have been no requests for individual security measures, and the application process remains unaffected. The Election Commission will oversee any election offenses, such as the destruction of campaign materials, with the police maintaining their neutrality to ensure a fair election process.
As the election approaches, increased surveillance measures will be enacted, particularly in designated special monitoring zones. Although intelligence reports have not indicated any significant threats or movements by armed groups, the police are committed to preventing any political unrest in Bangkok, which they believe will be less severe compared to the provinces.