Bangkok: The Deputy Commissioner General of Police recently chaired a pivotal meeting aimed at reviewing and strengthening security measures for the upcoming New Year's Eve celebrations, underscoring the readiness to safeguard the public and ensure the smooth execution of countdown events nationwide.
According to Thai News Agency, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, tasked Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner General, with leading the meeting to evaluate operational procedures for the 2026 New Year's Eve festivities. The meeting was well-attended by key figures including Police Lieutenant General Surapong Thanomjit, Assistant Commissioner General; Police Lieutenant General Yingyos Thepjamnong, Assistant Commissioner General and Royal Thai Police Spokesperson; along with representatives from relevant agencies across the nation. Held in the Sriyanon Room at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, the meeting also incorporated a teleconference format to ensure comprehensive participation.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai highlighted the Commissioner's guidelines on crime prevention for areas hosting New Year's Eve activities in 2026, emphasizing the need for synchronized security measures given the varying timings of events. To ensure public safety throughout the extended holiday period and to mitigate potential unrest or criminal activities, all police units have been directed to establish checkpoints, roadblocks, and crime prevention points. Enhanced vigilance and surveillance are mandated to extend until January 16, 2026.
The Deputy Commissioner General has mandated that police units across the country be fully prepared to counteract crime in areas hosting New Year's Eve and countdown events, as well as prayer ceremonies. Contingency plans are to be in place for events of varying scales, with special attention on landmark venues and open spaces with anticipated large gatherings. Notably, 119 large-scale countdown events are scheduled nationwide, with six prominent ones in Bangkok, including CentralWorld, Khao San Road, Asiatique, Rajamangala National Stadium, One Bangkok, and ICONSIAM.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai stressed the necessity for commanders to be present during the New Year's festivities, particularly during countdown events, to provide close supervision and efficient incident management. The deployment of a visible police presence was emphasized, along with the transition from conventional CCTV to AI-powered cameras. Areas yet to upgrade should integrate their systems with Police Region 6, a pilot area, to bolster public security.