Acting Police Chief: Police able to handle UDD’s gathering

BANGKOK, 14 August 2009 (NNT) – Acting Police Chief, Police General Wichien Pojpohsri, assured that the police would be able to control the gathering of the United Front for Democracy against dictatorship (UDD) on 17 August.

Pol. Gen. Wichien confirmed that no incidents would be seen at the UDD’s gathering to submit the petition seeking a royal pardon for ex-prime minister Thaksin on 17 August as he would control the situation himself. He said the Metropolitan Police Bureau had coordinated with the First Army Region Command and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to jointly handle the gathering. He added he would call a meeting today with relevant agencies to discuss preparations for the movement.

He was confident that the “Korakot 48” crowd control plan would be effectively used to cope with the UDD’s rally. He said authorities had been sent to negotiate with the UDD core members to ask them not to travel to the court where the case of Mr. Nevin Chidchob would be considered on 17 august to prevent a possible confrontation between the UUD supporters and the pro-Navin groups.