Cabinet approves Bt250 mln for police providing security in protest

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) – The Thai Cabinet in a special meeting Sunday approved nearly Bt250 million for added police expenses due to their operations in providing security during the anti-government Red Shirt protest and Bt28 million  for the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to investigate cases related to the political turmoil.

During its special session on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as director of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) reported the latest situation update to the Cabinet.

The Cabinet approved a budget of Bt249 million (US$7.7 million) to the Royal Thai Police for operations of 29,700 personnel, working to maintain order from March 17 to April 6, according to government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn.

Another Bt28 million (US$870,000) was given to the DSI as progress can be seen in the terrorism cases and security related cases linking groups of people.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will soon offer a plan to resolve political problems including poverty and electoral system reform. The prime minister is gathering ideas and proposals from several parties including ministries and civil society organisations. When ready, permanent secretaries and other government officials will be assigned to implement plans under the government mechanism, Mr Suthep said.

Dr Panitan also said that short messages will be sent to mobile phones of protesters as a new communication channel from the government after pamphlets distributed at the protest site did not achieve the desired response from the protesters and loud speakers cannot be used effectively at the protest site.

SMS text messages will also inform them about government measures to support people who want to travel home upcountry.  It can be done without infringement of people’s right because it can help them to learn the facts, said Dr Panitan. (TNA)