CNS reviews security plan
An anti-junta protester holds up a banner supporting ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a rally at Sanam Luang last night.
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The Council for National Security will review its security measures after intelligence reports suggested supporters of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wanted to instigate violence.
CNS spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said security officials will adjust their strategy on handling protesters at the next anti-junta demonstration because during last Saturday's rally, protesters threw aside barricades and pushed cars against officials. He said although plans would be changed, the police would not use arms but only shields to protect themselves.
Sansern said if more than 10,000 people gathered at Sanam Luang on Saturday, 13,000 or more officials will be deployed to control the crowd.
Asked if the Assets Exam-ination Committee's decision to freeze Thaksin's assets would spark violence, Sansern said the CNS had not discussed the issue. "The decision will have some impact because when people meet a dead-end, or are tired, hungry, sleepy or disappointed, they will show their true colours," Sansern said.
He denied reports the CNS was preparing another group of protesters to confront anti-junta groups. "It is just a psychological ploy in the political game. The CNS does not have any intention to use mobs against mobs," he said.
When asked if the government would impose a state of emergency if there was bloodshed during the protests, Sansern said the government did not believe a state of emergency needed to be declared, but was ready to apply the law.
Sansern said the CNS would not obstruct protest leaders.
Panya Thiewsangwan
The Nation
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