Thailand mobilises over 126,000 police officers nationwide to secure Sunday’s general election and constitutional referendum, focusing on high-risk areas and political neutrality.
BANGKOK: More than 126,000 police officers will be deployed across Thailand to ensure safety and public order during the country’s general election this Sunday.
Assistant Commissioner-General of Police Pol Lt Gen Yingyot Thepchamnong said strict measures are in place to manage security, traffic, and law enforcement.
“Strict measures have therefore been put in place to manage security, public order, traffic facilitation and law enforcement in accordance with the Royal Thai Police’s election security and public order plan,” he stated.
Police are particularly concerned about potential law violations and acts of violence in several high-risk areas.
The Royal Thai Police Election Security and Public Order Operations Centre has been operational since Jan 13 and will oversee activities until Feb 12.
Emphasis has been placed on preventing vote-buying, the sale of alcoholic beverages, and ensuring the secure transportation of ballot boxes.
Earlier, Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet chaired a meeting to review all security preparations.
He instructed all units to ensure maximum safety at polling stations and for the public.
Commanders were also directed to look after personnel welfare and ensure officers are well-versed in relevant laws.
“All police officers have also been reminded to maintain strict political neutrality,” Yingyot added.
Voters will elect all 500 members of the House of Representatives for a four-year term.
The ballot also includes a constitutional referendum to gauge public support for drafting a new charter.
According to the Election Commission, 521 polling stations are set for in-constituency voting.
A further 524 stations are for out-of-constituency voting, with 22 special stations for elderly and disabled voters.