Bangkok: Police authorities have convened to address election security measures, identifying 12 districts that demand heightened surveillance due to competitive races for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) councilor positions and reported breaches involving election signage.
According to Thai News Agency, the police spokesperson revealed that these districts are being monitored closely following the discovery of 12 cases of violations related to election signs. Law enforcement officials have been directed to meticulously oversee ballot boxes throughout the election process, from polling stations to storage facilities.
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, who serves as Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police and spokesperson for the organization, recently visited the polling station at Wat Tritotsathep. This visit followed a strategic meeting at the Election Security and Order Center located within the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong assured that there is no current intelligence pointing towards election-related offenses in either Bangkok or Pattaya. However, authorities have recorded seven incidents involving the vandalism of campaign signs. In these cases, some individuals removed signs for personal use as wall coverings, while others expressed dissatisfaction with specific candidates at particular polling stations. These actions were deemed to be personal and not politically motivated.
The focus on the 12 districts stems from their classification as "yellow zones," indicating a need for increased vigilance due to the heightened competition for Bangkok City Council seats. In response, the Bangkok Metropolitan Police have deployed rapid response units to ensure security and order within these areas.
Efforts to secure the election process also extend to the handling of ballots. Police have been tasked with closely monitoring the transportation and storage of ballot boxes to prevent any irregularities. Additionally, the National Police Chief has reinforced the necessity for all officers to maintain neutrality and conduct their duties with integrity and transparency.