Bangkok: The Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1 conducted an inspection at the Victory Monument area, emphasizing the necessity for protesters to adhere strictly to the Public Assembly Act while planning to deploy forces to ensure strict control of the area.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Atthaporn Wongsiripreeda, the Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1 (MPB 1), detailed the outcomes of a meeting held with Mr. Jatuporn Promphan and the United Front for the Protection of Sovereignty group. The protesters expressed their intention to utilize the area from midnight on June 28 until midnight the following day, and discussions centered around the legalities of public assembly. The National Police Chief has provided guidelines to the Metropolitan Police Bureau, underscoring the need for protesters to comply with the Public Assembly Act. Additionally, police officers have been instructed to ensure the safety and convenience of the public, including traffic management.
The discussions were mutually agreeable, and a decision was made to establish a screening point to prevent the entry of weapons and illegal items. Arrangements include designated parking for toilets, ambulances, and a special lane for emergency vehicles, regardless of the crowd size. An operational plan will be announced by the Metropolitan Police Bureau to the Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police at 3:00 p.m. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will also participate in the meeting to consider potential adjustments to the public transportation plan.
In terms of security assessments, Pol. Lt. Col. Atthaphon reported that the Metropolitan Police Bureau's security sector currently evaluates the situation as being at the green level, although daily assessments will continue. Any intelligence regarding unrest from outside the country will be reported to the deputy commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police.
To ensure effective monitoring, a multi-tiered security team has been established. Police will be stationed at innermost screening points, while a separate team will handle incident prevention at a middle level. An outer circle will feature patrols in four directions near key locations, including Din Daeng Triangle and Phra Mongkutklao Hospital, with a mobile team providing additional support. Surrounding police stations have been directed to station patrol cars strategically. Although a riot police unit has been set up, there will be no movement of personnel or use of shields or batons.
At 1:30 PM, the Commander personally inspected the area around Victory Monument, focusing on the entrance to the BTS Skytrain, which will serve as a screening point for rally participants. Additional checkpoints and patrols will be established on the skywalk. On Saturday, traffic flow, particularly from Din Daeng Road to Phaya Thai Road, is expected to increase, necessitating special traffic facilitation measures. A decision was made to set up a stage at Din Daeng Island to minimize traffic disruption, with the situation undergoing periodic assessments. The placement of speakers away from nearby hospitals will help control noise levels. For security, a platoon of 40 riot control officers will be stationed near Rajavithi Hospital within Victory Monument, with entry to the monument itself prohibited for protesters.