Top military and police commanders have been urged to execute strict measures to maintain peace and order during the New Year holidays.
Speaking after chairing a meeting on Wednesday with top-level police and military officers, Supreme Commander Surapong Suwanna-at called on the armed forces commanders and police agencies to beef up security measures to maintain peace and order during the New Year festival, which officially runs from Dec 31 to Jan 3.
He also urged the military and the Royal Thai Police to launch traffic management plans to help holiday travellers and take strict action against law breakers to curb road casualties during the long weekend holiday.
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The meeting was also attended by army commander Chalermchai Sitthisat, navy chief Adm Na Areenij, air force commander ACM Johm Rungswang and national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda.
Gen Surapong also discussed the military's role next year as the government prepares for the next general election and reiterated that security must be tightened for the sake of peace and order.
Boosting people's understanding of national policies and the government's work was also part of the armed forces' duties.
Gen Surapong said he believed peace and order will be maintained in the country next year as more people appear to understand the government's objectives and its work.
He said divisions among people in society had abated with some positive signs emerging from national reconciliation. He did not elaborate.
However, the military will remain on guard against anything that could undermine national security, he said.
The supreme commander also thanked the armed forces for their contributions to ongoing preparations for the royal funeral rites of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
He also thanked them for providing assistance to flood-affected victims in the southern provinces and helping to harvest rice for farmers suffering from a severe drop in crop prices.
Gen Surapong also instructed all military units to be ready for the Cobra Gold military drill next year.