Riot gear approved for summit

The cabinet has approved 66 million baht for the Defence Ministry to buy anti-riot gear.

Prawit: Overseeing summit security

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the cabinet yesterday approved the Defence Ministry's proposal to buy the equipment and set up seven companies of riot-control troops to protect the leaders of countries attending the Asean summit later this year.

The companies would be under a panel overseeing the Asean summit's security. The panel is chaired by Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

The cabinet also approved a further 122 million baht to buy 24 bullet-proof limousines for the Armed Forces Security Centre (AFSC), Mr Panithan said.

The AFSC had three bullet-proof cars. However, one was out of order and another had been damaged by red shirt protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship at the Interior Ministry on April 12 which marked the onset of the Songkran riots.

The third is used by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

After violence broke out during the Asean summit in Pattaya in April forcing its cancellation, the cabinet agreed to buy 24 bullet-proof cars to boost security for government leaders.

A special purchasing agreement would be used for the cars.

The Asean summit with dialogue partners will be held on Phuket in October.

Meanwhile, eight more anti-government red shirt protesters will face charges in connection with the Songkran riots, city police said. The eight had spoken on the UDD stage during the violent street protests in April, deputy city police chief Amnuay Nimmano said.

Facing warrants are Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai, Suporn Atthawong, Surachai Danwattananusorn, Somchai Paiboon, Pol Lt Col Waipoj Apornrat, Payup Punkate, Methee Amornwuthikul and Pichet Sukjindathong.

The eight have been accused of illegal gathering, instigating public disorder, and inciting law violations.

The warrants were issued on Monday based on the transcribed speeches of the eight men and video footage showing their roles in the civil unrest.