Security is set to be tightened in Khon Kaen and Kalasin as Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha prepares to make his first visit to the northeastern red shirt heartland since becoming prime minister.
The tighter security has been ordered to prevent anti-coup protests and ensure Gen Prayut has a warm and safe welcome when he visits the provinces on Wednesday, an army source says.
Provincial governors, military units and police in the areas have been contacted to formulate security plans.
Khon Kaen police yesterday held a meeting to come up with plans for Gen Prayut’s visit.
Pol Maj Gen Jitjaroon Sriwanich, Khon Kaen police chief, said about 300 police officers will be deployed to provide safety for the prime minister at Muang and Kranuan districts where he and his government team will be meeting with people and local authorities.
“We are closely checking the movement of anti-government protesters. But we have not yet heard about any protest plans,” Pol Maj Gen Jitjaroon told the Bangkok Post Sunday.
The 21st Infantry Regiment Queen’s Guard will deploy a forward team to provide stringent security for the premier due to concerns about opposition to his government in areas known for having strong red-shirt support.
Army officers will also seek cooperation from local leaders to stop protesters causing trouble.
“People who have different opinions may be brought for talks and they may also join to welcome the prime minister to present their views to Gen Prayut in a peaceful manner,” the source said.
The source said Gen Prayut had expressed a desire to be able to travel to any region safely, including the red-shirt support bases of the North and Northeast.
Gen Prayut was born in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima as his father was sent to work there, the source said.
Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said Gen Prayut will meet with local people and authorities to monitor the effect of drought and help farmers with projects there.
Mr Yongyuth said the prime minister will use the occasion to inform people about future projects and plans. He did not provide any further details of these.
The same source said Gen Prayut has plans to travel to every region before New Year’s Day.
Deputy Defence Minister and army chief Udomdej Sitabutr said he was not worried about boosting understanding among the northeastern people.
“There is nothing to be concerned about,” Gen Udomdej said during a visit to the Suranaree Learning Centre in the 2nd army base in Nakhon Ratchasima to review the base’s work and extend moral support to forces.
Commenting on reports that political parties are eager to hold meetings to sound out ideas to be forwarded to the Constitution Drafting Committee, Gen Udomdej said he had not yet seen requests from any party.
Political gatherings are currently banned under martial law.
Asked if the National Council for Peace and Order would allow parties to hold meetings during this time, Gen Udomdej said he could not make unilateral decisions on some issues as they do not fall under his authority as army chief or secretary-general of the NCPO.
He said existing orders on these issues must be heeded so that order can be maintained.