More than 18,000 police will be deployed throughout Bangkok to ensure law and order for the gubernatorial election on March 3, Pol Maj-Gen Adul Narongsak, the metropolitan police spokesman, said on Monday.

He said the Metropolitan Police Bureau has set up an election peace-keeping centre to collate intelligence operations, to run a campaign encouraging people to exercise their right to vote, and to prevent election fraud.

A major crime-suppression drive will be carried out for seven days in the lead up to the election. During this period, police will be deployed to ensure law and order at political rallies, prevent campaign signs from being destroyed and take legal action against wrongdoers.

Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, the army chief, said all candidates would be allowed to campaign for votes at military camps.

Related search: Bangkok governor election