Metropolitan police have been told they cannot take time off work over the New Year holiday unless it is absolutely essential.
Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachange issued an urgent order saying they were needed at work during the New Year festivities between Dec 27 and Jan 2, when many people would go to the provinces and their homes would be vacant, and many places would host New Year celebrations.
Police would be widely deployed during this period, he said.
Low ranking officers seeking time off would need to seek permission from their immediate bosses, while those at superintendent level and above would have to apply for approval from the Metropolitan Police Bureau.
Police officers also must not give gifts to their bosses, either at the office or at their residence. They could express their best wishes by staying put and being on duty to safeguard the people and their property in their absence.