BMA officials on alert for New Year countdown

BANGKOK, December 29 (TNA) - Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials have been posted at some 80 stations throughout the Thai capital and ordered to stay on alert, especially in areas where there are many entertainment complexes, for any possible fire caused by fireworks set by New Year celebrants. Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra told reporters on Saturday he has made the order for fears that any serious fire accident could erupt from fireworks set by people celebrating countdown to New Year’s Day. M.R. Sukhumbhand insisted that his BMA officials will work in full force on New Year’s Eve and will coordinate with other relevant government agencies, especially with metropolitan police, to ensure that no undesirable incidents take place in the capital and surrounding areas. A total of 66 people died and other 222 injured from fireworks which set the roof of Santika Club in central Bangkok on fire before dawn on January 1, 2009. According to the Bangkok governor, the City officials have also set up six tents to facilitate holidaymakers who are leaving the capital from now until December 31, 2012, with each tent served by about 150 officials to help check car engine, provide drinking water and sleeping facilities for the holidaymakers. The governor noted that his BMA officials will then move to six other points to help people returning to Bangkok from January 1-2, 2013. (TNA)