Thai police ready to take care of Chinese New Year celebrants

BANGKOK, February 17 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Police says it has deployed 1,400 rapid movement teams to secure Chinese New Year celebrations nationwide. Deputy National Police Chief Police General Ruangsak Jarit-ek told journalists on Tuesday, while inspecting security measures and public services in Yaowarat, also known as Chinatown, in Bangkok, that Thai police are now ready to ensure security nationwide during the ongoing Chinese New Year Festival, with police forces mobilized to protect both international tourists and the general public. Police General Ruangsak stated, as Thailand's Chinese New Year celebrations were set to organized at 12 main locations, including Yaowarat area in the capital, Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Chon Buri and Phuket, the 1,400 rapid movement police units, together with over 300,000 volunteers, have been put on standby to prevent untoward incidents nationwide. The deputy national police chief, however, asked people to take precautions while lighting joss sticks to worship spirits during the Chinese New Year period to prevent fire. The deputy national police chief warned those who cause fire are legally liable to seven years in jail each and a fine of at least 14,000 baht. (TNA)