Thailand's new general election believed to be well carried out

BANGKOK, March 18 (TNA) - The new general election in Thailand next week is believed to be well-carried out nationwide by all concerned authorities. Deputy National Police Chief Police General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul voiced the positive view on March 17, when over 2 million voters turned out to cast their ballots for the advanced national poll organized nationwide. Police General Srivara told journalists that the Royal Thai Police has collected information on problems and difficulties found on the advanced national poll date to be forwarded to the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) for its consideration and further actions to address the problems and to cope with the situation on the national poll day next Sunday, March 24, including traffic arrangements to facilitate voters and security measures to be provided for them. "I believe that less problems and difficulties will be found on the new general election day on March 24, as concerned authorities have learned from the situation on the advanced national poll day, mostly caused by traffic problems due to limited polling stations. On the new general election day, there will be over 90,000 polling units nationwide and the problems should, thus, be reduced", said the deputy national police chief. For the Thai Far South, the deputy national police chief stated that he has proposed that final preparations for the insurgency-plagued region be increased to two days, from one day, and soldiers be asked to provide public security services for voters in the troubled Thai Deep South. According to the deputy national police chief, he has also suggested relevant authorities to take special care of themselves while being on duty in their areas on the national poll day next Sunday. (TNA)