Thailand's tightened security measures remained under martial law

BANGKOK, May 22 (TNA) - Intensified security measures have been maintained in Thailand under martial law, which has been imposed nationwide since May 20, with soldiers blocking illicit attempts to carry weapons to Bangkok and convincing community-based media not to broadcast any inciting messages. In Ranong Province in the Thai South, soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment of the Tepsatree Task Force have increased checkpoints on Phetkasem Highway to block attempts to transport weapons from the southern region to Bangkok and to watch out for drug and human trafficking. In Buri Ram Province in the Thai Northeast, soldiers of the Suranaree Task Force, together with police and local administrators, have operated checkpoints on Road 24 (Chokchai-Det Udom) in Nong Ki District and in Ban Nong Samet of the Lam Nang Rong locality in Non Dindaeng District adjacent to the Thai-Cambodian border to screen out weapon-movement attempts towards Bangkok. In Khon Kaen Province, also in the Thai Northeast, local staffs of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission closed an illegal radio station in Ban Nong Kham of the Ban Ped locality in Muang District to prevent any inciting program, as ordered by the Peace and Order Maintaining Command (POMC). In Chiang Mai Province in the Thai North, the chief-of-staff of the 7th Infantry Division has asked local journalists and bus operators to refrain from any misleading information and the movement of demonstrators that could cause turmoil. (TNA)