Security measures intensified at Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area

BANGKOK, October 28 (TNA) - The Royal Thai Police and the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) will install more close-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and deploy more security guards to ensure safety of the public and international travellers during the high tourism season late this year. Assistant National Police Chief Police Lieutenant General Anant Srihiran told a press conference on Wednesday that police are checking sensitive areas and working with security guards of local buildings. Police Lieutenant General Anant said the intensified security measures cover 13 buildings in the vicinity of the Ratchaprasong Intersection, including Gaysorn shopping center, Amarin Plaza, CentralWorld shopping center, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, the Brahma Shrine and even the Royal Thai Police headquarters. RSTA President Chai Srivikorn told the same press conference that the measures are part of the internationally-recognized Ratchaprasong Integrated Security System (RISS), under which a suspect of an untoward incident would be arrested within 15 minutes. Chai stressed that the beefed-up security measures are aimed to boost confidence among international tourists who would visit Bangkok's Ratchaprasong area, a world-class tourism landmark where various lifestyle activities are presented during the annual high season, including the Bangkok Countdown at Ratchaprasong event. As about 300,000-400,000 people visit the Ratchaprasong area daily, Chai foresaw that traffic in the area should increase by 8-10 per cent yearly, while the number of international visitors should soar by 25 per cent during the high season, with Chinese tourists now forming the biggest group of international visitors to the area, followed by Asians who work in Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong. According the RSTA president, about 500 high-resolution surveillance cameras and more lighting instruments will be soon installed in the vicinity of the Ratchaprasong Intersection and specially-trained security guards will cover areas within buildings and public areas. (TNA)