Thai Police Step Up Nationwide Crime Crackdown Ahead Of Election

By Kenny Teng Khoon Hock

BANGKOK, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- As Thailand prepares to head to the polls this weekend, police have arrested more than 1,400 suspects in a nationwide sweep targeting firearms and explosives.

Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police (Security) Pol Gen Samran Nualma said 1,406 suspects were arrested during multi-agency operations conducted between Jan 25 and 31.

He said 1,420 firearms, comprising 175 registered firearms and 1,245 unregistered firearms, along with 4,463 rounds of ammunition, were seized during the operations.

“During the period, police took legal action in a total of 1,431 cases involving firearms and ammunition,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Samran, who is also Director of the Election Security and Order Maintenance Centre of the Royal Thai Police, said three cases each involving explosives and military-grade weapons were recorded.

Authorities also took action in 3,900 drug-related cases over the same period, resulting in the arrest of 3,857 suspects.

Samran said Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet had issued instructions to officers to strictly carry out their duties to maintain security and public order in accordance with the Election Protection Plan/66.

He said the police chief had also ordered a nationwide mobilisation to suppress crime, boost public confidence and ensure the safety of life and property, with particular emphasis on tackling general crime as well as offences involving firearms, ammunition, explosives and narcotics.

“The Royal Thai Police have instructed all units under its command to maintain strict enforcement measures and continue intensified arrests, particularly for offences involving firearms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics and other election-related crimes, to preserve public order in the lead-up to polling day,” he said.

On Sunday (Feb 8), Thais will head to the polls to elect all 500 members of the House of Representatives for the next four years.

A constitutional referendum will also be held alongside the general election to gauge public support for drafting a new constitution.

-- BERNAMA