BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittipunt confirmed that New Year countdown events could continue as usual in all 50 districts of the metropolis but the focus is on safety and orderliness especially at four key gathering points – Central World, Icon Siam, Asiatique, and the forecourt of Siam Paragon, Amarin TV said last evening (Dec. 24).
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has not organised a countdown event with the celebration it will be holding being to mark the 215th anniversary of Wat Suthat Thepwararam. It is the private sector that has arranged the New Year celebrations and these are continuing as normal for economic boost but the focus is on safety, Chadchart said.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Dr. Tawida Kamolvech mentioned that he had talked to the proprietors of the four key countdown points about safety measures. The focus is on Central World where the road will be closed and around 80,000 to 100,000 revellers are expected to gather.
Relevant agencies have been told to prepare measures for the big gatherings including inspecting CCTV cameras. Teams from Metropolitan Police, district offices, civil defence volunteers plus entrepreneurs’ staff will be stationed at various points to prevent overcrowding with public health agencies too on standby.
Chadchart said months ago in August that the most worrying issue about pubs and bars is the number of people gathered there and communicating with them in a confined space as this makes it challenging in clearing these venues for officials to move in quickly if need be.
Those going out to celebrate New Year were urged to check their electrical equipment before doing so and if deemed necessary they could ask the police or the district office to keep an eye on their home while they were away.
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Top and Front Page: Countdown at Central World in 2019. Photos: Matichon
Insert: Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Photo: Thai Rath
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