Tight security as MP application kicks off tomorrow

POLICE have beefed up security at Bangkok Youth Centre in Din Daeng district as electoral contestants running for constituency-mode parliamentary seats in Bangkok will be flocking in to file their application tomorrow (Apr. 3), the first day to do so with this closing on Friday (Apr. 7), Matichon newspaper said.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chokchai Ngamwong, deputy chief of Metropolitan Police, inspected the tightened security with a big turnout expected tomorrow as aside from the candidates vying for seats in Bangkok’s 33 constituencies, party leaders and supporters will also be showing up.

He declined to comment about the possibility of protesters too coming round, saying “I only came to inspect the arrangement.”

It was mentioned that two companies of crowd control police are being stationed at the youth centre to ensure peace and order. Many television and radio stations too have already installed their equipment to report on the application process.

According to regulations each candidate has to record their application time before going into the hall.

If there is no agreement among the candidates on the order of application submission then a lottery will be drawn to allot each applicant’s identification number.

Reporters at the scene said campaign vehicles of several parties were already parked along Mit Maitri road adjacent to the youth centre including those of Pheu Thai, Democrat, Ruam Thai Sang Chart and Bhumjaithai.

Bangkok Metropolitan City Hall Two where candidates standing in the party-listed mode will be filing their application from Tuesday to Friday (Apr. 4-7) there was no preparation today with this to take place from 1 p.m. onwards tomorrow but officials have set up a big tent in front for supporters showing up to cheer their candidates tomorrow to use.

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The hall at Bangkok Youth Centre where candidates will assemble to get their identification number and the police preparing for the event. Photos: Matichon