Authorities are now preparing security protocols and measures for next week’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. On the days of the conference, the police chief has stated that around 30,000 police officers, backed up by military, will be stationed throughout Bangkok. A large bomb response demonstration was carried out by explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) police at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the location for the leaders’ conference.
A search for suspicious objects demonstration was done out at the main location for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. During the exercise, police canines and remote-controlled explosive ordinance response robots were deployed. The robots can collect x-ray photographs of suspicious things, allowing the operator to decide whether or not the object is an explosive ordinance. When an explosive ordinance is detected, the robot may place the object into a collecting vehicle, which will then transport the device to a safe region for disposal.
Radar-equipped anti-drone vehicles will protect the meeting location from airborne drones. When radar detects a drone danger, radio jammers go into action. Rapid reaction units will locate the drone controller and confiscate the drone. According to the legislation, the controller will be prosecuted.
The Royal Thai Police Commissioner, Damrongsak Kittipraphat, claimed that the police had complete trust in more than 80% of the security measures in place for the APEC leaders’ conference.
He added that after tweaks and further workouts, confidence would reach 100 percent before the meeting day. In Bangkok, the police will deploy around 30,000 officers, who will be backed up by 2,000 troops. During the APEC leaders’ week, the police will be managing traffic around Bangkok in addition to providing security.
The police chief stated that security officers, including those in plainclothes, will monitor view points surrounding the conference area. A high level of protection will also be given at the APEC leaders’ residences and transit routes.
According to Pol. Gen. Damrongsak, the movements of various organizations, especially those with the potential to commit violence, are being thoroughly monitored. However, no alarming movements have been noticed. Lessons from the 2019 unrest have also been incorporated to security arrangements for the conference next week.
The police chief requested that the public avoid areas near the meeting site whenever possible, since ordinary traffic may be disrupted next week.
