More than 3,000 delegates will arrive in Bangkok for the ASEAN Summit starting Thursday, and as current ASEAN chair, Thailand is beyond anxious about security measures, given its regional summit track record.
Gen. Suwat Chaengyotsuk said today that some 17,000 police and military personnel will be providing security at meeting venues, hotels and transit routes. Members of the public are asked to be “good hosts” and dial 191 or 1599 if they spot anything suspicious.
Most security measures are already in place, the deputy commissioner-general of the national police force said, adding a detailed list of routes likely to be affected by the much-anticipated political pow-wow.
Gen. Suwat said a number of roads will be closed for some hours during the summit and commuters are advised to plan alternative routes.
Those frustrated by VVIP motorcades had best prepare themselves for a whole lotta motorcades transporting foreign heads of state along affected routes from 1pm on Friday until 8pm on Monday.
Those traveling downtown are advised to ditch their rides and stick to public transit. Hopefully (but unlikely) your employer has given you leave to take advantage of the two “optional” holidays extended to Bangkok and Nonthaburi province.
Thailand’s hoping it can pull off a summit without it being marred by unrest. The last time it chaired the 10-nation block was in 2009, when the Redshirt movement emerged to storm the proceedings in Pattaya. It had to be canceled and everyone went home.
Just two months ago, during a ministerial meeting – and as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was delivering an address – a series of small bombs were detonated at symbolic locations throughout the capital, injuring several people.
Hopefully the worst we VUP will have to endure is shitt(ier) traffic. Here’s a map of the roads to be affected. Red are routes to avoid; green are the suggested alternatives. Good luck out there!
Related:
Thailand declares 2 extra holidays for next month
2 arrests linked to Bangkok bombing spree: PM
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