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Report from Bangkok Post dated Friday 9 June 2006 :-

Royal guests' security ready : Roads around Throne Hall closed to traffic

After months of preparation, the military and police say they are fully prepared to provide security protection for the royal guests attending the Royal Jubilee for His Majesty the King. Supreme Commander Ruengroj Mahasaranont said yesterday the security forces were ''more than 100% ready'' to serve and protect.

The police are assigned to escort royal visitors from 25 countries during their visit and stand guard at their residences in 13 different hotels.

All security officers have undergone months of counter-terrorism training.

Gen Ruengroj said intelligence units have kept an eye out for terrorist movements, although no reports have suggested any cause for alarm.

Many of the security officers previously guarded high-level participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in 2003.

Gen Ruengroj said the soldiers take an oath of allegiance before the King every year and are duty-bound to do their best in his honour.

Huge crowds expected Roads and areas surrounding the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall have been closed to traffic since midnight, six hours earlier than planned, to cope with the crowds of people expected to view today's historical events close-up.

Closed are Uthong Nai road, the entire Royal Plaza of Dusit Palace and both lanes of Si Ayutthaya road from the Royal Plaza intersection to the 1st Division of the King's Guard intersection.

Two lanes of Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue, from Royal Plaza intersection to Makawanrangsan bridge, were also closed.

Cars are also barred from entering Phitsanulok road from Suan Misakawan intersection to Wang Daeng intersection.

Traffic police commander Panu Kerdlarppol said throngs of people travelled to the Royal Plaza last night to see the King who is scheduled to appear on the balcony of the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall during the royal ceremony this morning.

From June 11-14, trucks with 10 or more wheels, those fitted with trailers and those carrying fuel will not be allowed on the roads in inner Bangkok, added Pol Maj-Gen Panu.

Pol Capt Phinit Maneerat, spokesman of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said security will be ensured for those camping out overnight at the Royal Plaza to catch the celebrations.

Police operation centres will be set up at Wat Benchamabophit, Makawanrangsan bridge and Phan Fa intersection.

The BMA will deploy 10 mobile toilets from the Misakawan intersection to Phan Fa intersection.

Eight giant LED screens will be set up along the Royal Plaza-Makawanrangsan bridge route so the crowds can watch the live broadcast of the King greeting the people.

At least 2,000 foreign journalists have arrived in Thailand to report on the royal celebrations, according to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai.

The foreign reporters will be allowed to cover events in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and on Monday and Tuesday.

They will also be taken on a tour to visit royal projects in Chiang Mai.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork