Cops hit the beat as election looms
PHUKET: About 150 Phuket police officers are patrolling the streets as part of the island’s crime suppression mission in the lead-up to next month’s general election.
Wednesday 15 June 2011, 04:53AM
The troops were released by Phuket Police Commander Maj Gen Pekad Tantipong at Muang Police station on Sunday night.
Gen Pekad confirmed that three MP candidates had requested police protection as tensions mount in and the July 3 election draws closer, but added that no election-related violence has been reported so far.
“Nonetheless, our police officers will have to remain politically neutral during the coming weeks, and work intensively to quell any criminal activity that may come about as a result of the election,” Gen Pekad said.
“The officers will also have full authority to arrest those who are caught defacing political posters.”
