February 8, 2010
BANGKOK (AFP) - The Thai government has begun to deploy at least 20,000 extra security forces across the country ahead of a court ruling on the fortune of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a spokesman said Monday.
Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said protests would be allowed but violence was a concern, in the event of a populist backlash if the court seizes Thaksin's 2.2-billion-dollar wealth when it rules on February 26.
Thaksin loyalists are stepping up anti-government demonstrations ahead of the court date.
"The security will intensify before and after the ruling because the government does not think it will be over," Panitan told reporters.
More than 13,300 security forces will be deployed in pro-Thaksin provinces across the country, while at least 6,500 will be in place in Bangkok and the surrounding area, with up to 200 checkpoints planned in the metropolitan area.
The total number of extra police and soldiers on the streets could be as high as 35,000, Panitan said.
"Extra security laws will (also) be announced if needed to prevent any violence," he added.
On February 26 the Supreme Court will decide whether the fortune of the telecoms tycoon -- frozen in the months after he was deposed in a coup in 2006 -- can be seized by authorities.
Despite staying abroad since August 2008, Thaksin remains a divisive figure in his homeland. Both his opponents and supporters have staged numerous mass rallies over the past year, which have sometimes turned violent.
