More than 2,500 police will be sent to the Supreme Court where crowds of Yingluck Shinawatra supporters are expected to lend her moral support next Friday, the day the court hands down its ruling in the former premier's rice-pledging case.
Panurat Lakboon, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), said Thursday a joint police force of around 2,550 officers will be stationed at the court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.
The officers will come from Metropolitan Police divisions, the Protection and Crowd Control Division, and Provincial Police regions 1, 2 and 7.
He said it was not illegal to lend moral support to the ex-prime minister. However, the gathering will breach the law if supporters are organised to gather at the court or stir up unrest.
Pol Maj Gen Panurat was speaking after a meeting to devise security measures at the court.
The meeting was also attended by representatives from the 1st Army Region, the Office of the National Security Council, the Special Branch Bureau and the deputy chiefs of nine divisions of the MPB.
Pol Maj Gen Panurat admitted the number of supporters expected to turn out at the court could exceed the crowds on Aug 1 when about 1,000 people gathered for Ms Yingluck to deliver her closing statement.
Therefore, he said the entire court compound will be declared off-limits to supporters. Barricades will also be erected. Supporters of Ms Yingluck who breach the barriers could face legal action.
Three checkpoints will also be set up while authorities will mainly provide security for the judicial commission and court officials.
Army commander-in-chief Chalermchai Sitthisad said the MPB will be the key agency to maintain peace and order next Friday.
However, officials attached to the Interior Ministry's Peace and Order Maintaining Command will be put on standby as well.
Nattawut Saikuar, a red-shirt co-leader, insisted he will appear at the court to give moral support to Ms Yingluck as she is a former colleague. He denied having any hidden agenda.
