Police Chief Mobilizes 120,000 Officers to Tightly Control Election Period, Reveals Intense Competition in Various Regions

On February 5, 2024, at the National Police Office, Police Chief Pol Gen Kitrat Panpet disclosed preparations for maintaining election period order. Intelligence reports indicate high political competition across many areas, prompting instructions to police regions 1-9 to increase vigilance in safety, facilitation, and law enforcement. Approximately 500 campaign posters have been destroyed, with nearly 20 cases already under investigation. No vote-buying incidents have been reported. The National Police Office is closely coordinating with the Election Commission at central and provincial levels. For election day, police have prepared 126,000 personnel to oversee polling units, ballot box security, and traffic management. Special attention is being given to border provinces and southern regions with ongoing security challenges. The police chief emphasized strict alcohol sales restrictions for the pre-election night and warned of comprehensive law enforcement regardless of political outcomes, aiming to ensure a peaceful, transparent electoral process.