(8 January) A policeman has been arrested after he attempted to carry a handgun and crystal meth into anti-government protests at Ratchadamnoen Avenue last night.
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The police officer, identified as Pol.Sgt. Pattara Petch-arwuth, was stopped and searched by protest guards at the entrance to the protest site near Kok Wua intersection at around 23.30 last night, said Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul Narongsak, deputy commander of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police.
According to Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul, the protest guards found a 9 mm. handgun, 10 bullets, and one small packet of crystal meth on the policeman. The protesters then reportedly escorted Pol.Sgt. Pattara to a nearby police station, where he was officially arrested.
Pol.Sgt. Pattara has been charged with possession of narcotics, bringing firearm and ammunition into residential area without reasonable cause, and violating the Internal Security Act.
It is not immediately clear whether Pol.Sgt. Pattara was wearing his uniform or operating a police duty when he entered the protest site, but Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul suggested that the policeman belongs to Public Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police.
Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul also told reporters that the police are discussing possible plans to contain the major demonstrations planned by the protesters on 13 January, in which the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) has vowed to "shutdown" Bangkok.
The public should not join the demonstrations or rallies organised by PCAD, since third-hand individuals could infiltrate the protests and cause violent situations or persuade the protesters to commit illegal acts, Pol.Maj.Gen. Adul warned.
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