BANGKOK, Jan 28 (TNA) - Following the seizure of Thailand's two main airports by anti-government protesters in last November and December, the Cabinet on Wednesday approved a draft law on Suvarnabhumi Airport security, according to Wing Commander Prateep Wichittoe, the facility's deputy director.
The draft law is aimed to empower security officials of the Airports of Thailand (AoT) to block and disperse protests as well as to detain and fine persons causing damage to an airport before sending them to the police, Wing Commander Prateep said.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) blockaded Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports from Nov 25 to Dec 2, causing massive disruption to the country's tourism and trade.
A recent study by the Bank of Thailand estimated that the closure of Bangkok's two airports could cost the economy up to 290 billion baht (US$8.3 billion) in lost income.
AoT officials at present have no authority to obstruct a protest and must await for police to respond to do their duty, so it can't well stop the situation from escalating, Wing Commander Prateep added.
The maximum fine will be increased from 2,000 baht to 10,000 baht for invading and causing damage to an airport.
"The draft law (when enforced) will be part of the civil law while the criminal law already gives authority to the police to deal with such a situation," he said. (TNA)
General News : Last Update : 17:12:52 28 January 2009 (GMT+7:00)
|
