Thai police reinforce security at Singapore Embassy
BANGKOK, March 7 (TNA) - Police have beefed up security around at
the Singapore Embassy after anti-government demonstrators announced
that they would target at least one demonstration at the embassy on
Thursday.
The demonstrators want to bring public attention to their request
that the Singapore government reconsider the share purchase
agreement between a Singapore government-related firm and
Thailand's flagship telecommunications company Shin Corp, owned by
the Thai leader's family.
Mr. Thaksin's family sold its controlling stake in Shin Corp to
Singapore's Temasek Holdings on January 23.
The tax-free deal caused growing public discontent that has
recently steadily escalated into four major protests against the
prime minister, now continuing with demands for the prime
minister's resignation.
Thai Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon said the deployment of
additional police around the embassy was to prevent trouble, He
said the ministry has already informed the embassy about the
likelihood of a demonstration and requested coordination on
security concerns.
Mr. Kanthathi said that demonstrations at embassies in Bangkok have
rarely been a problem. "We send police just to observe. It is just
a precautionary measure to prevent trouble,'' said the foreign
minister. (TNA)-E110