Bangkok has gone from chaos to calm, but experts warn residents must now make security precautions a part of everyday life,
Is Bangkok any safer since the army staged its final operation to disperse red shirt protesters from Ratchaprasong on May 19?
The dispersal resulted in arson, widespread looting and violent, sometimes fatal clashes between demonstrators, security forces and the so-called "terrorist elements" the government claims mixed among protesters.
By that time, the city had already endured a series of grenade and bomb attacks, as well as gun battles since late February, when the latest round of political turmoil began.
Now, Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra says the city is looking for "a new beginning".
The clean-up operation has been completed and damaged buildings will be rebuilt.
However, neither the governor nor security agencies can assure city residents that their lives will return to normal in terms of safety.
MR Sukhumbhand admits Bangkok does not yet have its "house in order" in the aftermath of the riots. The future safety of citizens is at stake as is the city's status as a premier tourist destination.
"Before we advise foreigners to come to Thailand, we must be able to ensure their safety," says MR Sukhumbhand.
Recent events have led to power being cut in certain areas, public transportation shutting down and businesses as well as other commercial services closing.
The actions of "radical protesters" after the end of the protest led even ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to warn about the danger they posed.
The army has also stepped up its surveillance in the city, fearing terror attacks in the form of car and motorcycle bombs, similar to what has happened in the deep South.
Bangkok residents are advised by security experts to stay alert and be proactive in preparing for protests, potential riots, and even "terror attacks".
Community watch efforts are the most effective means of ensuring everyone's safety, says MR Sukhumbhand.
"We'll train 300,000 more volunteers to watch over safety in communities," he says, adding that 15,000 volunteers have already been trained.
He says 10,000 closed-circuit television cameras will be installed throughout the city.
But MR Sukhumbhand admits City Hall faces limitations in coordinating with other agencies and with its fire-fighting capability.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) scheme to purchase fire trucks and boats has been delayed due to alleged corruption, he says.
Kitti Sukutamatunti, managing director of Direction Plan Co, a security firm, advises city residents to continually monitor news updates and devise an emergency plan with families and friends.
"The fact that there have been grenade attacks on buildings, power transmission facilities and petrol storage facilities means there is a need for people to increase the level of their preparedness for a potential crisis," he notes in a recent report.
In the event of a serious crisis, residents should have cash on hand as well as adequate medical and food supplies.
It is better to stock up on dried and canned fruit, which do not require cooking, than raw and frozen products, Mr Kitti says.
He says that initially one week's worth of supplies is adequate, but in the event of a prolonged crisis, two weeks' worth is recommended.
Battery-powered flashlights and radios should also be on hand.
As difficult as it may be, he recommends keeping mobile phone usage to a minimum during a crisis and always having a fully charged replacement battery available.
Always keep your vehicles full of petrol, and you should consider having a back-up supply.
Offices should also have detailed evacuation and fire-safety plans in place for employees.
To minimise work disruption and risks to personal safety, measures should be prepared to allow employees to work in a crisis situation, he says.
MR Sukhumbhand says the BMA would soon devise a reconstruction and rehabilitation plan for the city. However, he says that reconciliation is the key to preventing another crisis from unfolding in the capital.
"The approach we'll take [on reconciliation] must be people-centred because the people of Bangkok have been deeply affected," he says.
From : Bangkok Post
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