The Thai government has decided to intensify security in its capital Bangkok as the 2010 New Year approaches.

Although the country’s security agencies do not expect any violence when the New Year arrives, the government is taking measures to ensure law and order in the capital, said Suthep Thaugsuban the country’s Deputy Prime Minister in charge of security, to reporters on December 29.

According to him, a number of checkpoints will be set up across the city and the surrounding areas where violence could erupt, especially on New Year’s Eve. He said that the security measures will cause inconvenience for local people but it is necessary to ensure public safety.

The leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorships (UDD) do not intend to cause unrest on the occasion, said the Deputy PM, adding that if they did they would lose the support of the people.

On the same day, the Commander of the Royal Thai Army General Anupong Paojinda confirmed that the army will work closely with the police to set up checkpoints at all of the government’s major agencies and many public places. In addition, a special task force of about 500 soldiers will be on hand to be deployed to hot spots if any incidents take place, he said./.