The military junta is deploying at least 1,400 soldiers around Bangkok this weekend to reinforce security amid fears of fresh violence during anti-coup protests. Bangkok will be divided into 14 zones, with at least 100 soldiers deployed in each. Thailand's junta chief, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, ordered the deployment to back up police after an anti-coup protest last Sunday turned violent with more than 100 injured in clashes with police. The soldiers will deploy from Saturday through Tuesday, as Thailand observes a long weekend for a Buddhist holiday, but that period could be extended further, according to a junta spokesman. The announcement of the deployment came one day after nine protest leaders were arrested over clashes with police that took place earlier in the week.
AFP