Thailand deploys 50,000 troops in preparation for Bangkok protest

Thai authorities have started deploying 50,000 troops on to the streets of Bangkok ahead of rallies by anti-government protesters that they fear could turn violent

The demonstrations by the so-called “Red Shirts”, who support fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, begins on Friday – two weeks after the kingdom’s top court confiscated $1.4 billion of the tycoon’s assets.

Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister, who is overseeing the security operation, said “full deployment” of 30,000 soldiers, 10,000 police and 10,000 civilian volunteer forces had begun.

“If protesters intrude into army bases or police stations, the government will use armed force to crack down immediately, as we consider them terrorists,” he said.

Telegraph