A memorandum regarding the use of temporary detention facilities has been released, allegedly to prepare for potential protests during July 2023. The Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police says such preparation is not unusual.

On 2 July 2023, a memorandum was released regarding the use of temporary detention facilities at Thung Song Hong, Chalong Krung, and Chorakhaenoi police stations.

The memorandum states that reliable information shows that protests are anticipated by groups with different political opinions who have scheduled protest activities in Bangkok of a kind that uses violence and does not conform to the Public Assembly Act and other relevant laws, potentially leading to unrest.

To ensure an effective legal process and maintain safety and measures to preserve peace in case a large number of protesters are apprehended, the three police stations’ detention cells will be used. The arrangement will be effective from 1-31 July 2023 or until the mission is completed.

Matichon Online reported that Pol Col Wichai Daengpradap, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police’s Investigation Division, revealed that a memorandum on the use of the detention facilities in the 3 police stations is issued monthly. Otherwise there will be disputes about the legality of detaining protesters at the 3 police stations. Wichai said these police stations are remote, not on main roads and more easily guarded. This will prevent protestors following the detainees, blocking roads and damaging property.

Wichai added that memoranda like this are regularly issued in order to handle situations that are expected to occur based on the news.