The Royal Thai Police is 100% ready for the Aug 7 charter referendum and there have been no reports of groups preparing to protest on the day, deputy police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piyapan Kongmuang said on Wednesday.
He said Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, the police chief, had instructed all units concerned to take strict legal action against anyone found to be distorting facts about the draft charter, inciting unrest, or committing an offence in violation of the Referendum Act.
Police have arrested a number of suspects in 58 cases throughout the country. The offences, mostly concerning destruction of referendum campaign signs, were committed by individuals with no links to any political party.
About 200,000 police will be deployed to maintain law and order under the supervision of Pol Gen Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul, a deputy police chief.
Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen, also a deputy police chief, will be responsible for a crackdown on betting on the referendum result.
Pol Maj Gen Piyapan said eligible voters are prohibited from taking selfies while casting a voting ballot, writing on or marking the ballot paper, or giving voting guidance to others. Violators will be subject to legal action, he added.
