The Tourist Police Bureau (TPB) has trained a 40-member VIP protection team in preparation for over 250 meetings as Thailand serves as the Asean chair.
The 40 tourist police officers earlier this month completed a week-long training course aimed at enhancing their crime investigation, crime suppression and situation management skills, said Pol Maj Gen Woraphong Thongphaibun, chief of the TPB's Division 1 that created the programme.
The training was conducted at a Provincial Police Region 7 facility in Nakhon Pathom province and prospective team members were required to pass a basic fitness test before they took part.
The TPB is normally responsible for ensuring security for Their Majesties the King and Queen, all other royal family members and the King's guests.
The team will provide additional security at the 22nd meeting of the Asean Socio-cultural Community, the 19th meeting of Asean Economic Community, the 20th meeting of Asean Political-Security Community and the 35th Asean Summit which will all be held in November in Bangkok, according to Pol Maj Gen Woraphong.
"Aside from these core regional meetings, Thailand will hold approximately 250 more meetings, which will be attended by important regional figures who will require special protection to ensure their safety," he added.
