The cabinet has approved a budget of more than 177 million baht for the military to purchase crowd control equipment.
The budget is in addition to the Internal Security Operations Command's previous request for 70.8 million baht to buy riot gear - including batons, shields, helmets and bullet-proof vests - which received the cabinet's green light yesterday.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva unveiled the budget after yesterday's meeting. The spending package aims at reinforcing military officers who have played an increasingly active role in maintaining public order at demonstrations over the past year.
The equipment being sought includes 5,200 tear-gas canisters, 260 tear gas launchers and 487,500 rubber bullets.
The material is needed for riot control soldiers who have so far "worked with limited supplies" in helping police control violent demonstrations, including riots in Bangkok last April, , army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.
Soldiers need to be properly equipped so they can support police in keeping order and whenever the Internal Security Act is enforced, he said.
"Security agencies assessing the [political] trend for 2010 expect frequent protests by various groups in Bangkok and upcountry," Col Sansern said. "The officers need enough equipment to deal with a [large] number of protesters."
The anti-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship is planning a rally to try to oust the government later this month.
The date has not been set but UDD leaders say the demonstration will take place before the new parliamentary session begins on Jan 21.
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