Security clampdown in Bangkok

Bangkok, May 29 (UNI) The Thai capital was put under a heavy security blanket today on the eve of a constitutional court ruling on the continued existence of the country's two main political parties.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's Thai Rak Thai party and the opposition Democrat Party are facing charges of electoral malpractices during last year's general elections, swept by the Thai Rak Thai.

Around 13,000 troops and police have been deployed in sensitive areas across the city as the nation awaits tomorrow's verdict of the Constitution Tribunal on alleged election malpractices by parties that could lead to their dissolution.

In a rare advisory intervention, Thailand's revered King last week urged the judiciary to carefully weigh the issues before reaching a verdict that could have momentous political consequences.

Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has cut short his visit to China this week following the monarch's expression of concern and will be in Bangkok on the day of the verdict.

All eyes are on the nine Constitution Tribunal judges who began deliberations this afternoon amidst tight security.

There is widespread concern about possible political violence if either of the parties or both are ordered to be dissolved or if their leaders are banned from public life for a number of years.

UNI