The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions postponed reading the verdict to September 27 and ordered the seizure of the bail guarantee of Bt30 million.

She is scheduled to arrive at the Court on Changwattana Road at 9am but she was no show, prompting the court to issue the arrest warrant. If Yingluck still fails to show up on September 27, the Court is allowed by law to read the verdict in her absentia.

Lead judge Cheep Chulamon told the Court that Yingluck’s lawyer said she is sick from Meniere’s disease and asked to delay the ruling without presenting medical certification of her sickness.

He said the defendant’s lawyers had requested for a deferment of the verdict delivery, reasoning that Yingluck was suffering from symptoms of Meniere’s Disease.

The prosecutor, Cheep said, objected and did not believe that because the defendant had not submitted a medical certificate.

The court considered the request and decided not to believe the claim that she was so unwell that she could not attend the hearing, Cheep said.

The court was convinced Yingluck had absconded and so ordered to issue an arrest warrant and seize the Bt30 million bail, he said.

The verdict is rescheduled to September 27 at 9 am.

The reading of the statement took less than one minute and the ruling panel left the courtroom immediately after it was finished.

Outside the Court room, Yingluck’s lawyer; Norawich Larlang he was informed by a source at 8 am this morning that Yingluck is not unwell. Norawich said he did not know Yingluck’s whereabouts or whether or not she is still in the Kingdom or not.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan confirms that he has been informed about Yingluck’s no-show in the court on a claim of sickness.

Noppadol Pattama, former foreign minister under Yingluck’s government claimed he has no knowledge on Yingluck’s delayed arrival.

The media who are on standby in front of her resident on Yothin Pattana Road reported almost the same way that since early morning, as early as six o clock, until 9 am, there was no any cars getting out of her resident.

Even Yingluck’s team of staff and former Pheu Thai MPs said they were just waiting for her too at the court.

Shortly before 9 am, there was a black van arriving. It was believed that Yingluck was inside. The supporters there flocked to greet the van but no one could confirm whether she was inside. They were heard shouting “Yingluck, fight on” repeatedly.

The black van was moving slowly through the huge crowd while they kept shouting “Yingluck, fight on”. The crowd surrounded the van, holding roses in and mobile phones in their hands. They raise their mobile phones to try to take photos of the person inside the van.

Nation TV later confirmed the van did not bring Yingluck to court. It was parked away from the court’s entrance.

A number of her supporters were seen queuing up on Chaeng Wattana Road, waiting to be allowed to enter the Supreme Court compound. Close to a 1,000 people who managed to enter the compound, most of them were clad in black clothes, waited at the venue. But unlike in the past, they were not allowed near the court. They were restricted to a space in front of Building A and on Chaeng Watana Road.

Police officers, who have been deployed there since last night, took turns in speaking to them through a loud-speaker from a truck on how to conduct themselves around the court besides also entertaining them.

Around 7am, former deputy commerce minister Poom Sarapol, one of the defendants in the alleged fake government-to-government rice deal arrived at the court. The two panels of judges hearing two separate cases were also seen arriving at almost the same time.

Former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, the main defendant in the G-to-G deal on the rice-pledging scheme, was seen arriving at the court.

Boonsong, while refusing to anticipate the ruling, said he may ask for bail before proceeding to appeal to the court.

He seemed in good spirits, greeting and chatting with people from the Pheu Thai, including Yingluck’s sister Monthathip Kowitcharoenhul, who arrived at the Supreme Court to provide moral support to her sister while waiting for the court to open.

Boonsong said that among 28 defendants, he only had consulted his former deputy Poom. Asked if the court would read the ruling if all defendants did not show up at the court, he said it would be for the court to decide.

Monthathip was non-committal on the Shinawatras’ political future, only saying, “As a sister, I want to Yingluck to be happy.”

She refused to be drawn into speculation on whether she will be the next Pheu Thai leader, saying she should let more capable people to do the job.

Around 8pm, security officers opened the entrance to the court, allowing people who signed up in advance including the media to go inside. Defendants in the G-to-G case and Pheu Thai people also lined up to get inside.

Seen in the area were red-shirt figure Nattawut Saikua, former finance minister Kittirat Na Ranong, Chaturon Chaisang, Pongthep Thepkanjana among others.

10: 48 am: Nation TV reports that a truck for transporting inmates from the Correction Department arrives at the Supreme Court, leading to speculation about the verdict in the case against Boonsong.

10:35 am: Nation TV reports most supporters of Yingluck remain at the Government Complex. The supporters say they would stay put until police are witndrawn from the court because they believe Yingluck might later show up. The people remain calm and peaceful.

10:25 am: Nation TV reports that Yingluck’s supporters start leaving the court after it becomes certain that the former prime minister is not present to hear the verdict.

10:05 am: Norawich Larlang, Yingluck’s lawyer, says he was informed by a source at 8 am this morning that Yingluck is not unwell. Norawich says he does not know Yingluck’s whereabouts or whether or not she is still in the Kingdom.

10:00 am: Nation TV reports that the Supreme Court has started reading the verdict in the case against Boonsong.

A court official said it could take as long as 4 hours to read the verdict.

9:50 am: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan confirms that he has been informed about Yingluck’s no-show in the court on a claim that she suffered from a disorder in the inner ear. He says the court has issued an arrest warrant against her.

9:45 am: Nation TV reports the Supreme Court issues an arrest warrant against Yingluck. The court postponed the verdict reading to September 27. Her lawyers told the court at 9:37 am that Yingluck is  not well with the Ménière disease or disorder of the inner ear so she cannot come to the court. But the court does not believe the claim as it is not backed by a medical certificate. The court ordered the seizure of the bail guarantee of Bt30 million.

9:40 am: Former foreign minister Noppadol Pattama says that he has no knowledge on Yingluck’s delayed arrival.

9.40 am: if Yingluck is in the court room right now here are what she will be heard

First, guilty and sentenced to one to 10 years in jail, a Bt2,000 to Bt20,000 fine, or both.

Second, guilty with a suspended jail term

Third, not guilty.

But it’s not the end of the world. She and and the prosecution have the right to appeal within 30 days of the court verdict, according to the new Constitution.

9:34am: The Nation cannot yet verify the speculations as no mobile phone is allowed and there is no phone signal at the court. Only those in the court room know if Yingluck is inside the court room or not.

9:30 am: A Yingluck supporter is seen holding a banner that reads “If there is no Shinawatras, we won’t have today. We boundary people are never hired to be here. Hear us, ‘Yut’ (PM Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha)”

9:29 am: A speculated theory has it that Yingluck had asked for a postponement to afternoon as her verdict is scheduled to be read in the afternoon after Boonsong’s case.

9:15 am: Speculations say she had asked the court for postponement to the afternoon but there is no confirmation from the court. The Nation’s reporters in the court room cannot be contacted to verify the information as they are not allowed to use their mobile and the mobile signal is cut at 9am due to security reason. Yingluck might ask for the postponement in the court already. Or she might enter the court room already through a special entrance that nobody can see.

9:10 am: Nation court reporter says he has never seen a case like this. Normally, defendants will ask for postponement if they are not ready but for Yingluck she just disappeared.

One of Nation senior reporters points out that Yingluck’s message Thursday appeared like she was sending a signal. In the message Yingluck asked her supporters not to gather at the Supreme Court today, when the verdict is expected in the negligence case against her.

She said they could not be closely in touch with her, as they had been in the past, due to the strict security measures.

Read what she has said here.

9:05 am: Former UDD chairwoman and key red-shirt figure Thida Thavornseth says that she believes Yingluck will remain to fight in justice process if the ruling comes out against her, saying that Yingluck has done nothing wrong nd it also should not be her “sudden death” as the former premier could still appeal to the Supreme Court if disagreeing with the verdict.

“Yingluck does not only present respects to rule of law but also women’s power im political arena,” Thida says

9:04 am: Here is the normal procedure: if it is certain that Yingluck will not appear in the court, the court will issue an arrest warrant against her.

9:00 am: It is 9am now with Yingluck not turning up at the court. What will happen next?

8:55 am: Five minutes remain. The black van drives through the security checkpoint. Still no sign of Yingluck.

8:55 am: Nation TV confirms the van does not bring Yingluck to court. It is parked away from the court’s entrance.

8:54 am: The crowds are seen surrounding the van, holding roses in and mobile phones in their hands. They raise their mobile  phones to try to take photos of the person inside the van.

8:52 am: The black van is moving slowly through the huge crowds whle the peole keep on shouting “Yingluck, fight on”.

8:46 am: A black van arrives and it is believed that Yingluck is  inside. Supporters flock to greet the van but no one can confirm whether she is inside. The crowds are heard  shouting “Yingluck, fight on” repeatedly.

8:45 am: A supporter to Yingluck shows a portrait he took with her.

8:40 am: Key figures from the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship arrive at the Supreme Court. One of keymen Weng Tojirakarn say that he believes Yingluck will receive justice.

8:30 am: Thirty minutes remain before the court’s schedule to deliver the verdicts, so far, no defendants in the two cases ask for postponement. Yingluck and Boonsong’s  lawyers are at the court but there is still no sign of Yingluck as she has not seen leaving her home yet. Her supporters are waiting anxiously at the Supreme Court.

8:23 am: Even Yingluck’s team of staff and former Pheu Thai MPs may have no idea whereabouts of Yingluck. Reporters at the court talk to them and they say they are just waiting at the court.

8:15 am: Yingluck’s former deputies Pongthep Thepkanjana and Chaturon Chaisang are seen observing Yingluck’s supporter crowd in front of the Government Complex.

8:15 am: Yingluck is still not seen as leaving home, leading to speculation that she may stay overnight somewhere lese, not at home.

8:10 am: Court officials inform reporters and attendants of the court room that cell phones are entirely banned from the courtroom.

8:10 am: Nattawut Saikua, a key red-shirt leader, arrives in front of the Govetnment Compkex near the Supreme Court to the immense cheers from Yingluck’s supporters.

8:05 am: “please give a round of applause for our famous metropolitan chief!” says a police officer, introducing Metropolitan Police Bureau cheif Pol Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, who enjoys taking selfies and getting roses from Yingluck’s supporter.

Sanit says he has deployed around 4000 police officers to oversee traffic management around the Supreme Court’s compound and it went well so far.

8:00 am: Authorities open the entrance of the court allowing people who have signed up in advance including the media to go inside. G-to-G defendants and Pheu Thai’s people also line up to get inside.

7:57 am: Boonsong, along with some Pheu Thai’s people, go inside the court.

7:56 am: One hour before the court schedule to read the verdicts, it is still quiet in front of Yingluck’s home. Nation TV reporter  peeks inside the house and ses a white van parked inside.

7:35 am: Former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, a main defendant to the G-to-G  deal on the rice-pledging scheme, arrives at the Supreme Court. Boonsong, while not anticipating the ruling, says he may ask for bail before proceeding to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Boonsong apparently remains in good spirits, greeting and chatting with people close to Pheu Thai Party including Monthathip while waiting for the court to open as he arrives one hour earlier.

Boonsong says that among 28 defendants, he only consulted with his ex-deputy Poom Sarapol, who also came to hear the ruling today. Asked if the court would read the ruling if not all defendants showed up at the court, he says that it would be due to the court’s considetation.

7:35 am: So far, key defendants in G-to-G fake deal Boonsong and Poom arrive at the court.

7:30 am: Monthathip Kowitcharoenhul, sister of ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra, arrives at the Supreme Court to provide moral support to her sister. Monthathip, positioning herself out of politics, remains non-committal on the Shinawatras’ future political career path, only saying “As a sister,I want to see whatever making Yingluck happy,”

Monthathip also refuses speculation that she will be the next leader of Pheu Thai Party, saying that she should let more capable people to do so.

7:30 am: Former finance minister Kittirat Na Ranong is here but refused to give any interview.

7:30 am: Just a reminder. The court will read the two verdicts at 9am onwards. As the case on the G-to-G fake deal involving 28 defendants, including Boonsong and Poom,  it was not sure if all defendants would attend the hearing or whether they would arrive on time. Usually, the court will wait until all defendants arrive in the court room before delivering the verdict.

7:15 am: A grey van is seen entering Yingluck’s home. It was reported earlier that she would leave her home to hear the court verdict at 7am.

7:05 am: Yingluck’s supporters share a bottle of water to a police officer and give flower to the speaking officer.

7:00 am: Former deputy commerce minister Poom Sarapol, one of the defendants in the fake Government-to-Government rice deal involving in the rice-pledging scheme, arrives at the Supreme Court. He was seen having breakfast at food court centre

7:00 am: Two panels of judges in two separate cases arrive at the Supreme Court.The two cases, which are related to Yingluck government’s rice-pledging scheme, are the negligence case against Yingluck and the malfeasance case against her commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and 27 others.

7:00 am: Police officers take turn speaking via a sound truck talking to the crowd entertaining as well as instructing them of the conduct around the court.

6.50 am: Approximately 1,000 people are at the venue waiting for the former PM and the delivery of the verdict. Most of them are clad in black clothes.

Yingluck’s supporters are not allowed near the court unlike previously. They are restricted to the space in front of the Building A and on Chaeng Watana Road.

6:43 am: Long queues of Yingluck’s supporters are made on Chaeng Wattana road, waiting for being allowed to enter the Supreme Court’s compound.

6.35 am: People working at the government complex as well as those going to receive service starts arriving at the venue. They must go through a check point and present identification documents when passing the streets connected to the Supreme Court.

Pedestrians must go through a walk-walk-through metal detector and show identification documents.

6:25 am:  Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to leave her home to the Supreme Court at 7 am.   She is expected to take about one hour to travel 17 kilometres from her home on Pradit Manutham Road to reach the court on Chaeng Wattana Road.

6:00 am: Police warn people of high traffic volumes in Chaeng Watthana Road and advise motorists to avoid congestion by using alternative roads.

The public is advised to check the traffic situation at the hotline 1197 or via the mobile application POLICE I LERT U before starting journeys.

Yingluck and the other defendants are accused of negligence in their official duties that led to corruption and massive financial damage to the state while implementing their government’s rice-pledging scheme.

Yingluck, Boonsong and other defendants could face either outright imprisonment or a suspended jail term if the high court hands down guilty verdicts, or they could be acquitted of one or both of the two charges.

A guilty verdict would raise the key question of whether the defendants could immediately lodge an appeal with the high court, as explicitly permitted by the current Constitution. Or would they instead have to wait for enactment of the new “organic law” on procedures to appeal in criminal cases involving holders of public office.

Under the current Constitution’s Article 195, which came into effect in April this year, defendants facing trials before the Supreme Court’s division for criminal cases against political officeholders have the right to seek a review of their cases within 30 days of the high court delivering a verdict.

This new article departs from the previous 2007 charter, which allowed defendants to lodge an appeal only when the emergence of new evidence and witnesses could alter the judgement.

Under the 2017 Constitution, all defendants may seek a judicial review of cases regardless of whether there is new evidence and witnesses. Plaintiffs can also lodge an appeal with the high court, which was not possible under the previous charter.

In hindsight, the 2007 charter made it difficult to secure a review of high court verdicts, given the strict requirement for new evidence or witnesses. That sparked criticism of a lack of transparency and fairness, especially with regard to the fact that defendants were mainly former holders of political office.

However, while Article 195 of the current charter clearly stipulates the right of defendants and plaintiffs to lodge an appeal, there is a catch: the charter also says the procedures on appeals are to be based on a new organic law, which has yet to be enacted.

Some legal analysts are of the opinion that this could make it impossible for Yingluck and others to seek a review of the high court’s verdicts if they are judged guilty.

In the case of a guilty verdict and prison sentence, Yingluck and defendants will likely seek the high court’s judgement on a temporary release while also lodging a high-court appeal for a judicial review of their cases. A large panel of Supreme Court judges would then meet to decide on both matters. If the high court granted defendants a temporary release, there is a high chance that a new panel of judges would review the verdicts.

On the other hand, if the petitions for temporary release are rejected, it is unlikely that the high court would accept the defendants’ petitions for appeals.

ON THE EVE of an historic Supreme Court verdict that could change the course of politics, there were calls for calm yesterday amid all-out efforts by security authorities to prevent untoward incidents following warnings of “third party” violence meant to sow chaos.

Embattled former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra asked her supporters yesterday not to gather at the Supreme Court today, when the verdict is expected in the negligence case against her.

Yingluck posted on her Facebook page, which has 6 million followers, that she wanted to avoid possible chaos caused by a third party.

“I care for everyone, be you the people or my Facebook followers. And I don’t want any instigation, which possibly could be brought by a third party, to occur as the security authorities have always said,” Yingluck wrote.

“I’d like to ask that everyone who cares for me, not to go to the court [today]. Instead, I’d like everyone to wait for the news at home to avoid the risk posed by people having ill intentions towards the country and towards us.”

The former prime minister also said she acknowledged the compassion and good wishes of people who were aware of her suffering. However, they could not be closely in touch, as they had been in the past, due to the strict security measures, Yingluck wrote.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is set today to hand down verdicts in two separate cases stemming from the Yingluck government’s rice-pledging scheme – the negligence case against Yingluck and the malfeasance case against her commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and 27 others.

If convicted of dereliction of duty, Yingluck could face up to 10 years in jail. She could also be liable to pay more than Bt35 billion lost because of alleged mismanagement in the implementation of the rice-subsidy policy.

Thousands of supporters are expected to show up to give Yingluck moral support today. Security authorities have prepared measures to deal with large crowds while also advising people against travelling to the court.

However, the reading of the verdict could be postponed if any of the defendants fails to show up today, according to legal experts.

Yingluck’s lawyer confirmed that she would attend the hearing but no such assurances were forthcoming from the other defendants, Boonsong, his former deputy Poom Sarapol and 26 others, including state officials and business executives. It remained unclear whether all 28 defendants would attend today.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday condemned any attempts to pressure the courts hearing corruption cases.

“Speaking about the problem of law enforcement, today there is one case – one in 100,000, or one in a million cases – that has caused a lot of confusion,” Prayut said at a forum on national reform.

He urged members of the public to view such court cases as normal. “If you commit wrongdoing, your case is brought to court. Courts have to rely on evidence before issuing a verdict. If you incite people to support you, society will be split into people who agree and disagree with you. Courts will not be able to do anything. And the country will be in chaos,” the prime minister said.

In a previous reference to the court case yesterday, Prayut said he would not have to appoint people that he trusted as military commanders before he steps down ahead of the election.

“I don’t need anybody to protect me. People in power need to do good to protect themselves. Your appointees can’t actually protect you. Look at the [ongoing] cases in court. Can anyone protect them?” he said, without elaborating.

The prime minister is scheduled today to preside over a Labour Ministry ceremony to present Thailand Labour Management Excellence Awards to outstanding businesses, according to Sumet Mahosot, director-general of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. The event will be held at Impact exhibition hall at Muangthong Thani in Nonthaburi, which is just a short distance from the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the red-shirt umbrella group United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) promised yesterday to accept today’s Supreme Court ruling in the case against Yingluck, even though members “sincerely believed” that she had not committed the alleged wrongdoing. They added that there was no plan to challenge the judicial system or cause unrest.

The UDD maintained that it had not been arranging free trips for Yingluck’s supporters to gather at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

It added, however, that people had the right to travel from the provinces to show moral support for the premier in a peaceful and lawful manner. The group also called on authorities to stop blocking and threatening people.

Several hundred Yingluck supporters have travelled in small groups from different provinces to Bangkok, according to red-shirt sources. Most of them travelled separately via private vehicles, airplanes and trains, the sources said yesterday.

Police have secured the Supreme Court’s compound, with bomb disposal experts and a canine patrol unit being dispatched as part of the security measures and Metropolitan police have installed barricades around off-limits areas.

Plain-clothes police officers will also be deployed to mingle with the crowd gathering at the court today, according to Metropolitan Police deputy commander Pol Maj-General Panurat Lakboon.

The police team involved in preparing for the verdict and public reaction have plans to deal with a “worst-case” scenario, said Army Chief Chalermchai Sitthisart, who is also secretary to the National Council for Peace and Order.

Chakthip said security officials will be closely monitoring “all dimensions” of the verdict and its aftermath, including those involving key figures such as Yingluck and even her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Leaving little to chance, police are prepared for the possibility of Yingluck attempting to flee Thailand after the verdict, while keeping close watch on moves by her brother, Thaksin, who fled overseas in 2008 to escape charges of abuse of power.

Chakthip has placed his deputy, Pol General Srivara Rangsibhramanakul, in charge of the situation. The large and very visible police presence consists of at least 24 units, of 150 officers each, to take care of security around the court compound. There will be three checkpoints set up, and one central security unit in front of the compound to monitor the situation.

Chaktrip said he trusted the force could handle whatever arose, but wanted to ensure there would no trouble caused by a third party.

Social media would also be under surveillance, he said.

Chalermchai, the Army chief, said the situation was still “normal” and no signs of problems had emerged as of yesterday.

He added that security officials had prepared detailed measures to deal with multiple issues, including a worst-case scenario, in the event that the verdict-reading runs on into the evening.

However, he said that serious trouble is unlikely, adding that the military had no plans to set up checkpoints at the court site, but would rather leave security duties to the police.

Assessments suggest 3,000 to 3,500 Yingluck supporters will show up outside the court, said the general. Their legal right to travel to the court to support Yingluck would not be infringed upon, he said, before warning that anyone violating the law would face legal action.

Authorities have reportedly set up checkpoints on roads leading to Bangkok, while red-shirt leaders are being interviewed by police. Prime Yingluck has added her voice to a request from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that Yingluck supporters stay away from the court today. Yingluck suggested that people stay home and watch events unfold on TV rather than risk a confrontation triggered by “third parties”.

Police measures to secure the court compound yesterday included a sweep by bomb disposal officers from the Royal Thai Police’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit. They will also be deployed today along with sniffer-dogs to check the compound for suspicious objects, according to Patrol and Special Operation division commander Pol Maj-General Surachet Hakpan.

Meanwhile police have installed barricades to prevent the crowd from entering the prohibited area. Satellite vans are now parked court-side to receive signals from CCTV cameras installed in the area. Plainclothes officers will also be deployed to mingle with the crowd today, said Metropolitan Police deputy commander Pol Maj-General Panurat Lakboon.

“We believe that supporters have no ill-intention, but we want to ensure there will be no trouble caused by a third party,” said Panurat.

The Supreme Court is today set to hand down a final verdict in the rice-pledging cases against Yingluck and her former commerce minister, Boonsong Teriyapirom.

If convicted of malfeasance and dereliction of duty, Yingluck could face up to 10 years in jail. She could also be required to pay more than Bt35 billion lost through alleged failures in the implementation of the rice-subsidy policy.

Non-essential Justice Ministry officials told to stay home

Justice Ministry officers are being allowed to take a day off today to avoid the expected mass gathering to support former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The Justice Ministry unofficially announced that staff who do not have to deal with the public directly could take a break as supporters of the former prime minister were expected to show up at their workplace in Government Complex.

The ministry also asked officials to avoid bringing their own cars and use public transport because there would be tight security and intensive car inspections. Executives ranking higher than division heads have to go to work, but they were advised to park their cars in an alternative car park behind Government Complex.

Meanwhile, the ministry assured the public that there would not be a problem as officials had already prepared plans to control a political gathering.

Pol Maj-General Jirapat Phumjit, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, also warned people of high traffic volumes in Chaeng Watthana Road and advised motorists to avoid congestion by using alternative roads.

The public is advised to check the traffic situation at the hotline 1197 or via the mobile application POLICE I LERT U before starting journeys.

Checkpoints screen vehicles arriving from Northeast

The 120-kilometre-long Mittraphap Road, the main highway connecting the Northeast with Bangkok, was staffed with five main checkpoints scrutinising passengers heading to the capital.

Officers at checkpoints along the way are especially focusing on public transport such as passenger vans, checking for weapons.

A source close to local red-shirt leaders estimated that less than 1,000 people, including ex MPs, from the region would travel to show support for the former prime minister.

Most people would travel separately in small groups via private vehicles, airplanes and trains, the source said.

A police source said checkpoints in Khon Kaen’s Ban Pai district had been operating 24 hours a day, with increased vigilance after reports of drugs and weapons smuggling in the past few days.

Clampdown on Ubon Ratchathani arteries to capital 

Police, soldiers and Interior Ministry officials yesterday set up additional checkpoints on three major roads in Ubon Ratchathani leading to Bangkok in a last-minute effort to prevent Yingluck supporters from reaching the capital.

The checkpoints were functioning on Chokchai-Dej Udom Highway No 24, Ubon Ratchathani-Khon Kaen Highway No 23 and Ubon Ratchathani-Nakhon Ratchasima Highway No 227.

Officials staffing the checkpoints are stopping passenger buses, charter buses, passenger vans and chartered vans.

A source said red-shirt leaders had not organised transport for supporters of the former prime minister because they had been under close scrutiny by the military.

Red-shirt leader denies transport report, warns of ‘third party’

A red-shirt leader denied a news report that he had arranged trips to the capital for Yingluck supporters involving the rental of 20 passenger vans, adding that people would travel on their own using public transport.

Sompot Prasartthai, who is based in Nakhon Ratchasima province, was visited by officers from the Internal Security Operations Command yesterday following the report.

Sompot said people were aware of what they were doing, would not cause trouble for the public and were willing to cooperate. Instead, officers should watch out for a “third party” with ill intentions who might intervene and cause disorder that would be blamed on the red-shirt movement, he said.

Northeastern police told to monitor social media

The Provincial Police Region 4 in charge of 12 upper northeastern provinces has instructed officers to follow the news regarding the judgement today, including social media, from 8am to 4pm. Officials were also told to set up 40 checkpoints in the area.

The region’s deputy commander Pol Maj-General Chitcharoon Sriwanich said police had been closely monitoring the situation and movement of activists and red-shirt supporters since Monday.

Khon Kaen is one area of focus where five checkpoints had been set up along the route to Bangkok. Bus terminals and airports had been under a 24-hour watch, but no disturbances had been detected, Chitcharoon said.

Some supporters from the upper northeastern provinces were travelling to the court but not in big groups, he said, adding that none of them were being led by local leaders, who had assured police that they were not attempting to mobilise supporters.

Phitsanulok travellers deny any intention to visit Bangkok

Phitsanulok province’s Wangthong district also saw a police checkpoint set up to scrutinise travellers on State Highway 12, which traverses red-shirt stronghold Uttaradit province to Bangkok.

Police are checking vehicles and asking travellers about their destinations. Most of those questioned said they were going to Phitsanulok and to the city’s airport.

No irregularities or movements by Yingluck supporters had been found so far, authorities said.

Tak action too late to block |several red-shirt leaders: source

Tak officials have been checking vehicles leaving the northern province since yesterday morning in an effort to prevent a “massive turnout” at the Supreme Court offices today.

A source said officials were interviewing motorists and passengers in vans about their destinations at various checkpoints.

However, there had not been any reports that groups were being stopped from travelling by officials.

Other sources said military officials had talked to several local red-shirt leaders in Mae Sot, Mae Ranad and Muang districts, but the leaders said they had distanced themselves from politics so they would not travel to Bangkok.

However, another source said five or six red-shirt leaders had already gone to Bangkok on their own.

500 supporters leave Chiang Rai, but others stay put

At least 500 supporters of the former prime minister had already travelled yesterday in small groups from Chiang Rai to Bangkok to rally in solidarity with Yingluck, a source said.

The source, a former local red-shirt leader, said people had travelled in small groups by charter vans.

The source said the supporters did not want to pressure the Supreme Court but simply wanted to show moral support for Yingluck, adding that they had not been hired but they all loved the former prime minister.

The source said some supporters had chosen to stay home to show moral support because of the difficulties in travelling and the limited space allocated for supporters in front of the Supreme Court offices as well as the blockade by authorities.

A military intelligence officer said there had not been many activities in Chiang Rai and officials were closely monitoring various groups.

The police team involved in preparing for the verdict and public reaction have plans to deal with a “worst-case” scenario, said Army Chief Chalermchai Sitthisart, who is also secretary to the National Council for Peace and Order.

Chakthip said security officials will be closely monitoring “all dimensions” of the verdict and its aftermath, including those involving key figures such as Yingluck and even her brother, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

Leaving little to chance, police are prepared for the possibility of Yingluck attempting to flee Thailand after the verdict, while keeping close watch on moves by her brother, Thaksin, who fled overseas in 2008 to escape charges of abuse of power.

Chakthip has placed his deputy, Pol General Srivara Rangsibhramanakul, in charge of the situation. The large and very visible police presence consists of at least 24 units, of 150 officers each, to take care of security around the court compound. There will be three checkpoints set up, and one central security unit in front of the compound to monitor the situation.

Chaktrip said he trusted the force could handle whatever arose, but wanted to ensure there would no trouble caused by a third party.

Social media would also be under surveillance, he said.

Chalermchai, the Army chief, said the situation was still “normal” and no signs of problems had emerged as of yesterday.

He added that security officials had prepared detailed measures to deal with multiple issues, including a worst-case scenario, in the event that the verdict-reading runs on into the evening.

However, he said that serious trouble is unlikely, adding that the military had no plans to set up checkpoints at the court site, but would rather leave security duties to the police.

Assessments suggest 3,000 to 3,500 Yingluck supporters will show up outside the court, said the general. Their legal right to travel to the court to support Yingluck would not be infringed upon, he said, before warning that anyone violating the law would face legal action.

Authorities have reportedly set up checkpoints on roads leading to Bangkok, while red-shirt leaders are being interviewed by police. Prime Yingluck has added her voice to a request from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that Yingluck supporters stay away from the court today. Yingluck suggested that people stay home and watch events unfold on TV rather than risk a confrontation triggered by “third parties”.

Police measures to secure the court compound yesterday included a sweep by bomb disposal officers from the Royal Thai Police’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit. They will also be deployed today along with sniffer-dogs to check the compound for suspicious objects, according to Patrol and Special Operation division commander Pol Maj-General Surachet Hakpan.

Meanwhile police have installed barricades to prevent the crowd from entering the prohibited area. Satellite vans are now parked court-side to receive signals from CCTV cameras installed in the area. Plainclothes officers will also be deployed to mingle with the crowd today, said Metropolitan Police deputy commander Pol Maj-General Panurat Lakboon.

“We believe that supporters have no ill-intention, but we want to ensure there will be no trouble caused by a third party,” said Panurat.

The Supreme Court is today set to hand down a final verdict in the rice-pledging cases against Yingluck and her former commerce minister, Boonsong Teriyapirom.

If convicted of malfeasance and dereliction of duty, Yingluck could face up to 10 years in jail. She could also be required to pay more than Bt35 billion lost through alleged failures in the implementation of the rice-subsidy policy.

Eight died in the gambling hub of Macau, where images showed cars underwater and people swimming along streets. The enclave’s famed mega-casinos were running on backup generators.

Macau’s leader made a public apology after his government came under fire for its delayed storm warning, while the head of the weather bureau resigned.

A man was killed by a wall that was blown down, another fell from a fourth-floor terrace and one was hit by a truck.

The Macau government said two bodies were found in a flooded car park early Thursday, and that two more died when they were trapped in the basement of their shop. Details of the remaining death were not immediately available.

Footage published Thursday on the website of Apple Daily showed water gushing into an underground car park, with people wading through neck-deep water littered with debris as one man shouted in panic. It was not clear if it was the same car park where the bodies had been found.

“I have never seen Macau like this since I came here in the 70s,” a taxi driver aged in his 50s who gave his name as Lao told AFP.

“It’s like they were trying to gamble with their luck,” Lao said adding that authorities had reacted too slowly and did too little to alert residents of the coming storm.

Blacked-out slot machines were seen at the largely empty Wynn Macau casino where there was no air conditioning and a musty atmosphere.

A fireman (C) is seen next to a fire truck in a cordoned off residential area in Macau on August 24, 2017, a day after Typhoon Hato hit the city. // AFP PHOTO

However, a few dozen gamblers ignored the heat and tried their luck at four baccarat tables.

A staff member at the enclave’s sprawling Venetian resort said its casino and shops were open, but there was no air conditioning. A source had said on Wednesday that the complex was running on back-up power.

But at the Grand Lisboa Hotel in central Macau, an employee told AFP it was still without electricity and water and that its casino and restaurants were closed.

The city’s gambling industry generated over 220 billion patacas ($27.29 billion) in revenue in 2016, over half of its annual GDP, as it hosted more than 30 million visitors.

– ‘Tremendous damage’ –

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Macau’s leader Fernando Chui and other government ministers bowed their heads during a minute’s silence at an evening press conference.

“These two days, we have faced an extremely difficult test together. Hato is the strongest typhoon in 53 years and has brought tremendous damage to Macau,” Chui told reporters.

“In facing this disaster, we admit we have not done enough, there is space for improvement. Here I represent the Macau government in expressing our apologies to the residents,” he said, adding that the city’s meteorological bureau chief had resigned.

Debris was scattered on roads and a shipping container was washed up on its side in front of a temple after Wednesday’s storm.

Streets were lined with trash and shattered glass and residents holding plastic buckets queued for water from fire hydrants.

“We’ve been going without water and electricity for more than 24 hours. It’s so hot,” May Lee, in her 40s, who was in line for water, told AFP, adding that there was not even water for flushing the toilet.

In Hong Kong, Hato — whose name is Japanese for “pigeon” — sparked the most severe Typhoon 10 warning, only the third time a storm of this power has pounded the financial hub in the past 20 years.

The city could have suffered losses of HK$8 billion ($1.02 billion), Chinese University of Hong Kong economics professor Terence Chong told AFP, referring to the value of its daily GDP.

More than 120 were injured as the city was lashed with hurricane winds and pounding rain.

In the neighbouring southern Chinese province of Guangdong, at least eight people have died, state broadcaster CCTV reported, while around 27,000 were evacuated to temporary shelters, the official Xinhua news agency said. Nearly two million households were briefly without power.

CCTV said four of the mainland deaths had occurred in Zhuhai, three in Zhongshan and one in Jiangmen.

Hato was downgraded to a tropical depression Thursday afternoon as it travelled further into China

Hong Kong and the surrounding region is regularly battered by typhoons between July and October.