Marshals begin to secure courts

The first batch of marshals responsible for providing security in courts begins work today, the Office of the Courts of Justice said.

Thirty-five marshals, including seven women, are being deployed after a 14-day training course at a Taling Chan centre in Bangkok, according to Sarawut Benjakul, the office’s secretary-general.

The marshals have been trained in both theoretical and practical areas of duties, which also include the use of firearms, anti-terrorist exercises, analysing intelligence, investigation methods, mapping out search operations, devising arrest procedures and escorting VIPs.

Given the limited number of marshals trained in the first batch, they will be put to work mainly in beefing up security in courts where high-profile cases draw many spectators.

Mr Sawarwut said court security surveillance will be standardised with the police assisting in the enforcement of law and order at the courts.

The courts are free to request the deployment of the marshals if they require extra security protection at hearings or readings in important cases.

Mr Sarawut said security at courts has been stepped in light of recent events. His remarks come in the wake of multiple bombings in Bangkok and Nonthaburi.

The tight security measures may inconvenience court visitors, he said.

The marshals are recruited under the Court Marshals Act, which was published in the Royal Gazette on April 16 and took effect last month, according to Mr Sarawut.