Bangkok needs 60,000 CCTV cameras, police chief says

The capital needs to have around 60,000 CCTV cameras in public places to help detect crime, says national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda.

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Top cop urges more city CCTV

Online reporters

The capital needs to have around 60,000 CCTV cameras in public places to help detect crime, says national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda.

Speaking yesterday at the Royal Thai Police (RTP) Office Headquarters, he said there should be many surveillance cameras in Bangkok as the city has expanded into a bustling metropolis prone to crime.

He cited other big cities with around 60,000 surveillance cameras in place to make the case that Bangkok should also have a similar number.

He was responding to a meeting on Monday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, to discuss plans to install CCTV cameras throughout the country.

The talks were attended by high-ranking police officers and representatives of the private sector.

Officials have examined the functionality and locations of security cameras installed nationwide to see whether they are still working and placed strategically to help detect crime, Pol Gen Chakthip said.

Existing CCTV cameras also need maintenance. Here a BMA worker cuts tree branches which block the closed-circuit television camera installed in front of Red Cross of Thailand on Henry-Dunant road in February 2014. THITI WANNAMONTHA

He said RTP has supported the plan to install security cameras as the devices play a crucial part in solving crimes and also help save lives and property.

The idea has also been supported by the private sector.

The national police chief said he told Gen Prawit at the meeting that police should be involved in the installation plan as they know the right spots for detecting crimes.

Cooperation is needed between the government and the private sector's security camera companies, Pol Gen Chakthip said, adding an integrated system would help the country better prevent crimes.

According to the City Hall, there are about 53,000 CCTV cameras installed while all dummy cameras have been removed.

However, Pol Gen Chakthip said dummy cameras are also required to scare off petty thieves.

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