Article 95

Judge safety steps proposed

CHEEWIN SATTHA

Chiang Mai _ The Office of the Judiciary has proposed measures to ensure the safety of judges working in three southern border provinces in the wake of the killing of a judge in Pattani.

The measures, discussed yesterday during a workshop attended by 500 judges including the Supreme Court president and Judicial Commission representatives, were expected to ease fears after the killing of Rapin Ruankaew on Sept 17 triggered massive transfer requests.

Chat Cholavan, office secretary-general, said the measures included structural design changes of court buildings and judges' residences, as well as bullet-proof vehicles and vests for judges.

Other changes were the lifting of a two-year requirement for judges to work in provinces away from home until the southern situation returned to normal and measures to boost the efficiency of court security officers.

The proposals made by the Office of the Judiciary will be sent to the Judicial Commission. Earlier the office increased risk allowances, put in place a 24-hour rapid security force and beefed up courthouse security.