Police have been deployed around the Thepparattana Siripapha building, where the Cabinet meeting is being held, and all over the university campus.

People and vehicles travelling in and out of the university are subject to security scanning. News reporters are required to properly show their ID cards.

The university’s Chalermphrakiat Building has been prepared to be the venue for a press briefing after the end of the Cabinet meeting.

Prior to the Cabinet meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said the government’s trip to Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen is not intended to poach former MPs to join pro-military political parties as alleged by critics.

Gen Prawit insisted he has not met for talks with local politicians because he does not know any of them personally.

Gen Prawit also denied any knowledge about the 14 former northeastern MPs who indicated they were ready to support the pro-military Palang Pracharat Party, saying that it was the politicians’ own decision.

He said there are now no conflicts in Ubon Ratchathani and the problem about the people being red- or yellow-shirts is now over.

“It may be concluded that the overall situation in the country is good, and the country is now ready for an election,” Gen Prawit said.