Security Ammunition and Explosives Warehouse Participation of the Royal Thai Army

Abstract

Ammunition and explosives are essential in battle. The secure storage of ammunition and explosives aims to prevent loss or leakage, potentially due to breaches of security measures by outsiders or insiders. The storage of ammunition and explosives is conducted in accordance with approved protocols for both peacetime and wartime. The designated depot for storage is a securityzone, prohibiting entry by unauthorized personnel. However, those with relevant duties are allowed access and exit through designated channels and must comply with various security measures, such as using a pass card, face scanning, fingerprints, walking through metal detectors, and being under constant surveillance by security guards. Entry and exit to such storage areas must be permitted by the ammunition and explosives storage unit commander or an assigned responsible person. Crime theory concepts can explain the security of ammunition and explosives depots, leveraging the environment to prevent breaches. This consists of two theories: 1) the broken windows theory, and 2) the crime pattern theory. Both theories align with various established security measures, emphasizing the importance of reducing the chances of security breaches. Effective security measures rely on the cooperation and attention of responsible officials. Therefore, it is essential for relevant officials at all levels to participate in the security measures of the ammunition and explosivesdepots. Participation in security measures can be explained through Arnstein’s (1969) theory, which outlines eight rungs: 1) manipulation; 2) therapy; 3) informing; 4) consultation; 5) placation; 6) partnership; 7) delegated power; and 8) citizen control. The above participation concept can be applied to security measures for ammunition and explosives depots. However, because some rungs of participation overlap, it has been adapted to match the security measures, resulting in five rungs that are sufficient to prevent security breaches: 1) informing; 2) placation; 3) partnership; 4) delegated power; and 5) citizen control.