The Thai government on Nov. 24 agreed to enforce its Internal Security Act (ISA) throughout Thailand 's Bangkok capital from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14 to ensure law and order during a series of planned, mass anti-government rallies.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the law is essential to ensure peace and security as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) (otherwise known as the ‘red shirts’) will stage mass anti-government rallies amid the Thai King’s birthday celebrations.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of security affairs, said the ISA would only be imposed in Dusit district in central Bangkok and its two adjacent areas of Sommanas and Bangkhunphrom.
However, the cabinet has decided to use the ISA law across the whole city after the ‘red-shirt’ movement said it would expand the scope of its rallies to various other parts of Bangkok on Nov. 30.
The invocation of the ISA is expected to help Thai security forces better preserve law and order.
As for the possible imposition of the ISA in Chiang Mai, in order to ensure security during a visit by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva from Nov. 27-29, the Thai government said it will assess additional reports concerning the situation there from security authorities prior to making a final decision.
Last week, UDD supporters in Chiang Mai said they would protest against the PM’s visit./.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the law is essential to ensure peace and security as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) (otherwise known as the ‘red shirts’) will stage mass anti-government rallies amid the Thai King’s birthday celebrations.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of security affairs, said the ISA would only be imposed in Dusit district in central Bangkok and its two adjacent areas of Sommanas and Bangkhunphrom.
However, the cabinet has decided to use the ISA law across the whole city after the ‘red-shirt’ movement said it would expand the scope of its rallies to various other parts of Bangkok on Nov. 30.
The invocation of the ISA is expected to help Thai security forces better preserve law and order.
As for the possible imposition of the ISA in Chiang Mai, in order to ensure security during a visit by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva from Nov. 27-29, the Thai government said it will assess additional reports concerning the situation there from security authorities prior to making a final decision.
Last week, UDD supporters in Chiang Mai said they would protest against the PM’s visit./.
