Cabinet ups security

The Thai Cabinet has authorised the use of the Internal Security Act BE 2551, from 11 to 23 March, in Bangkok and seven nearby provinces. Also it approved the use of 18 related laws during its meeting yesterday.

Contrary to media reports the Cabinet did not announce a “state of emergency.” Red shirt leaders have also given assurances that they will not attempt to close airports.  Security around airports has increased with roadside checkpoints.

Yesterday, the UK ambassador in discussions with opposition party Puea Thai that supports the red shirt leaders raised the issue of Bangkok’s airports and whether red shirt protestors would attempt to close them during their rallies, noting that a closure would harm both investment and tourism.

The ISA gives security forces full authority to ensure airports are not used for demonstrations and remain open to both domestic and international travel.

Private sector representatives in the travel industry have stressed that if the city’s two airports are closed by protestors, the country will suffer irreparable damage that will destroy efforts to rebuild the economy.

Preparations for demonstrations will start, 12 March,  at 10 sites in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces, before protestors move to Ratchadamnoen Road on 14 March.

The 10 sites are: Laksi monument; Tung Song Hong; Lumpini Park; Din Daeng; King Taksin Memorial on Wong Wien Yai Circle; Bangna; Nonthaburi City Hall; two sites in Lamlukka district in Pathum Thani province and the town hall of Samut Prakan province.

The red shirts have announced that the main rally in Bangkok, 14 March, will stretch from Sanam Laung to Equestrian Statue of King Rama V (Amporn Gardens) with the main stage at Phan Fa Leelad Bridge on Ratchadamnoen Klang road. (Near the Democracy Monument).

Prime Minister secretariat deputy and PM’s Office spokesperson, Panithan Wattanayakorn, said the approval of the ISA will cover every district of Bangkok and Nonthaburi and some districts of Pathum Thani, Samut Prakarn, Samut Sakorn, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya provinces.

He said the ISA allows people to rally, but gives police and military  the authority to act in a peacekeeping role and prevent unrest or damage to public property.

According to the ISA, the Internal Security Operations Command has wide ranging powers to act:

1.It can ensure relevant state officials implement any action to end unlawful activity;

2. Prohibit entry or exit at a locality, building, or designated during its operating hours, except with the permission of a competent official;

3. Prohibit exit from dwelling places within a designated time (curfew);

4. Prohibit the carrying of weapons outside a dwelling place;

5. Prohibit travel by vehicles on certain routes or on restricts access to vehicles;

6. To ensure there are no unlawful actions with electronic equipment (related to explosives) to safeguard life and property of the people.