Thailand invokes Internal Security Act to handle Red-Shirt demonstrators

BANGKOK, Sept 15 (TNA) – The Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Bangkok’s key Dusit district from September 18-22 ahead of this weekend’s planned anti-government “Red-Shirt” demonstration when the protesters will mark the third anniversary of the coup which toppled then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The Cabinet anticipates that the rally could draw hundreds of thousands of anti-government protesters from the capital and upcountry, which warrants applying the law to prevent any possible disturbance, according to Panithan Wattanyagorn, acting government spokesman.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva assured the Cabinet that law enforcement officers will not infringe the constitutional rights of the would-be demonstrators in their activities, Mr Panithan said, emphasising that the measures to be applied will not adversely affect Thailand’s tourism industry.

The security law will be enforced in Bangkok’s historic Dusit district, which is home to Parliament and Government House, the seat of the government.

Meanwhile, Jatuporn Prompan, a key leader of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) announced shortly after the Cabinet announcement that the UDD will mobilise its supporters from the Northeast to rally at the home of Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council on September 19 before marching to the nearby Royal Plaza.

The UDD accused Gen Prem of orchestrating the 2006 coup that ousted Mr Thaksin while he was attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mr Jatuporn pledged the rally will be peaceful but will prolong if the government apply harsh measures against the demonstrators.

The anti-government rally is expected to be the largest since the demonstrations at Government House in April turned into riots that left two dead and more than 120 injured.

Police General Thanee Somboonsap, acting national police chief, said the National Police Bureau has issued guidelines to deal with the demonstrators to avoid any possible legal action against the police.

The guidelines include riot control operations stressing negotiation with no use of force, Gen Thani said, and the measures are intended to set the standard practice for police units in controlling a crowd. (TNA)