Security-monitoring committee mulls invoking special security law

BANGKOK, March 8 (TNA) – Thailand’s government-appointed security monitoring committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is set to decide during its Monday meeting whether or not to invoke the Internal Security Act to maintain law and order during a planned anti-government
mass rally this Sunday.

Speaking to reporters before chairing the meeting attended by the defence minister, and top police and military officers, Mr Suthep said the meeting will consider vital information including the anti-government Red Shirt movement which is expected to mobilise its supporters from provinces across the country this Friday, with masses of demonstrators expected to arrive in the capital early on Sunday to determine whether it is necessary to invoke the Internal Security Act.

“If the meeting concludes that the situation is likely to escalate and spiral out of control warranting the special security law enforcement, the committee will forward its decision to Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting for approval,” Mr Suthep said.

The meeting is a response to the anti-government ‘Red Shirt’ United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) announcement that it is mobilising at least a million supporters nationwide to join the mass rally March 14 aiming at bringing down the Abhisit Vejjajiva government.

The prime minister, who is scheduled to visit Australia during the red shirt protest, said on Monday that he may reconsider his visit schedule after reviewing the committee’s resolution.

Mr Abhisit’s planned visit to Australia March 13-17 is at an invitation by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The prime minister earlier said the security-monitoring committee had received an information indicating that possible acts of subotage aimed at creating chaos in the country are looming.

The prime minister said security personnel at all checkpoints have been ordered to inspect vehicles for any weapons being taken to the rally site to prevent acts of violence.

He urged the UDD supporters to conduct their planned Bangkok mass rally in a peaceful manner, saying the demonstrators should refrain from bringing vehicles from upcountry to block traffic in the capital during the rally.(TNA)