Emergency Center established to curb situation

BANGKOK, 7 April 2010 (NNT) – The Center for Public Administration in Emergency Situation has been established following the declaration of the State of Emergency to control the situation amidst mass protests of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Suthep Thaugsuban was authorized as the director of the center while Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan was appointed as the deputy director. Military top brass, permanent secretaries of many ministries, and heads of other relevant sectors will serve as the committee.

The operation of the center and the government will aim to restore peace for Bangkok residents, suppress dissemination of information with tendency to instigate division and illegal actions, prosecute core leaders of the UDD, and prevent unrest incidents in a more effective manner.

The government also assured that the operation of the authorities to maintain order in society would be in compliance with the law and international standards.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday evening declared the State of Emergency in Bangkok and the adjoining Nonthaburi province as well as some districts in the central provinces of Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom, and Ayutthaya.