Korbsak named as chief coordinator with UDD

BANGKOK, 10 March 2010 (NNT) – Secretary General to the Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu has been appointed chairman of the working panel to coordinate with UDD core figures.

The appointment was made by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) during its meeting on Wednesday chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The meeting reviewed security measures to be taken under the Internal Security Act (ISA) to be enforced from 11-23 March to handle the mass rally of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) planned this weekend.

Prime Minister Abhisit said the panel will closely monitor the situation and negotiate with UDD core leaders in case of any misunderstandings incurred during the demonstrations. All security forces will initially be unarmed during the rally; however, armed security units for rapid deployment will be assigned to deal with any untoward incidents.

The Prime Minister stressed that security maintenance will be based upon the verdict of the Supreme Administrative Court given on 9 October 2008. It indicated that peaceful political mass rallies will be legally protected. The rallies must not be conducted in a threatening manner, causing a climate of fear or blockading state officials. Failure to comply with the criteria, state security officials have legal rights to deal with the situation, using internationally-recognized measures and giving prior notice before the measures are taken.

At the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban, in his capacity as chairman of the security monitoring committee has also been entrusted to supervise a peace-keeping centre.

The Prime Minister also urged the general public not to panick about the reports of possible acts of sabotage during the UDD’s rally, which will be tentatively held on 12-14 March to demand the House dissolution of the ruling Democrat-led government and snap election.