PM fully empowered to curb rallies, court says

BANGKOK, 5 April 2010 (NNT) – The Civil Court has resolved to turn down the request of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), seeking an injunction to order the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to cease occupation of the Ratchaprasong key business zone.

According to the court’s ruling, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, in his capacity as the Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), is fully empowered to order the anti-government protesters to leave the city’s commercial area without re-seeking the court’s order in compliance with Sections 16 and 18 under the Internal Security Act.

The court elaborated that the ISA empowers the ISOC director to suppress any untoward activities affecting the national stability and implement security measures and policies in order to bring peace and orderliness into the country.

The Isoc on Monday asked the court to order all 5 UDD key leaders, Mr Veera Musikhapong, Mr Jatuporn Prompan, Mr Natthawut Saikua, Dr Weng Tojirakarn and Mr Arisman Pongruengrong to immediately stop occupying Ratchaprasong area as well as remove their properties located on the area. The lawyer representing UDD later counterfiled a lawsuit against the government.

The UDD has adamantly said the protesters would continue the rallies at the city’s main shoping area until the Prime Minister announced the dissolution of the Parliament.