ISA won't affect the public : Peacekeeping Centre chief
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Citizens living in the three bangkok districts under security act can continue their lives as normal: Adul
THE PEACEKEEPING Centre yesterday detailed how it plans to handle tomorrow’s anti-government protest and insisted that despite the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in three districts of Bangkok, citizens could continue to lead their lives as normal.
National Police chief General Adul Saengsingkaew, speaking as director of the ad hoc centre, said many groups had declared their intention to join the major anti-government protest on Sunday.
With security officials expecting a possible escalation of the situation, leading to violence, the Cabinet had decided on Wednesday to impose the ISA in three Bangkok districts – Pom Prap (Sattru Phai), Dusit and Phra Nakhon – between August 1 and August 10 in order to ensure peace and order, he explained.
Adul said protesters could exercise their rights as normal, but the protest must be peaceful and those taking part must be unarmed, while security officers would perform their duty in accordance with international standards.
The number of protesters |is expected to be about 4,000, although it could swell to 70,000 if other groups join the rally, |he said, adding that law-enforcement officers were ready – with only police officers |being employed in the initial stage.
However, a source from intelligence security said yesterday all concerned security agencies had a meeting and estimated there would be about 5,000-10,000 protesters.
The number is less than Adul’s estimates because of three reasons.
First, the protesters had no clear plan and leader; second, they have only small funding or financial support; third, the protesters lack unity and are divided into several small groups.
“We foresee a protest without violence. They may gather and move to some place to declare their goals and then disintegrate.
“If they stay overnight it will not be for more than one night and return on the day the House considers the amnesty bill on Wednesday,” the source said.
Right to protest to be upheld
Pol General Worapong Chewprecha, deputy National Police chief and deputy director of the Peacekeeping Centre, said officers would uphold the demonstrators’ right to protest and maintain the peace, and would only resort to force if unavoidable.
In the event of force having to be used, it would start from the minimum level and be increased gradually if the situation required.
Moreover, someone in authority would always be responsible for ordering the use of force, he stressed.
Noise-emitting machines, tear gas and rubber bullets would be used if necessary, which are in line with international standards, said Worapong, who added that tear gas was considered less severe than using batons, shields and water cannon.
He said tear gas may be deployed first, depending on the situation.
Pol Major-General Adul Narongsak, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said an order had been issued, forbidding people from entering or leaving certain restricted areas.
The restricted areas include the Grand Palace and other royal residences, Siriraj Hospital, Government House and Parliament.
Anyone entering the restricted areas could face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of no more than Bt20,000, he said, adding that some roads will also be closed to traffic.
Items that could be used as weapons, such as flagpoles and sharp, pointed umbrellas, will also not be allowed inside the protest site, he said.
In a related development, Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul yesterday said his ministry had sent letters clarifying the imposition of the ISA to all foreign embassies and consulates in Thailand on Thursday, in order to avoid panic among foreigners, and particularly tourists.
He said he hoped protesters and opposition politicians would recognise that without peace and stability, the economy could not grow to its potential.
