Govt mulls extending ISA
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SECURITY AGENCIES will today seek Cabinet approval to extend the enforcement of Internal Security Act in areas surrounding Government House and Parliament.
It is still unclear how the extension will be put in place once the initial enforcement of the act expires today. Bangkok’s Dusit, Pom Prap Sattru Phai and Phra Nakhon districts have been under ISA since October 9.
“Officials agree that the enforcement of ISA is essential to deter protesters,” National Security Council secretary-general Paradorn Pattanatabutr said.
Paradorn said the security measures would remain in place in order block any attempts to disrupt work at the seat of the government. He said it was also a precaution as there was a lack of legal provisions to deal with street protests.
Relevant ministers are scheduled to meet today to decide whether the ISA measure should be extended. Meanwhile, police have set up roadblocks and are searching vehicles entering or departing the rally sites at Uruphong and Lumpini Park.
Deputy police chief General Aek Angsananont said leaders of the two rallies have been attacking the government, and the organisers of the rally at the park have signalled that they might march to join the protesters in Uruphong.
However, he reminded rally organisers to abide by the law and threatened to take legal action against anyone who tries to disrupt peace.
Police have also detected that a separate set of protesters camped out in Rangsit has started setting up new cooking facilities as if they anticipate a surge in crowds.
Rallies are continuing upcountry on farm- and dam-related issues.
