State of emergency may be warranted
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Re: Academics see no basis to Army 'water coup' threat, October 21, 2011.
The Yingluck government’s show of fear that there might be a coup if the military is given full power under a state of emergency is irrelevant.
The floods that are descending on Bangkok are huge and far-reaching. Things might get out of hand so much it may be essential to declare a state of emergency. Example: after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in Louisiana, in the US, a state of emergency was declared for police to help allow the city to be reconstructed.
In our country, what if there are widespread cases of looting, raping and arson? Fierce fighting between communities over dykes? Unlawful parking on expressways and roads that obstruct evacuation and reconstruction work?
To declare a state of emergency might be the Yingluck government’s last and only option if a grave situation presents itself.
Chavalit Van
Chiang Mai
