Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the law is essential to ensure peace and security as the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) (also known as the ‘red shirts’) will stage mass anti-government rallies during the Thai King’s birthday celebrations.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of internal security, said that the ISA would only be imposed in the Dusit district of central Bangkok and the two adjacent areas of Sommanas and Bangkhunphrom.
However, the cabinet has decided to use the ISA across the whole city after the ‘red-shirt’ movement said it would expand the scope of its rallies to various other parts of Bangkok on Nov. 30.
The use of the ISA is expected to help Thai security forces maintain law and order more effectively.
As for the possible imposition of the ISA in Chiang Mai, in order to ensure security during a visit by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva from Nov. 27-29, the Thai government said it will assess additional reports concerning the situation there from security authorities prior to making a final decision.
Last week, UDD supporters in Chiang Mai said they would protest against the PM’s visit.