Cabinet Approves Three-month Extension Of Emergency Rule In Restive South

[sbk]

Cabinet approves three-month extension of emergency rule in restive South

BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) - A plan to extend enforcement of the government's Executive Decree on Administration in Emergency Situations in Thailand's three insurgency-plagued southern border provinces won Cabinet approval on Friday.

Speaking to journalists after chairing the Cabinet meeting here, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej announced that the special meeting was called to deliberate this particular issue as the decree enforcement is due to expire on Saturday.

"The emergency rule will not last forever, but it is still necessary in the troubled region even though the situation there is now improving," said the premier.

He added the Cabinet agreed to extend the emergency rule after taking into account views from representatives of law enforcement bodies in the region.

Mr. Samak, however, said the extension has yet to cover four districts of the southern border province of Songkhla, as there are differing opinions between some local business interests who opposed it, while the local authorities thought otherwise.

"I have assigned those agencies concerned to study the matter (whether or not the emergency rule would remain in place)," said the premier.

The Executive Decree on Government Administration in Emergency Situations, effected by executive order of then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been enforced for 33 months since it was first enacted in July 2005. It has been renewed every three months since then.

The decree gives the security forces sweeping powers of arrest and detention in the three southernmost provinces as well as some parts of Songkhla province, excluding Hat Yai. It remains in force for three months at a time.

Some 3,000 people have been killed since violence erupted in early 2004.

Meanwhile, the prime minister also said the decision to lift martial law had taken effect immediately, without the need of Cabinet approval.

The National Security Council, chaired by the premier who also serves as defence minister, on Thursday agreed to lift martial law in 179 districts throughout the country, but will remain in effect in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat as well as five districts of Songkhla province. (TNA)-E001

Source MCOT English News