Security Law Enforcement Extended for 30 Days

As political tension in Bangkok continues, the government has decided to extend the enforcement of the Internal Security Act in Bangkok for another 30 days.

National police chief Police General Wichien Pojphosri said the Cabinet has resolved to extend the enactment of the Internal Security Act in seven districts in Bangkok by another month.

The security law implementation was originally scheduled to expire today.

The extension of the law will enable the Internal Security Operations Command, or ISOC, to have full authority to keep the situation under control in areas where street protests continue from February 23 to March 25.

Vichien said the use of the Internal Security Act remains essential as more protesters have taken to the streets of Bangkok.

He added the security law is also an important tool for officials to handle the mass rally by the red-shirt group scheduled for March 12.

The national police chief insisted that the Internal Security Act is an effective legal instrument to deal with street protesters.

When asked about the yellow-shirt group's plan to file suit against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva for his role in imposing the security law against protesters, Wichien said that the issue is not a worry and lies within the discretion of the Constitution Court.

-- Tan Network 2011-02-23

Hopefully it will not descend in to another Libya or Bahrain.

We had enough last year with the killing of people on all sides.

I think we are lucky that the various factions here have not got the sense to unite and show a full people power response to grievances.

Fortunately, as opposed to the middle eastern countries currently in turmoil we do have some form of democracy here however flawed and corrupt it may be.

"... The national police chief insisted that the Internal Security Act is an effective legal instrument to deal with street protesters."

That pretty much sums it up - good on them - some law enforcement retribution is necessary since the police are not acting on clearing anyone from the streets.