Thai Police Chief Wants Internal Security Act Extended

[Lite Beer]

Wichean wants Internal Security Act extended

By The Nation on Sunday.

The national police chief is keen to extend imposition of the Internal Security Act for another 30 days but vowed that police would not use force to disperse rallies.

Pol General Wichean Potephosree said yesterday he would propose tomorrow to the Internal Security Operations Command that they ask Cabinet extend use of the law as threats to national security remained, including People's Alliance for Democracy and anti-government red-shirt rallies, plus farmers with problems.

The current term for the ISA will end on Saturday (March 26). He said police would not give in to protesters but would avoid violence. Officers would take legal action if protesters attacked.

"The laws must be used fairly and effectively so we can keep situations in control. Dispersing rallies would not be good for society if it leads to clashes or injuries. As long as the situation is under control, there's no need to disperse (gatherings)."

He said police would continue to negotiate with the PAD and the Thai Patriots Network to open some space for the annual Red Cross fair, but conceded that people who attend may face some inconvenience.

-- The Nation 2011-03-20

[asiawatcher]

"... As long as the situation is under control, there's no need to disperse (gatherings)."

Absurd. Do Thai Police really think they are in control of yellow and red shirt protests? And doesn't anyone else care about the need to disperse to remove the rabble causing traffic accidents and congestions? I guess not!

[whybother]

They have the ISA enforced now. <deleted> difference does it make?