ISA in Bangkok won't affect the public: Peacekeeping Centre chief

[webfact]

INTERNAL SECURITY ACT
ISA won't affect the public: Peacekeeping Centre chief
The Nation

Citizens living in the three bangkok districts under security act can continue their lives as normal: Adul The Nation

BANGKOK: -- THE PEACEKEEPING Centre yesterday detailed how it plans to handle tomorrow's anti-government protest and insisted that despite the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in three districts of Bangkok, citizens could continue to lead their lives as normal.

National Police chief General Adul Saengsingkaew, speaking as director of the ad hoc centre, said many groups had declared their intention to join the major anti-government protest on Sunday.

With security officials expecting a possible escalation of the situation, leading to violence, the Cabinet had decided on Wednesday to impose the ISA in three Bangkok districts - Pom Prap (Sattru Phai), Dusit and Phra Nakhon - between August 1 and August 10 in order to ensure peace and order, he explained.

Adul said protesters could exercise their rights as normal, but the protest must be peaceful and those taking part must be unarmed, while security officers would perform their duty in accordance with international standards.

The number of protesters |is expected to be about 4,000, although it could swell to 70,000 if other groups join the rally, |he said, adding that law-enforcement officers were ready - with only police officers |being employed in the initial stage.

However, a source from intelligence security said yesterday all concerned security agencies had a meeting and estimated there would be about 5,000-10,000 protesters.

The number is less than Adul's estimates because of three reasons.

First, the protesters had no clear plan and leader; second, they have only small funding or financial support; third, the protesters lack unity and are divided into several small groups.

"We foresee a protest without violence. They may gather and move to some place to declare their goals and then disintegrate.

"If they stay overnight it will not be for more than one night and return on the day the House considers the amnesty bill on Wednesday," the source said.

Right to protest to be upheld

Pol General Worapong Chewprecha, deputy National Police chief and deputy director of the Peacekeeping Centre, said officers would uphold the demonstrators' right to protest and maintain the peace, and would only resort to force if unavoidable.

In the event of force having to be used, it would start from the minimum level and be increased gradually if the situation required.

Moreover, someone in authority would always be responsible for ordering the use of force, he stressed.

Noise-emitting machines, tear gas and rubber bullets would be used if necessary, which are in line with international standards, said Worapong, who added that tear gas was considered less severe than using batons, shields and water cannon.

He said tear gas may be deployed first, depending on the situation.

Pol Major-General Adul Narongsak, spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said an order had been issued, forbidding people from entering or leaving certain restricted areas.

The restricted areas include the Grand Palace and other royal residences, Siriraj Hospital, Government House and Parliament.

Anyone entering the restricted areas could face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of no more than Bt20,000, he said, adding that some roads will also be closed to traffic.

Items that could be used as weapons, such as flagpoles and sharp, pointed umbrellas, will also not be allowed inside the protest site, he said.

In a related development, Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul yesterday said his ministry had sent letters clarifying the imposition of the ISA to all foreign embassies and consulates in Thailand on Thursday, in order to avoid panic among foreigners, and particularly tourists.

He said he hoped protesters and opposition politicians would recognise that without peace and stability, the economy could not grow to its potential.


-- The Nation 2013-08-03

[Robby nz]

So more threats and intimidation.

Anyone entering the restricted areas could face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of no more than Bt20,000, he said, adding that some roads will also be closed to traffic.

But it wont affect the public.

Items that could be used as weapons, such as flagpoles and sharp, pointed umbrellas, will also not be allowed inside the protest site, he said.

If you go don't take your brolly or you might get teargassed.

Yea for PT democracy and freedom of speech

[NongKhaiKid]

So " someone in authority would be responsible for ordering the use of force ". Does this mean if protesters are killed the DSI will be after senior government figures ?

[webfact]

CAPO closes down 12 roads, expects at most 70,000 protestors



BANGKOK, 3 August 2013 (NNT) – The Center for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) expects a maximum turnout of 70,000 political demonstrators, and possible violence, during the ordinary session of the House of Representatives taking place until next week.

National Police chief Adul Saengsingkaew, as CAPO director, evaluates that there will be at least 4,000 protestors and at most 70,000. He asserted that crowd control measures will be in line with the globally-accepted standard and fall within legal limits, while also noting that anybody found to violate the declarations wet by the CAPO will be prosecuted to the maximum extent.

The CAPO is currently banning individuals from entering the Government House compound and Parliament compound, as well as 12 roads in the vicinity. The off-limits routes include segments of Ratchasima road, Phitsanulok road, Uthong Nai road, Likhit road, Rama 5 road, Sukhothai road, Ratchawithi road, Ratchadamnoen Nok road, Luk Luang road, Phichai road, Nakhon Pathom road and Krung Kasem road. The 50-meter areas extending from the aforementioned road segments are also considered off-limits. These may include footpaths and waterways.

In addition, the CAPO is banning the carriage of weapons by all individuals within the 3 districts where the Internal Security Act is being enforced, to keep order during the demonstrations by various groups. The districts where the ISA has been imposed on include Phra Nakhon, Pom Prab Sattruphai, and Dusit.

-- NNT 2013-08-03

[CIHUAHUA]

"Noise-emitting machines, tear gas and rubber bullets would be used if necessary, which are in line with international standards, said Worapong, who added that tear gas was considered less severe than using batons, shields and water cannon."

Both sides are testing the possibilities. I hope a martyr will not emerge and escalate the situation. And then what?

[GeorgeO]

"Noise-emitting machines, tear gas and rubber bullets would be used if necessary, which are in line with international standards, said Worapong, who added that tear gas was considered less severe than using batons, shields and water cannon."

Both sides are testing the possibilities. I hope a martyr will not emerge and escalate the situation. And then what?

"He asserted that crowd control measures will be in line with the globally-accepted standard and fall within legal limits, while also noting that anybody found to violate the declarations [set] by the CAPO will be prosecuted to the maximum extent".

This response would be perfectly acceptable if we saw it applied to both sides of the political divide.

And how will they deal with opposing demonstrators using nuts and bolts as ammunition? They will of course have a natural right to carry out such "peaceful" gatherings...!!

[Robby nz]

tear gas was considered less severe than using batons, shields and water cannon

Unless they are still using the Chinese stuff that kills.

Didn't they try using it before and fired it into the wind?

Then they would know how severe, or not, it is.

Of course teargas is a longer range option than any of the others so it looks like they are not planning to let anyone get close to them.

[orchidlady]

Have they removed the Red Shirts, platform, and loud speakers from the Parliment area--or are they grandfathered in as they were there before the ISA was declared?

[tomross46]

ISA won't affect the public: Peacekeeping Centre chief

Where was this said before, are we in an echo chamber. If any one is killed or injured, the Democrats did it, or as Obama would say " It is Bushes fault", blame someone else " DO NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS", "PASS THE BUCK". I did not see anything I was shopping for a new pair of PRADA.

[siampolee]

ISA won't affect the public: Peacekeeping Centre chief

Bit like telling someone that if you swim in the crocodile infested river you'll be totally safe.

Indeed one does wonder if these unfortunates who make these inane statements are actually in touch with the realities of the situation.

As a matter of interest were not CAPO'S inmates who became guards in concentration camps ?

Rather an unfortunate name is it not ''CAPO.''

The CAPO is currently banning individuals from entering the Government House compound and Parliament compound, as well as 12 roads in the vicinity. The off-limits routes include segments of Ratchasima road, Phitsanulok road, Uthong Nai road, Likhit road, Rama 5 road, Sukhothai road, Ratchawithi road, Ratchadamnoen Nok road, Luk Luang road, Phichai road, Nakhon Pathom road and Krung Kasem road. The 50-meter areas extending from the aforementioned road segments are also considered off-limits. These may include footpaths and waterways.

Amazing, these restrictions do not affect anyone local residents, business people street vendors etc?

If that is the case why is there a need for them to be imposed

Panic stations by the current ruling clique nothing more nothing less,

Edited August 3, 2013 by siampolee