BANGKOK, 25 November 2013 Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has announced the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Bangkok and Nonthaburi as well as some parts of Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani provinces after anti-government demonstrators escalated their movement.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Yingluck said the government had decided to enforce the ISA in additional areas in a bid to ensure safety for the Thai citizens amid the heated political atmosphere. She cited that although the anti-government rallies were initially peaceful, the core leaders had stepped up their strategy and led their supporters to lay siege to government offices, including the Finance Ministry, the Bureau of the Budget, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Relations Department.
The ISA will now be effective in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan and Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani.
On this occasion, the premier encouraged all security units to adhere to their duties and continue to provide protection for the public. She also called on anti-government groups to count on the upcoming no-confidence debate as a parliamentary means to help iron out the current political conflict.
