BANGKOK, Nov 23 — Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday explained that her government’s decision to enforce the Internal Security Act (ISA) is aimed to ensure safety for the public during tomorrow’s mass rally by Pitak Siam group.
Ms Yingluck, in a a televised address by TV Pool, said her Cabinet resolved to impose the ISA after intelligence reports indicated that the Pitak Siam rally is targeting the toppling of the democratically elected government in violation of the constitution.
She said public gatherings and protests are provided for and protected by the Constitution. But such public gatherings must be peaceful, without the use of weapons, and within the boundaries of the law.
If a large number of people is mobilised by incitement, led by those who seek to overthrow the elected government and democratic rule — which is against the Constitution — and there is evidence that violence may be used to achieve those ends, then it is a case of national security.
It is the government’s duty to preserve law and order, protect the lives and property of everyone — including those who are protesting and those who are not involved, the prime minister said in a recorded speech.
She said that the ISA would be enforced in three districts — Phra Nakorn, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, and Dusit — and involves setting up a “Law and Order Administrative Centre” under the command of the national police chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew. The ISA took effect yesterday, November 22 and will be in effect through next Friday, November 30.
The measures are meant to pre-empt and prevent any situations in a timely and effective manner, she said, adding that the measures will be discontinued as soon as the situation improves.
