BANGKOK, Jan 6 – The government will not impose an emergency decree in Bangkok unless the political turmoil escalates to casualties or terrorism, according to the National Security Council (NSC).
NSC secretary general Paradorn Pattanatabut said a state of emergency is a normal procedure of preparations in case of a critical situation and, if enforced, the army will not object to it.
In an urgent security meeting last week, the army reportedly disagreed with the government’s proposed imposition of the emergency decree to deal with seizure of Bangkok on Jan 13 as announced by protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, self-appointed secretary general of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).
Lt Gen Paradorn said the Internal Security Operations Command and the National Police Bureau have jointly mapped out deployment of personnel in the capital to cope with anticipated massive Jan 13 rallies.
They have yet to work out details on assigning areas for responsible units, he said, adding that security will be beefed up at residences of the caretaker prime minister and key Cabinet members
PDRC protesters have threatened to cut electricity and water supplies to their residences and government properties on January 13.
