BANGKOK, Jan 6 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra gave assurances today that an emergency decree will not be imposed in response to the anticipated Jan 13 seizure of Bangkok by anti-government protesters.
She said the government will closely monitor the situation and asked protesters to abide by the law, complaining that the months-long demonstrations have damaged the country and impacted foreigners’ confidence in Thailand.
A number of countries have warned their citizens against travelling to the kingdom, she said.
Ms Yingluck said the government will weigh pros and cons of activating an emergency decree which will be the final option in dealing with the political turmoil.
She described as an infringement of individual’s right a threat by protesters to cut electricity and water supplies to the homes of the PM and some top Cabinet members.
The caretaker PM repeated her attempt to persuade protesters to dialogue on national reform.
Anti-government protesters have insisted that national reform must take place before an election.
Ms Yingluck inspected and gave moral support to police and military units deployed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in preparations for the Jan 13 “Bangkok shutdown.”
Deputy metropolitan police commander Adul Narongsak said police and military personnel will be assigned to 20 major locations, covering 64 intersections, in Bangkok on Jan 13 during which urgent mobile equipment, cranes, tow trucks, ambulances and helicopters will be on standby to deal with disturbances.
He said security forces, backed up by 60 extra groups, will be on guard at government properties and residences of leading government members, covering 30 locations.
In Ratchaburi province, protesters blocked the entrance to Ratanaraj Bumrung School in Ban Pong district this morning to bar Science and Technology Minister Pirapan Palusuk and Pheu Thai candidate Chavoralat Chinthammit from entering the compound to officially open the Science Week. The opening ceremony was called off.
