Thai PM announces state of emergency
Source: Agencies |
April 8, 2010, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THAI Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency in Bangkok yesterday, handing the army broad powers to restore order after anti-government protesters broke into parliament, forcing some lawmakers to flee by helicopter.
Other lawmakers scaled the compound's walls to escape the most chaotic protest in weeks of demonstrations by the Red Shirts who are demanding Abhisit dissolve the government and call elections within 15 days. He has offered to do so by the end of the year.
"The government has tried its best to enforce the law, but violations of the law have increased," Abhisit said in a televised statement that interrupted regular programing. "Our main goal is to bring the country back to normal and make our law sacred once again."
A state of emergency gives the military authority to restore order and allows the government to impose curfews, ban public gatherings of more than five people, censor and ban media from disseminating news that "causes panic." It also allows security officials to detain suspects without charge for up to 30 days.
Red Shirt leaders responded to the emergency decree by telling protesters to stay put and wait for the military to arrive. They have called a major rally for tomorrow.
(AP)
Other lawmakers scaled the compound's walls to escape the most chaotic protest in weeks of demonstrations by the Red Shirts who are demanding Abhisit dissolve the government and call elections within 15 days. He has offered to do so by the end of the year.
"The government has tried its best to enforce the law, but violations of the law have increased," Abhisit said in a televised statement that interrupted regular programing. "Our main goal is to bring the country back to normal and make our law sacred once again."
A state of emergency gives the military authority to restore order and allows the government to impose curfews, ban public gatherings of more than five people, censor and ban media from disseminating news that "causes panic." It also allows security officials to detain suspects without charge for up to 30 days.
Red Shirt leaders responded to the emergency decree by telling protesters to stay put and wait for the military to arrive. They have called a major rally for tomorrow.
(AP)
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