Bangkok –
The severe state of emergency in Bangkok is implemented for at least 30 days, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-O’Cha confirmed after a special cabinet meeting at the Government House this morning, October 16.
The Prime Minister stressed that the new emergency declaration is crucially applicable to control the current political uprising in the capital as it has become, according to the government, more aggressive and violent.
The severe state of emergency was declared in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, during an overnight protest in front of the Government House following what the government called the growing disorder against the Covid-19 emergency decree.
PHOTO: Prachatai
The new emergency situation prohibits social gatherings of more than 5 people, especially political, as well as the publication of media that could create a misunderstanding that will affect national security or peace and order. It will be initially in place for up to a month depending on the situation as it was necessary according to the Prime Minister as it allowed security officials to stop incidents of violence.
The Prime Minister told the Associated Press: “The overall society is apparently unstable and very intense at the moment. The declaration is, therefore, necessary to maintain and control the social movement and related situations under the law.”
“Many law enforcement officers were hurt and injured from such gatherings which prove that the situation in Bangkok is no longer normal. We also urge every Thai person to remain in peaceful as we don’t want any innocent people being harmed.”
PHOTO: Naewna
The severe state of emergency is under the responsibility of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and under the operation of the Royal Thai Police who has all authority to arrest those who violated the law, Prayuth stressed.
He also warned all social media users to be cautious when publishing or posting any false or misleading information on any social media platforms under the new severe emergency declaration.
When being asked if he was going to comply with any political demands from the pro-democracy protesters including to step down from his position, he simply refused and heard in the briefing saying, “No, I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I?”
Meanwhile, protesters and human rights groups state that the protesters were peaceful and continue to state that the only reason there were scuffles and moments of non peace during the protests were due to Government measures. They continue to demand for the release of all protest leaders unconditionally and the repeal of the new Declaration of a Severe Emergency.
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