The government enacted the Internal Security Act in three Bangkok districts yesterday and 1,700 riot police are headed to the Thai capital in preparation for the Pitak Siam rally planned for this Saturday.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra made a nationally televised address last night to explain the reason behind imposing the Internal Security Act, saying that law and order had to be preserved.
The ISA will be in effect until Thursday, Nov. 30.
“If a large number of people is mobilized by incitement … and there is evidence that violence may be used, then it is a case of national security,” Yingluck said, according to the Bangkok Post “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.”
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said that the three districts affected are Phra Nakhon, Pomprab Satrupai, and Dusit.
The National Security Council expects that around 40,000 demonstrators will attend the rally led by Pitak Siam leader Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit at the Royal Plaza on Saturday, the Nation reported, but police believe 50,000 people will show up.
