(21 January) The Thai government is reportedly considering whether to declare the State of Emergency following the increasingly violent political protests in Bangkok.
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Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsingkaew, Chief of the Royal Thai Police, said the Cabinet will study the possibility of the emergency decree today.
Much of the deliberation will involve predicting the possibility of further violence in the capital city, Pol.Gen. Adul said.
His comment came a few days after a grenade was thrown at supporters of People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) at their rally site around Victory Monument on Sunday, injuring 28 people.
Last week another grenade attack on PCAD demonstrators also killed one protester and wounded dozens.
Emergency decree will grant the authorities a sweeping power to contain the protests, such as imposing curfews, censoring the media, and searching properties and individuals arbitrarily.
Governmental officials have previously stated that the government will not impose State of Emergency over Bangkok, and military chiefs have likewise opposed the idea.
Nevertheless, Pol.Gen. Adul said the Centre for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has been attempting to ensure public security even without State of Emergency. He added that CAPO will also be involved in the decision concerning the emergency decree declaration.
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