19.09.09 Suthep warns over rally
No coup while Abhisit in New York, says army
The government could invoke a state of
emergency if today's anti-government rally by red shirt protesters
spirals out of control, says Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.
Mr Suthep, who is in charge of national security, yesterday said he
has the full authority to call a cabinet meeting to declare a state of
emergency if the need arises.
"I will be acting prime minister. If necessary I can invoke a state
of emergency. I am entrusted with the full authority of the prime
minister to maintain law and order," he said.
The Internal Security Act has already been invoked in Dusit
district, where the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship
(UDD) will hold its gathering today.
The demonstration has been organised to protest over the third
anniversary of the military coup that ousted Thaksin Shinawatra from
power.
Emergency rule allows military force to be used to restore order in
the case of civil unrest. The military can also impose a curfew if
necessary.
Mr Suthep was responding to a question about whether Prime Minister
Abhisit Vejjajiva would allow him to declare a state of emergency while
he is travelling abroad.
Mr Abhisit is scheduled to leave for the UN General Assembly in New York and will be away from tomorrow until Sept 27.
A state of emergency was enforced in April this year when red shirt
protesters rioted on the streets of Bangkok. Two people were killed and
scores of others were injured.
Security is being intensified at Government House where a cordon of
iron barricades and concrete slabs has been set up. Police and soldiers
equipped with riot gear have been deployed to secure the area.
The deputy prime minister said violent clashes with protesters would
be avoided at all costs. If necessary, rubber bullets would be used and
his orders would be made in writing if they could result in physical
harm.
"Some people might get hurt but this is the very last measure [the
government will take]. It will have to be agreed [by a meeting of the
cabinet] and I will make a written order to ensure the operating
officers will not take the blame," he said.
Mr Suthep said the residence of Privy Council president Prem
Tinsulanonda, and other vulnerable spots such as the Office of the
National Anti-Corruption Commission would be guarded.
He urged ousted prime minister Thaksin, who is expected to call in
from overseas to address his red shirt supporters, to refrain from
creating divisions in society.
Mr Suthep refuted rumours that the military would stage a coup in
the prime minister's absence. Mr Abhisit would return to the kingdom as
prime minister, he said.
The military yesterday said it had absolutely no plans to seize
power and reaffirmed its readiness to assist police in handling the red
shirt rally.
Defence permanent secretary Apichart Penkitti said there would be no
coup. Those put in charge of the security operations would comply with
the government's plan, he said.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda yesterday pledged there would be no coup.
"A coup is a really big issue for the country and it affects every
single person. It is not something one can just do because he wants
to," he said.
Gen Anupong said security forces would keep an eye out for "a third
hand". The rally itself was not a cause for concern, he said.
He was speaking after the Internal Security Operations Command
meeting where Mr Abhisit told authorities to follow international
standards strictly when handling the protest.
According to security authorities, 30 companies of police and 33
companies of soldiers will be on duty during the rally. About 350
Interior Ministry officials have been recruited to assist police at
checkpoints.
Meanwhile, the Civil Court yesterday rejected a red shirt move to
have the enforcement of the internal security law revoked. The order
was exclusively an executive decision and the court said it would not
intervene. Source: Bangkok Post, 19.09.09 http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/24102/suthep-warns-over-rally
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