NSC:ISA enforcement may be extended

BANGKOK, November 22 (TNA) - The imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in three Bangkok's districts, namely Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pomprap Sattruphai, could be extended if ongoing anti-government demonstrations were prolonged. National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanatabutr told reporters of the possibility on Friday, acknowledging whether the enforcement of the ISA in the specific areas would be dragged on for, probably, one more month, depended on the situation on November 24, when rallying groups on the capital's Rajadamnoen Avenue, including the one led by key figures of Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party, will reportedly escalate their anti-government protest with tens of thousands of their supporters expected to turn out. According to the NSC chief, his agency will assess the updated situation to see whether the imposition of the special law in the areas should be extended, until probably early next year, or to be ended on November 30 as earlier scheduled. The NSC chief insisted that his agency will keep monitoring the demonstrators' movements, admitting that he is concerned over unrest stired by an ill-intentioned third-party. The ISA was first imposed in the three districts, located near Bangkok's Government House, from October 9–18, but it was then extended to November 30 due to the prolonged anti-government demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) has confirmed its readiness to prevent any violence during Sunday’s protest, with 23 security checkpoints having been already set up across the capital. (TNA)