ID :
124909
Sat, 05/29/2010 - 16:06
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http://m.oananews.org//node/124909
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PM: Curfew in Thailand lifted; Emergency decree remains enforced
BANGKOK, May 29 (TNA) -- The four-hour curfew from midnight to 4am, imposed after the security forces' operation against anti-government protesters in Bangkok and 23 other provinces, mostly in the north and northeastern regions, which expired on Saturday will not be extended, said Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
A high end shopping mall, cinema, banks, and other public and private buildings were set on fire, looted and a violent riot occurred on May 19 after the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders announced their surrender when security forces stepped up their containment pressure at the protest site at Ratchaprasong.
Mr Abhisit told journalists that the existing curfew which expired at 4am Saturday would not be extended as concerned security officials were able to control the overall situation.
However, the State of Emergency, imposed by the government since April 7, will remain in force, he said.
As the curfew had put a heavy burden on the public, especially those working at night, is not extended, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said the political situation in several provinces had improved, except that authorities in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen still must monitor the situation closely.
Mr Chavarat said he was optimistic that security officials would be able to keep any untoward incident under control because the State of Emergency is still being enforced although the curfew is lifted.
Provincial governors have been instructed to create reconciliation among the people and if they failed, they could face punishment, Mr Chavarat added.
Governors and police chiefs of four northeastern provinces--Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan--were transferred to inactive posts at the interior ministry and at the Royal Thai Police Bureau in Bangkok respectively after 'Red Shirt’ protesters set fire to the provincial halls in the provinces soon after the military crackdown.
The interior ministry has said the riots in the Northeast and the torching of the provincial halls had caused damage of about Bt1.3 billion. (TNA)
A high end shopping mall, cinema, banks, and other public and private buildings were set on fire, looted and a violent riot occurred on May 19 after the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders announced their surrender when security forces stepped up their containment pressure at the protest site at Ratchaprasong.
Mr Abhisit told journalists that the existing curfew which expired at 4am Saturday would not be extended as concerned security officials were able to control the overall situation.
However, the State of Emergency, imposed by the government since April 7, will remain in force, he said.
As the curfew had put a heavy burden on the public, especially those working at night, is not extended, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said the political situation in several provinces had improved, except that authorities in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen still must monitor the situation closely.
Mr Chavarat said he was optimistic that security officials would be able to keep any untoward incident under control because the State of Emergency is still being enforced although the curfew is lifted.
Provincial governors have been instructed to create reconciliation among the people and if they failed, they could face punishment, Mr Chavarat added.
Governors and police chiefs of four northeastern provinces--Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani and Mukdahan--were transferred to inactive posts at the interior ministry and at the Royal Thai Police Bureau in Bangkok respectively after 'Red Shirt’ protesters set fire to the provincial halls in the provinces soon after the military crackdown.
The interior ministry has said the riots in the Northeast and the torching of the provincial halls had caused damage of about Bt1.3 billion. (TNA)
