ID :
129082
Tue, 06/22/2010 - 11:31
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/129082
The shortlink copeid
CRES to consider relaxing emergency decree enforcement: Suthep
BANGKOK, June 22 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban said on Tuesday the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) may relax some requirements of the Emergency Decree to facilitate the upcoming Bangkok's by-election.
Mr Suthep, in his capacity as CRES director, made the remarks following complaints from many parties over the enforcement of the security law which may obstruct the by-election campaign.
The by-election is scheduled to be held July 25, to replace the late Democrat MP Thiwa Ngernyuang, who died of cancer on June 11.
The deputy premier said the Emergency Decree is needed to maintain law and order, adding that the candidates can still contest their election campaigns despite the enforcement of the special law.
Mr Suthep, however, said due to the complaints, a CRES legal team is reviewing some regulations said to be obstacles to the by-election, pending official notification from the Election Commission concerning the matter.
"Some regulations may be relaxed," Mr Suthep said. " The ban on gatherings of more than five people should not be a cause for concern of candidates during their election campaigns as the southern
border provinces also held elections without any problems despite imposition of the law.”
The CRES director stated the emergency decree will be lifted immediately if the agency's situation assessment confirms the country is now safe, as the centre has no intention to prolong the enforcement of the special law.
The Thai government has enforced the State of Emergency in Bangkok since early April, followed by some other 23 provinces in the North and Northeast.
On May 19 a curfew was imposed in Bangkok and 23 provinces due to political unrest by anti-government Red Shirt protesters. The 11-day curfew was later revoked as the situation was under control.
The emergency decree remains in force as the government said that some Red Shirts are still attempting to incite disorder. (TNA)
Mr Suthep, in his capacity as CRES director, made the remarks following complaints from many parties over the enforcement of the security law which may obstruct the by-election campaign.
The by-election is scheduled to be held July 25, to replace the late Democrat MP Thiwa Ngernyuang, who died of cancer on June 11.
The deputy premier said the Emergency Decree is needed to maintain law and order, adding that the candidates can still contest their election campaigns despite the enforcement of the special law.
Mr Suthep, however, said due to the complaints, a CRES legal team is reviewing some regulations said to be obstacles to the by-election, pending official notification from the Election Commission concerning the matter.
"Some regulations may be relaxed," Mr Suthep said. " The ban on gatherings of more than five people should not be a cause for concern of candidates during their election campaigns as the southern
border provinces also held elections without any problems despite imposition of the law.”
The CRES director stated the emergency decree will be lifted immediately if the agency's situation assessment confirms the country is now safe, as the centre has no intention to prolong the enforcement of the special law.
The Thai government has enforced the State of Emergency in Bangkok since early April, followed by some other 23 provinces in the North and Northeast.
On May 19 a curfew was imposed in Bangkok and 23 provinces due to political unrest by anti-government Red Shirt protesters. The 11-day curfew was later revoked as the situation was under control.
The emergency decree remains in force as the government said that some Red Shirts are still attempting to incite disorder. (TNA)
