Junta plans stern action to muzzle detractors
The junta is likely to employ drastic measures against protesting supporters of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra and detractors of the September 19 coup, although a Council for National Security (CNS) spokesman yesterday denied that any such action would be taken.
But a highly-ranked source in the CNS yesterday did not rule out the possibility of a state of emergency. He suggested the matter should be discussed among junta members. Various groups of protesters have gathered at different locations in the capital over the past few weeks. Some groups have remained at Sanam Luang - while others are planning more demonstrations. CNS spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday that the Council was considering the use of "strict measures" with rally demonstrators in a few days, but that it would not be as serious as martial law or a state of emergency. He said such options would affect members of the general public and the country's image. At yesterday's CNS meeting chaired by General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the Metropolitan Police suggested the CNS issue measures to control the rally situation and to handle demonstrators. According to Sansern, the police told the CNS that they could not control demonstrators because of certain limitations in the law. "The police mostly use traffic laws which are not as effective as they should be," the spokesman said. He said the police mentioned neighbouring countries have legislation that makes it illegal to stage public demonstrations without permission from the authorities. "Whoever holds a rally must provide information such as what is the rally's objective, details of speeches, the number of participants and how much time the rally will take," he said. He said the junta expected to spend two days considering the police suggestion. The CNS spokesman said it was concerned the rallies might have an adverse impact on the country, especially on the national referendum and the upcoming election to be held later this year. He said there are three groups of protesters active in Bangkok: rural farmers suffering from debt problems; pro-democracy activists and people with "hidden political agendas". "Some leaders of the PTV protest are former Thai Rak Thai people, so it's quite easy to guess about their objective in holding the rally," he said. He said the CNS was not concerned about another PTV rally scheduled for this Friday, saying the authorities are monitoring the situation and trying to seek a measure to deal with demonstrators before the rally begins.
Panya Tiewsangwan The Nation
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