Surayud explained the revisions empowered the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) to maintain peace and national safety.

If the National Legislative Assembly passes the revisions, the government could in future withdraw other current security legislation.

"The purpose of [changes to] the Internal Security Act is to achieve a better legal mechanism than the imposition of states of emergency. These are harsh measures to be used only during wars. Besides, this law is outdated; it was enacted in 1944," Surayud said.

The Council of State will examine the bill before forwarding it to the assembly for consideration.

However, Surayud did not expect the amendments to sail through three readings. There is no rush, he added.

National Security Council secretary-general Prakij Prachonpatjanuk denied claims the new act would award junta leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin massive powers. Sonthi is Isoc director but is due to retire in October.

Prakij said a prime ministerial committee would have oversight responsibility for Isoc.

The new act covers domestic and international terrorism, too.

"Once the new act becomes legislation, it can be used for all security matters. There will no longer be a need for states of emergency to be declared.

Prakij denied changes to the act were politically motivated.

Surayud, too, denied the law was designed to control mobs and protesters.