Don't impose ISA, Pheu Thai warns

Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the government was likely to invoke the ISC in anticipation of a protest by the red shirts who plan a symbolic protest on the third anniversary of the September 19 coup, outside the Si Sao residence of Privy Council Chief General Prem Tinsulanonda, and at the Royal Plaza.

Prompong urged the government to weigh the pros and cons of imposing the law, saying ill-intentioned groups might create chaos and the military seize the opportunity to overthrow the Abhisit government.

"We have heard hardcore protesters from the provinces are preparing to stage their move and if a third party interferes in the protest and the government cannot control the situation, Abhisit might face the same fate as ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra who went for a meeting in the US and never had the chance to return,'' Prompong said.

Democrat Party spokesman Dr Buranaj Smutharaks however called on the government to impose the ISC to prevent a repeat of the Songkran riots and the Pattaya chaos.

The Democrat Party has analysed the political situation and come up with three possible scenarios for September 19, so the government can get ready to deal with each incident.

First, chaos triggered by a small group of people with security officials resorting to drastic action to control them. Second, the red shirts use propaganda to create division among Thais and incite mass protests, leading to confrontation and violence. Third, Thaksin supporters and the Pheu Thai Party resort to any means to provoke a military coup and civil chaos.

Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda has voiced concern over the readiness of security officials in handling the protest by the red shirts after the abrupt resignation of Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan as national police chief.

"I believe we are likely to stick with the same plan and it will depend on the police and its new chief on how to control the situation. The military will play only an assisting role, unless the government invokes the ISC,'' he said.

Anupong said he would know if the government planned to invoke the ISC or not when the Cabinet meets tomorrow.

Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the military was not concerned about the red shirts, but the threat of interference by the third party had caused intelligence officials to work hard to get an insight into what was going to happen. About 33 companies of military officials will assist police in the security mission.