Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva conceded the enforcement of Internal Security Act (ISA) had failed to deter the protests by the red shirts.
Abhisit then deemed it necessary to invoke the emergency decree over Bangkok. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has been appointed to supervise the emergency rule.
"We want to facilitate other actions to restore peace and order. The actions will be in accordance with the law and international standard," Abhisit said in a TV-pool broadcast.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the emergency rule would not mean an imminent crackdown on protesters but to become an effective tool to enforce the laws, including the legal proceedings against red shirts leaders.
He promised to restore the normalcy as soon as possible.
The emergency rule covers Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom.
