Provincial governors are authorized to impose a state of emergency in their provinces in order to deal with the “red—shirt” rally, Thailand’s Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said on Monday.
The governors can impose the emergency decree in their provinces prior to reporting it to the government’s Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situations (CRES) since the permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry is a member of the CRES, the Bangkok Post’s website reported. Mr. Chavarat’s announcement was made, while the “red—shirts” in the countryside were asked by “red—shirt” core leaders to block police forces from moving to reinforce police in capital Bangkok.
“Red—shirt” core leader Natthawut Saikua claimed it is believed police will disperse the rally by Monday. Provinces, where there are a large number of the “red—shirt” protestors, include northeastern Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, northern Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai —— the hometown of ousted former Thai Premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
ADVERTISEMENT
The “red—shirt” rally has been held since March 12. The protestors are demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to ” immediately” dissolve the lower House of parliament and hold a new general election. They insisted that the House dissolution is the only solution to the country’s on—going political conflict. However, thousands of Thai in “various—colour shirts”, who have opposed the early House dissolution, also took to the street and the number is increasing rapidly.