Asia-Pacific
Thai government not to impose martial law
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-14 13:15
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BANGKOK - It is unnecessary to impose martial law as the situation is currently under control due to enforcement of a state of emergency, government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said Friday.
On Thursday night, the Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) extended the state of emergency to 17 of Thailand's 76 provinces to prevent more anti-government protesters from arriving in the capital Bangkok.
"It is believed that the tense situation will ease," Panithan said.
However, if the rally situation escalates, additional measures will be considered, Panithan said.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva wants the anti-government rally in Bangkok to end as quickly as possible, according to Panithan.
A 25-year-old protester died in clashes with troops late Thursday night in central Bangkok.
At least 20 people were injured in a series of explosions and gunshots on Thursday night.
The incidents occurred after troops were deployed from 06:00 pm on Thursday to besiege the anti-government "red-shirts" to force them to end their prolonged rally which began on March 14 to push for dissolution of parliament and early elections.
The "red-shirts" have vowed to continue rally till Abhisit steps down after Abhisit retracted his offer of November 14 election in response to "red-shirts" refusal to end their rally immediately.
The "red-shirts" have accepted Abhisit's road map towards reconciliation and the election timetable but said they would not end rally until deputy prime minister Suthep surrenders himself to police to take responsibility for the death of 25 people in a failed attempt to disperse the protesters on April 10.
