Thai Cabinet extends special law enforcement in vicinity of Government House

BANGKOK, October 18 (TNA) - The Cabinet has resolved to extend the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in areas in the vicinity of Bangkok's Government House from October 19-November 30, 2013, as anti-government protesters have announced to prolong their demonstration. Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanatabutr, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), told journalists on Friday that the Cabinet made the decision at its special meeting, chaired by Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra earlier in the day. Lieutenant General Paradorn acknowledged that the Cabinet's resolution was in response to the Network of Students and People for Reform of Thailand's recent announcement that it would prolong its anti-government demonstration near the government seat. According to the NSC chief, the extended enforcement of the ISA in eight sub-districts of three districts in the capital, including Phra Nakhon, Dusit and Promprab Satrupai, is aimed to put domestic political situation under control, as the Thai Parliament is also deliberating several important laws and the Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) will announce its ruling on a territorial dispute case between Thailand and neighbouring Cambodia related to the Preah Vihear Temple on November 11, 2013. Asked whether the imposition of the special law would be further extended if the demonstration continued until November 30, the NSC chief said it would depend on the updated situation and a subsequent decision of the Thai government's Peace-Keeping Command. The NSC secretary-general insisted once the anti-government rally ends, the imposition of the special law can be lifted right away. (TNA)