Thai security authorities prepare measures to cope with demonstrators

BANGKOK, January 4 (TNA) - Thailand's Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) in Bangkok on Friday afternoon to discuss measures to cope with demonstrators. Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanatabutr, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), told journalists of the update, acknowledging that at the meeting, police and soldiers were set to discuss measures to cope with renewed anti-government demonstrations in, expectedly, several areas in Bangkok on January 13. Regarding red-shirt, pro-government demonstrators' plan to also rally on January 13, Lieutenant General Paradorn assessed that there should not be any confrontation between pro and anti government demonstrators because they have announced to turn up in different locations and the situation should not, thus, turn violent. In response to reports that the caretaker prime minister is considering to impose the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations to seek military assistance in dealing with anti-government protesters, the NSC chief said soldiers and police have cooperated closely and they are discussing coordinated measures to cope with the demonstrators at Friday afternoon's meeting. As anti-government demonstrators have threatened to lay siege to Bangkok on January 13, the NSC chief foresaw that the situation should be under control and government authorities should be able to negotiate with protest leaders. However, the NSC chief noted, the caretaker prime minister can impose the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations when it is necessary. According to the NSC chief, he considers the imposition of the executive decree is unnecessary for the time being, regarding anti-government demonstrations so far. Meanwhile, the caretaker prime minister and defence minister started to work at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok, as she could not enter Government House because it has been blocked by anti-government protesters. Earlier, the caretaker prime minister worked at the Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO.(TNA)