Thailand's protests likely to persist, police reinforced

BANGKOK, November 11 (TNA) - The Thai government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) says that political demonstrations are unlikely to stop, but to be prolonged after Monday's ruling by The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) on a disputed area surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple along the Thai-Cambodian border. CAPO Spokesman Police Major General Piya Uthayo told journalists, citing intelligence reports, that the ongoing protests against the controversial amnesty bill would even escalate after the ICJ's verdict. According to the spokesman, the number of policemen posted at key government offices, including the Government House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok, and the Cambodian Embassy in capital has, thus, been increased to about a total of 10,000. The spokesman acknowledged that provincial policemen have also been instructed to closely monitor the current demonstrations against the amnesty bill and the Senate's ongoing debate in the first reading of the draft bill. Four civic groups have planned to march to join a major rally, organised by Thailand's main opposition Democrat Party at the Democracy Monument on Rajadamnoen Avenue. Thai Ambassador to The Hague Virachai Palasai, meanwhile, explained in a brief press conference after the ICJ's ruling on Monday afternoon (Thailand's time), which needs additional consideration and negotiations by both the Thai and Cambodian governments, that the World Court suggested the two neighbouring countries to jointly work out a solution. (TNA)