The Thai government on Nov. 24 agreedto enforce its Internal Security Act (ISA) throughout Thailand 'sBangkok capital from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14 to ensure law and order duringa series of planned, mass anti-government rallies.

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the law is essential toensure peace and security as the United Front for Democracy againstDictatorship (UDD) (otherwise known as the ‘red shirts’) will stagemass anti-government rallies amid the Thai King’s birthdaycelebrations.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in charge of securityaffairs, said the ISA would only be imposed in Dusit district incentral Bangkok and its two adjacent areas of Sommanas andBangkhunphrom.

However, the cabinet has decided to use the ISA law across the wholecity after the ‘red-shirt’ movement said it would expand the scope ofits rallies to various other parts of Bangkok on Nov. 30.

The invocation of the ISA is expected to help Thai security forces better preserve law and order.

As for the possible imposition of the ISA in Chiang Mai, in order toensure security during a visit by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva from Nov. 27-29,the Thai government said it will assess additional reports concerningthe situation there from security authorities prior to making a finaldecision.

Last week, UDD supporters in Chiang Mai said they would protest against the PM’s visit./.