Thai government not to impose martial law
BANGKOK. May 14. KAZINFORM 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; Kazinform refers to China Daily.
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 the anti-government protesters' number will fall after the state of emergency has been imposed in these provinces, the National News Bureau of Thailand quoted Panithan as saying.
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; Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com.cn for full version.