Tensions still high in Thailand despite emergency rule

EMERGENCY rule has done little to calm tensions in Thailand, as anti-government protesters camped out in the capital refuse to budge and a key pro-government "red shirt" leader was targeted in an apparent political assassination attempt.

The government assured foreign diplomats and journalists that the police would not try to disperse the crowds with force despite the imposition of emergency rule yesterday.

But the shooting of red-shirt leader Kwanchai Praiphana outside his office in north-eastern Thailand in the morning underscored the volatility of the political crisis.

The controversial radio host and red-shirt mobiliser, who has called for the arrest of anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, was hit in the right arm and leg by a gunman in a vehicle who fired about 42 rounds at him with an AK-47. Mr Kwanchai was reportedly in stable condition in hospital.

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters that police would mainly enforce the emergency decree and could request military reinforcement.

But he added: "We'll see whether the state of emergency will produce positive results or more violence, and if the situation does get out of hand, it might be necessary for the army to step in and settle the problem."

The emergency decree came into effect on Wednesday for 60 days in the whole of Bangkok and adjacent Nonthaburi province, and in parts of two other provinces that border the capital - Samut Prakarn and Pathum Thani.

Mr Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the greater powers for the police under the decree were a "pre-emptive measure" in view of the likelihood of more violence.

But he added that "at the moment, a lot of the powers are not going to be applied" and there was "no plan whatsoever" to ban or disperse protests or impose curfews.

The decree would not affect the polls scheduled for Feb 2 - also being challenged separately by the government's own Election Commission and protesters from the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), which wants to force caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra out of office.

Mr Sihasak said: "There is concern that the situation in the lead-up to the election will worsen. There is a likelihood that attempts will be made to disrupt the election."

Separately, the Election Commission has asked the Constitution Court to clarify who has the authority to delay the polls - the commission or the government.

The commission has been lobbying for a delay, citing worries over violence and that the election will not produce a sitting Parliament, as 28 constituencies do not have candidates after PDRC activists disrupted the registration process.

The government is determined to hold the election, saying it is a constitutional duty.

nirmal@sph.com.sg

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