The national police chief claims there is a plan to take Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra hostage, and cites this as one reason for imposing the Internal Security Act in three districts of Bangkok.
Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew said the cabinet decided to impose the Internal Security Act (ISA) in three districts of Bangkok from today until Nov 30 after security agencies reported receiving information there could be attempts to raid government premises and a plan to take Prime Minister Yingluck hostage.
He said using the ISA would help security forces contain the anti-government protesters.
A large turnout is expected at the Pitak Siam rally at the weekend, the police chief said.
He said the ISA was effective from Thursday until Nov 30 in Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pomprap Sattruphai districts, but it will not affect people’s normal lives.
The police chief warned that authorities will not allow any raids on or seizure of government property. Police would distribute flyers and place no entry signs near these places to inform people who attend the anti-government demonstration they are "no go" areas.