The government may extend the Internal Security Act (ISA) for another month depending on how many people continue to attend ongoing anti-government protests, National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanatabut said on Friday.
Lt Gen Paradorn said the decision whether or not to maintain heightened security measures would be based on turnout to anti-government protests planned for Sunday, Nov 24.
If the number of demonstrators at Democracy Monument grows and the rally looks set to be prolonged further, the ISA might be extended for another month from Nov 30, he said.
The ISA has been imposed in three Bangkok districts - Phra Nakhon, Dusit and Pomprap Sattruphai - since Oct 18.
Lt Gen Paradorn said he did not expect the Nov 24 rally at Democracy Monument to attract one million people - as protest leaders have claimed - but said several tens of thousands of protesters would probably turn out.
He said demonstrators might attempt to lay siege to Government House, but not to the extent of breaking into the compound, adding that security forces are more worried about trouble being caused by a "third party" group, not connected to protesters.
"We are worried about a third party. Security officials will be deployed at around 20 points on high buildings to observe the protest. Permission will be sought from the owners of the buildings. Members of the media will also be allowed to accompany the officials to watch the protest," said the NSC chief.