Thai Government Extends State of Emergency Decree

The Thai government extended the state of emergency in Bangkok which was imposed after civil unrest in April and May. Fearing a resurgence of the anti-government 'red shirt' movement, the strict security law has been extended for another three months.

Thailand extended the controversial security law in Bangkok and three surrounding provinces on Tuesday. The government said the situation remained volatile months after the latest round of political violence.

It bans political gatherings of more than five people and allows media censorship and detention of suspects without charge for up to 30 days.

Ninety one people were killed and nearly two thousand wounded in clashes in central Bangkok in April and May between security forces and protesters who demanded an early election.

The movement held a rally of more than ten thousand people in Bangkok on September 19th, despite the emergency laws.

Bangkok has been plagued by minor bombings being linked to the country's political crisis, although no one has claimed responsibility and few arrests have been made.

The government remains wary, warning that violent elements among the anti-government "red shirt" movement may attempt to instigate another round of unrest.

[Supachai Jaisamut, Government Spokesman]:
"They continue to hold activities in Bangkok where the area is unstable and for those three provinces, it's the activists' base. The area is a big gathering place for protesters."

Rights groups and activists say the decree is unconstitutional and is being used by the government to push its agenda and stifle its opponents.

The resurgence of the anti-government "red shirts" is one of the biggest political risks in Southeast Asia's second biggest economy.

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