Thai releases measures to enforce emergency decree

The Thai government-run Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) on Thursday released measures following the emergency state to ensure order amid escalating protests. Chalerm Yoobamrung, who is CMPO chief and labor minister of the caretaker government, announced that people are not allowed to gather in five or more in areas prohibited by CMPO, except legal demonstrations and elections. Any action that incites disorder is also prohibited. News publicity and distribution of newspapers and other publications that will cause public panic or distort information about the emergency situation affecting peace and order and good morality are banned. The use of transportation routes and vehicles, buildings and places and entering to certain areas are prohibited in line with orders of the CMPO chief. People must evacuate certain areas for their own safety and cannot enter certain areas in line with orders of the CMPO chief. The CMPO chief said a timeframe would be set for enforcing these measures and criteria be formulated for operation officers to minimize impact on the people. The caretaker government on Tuesday invoked the Emergency Decree in the capital and some surrounding areas, effective from Wednesday and for 60 days.