Thai govt. declares state of emergency amid protests

Thai authorities have declared a state of emergency as anti-government protests are gaining momentum in some parts of the Southeast Asian country.

The government has imposed a 60-day state of emergency in the capital, Bangkok, and the surrounding provinces.

The decree gives the government wide-ranging powers to deal with the disorder.

Media outlets quoted Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul as saying: “The cabinet decided to invoke the emergency decree to take care of the situation and to enforce the law.”

Labor Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, who will oversee the implementation of the emergency decree, said the aim of the emergency decree was to regain control of the ongoing intense situation.

The protests intend to derail the February 2 elections, which the prime minister has called for, in an attempt to contain the political crisis. They want to replace the government with an unelected “People’s Council.”

Anti-government demonstrations started October last year and are aimed at removing Yingluck from office.