Thailand's caretaker PM denies imposition of emergency decree to deal with protesters

BANGKOK, January 6 (TNA) - Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says she does not plan to enforce the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations to cope with anti-government protesters for the time being although they have vowed to lay siege to Bangkok from January 13 onwards. Yingluck told journalists on Monday that it is not the time for imposing the executive decree on public administration in emergency situations, as its pros and cons are to be carefully considered first, insisting that its imposition will be her caretaker government's last resort. Yingluck acknowledged that she will keep monitoring the updated situation closely and state security officers will be mobilized to ensure public safety and secure government offices, asking protesters, however, not to violate laws. According to the caretaker prime minister, protesters have already caused damage and shaken confidence in Thailand, observed by many foreign countries having issued their travel advisories about Thailand. In response to anti-protesters' plan to cut water and power supplies at residences of the caretaker prime minister and her Cabinet members, the caretaker prime minister pointed out that the move would violate individuals' rights and would not make any change, urging her opponents to enter into negotiations and join national reform forums instead. Meanwhile, Narinpong Jinapak, President of the Lawyers' Association of Thailand, filed a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), asking the OAG to prosecute leaders of the anti-government People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) for attempting to overthrow Thailand's constitutional monarchy, shaking national security and violating the electoral law, as its prolonged demonstrations have blocked the election organization process of the Election Commission of Thailand (EC). Narinpong urged the Attorney General to forward the complaint to the Constitution Court before January 13, when PDRC protesters plan to lay siege to Bangkok.(TNA)