Security law imposition has nothing to do with protest: Deputy PM

BANGKOK, Nov 29 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said the extended imposition of the internal security law in five southern border districts had nothing to do with a demonstration against a coal-fired power plant project in Songkhla province. Gen Prawit referred to the imposition of the security law in Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi districts of Songkhla and Mae Lan district of Pattani. He said the imposition had continued for a while and was only extended as usual. It had nothing to do with the protest against the coal-fired power plant project planned in Thepha district of Songkhla. He also said that the government had no roles in the arrest of key demonstrators because it was the action of the police. They were charged with obstructing traffic and officials’ work. The public gathering law was not raised to back any charge against the people, Gen Prawit said. The government did not violate any human right because it already invited demonstrators to file their letter with a representative of the government but they rejected the invitation and were moving towards the accommodation of the prime minister, Gen Prawit said. (TNA)