Bangkok: Thai authorities have extended a state of emergency in Bangkok and three surrounding provinces, citing continued security concerns since the measure was imposed in April during anti-government protests.
Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the Cabinet decided in its weekly meeting today to maintain the decree for another three months in the capital and the neighbouring provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani due to continued political activities in the area.
The emergency initially was declared in April in Bangkok after anti-government protesters broke into the Parliament building to press demands for early elections. It was later extended to include two dozen provinces.
The capital continues to be plagued by small bombings that the government has linked to the political turmoil.
The decree gives authorities broad powers to deal with protesters and places restrictions on civil liberties.
PTI
