国际英语新闻:Thailand declares state of emergency in Bangkok, surrounding areas

BANGKOK, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Thai caretaker government on Tuesday invoked the Emergency Decree in the capital and some nearby areas, effective from Wednesday and for 60 days.

According to caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, the government had to invoke the decree to announce the state of emergency because the anti-government protests have begun to see increasing violence.

The decree will be effective in Nonthaburi province, Patumthani province, part of Samut Prakarn province and all districts of the capital to cope with violence and bloodsheds which might possibly be repeated following recent bomb blasts in the heart of the capital.

The Public Health Ministry disclosed that political violence between Dec. 26 last year and Jan. 19 this year left four people dead and 267 others injured.

The Emergency Decree forbids gathering of five or more people, and distribution of information and publications that may cause public alarm, threaten national security and order. Enforcement personnel are empowered to summon suspects and witnesses, confiscate property and monitor the Internet and phone calls.

Chalerm has been appointed chief of the Center for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation to take charge of the enforcement of the decree, which is replacing the relatively lenient Internal Security Act imposed in the capital over the past few months.