The Thai government imposed emergency measures on parts of the capital Thursday, increasing the powers of security forces ahead of planned anti-government protests, dpa reported. The Internal Security Act allows authorities to arrest demonstrators without charges. The cabinet applied the act to three districts in the capital, including the old town centre and the location of many government buildings, from Thursday until November 30, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said. A mass demonstration was planned Saturday by the Pitak Siam (Protest Siam) movement, which hopes to rally more than 50,000 protesters near the parliament buildings. Pitak Siam was launched last month by retired General Boonlert Kaewprasit, who opposes the government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. A Pitak Siam rally on October 28 in Bangkok drew more than 20,000 supporters.
