Police can detain without charge, gatherings of five or more are banned
Thai security officials proposed on Monday to extend emergency rules blanketing a third of the country, including the capital. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva imposed the rules on April 7 after mass anti-government protests by the “Red Shirt” movement grew violent in Bangkok. The measures allow police to detain suspects for 30 days without charge and make gatherings of five or more people illegal. Approximately 90 people were killed during the crackdown when military rolled through the Red Shirt strongholds on May 19. Human rights campaigners are concerned that the emergency measures violate freedom of expression. One of the Red Shirt leaders who was arrested during the upheaval is running in the July 25 by-election in Bangkok.