Quote:PM to have absolute control; PAD to go on protesting despite state of emergency; more people join protest at Government House, pro-government protesters disperse, 24 schools in 3 districts closed

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej Tuesday announced the state of emergency in Bangkok following a clash between the pro and anti-government supporters early in the morning.

Reasoning that some groups of people caused disturbances in Bangkok that affect the peace and security, Samak announced the enforcement of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations in Bangkok.

The prime minister's order also appointed the army chief to be in charge of enforcing the emergency decree in Bangkok.

Thai PBS reported that the announcement exempted the enforcement paragraph 1 of Article 9 which prohibit people from leaving their houses, meaning people can still go t work.

The state of emergency prohibits gathering of more than five people.

The state of emergency authorises the authorities to evict people from any place or prohibit them from entering a place.

The state of emergency also prohibits news publicity in a way that terrifies the public.

The state of emergency also allows the authorities to detain suspects for seven days and would prohibit people from making illegal entries into government offices.

Pro-government protesters dispersed soon after learning about the emergency situation announcement.

But the leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy said the protest would continue at Government House.

Thai PBS reporter reported from the scene that more people came out to join the rally Tuesday morning.

Democrat Party MP Sathit Wongnongtoey said the state of emergency would allow the prime minister to have absolute control.

Sathit said it seemed that the government foresaw the violence and state of emergency. He said the prime minster and People Power MPs indicated the violence would take place when they spoke during a debate on the political crisis Sunday night.

Supreme Commander Gen Boonsrang Niampradit said the people should stay calm and the government would take only necessary actions.

It was announced on TVs that 24 schools in three districts of Bangkok would be closed indefinitely.