Thailand invokes security law

The Thai government plans to invoke the Internal Security Act to ensure law and order during a mass anti-government rally.

The measure will be imposed Thursday ahead of a gathering by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship group.

It will remain in place until March the 23rd in Bangkok and parts of the six provinces that are gateways to the capital.

Supporters of Thailand's ousted leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, will begin a mass rally on Friday. Their political demands include the resignation of the coalition government, to pave the way for a new general election.

The government and its supporters criticize the group for violating the law. They also warn the "red shirts" are likely to cause violence.

In April 13, 2009 file photo, soldiers confront Red Shirt demonstrators during riots in Bangkok, Thailand. (AP Photo/David Longstreath, File)