Bangkok, Jan 23 (IANS): The Thailand government-run Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) Thursday released measures following the declaration of emergency to ensure order amid escalating protests.

Chalerm Yoobamrung, CMPO chief and labour minister of the caretaker government, announced that five or more people would not be allowed to gather in areas prohibited by CMPO, except legal demonstrations and elections, Xinhua reported.

Any action that incites disorder is also prohibited.

News publicity and distribution of newspapers and other publications that may cause public panic or distort information about the emergency situation affecting peace and order and good morality are banned.

The use of transportation routes and vehicles, buildings and places and entering certain areas are prohibited in line with orders of the CMPO chief.

People must evacuate certain areas for their own safety and cannot enter certain areas in line with orders of the CMPO chief.

The CMPO chief said a timeframe would be set for enforcing these measures and criteria formulated for operation officers to minimise impact of the decree on the people.

The caretaker government on Tuesday invoked the Emergency Decree in the capital and some surrounding areas, effective Wednesday for 60 days.