BANGKOK, Jan. 22 -- The current emergency decree invoked by the Thai caretaker government does not involve banning or dispersing protests, or limitations on the media, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuanggetkeow said Wednesday.

Only part of the emergency decree has been invoked, which involves no authorities to impose restrictions on the freedom of movement or curfews, Sihasak told foreign media at a press conference.

The government on Tuesday announced the imposition of a 60-day state of emergency in Nonthaburi province, Patumthani province, part of Samut Prakarn province and all districts of the capital, effective from Wednesday.

This is "more or less a preemptive measure" so that the police and security officers will be in a better position to deal with situations that they might be confronted in the future, especially in the lead-up to the Feb. 2 election, Sihasak said.

Sihasak added he believed the government could still proceed with the election.

Under the emergency decree, the Center for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO) has been established to replace the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order, with Labor Minister Chalerm Yubamrung serving as its director, and Police Chief Adul Saengsingkaew and Permanent Secretary for Defense Nipat Thonglek as deputy directors.

"The police will take the lead in ensuring security" while the military will play a supportive role, Sihasak said.

The CMPO committee also comprises representatives of all branches of the armed forces, Sihasak said, adding he believed they would participate in making proper decisions that suited the situation.

The decree is intended to be deterrent, and in no way will there be use of force, he stressed.