POLICE in Cambodia have been instructed to use all means possible to protect the peace and to destroy an "outlawed rebel movement".
According to reports in the Phnom Penh Post, the person referred to was Sam Rainsy, the "acting president" of the Supreme Court-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP).
It is said that he was organising a coup to overthrow the legitimate government through an uprising.
On Tuesday, reports said that Rainsy had renewed his pledge to return to Cambodia on Nov 9 despite facing arrest on a slew of criminal charges, including incitement and insulting the King.
The Cambodian Embassy in Thailand has since denied reports that Cambodian migrant workers were flocking to join a gathering to receive Rainsy.
Police had since visited Banteay Meanchey province, which shares a border with Thailand, to keep police forces on standby.
Phnom Penh municipal police have been instructed to take immediate action against the “rebel movement” in the event of an uprising.
"Members of the security forces have an obligation to protect the monarchy and the legitimate government formed through last year’s national elections," said police.
Reports said that Rainsy and his supporters had recently shown signs of fomenting an uprising, in an apparent reference to the video clip released by Rainsy on Tuesday night.
In the video posted on Facebook, Rainsy said he is determined to return on November 9 to restore democracy in the Kingdom despite having to sacrifice his freedom or life.
The provincial administration said members of the security forces will carry out an exercise on Friday in preparation for a possible uprising.
It said in an announcement that the security forces parade will proceed from the provincial military base to the police headquarters in Sisophon town’s Preah Ponlea commune.
“The government is taking no chances and is making sure that all its security measures to battle Sam Rainsy’s return are effective,” it said.
KW: SAm Rainsy, police, Cambodia, Phnom Penh