BANGKOK: Thailand’s government on Tuesday declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas to cope with protests that have stirred up violent attacks.

The move follows weeks of rallies that have paralyzed parts of the capital and sparked several bouts of deadly violence, including grenade attacks and shootings.

“The Cabinet decided to invoke the emergency decree to take care of the situation and to enforce the law,” said Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, noting that protesters had prevented officials from going to work.

Labor Minister Chalerm Yubumrung, who will oversee its implementation, said the measure will take effect Wednesday and continue for 60 days.

The emergency decree greatly expands the power of security forces to issue orders and search, arrest and detain people, with limited judicial and parliamentary oversight.

The protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to make way for an appointed government to implement reforms to fight corruption. Yingluck called elections on Feb. 2 but the protesters are insisting they not be held.

The state of emergency follows increasing attacks at protest sites for which the government and the protesters blame each other. These include grenades thrown in daylight and drive-by shootings. On Sunday, 28 people were wounded when two grenades were tossed at one of several protest sites set up at key Bangkok intersections.

Another grenade attack on a protest march last Friday killed one man and wounded dozens. No arrests have been made in either attack.