Protesters leave after gathering at police HQ
MANOP THIP-OSOD & WASSAYOS NGAMKHAM
Thousands of supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy occupy Rama I road and stage a mass rally in front of the National Police Office. The protest halted traffic on the crowded road, which runs past Bangkok's shopping hub. |
Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) last night retreated to their former rally site at the Makkhawan Rangsan bridge after the Civil Court ordered they must stop blocking traffic on Rama V and Phitsanulok roads.
The decision to relocate was announced by media firebrand Sondhi Limthongkul after a meeting of the PAD's core leaders. Addressing the cheering crowd, Mr Sondhi reminded supporters of the group's spirit and determination to free Thailand from ill-intentioned politicians.
''Still want to go on fighting, brothers?'' Mr Sondhi asked supporters. ''Follow me to the Makkhawan bridge.''
Their relocation ended the PAD's 18-day demonstration outside Government House. The group declared victory following their ''seizing'' of Parliament House on June 20.
The group's rally will now resume at Makkhawan Rangsan bridge.
Before their move to Government House, the PAD's stage was set up in front of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific buildings. Its new site last night was on the other end of the bridge, in front of the Education Ministry.
PAD lawyer Suwat Apaipak said he would petition the Appeals Court against the Civil Court's order which prohibits demonstrations on sections of Rama V road to the Wat Benchamabophit intersection and on Phitsanulok road to Chamai Maruchet bridge from 5am to 6pm from Monday to Friday.
The court's order was handed down after teachers and parents from the Rajavinit school, who earlier asked for a court injunction against the PAD rally during school hours, asked the judges to enforce the injunction. They claimed the PAD only cleared parts of its blockade.
The plaintiffs said the rally at Government House hindered traffic and inconvenienced students.
Yesterday morning thousands of PAD demonstrators gathered in front of the Royal Thai Police headquarters to pressure police to ''do their duties''.
About 5,000 PAD supporters flocked to police headquarters on the crowded Rama I road amid tight security.
All PAD core leaders, except Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang, were present and condemned the police for failing to bring wrongdoers to justice.
They claimed the police's credibility as ''guards of society'' has plummeted since the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, which is accused of large-scale corruption and abuse of power.
''We come here today just to ask you to do your duty,'' Mr Sondhi said. ''We don't ask you to take any sides.'' Mr Sondhi read out a 10-point list of alleged police irregularities which included inaction against supposed corruption cases in the Thaksin regime, unfair transfers of investigators in charge of those cases and unfriendly attitudes to the PAD rally.
In a two-hour rally, the PAD criticised the appointment of deputy police chief Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong, the elder brother of Mr Thaksin's wife Khunying Potjaman, to handle lese majeste charges against former PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair. He reportedly has close links with Mr Thaksin.
everal hundred police were yesterday ordered to block PAD supporters from entering the compound.
''The officers were told to stay calm and use the utmost patience,'' said deputy police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Surapol Thuanthong.
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