POLITICS
WASSANA NANUAM & PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has set Friday as D-Day to hold a major rally at Government House in what it calls a make-or-break attempt to oust Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and his cabinet.
PAD leader Sonthi Limthongkul announced last night that Friday was the day to ''demand the country back'' from those who corrupted and exploited it.
''On Friday June 20 at 1pm we will pack everything [to go to Government House]. And we won't give up until we win,'' he said.
His call was applauded by demonstrators who rallied on Ratchadamnoen Nok avenue near Government House.
But Chamlong Srimuang, another PAD leader, urged the demonstrators to protest in front of Government House and avoid entering the compound to cause damage inside because the PAD's goal was to see the end of the government.
The PAD, which started its current protests against the government on May 25, call Mr Samak and his People Power party nominees of Thaksin Shinawatra.
It has deployed a new strategy by holding rallies at several government offices to air its demands.
Yesterday, it sent its representatives to put a black wreath in front of the Foreign Ministry and issued a statement calling for diplomats to tell the truth about the current political situation in Thailand to their host countries.
The State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation yesterday resolved to join the PAD's civil disobedience campaign if the government resorts to force in dispersing the PAD protesters.
All state enterprise labour unions under the confederation will stage a mass strike if the government uses force, said confederation secretary-general Sawit Kaewwan.
The confederation announced that if force was used, it would join the PAD-led demonstration until victory was achieved. Family members of confederation members would be sent to take part in all PAD-organised activities.
Yesterday's meeting included former and active leaders of all 43 state enterprise labour unions.
Mr Sawit claimed the government lacked the legitimacy to run the country as it had acquired power unconstitutionally. The confederation had the right to protest against the government to protect the national interest as stated in the constitution, he said.
All state enterprise labour unions were ready to follow measures under the civil disobedience campaign. The measures would range from modest to severe, including providing train and bus services to the public for free or halting water and electricity for government agencies.
Work stoppages by all state enterprise labour unions would begin simultaneously if the use of force is employed by the government to disperse the protesters, said Mr Sawit. All labour unions are awaiting a signal from their leaders.
Police deputy spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Surapol Thuanthong said the situation would not become violent if the protesters staged peaceful gatherings without carrying weapons.
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