No plans to confront PAD supporters, says UDD leader
By Kultida Samabuddhi
About 2,000 supporters of the pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered at Sanam Luang yesterday, which raised the prospect of a clash with People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters. PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk mobilised 1,000 supporters of his own when he learned of the UDD's move late in the afternoon.
The PAD supporters walked from Government House to Ban Phra Arthit, where the office of PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul and ASTV is located.
Mr Somsak asked supporters to guard the ASTV office because he heard UDD members planned to storm the TV station, which is broadcasting the Bangkok rally live. However, no UDD members showed up at the PAD-backed television station.
Jaran Ditha-apichai, who led the UDD gathering, said his supporters had no plans to confront PAD supporters or raid the ASTV office.
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| Wiphuthalang Pattaphuthai, a leader of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship, on a stage at Sanam Luang urging 2,000 supporters to stand behind the government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. — PAWAT LAOPAISARNTAKSIN |
The gathering was aimed only at easing tension among government supporters, who had been forced to listen to the PAD's allegations against the government for months, said the former national human rights commissioner.
''We have no intention of instigating unrest. We don't want to clash with the PAD protesters because we will lose if we do,'' Mr Jaran said. ''UDD is now like an ant, while the PAD is like an elephant.''
Yesterday's gathering was the first UDD activity since July.
Mr Jaran said the group opted to stay away from the limelight because the political situation was fragile and any wrong move could backfire on the government.
However, the group decided to gather yesterday to defuse growing discontent over the PAD demonstration among UDD supporters.
''We also wanted to update the situation for UDD members and discuss possible ways out of the political stalemate,'' he said.
Mr Jaran said the group would disperse after listening to a special edition of the Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth of Today) talk show hosted by former Thai Rak Thai party executive Veera Musikapong.
The programme is aired on the government-run NBT channel and has been criticised for being a propaganda tool of the Samak administration
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