Reds confirm protest rally plans

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Reds confirm protest rally plans

Published: 19/11/2009 at 05:28 PM
Online news: Politics

The mass anti-government rally by the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will start one day sooner than previously planned and will run from Nov 28 to Dec 2, UDD core leader Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday.

Another UDD core member and opposition Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Promphan had said on Wednesday that the red-shirts' rally to demand the government immediately call a general election would run from Nov 29 to Dec 3.

Mr Natthawut said red-shirts would gather at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnern road from about midday on Nov 28, and would stay there overnight.

On Nov 29, after the armed forces had finished their military parade rehearsal, UDD supporters would regroup at Misakawan intersection and stay overnight in the area. On Nov 30, the red-shirts would rally against the government on various key roads in Bangkok and after that they would regroup at the intersection.

Mr Natthawut said the red-shirts would peacefully disperse in the early morning of Dec 2. The demonstrations would be peaceful and without weapons.

“If the government fails to bend to the UDD’s demand, the red-shirts will take to the streets again after the celebration of His Majesty the King’s 82nd birthday anniversary on Dec 5.

"That demonstration will continue until the demand is met,” the UDD leader said.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government had no intention of playing political games with the red-shirts, and he was confident its anti-government rallies would not turn violent.

"I believe the UDD's plan to topple the government by Dec 3 will not succeed, because people want peace," he said. "The government will evaluate the situation again before deciding whether to apply the Internal Security Act during the protests."

Government chief whip Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said the next few weeks would be an improper time for any political demonstration as all Thai people were happily preparing to show their loyalty to His Majesty the King on his birthday.

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Allan

Discussion 11 : 20/11/2009 at 08:06 AM11
Mr Thaksin in a phone conversation to his buddies told them that they have one last stand to out the government and it must be done before the New Year.
The reason for this is that the Governments economic package will be in full swing to recovery in the New Year and he will not have a chance to come back and lead the country.
Uncle Dick

Discussion 10 : 20/11/2009 at 05:18 AM10
The comic opera goes on.

Will there be a Laurel & Hardy styled film to follow on?
Mony

Discussion 9 : 20/11/2009 at 02:39 AM9
Abasit,

get out of thailand now... Your glory day is over.
Tony

Discussion 8 : 20/11/2009 at 01:21 AM8
Well, it has to be peaceful - because if its not, if they seize government buildings like PAD, seize the airports, or start rioting again, they will become the very terrorists they accuse PAD of being. Well, Songkran pretty much already did that in spades - but still... Democrats are absolutely right, the people are tired of this nonsense.

This really smacks of desperation.

If anyone out there really cared about the poor and democracy, they'd fix education and the economy, not "fix" elections.
JT

Discussion 7 : 20/11/2009 at 01:00 AM7
I wonder how big the number will be with their recent fiascos like a tape that does not exists, throwing grenades, calling for armed uprising, having their leader share secrets with Cambodia, almost bringing 2 countries on the brink of war... and all of this during the high season of tourism. I think these people are out of their mind.

It is absolutely clear now that they are desperate. More witnesses have just testified about SC Assets and Ample Rich... so this is all just a ploy to try and get the cash back by a possible violent revolution.

At least they have chosen their name correctly. Red in the country. If violence breaks out, the blood on their hands and bills will be what they will be remembered for for generations to come.

If everyone instead of making problems, would start to help the country out, we would see progress. But, alas, it's easier to sit on your butt, waiting for a handout or some fast cash and blaming others instead of making a good change in your own and your neighbours' life first.
christopher hale

Discussion 6 : 20/11/2009 at 12:48 AM6
I pray some patriotic person who truly loves Thailand brings down Taksin permanently so that decent people can begin reconstruction.
Aek

Discussion 5 : 19/11/2009 at 11:22 PM5
Very Well Said "Boonisback" posting. Right on target. The Thai people see what is going on and they can perceive that the supposedly neutral parties are taking sides and orchestrating behind the scenes. The world is watching and it won't be long before the "whole" truth is out and the dominoes will start falling.

I am not a fan of Thaksin but what I am seeing, hearing, reading, observing makes it very clear that this unelected government is using unfair means and double standards in their smear campaign against Thaksin and his cronies. The country is divided more than ever and it will only get worse. It will drive away much needed foreign investment--who would want to invest here where the political situation is muddied and can erupt into chaos at any time. The laws have been used to the advantage of those in power and the courts have gone along with it. How can this be fair? How can this be legitimate? How can this be moral and ethical?
Hyperinflation

Discussion 4 : 19/11/2009 at 10:53 PM4
Let us hope the UDD lives up to its promise not to get violent. They have been well behaved the last few times, but nobody has forgotten their Songkran riots which were despised throughout the nation.

There will be no effect from this protest either. Most people are simply tired of the relentless pursuit of saving their master, the new Cambodian economics advisor. People just want peace and normalcy. The more the red shirts disrupt the lives of citizens, the more they will be marginalised.

Hold your rallies if you want, just stay within the law and let the rest of us laugh at your foolishness. We grow bored with you.
MMouse

Discussion 3 : 19/11/2009 at 10:31 PM3
Government chief whip Chinnaworn Boonyakiat said the next few weeks would be an improper time for any political demonstration as all Thai people were happily preparing to show their loyalty to His Majesty the King on his birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I thought a certain institution was never to be used for political purposes.
t-dude

Discussion 2 : 19/11/2009 at 09:49 PM2
agreed with discussion #1 by Mr. Boonisback!

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Reds confirm protest rally plans