UDD under close watch in run-up to rally

Security authorities have relaxed security in Bangkok to focus on monitoring pro-Thaksin groups in the run-up to a Sept 19 rally by anti-government protesters, military sources say.

A lawyer for the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship shows the scars on the left arm of Sawai Thong-on,who said he was wounded in the Songkran crackdown on red shirt demonstrators. TheUDD’s legal team will accompany injured protesters to file a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division on Tuesday against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Supreme Commander Gen Songkitti Jaggabatara over their handling of the riot. SURAPOLPROMSAKANA SAKOLNAKORN

Deputy Prime Minister for security Suthep Thaugsuban met military and police chiefs for 30 minutes at the army headquarters yesterday to follow up on movements by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

The panel did not discuss invoking the Internal Security Act (ISA) or other security measures as the UDD had already delayed its rally, originally planned for today, to Sept 19, said Maj Gen Ditthaporn Sasamit, spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command.

But authorities will seek cabinet approval to clamp down on the UDD if its actions seem likely to lead to political unrest, he said. Security forces could be mobilised within an hour.

UDD leader Veera Musikhapong told the press yesterday that the red shirts postponed their rally from today to Sept 19, when they will congregate at the Royal Plaza to protest against the Sept 19, 2006 coup which toppled the Thaksin administration.

The UDD would train its activists in rally control and defensive techniques at the Imperial World department store in Lat Phrao, he said.

UDD spokesman Natthawut Saikua said the red shirts wanted to strengthen their position before the Sept 19 rally to take advantage of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's undermined position after infighting had weakened the coalition and the ruling Democrat Party.

He also said the rally would not be prolonged. Demonstrators would leave the following morning unless external groups instigated unrest, he said.