Yingluck fans blast govt tactics

Yingluck fans blast govt tactics

Frustrated members of the Pheu Thai Party and United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) have denounced the government over its tactics to discourage them from showing support for former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra on "judgement day" next Friday.

Former Pheu Thai MP and regular junta critic, Watana Muangsook, on Friday accused the government and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) of "overreacting" in their preparations for Friday.

The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will hand down its ruling on the rice-pledging case against Mr Yingluck that day.

The NCPO had no reason to fret over her supporters gathering at the court, Mr Watana said.

Ms Yingluck has denied all wrongdoing in her handling of the loss-ridden rice scheme, one of the flagship policies of her former Pheu Thai administration. She could face 10 years in jail if found guilty.

About 1,000 supporters turned up outside the court on Aug 1, when Ms Yingluck delivered her closing statement in the trial. Authorities expect around the same number on Aug 25. But the government has said it will deploy 2,500 police officers at the court that day.

Police have charged several van drivers for ferrying her supporters to the court on Aug 1, accusing them of breaching land transport regulations, and warned them against transporting politically linked passengers.

Former UDD leader Tida Tawornseth also blasted the government yesterday over its tactics to keep the former prime minister's supporters at bay.

Making it difficult for the former prime minister's supporters to reach the court in Bangkok is not the government's only tactic.

A UDD coordinator in Phayao province, Siriwat Jutamatta, said yesterday his house has been regularly visited by security officials checking on the movement of red-shirt members in the province ahead of next Friday's judgement.

Pethchawat Wattanapongsirikul, a leader of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group, which is closely affiliated with the UDD, said its members would find their own way to the court.

"We cannot leave someone we love alone when she faces the verdict," he said.

Fully armed soldiers were seen patrolling in Pa Sang district in Lamphun on Wednesday. UDD key figure Nattawut Saikuar claimed their presence was intended to intimidate supporters of Ms Yingluck.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon yesterday denied the soldiers were intimidating anyone. They were there for a field exercise, he said.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (5)