Bangkok Post : Isoc worries about a third hand

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) is worried that a third party may use the anti-government rally on Saturday to stir unrest, Isoc spokesman Ditaporn Sasamit said on Thursday.

"We are not worried about the protesters, but we are concerned about those using the situation for their own gain," he said in a radio interview this morning.

It was not possible to identify the third party, but they were believed to be people who were not happy with the operations of a group.

He did not expect third-party meddling in the rally would lead to violence.

The cabinet this week decided to enforce the Internal Security Act in Bangkok's Dusit district this weekend to control the red-shirt protest.

"There will be no problems if the protesters abide by the law," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Nattawut Saikua, a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, said the group will not lay siege to important places in the capital - including government buildings and airports - during its mass rally on Saturday.

"The red-shirt group will not do that," he said. "But there could be other groups that the government might order to create a situation."

Mr Nattawut said the UDD would definitely rally on Saturday, the third anniversary of the military coup that ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, as planned, even though the government has invoked the Internal Security Act.

A stage would be set up at the Royal Plaza on Friday and another in front of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's residence on Saturday.

The UDD has long accused Gen Prem of being behind the coup three years ago.

Thaksin would make a phone-in address to the protesters about 8.30pm on Saturday, Mr Nattuwat said.

Whether the demonstration would be prolonged would depend on the situation at the time, Mr Nattawut said. If the government used force against the protesters, then the rally would continue, he said.

At least 20,000 red-shirts will protest against Gen Prem outside his home in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Friday, Kwanchai Praiphana, leader of Khon Rak Udon (Love Udon People) group, said on Thursday.

Mr Kwanchai said red-shirt people from 19 provinces in the Northeast will gather at the Thao Sura Naree statue in the northeastern province and will then march to Gen Prem’s residence.

“The rally is to make it clear that Gen Prem was the force behind the military coup on Sept 19, 2006,” he said.
The red-shirts knew that Gen Prem was now staying at his provincial home and is scheduled to present scholarships to students on Sept 18.

Mr Kwanchai said red-shirts from the Northeast will also travel to Bangkok on Saturday to join the UDD protesters.

Army Region 2 commander Lt-Gen Wibulsak Neepal said the red-shirts can rally at the residence of Gen Prem, but they must stay within the law.