Rally fizzles out amid safety fears

News > Politics

Rally fizzles out amid safety fears

Boonlert says authorities inciting violence

Published: 24 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Pitak Siam leader Boonlert Kaewprasit ended his anti-government rally and his own brief political career on a drizzly Saturday afternoon after a day of high drama and scattered violence.

A Pitak Siam protester holds up a tear-gas canister that police had fired near the Makkawan Bridge on Saturday morning.

Addressing an estimated 20,000 supporters from the Royal Plaza stage, he asked them to disperse peacefully.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

domdunnn
Post : 1,147
Send message

Discussion 79 : 24 Nov 2012 at 13.2879
Post this to my Facebook
TBP. Tear gas was used after protesters who tried to remove barbed wire.

According to Pol Spokesman Maj. Gen. Piya Utayo, tear gas was used after, "five police officers were injured when protesters drove a six wheel truck into police lines. He said two of the officers were in a serious condition".
Like dislike 36 people liked / 63 people disliked this comment
blobber
Post : 305
Send message

Discussion 78 : 24 Nov 2012 at 13.1378
Post this to my Facebook
Discussion 59. If I came to your house and threatened to burn it down if you didn't give me what I wanted would you consider me peaceful? I thought not so stop with your reds were peaceful lies.
Like dislike 62 people liked / 25 people disliked this comment
domdunnn
Post : 1,147
Send message

Discussion 77 : 24 Nov 2012 at 13.0877
Post this to my Facebook
Boonlert promises to "topple" the government but doesn't say how.
Like dislike 33 people liked / 39 people disliked this comment
khunbill
Post : 435
Send message

Discussion 76 : 24 Nov 2012 at 13.0876
Post this to my Facebook
I see the Dems, Pad, Yellow supporters are out in full force here today
Like dislike 40 people liked / 44 people disliked this comment
domdunnn
Post : 1,147
Send message

Discussion 75 : 24 Nov 2012 at 13.0775
Post this to my Facebook
PS 'spokesman' say the ISA will cut down numbers, Boonlert says it will increase support, estimates range fro m 40-100,000. It will be nice when its over and we get some sort of facts for a change. Facts? What am I saying?
Like dislike 28 people liked / 31 people disliked this comment
android
Post : 2,250
Send message

Discussion 74 : 24 Nov 2012 at 13.0174
Post this to my Facebook
"In the name of Pitak Siam and its allies I promise that we will topple this government," Gen Boonlert told demonstrators from the rally stage.

This is concrete evidence that Boonlert has committed a treason offence. It is a laughing stock to the world if he still walks freely on the streets after this rally.
Like dislike 37 people liked / 77 people disliked this comment
pointoffew
Post : 1,269
Send message

Discussion 73 : 24 Nov 2012 at 12.5773
Post this to my Facebook
Most commentators here make a HUGE mistake. By still thinking in terms of red and yellow, they believe that those against today's rally - likely well over 85% of the nation, but the number is strictly irrelevant - are yellow shirts. Most Thai consider themselves neither "Red", nor "Yellow".
Many of my closest friends, including a neighbour who is an active DP member and supported the airport occupation - are strongly against this call to make an end to democracy. Most of them see that reconciliation is the only way forward. If it can be achieved in South Africa, why not here? Who wants to return to the old ages.
Like dislike 57 people liked / 26 people disliked this comment
massein
Post : 149
Send message

Discussion 72 : 24 Nov 2012 at 12.5572
Post this to my Facebook
Peacefull travel should not be impeded. blocking public roads for peace travel is wrong in so many ways. it the law is broken, then arrest the violaters
Like dislike 73 people liked / 18 people disliked this comment
android
Post : 2,250
Send message

Discussion 71 : 24 Nov 2012 at 12.5571
Post this to my Facebook
Boonlert promised several times that the rally won't turn violent.
Boonlert promised that he would be held responsible if the rally turned into violence.
Anti-PT government commentators here mocked that the government is over-reacting to the rally by invoking ISA and deployment of excessive anti-riot police.
It is time for these commentators to shut their mouths up.
Like dislike 41 people liked / 89 people disliked this comment
bkposter
Post : 1,324
Send message

Discussion 70 : 24 Nov 2012 at 12.5470
Post this to my Facebook
"Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the government should seek to extend the parliament session if a censure debate could not proceed ".... Mr Abhisit....your group is obstructing , and no one else...
Like dislike 45 people liked / 77 people disliked this comment