KHON KAEN - The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has again ruled out Bangkok as the final destination of its latest campaign which is focused on anti-government demonstrators in the northeastern and northern regions.
A convoy of red-shirt members moves from Udon Thani to Khon Kean on Sunday in a drive against the People's Democratic Reform Committee. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
Red-shirt co-leader Nattawut Saikuar threatened in Udon Thani on Sunday that UDD leaders would lead their supporters to Bangkok in a fight to protect ''democracy'' and move forward the stalled general election.
But a red shirt source said the capital is not on the main agenda now due to concerns over a possible clash with the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) if they enter Bangkok.
But the red shirts could move to provinces around the capital which are support bases, the source added.
Red-shirt co-leader Jatuporn Prompan, second right, join other leaders in banging a ''war drum'' in Udon Thani on Sunday to kick off the convoy. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
The UDD supporters arrived in Khon Kaen on Sunday evening via Kalasin and Maha Sarakham after leaving Udon Thani in a fleet of more than 200 cars, pickup trucks and buses.
It held a rally in Udon Thani on Saturday with about 20,000 red-shirt supporters converging on Thung Sri Muang's open ground. They promised to mobilise 50,000 people for their campaign.
The convoy was led by UDD chairwoman Tida Tawornseth and many other UDD core members. The UDD leaders, including Ms Tida, banged ''war drums'' to kick off the convoy with supporters cheering them and giving them food and drinks along the way.
Their next stop after Khon Kaen will be Chiang Mai next week, UDD members say.
Mrs Tida called the campaign an offensive drive to ''open up space for democracy'' after ''a group of people'' did damage to the country.
She was referring to the PDRC led by Suthep Thaugsuban and its rally in Bangkok to unseat caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and end the influence of her brother, Thaksin.
Their next stop after Khon Kaen will be Chiang Mai next week, UDD members say.