Suthep calls up 1m for 'battle day'

Suthep calls up 1m for 'battle day'

Ex-Democrat MP and anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban is mobilising people to join a "major battle day" next Sunday at the Democracy Monument.


Anti-government protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban invites Thais across the country to join a "major battle day" next Sunday at the Democracy Monument. Photo by Thiti Wannamontha

"This is your last chance to be part of an historic day when Thais free themselves from the Thaksin regime. This is the final opportunity for you to create a better future for our next generations," Mr Suthep told about 20,000 people at a rally on Sunday night.

"For those who have not come out, Nov 24 is battle day. It's time to wage a war," he said. "Please come out to join this fight. Next Sunday will be the victory day of the people."

He said he expected at least one million people to turn up on that day.

Mr Suthep also urged people from the provinces to come to Bangkok.

"For those who can't come here, please gather at the provincial hall at your province and wait for a signal from the Ratchadamnoen stage," Mr Suthep said.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit played down the Democrats' campaign to impeach 310 MPs who voted for the blanket amnesty bill, saying they were just doing their job.

He insisted the MPs did not commit any wrongdoing and denied an accusation made by former Democrat MP that the 310 lawmakers acted as "servants" of deposed prime minster Thaksin Shinawatra, the de facto leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

Nobody ordered them to vote, Mr Prompong argued. The MPs have rights granted by law to pass bills. The move by Mr Suthep and other anti-government protesters to gather people's signatures to support the impeachment campaign is just a political game which will be used to "fuel their attempts to expel the government", Mr Prompong said.

The signature campaign for the impeachment bid started on Saturday when thousands of people queued up to sign their names and submit the required documents to the rally organiser.

In response to their move, Mr Prompong said the protest leaders are ratcheting up their "aggressive behaviour", and warned people against being fooled by the protesters.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (36)