Rally sites shut for cash, says Prompong

Rally sites shut for cash, says Prompong

The Pheu Thai Party has claimed the dissolution of the anti-government movement's key rally sites was due to pressure from business operators affected by the rallies.

A caravan of trucks and cars belonging to red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship members leaves Udon Thani yesterday on a journey to Kalasin, Maha Sarakham and Khon Kaen in a show of support for the government. Thiti Wannamontha

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit yesterday questioned the motives behind People's Democratic Reform Commitee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban’s abrupt decision to dissolve the four rally sites.

The sites, situated in commercial areas at Pathumwan, Ratchaprasong, Asok and Silom intersections, were merged into one rally venue at Lumpini Park.

Mr Prompong questioned whether business groups had paid Mr Suthep to dissolve the rally sites because many organisations which give the anti-government movement financial support were located nearby.

Mr Prompong claimed that Pimol Srivikorn, son of Khunying Sasima Srivikorn, a prominent property developer and brother of PDRC co-leader Taya Teepsuwan, had complained the rally was causing severe damage to businesses nearby which would need between three and six months to recover.

Mr Prompong claimed the dissolution of the rally sites probably stemmed from pressure from business operators supporting Mr Suthep financially.

He did not believe the PDRC leader's claim the move to Lumpini was to ease the troubles of residents of the capital.

‘’We want Mr Suthep to say whether he was paid 500 million baht to shut down the rally sites,’’ he said.

Mr Prompong said protester numbers at the rally sites had also fallen dramatically.

The Pheu Thai spokesman said the number of protesters has dropped to around 2,000, down from from hundreds of thousands initially.

But PDRC spokesman Akanat Promphan brushed aside Pheu Thai claims the PDRC is receiving money from business groups, saying the Pheu Thai spokesman’s information has no factual basis.

Mr Akanat said Mr Prompong had slandered the PDRC without any evidence.

He said the dissolution of the rally sites was aimed at reducing negative impacts on the people of Bangkok, and the PDRC had received positive reaction to its decision.

Mr Akanat rejected speculation the rally sites' shutdown was a pre-condition to negotiations between the PDRC and caretaker government. Both sides have raised the prospect of talks.

Meanwhile, hundreds of United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters have left Udon Thani heading for Kalasin to counter the PDRC movement.

UDD supporters from Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Bung Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Sakon Nakhon provinces stayed overnight at Thung Sri Muang in Udon Thani on Saturday.

Led by UDD chairwoman Tida Thawornseth, many other UDD core members along with Pheu Thai leader Charupong Ruangsuwan and large crowds of UDD supporters left from Udon Thani about 8am in a caravan of 500 cars, pickups and 20 buses.

They travelled along the Udon Thani-Kumphawapi-Kranuan-Huay Mek-Yang Talat route.

The stream of vehicles caused heavy congestion on the Udon Thani-Khon Kaen road. After Kalasin, their next stops will be Maha Sarakham and Khon Kaen.

UDD core leader Jatuporn Prompan said the move signals a new fight by the red shirts to protect democracy.

Caretaker Deputy Commerce Minister Nattawut Saikuar, also a core UDD leader, said the red-shirt rally was aimed at countering those trying to topple the government by holding rallies in Bangkok.

Weng Tojirakarn, another UDD leader, said the rally in the Northeast was a success, receiving warm support along its route.

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