Thousands of protestors rally at Foreign Ministry; FM elsewhere

BANGKOK, June 18 (TNA) – Anti-government protestors led by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) arrived at Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday morning to stage a mass rally and seek clarification from minister Noppadon Pattama regarding the new map of the disputed Preah Vihear temple.

However, Mr. Noppadon was not at his office, but was apparently taking
shelter at Government House.

A group of PAD supporters marched from the protestors' encampment at
Makawan Bridge on Rachadamnoen Avenue to join demonstrators rallying at
the foreign ministry.

PAD sound trucks parked at the rally site for use as mini-platforms for
demonstration leaders including Sondhi Limthongkul, Somsak Kosaisuk,
Piphop Thongchai, and Somkiati Pongpaiboon to speak.

Some trucks were used to carry supporters who were unable to march to
protest site.

As of mid-day, thousands of demonstrators were gathered at the ministry on
Sri Ayudhya Road and closed some traffic lanes.

It was reported that Mr. Noppadon would not come to the ministry, but
planned to hold a press conference at Government House to clarify the
controversial map.

The protestors accused Mr. Noppadon of covering up his wrongdoing by
refusing to release the map to the public. (TNA)