ID :
112702
Sat, 03/20/2010 - 13:55
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/112702
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CORRECTED-- Protesters' convoy moves out on Bangkok streets; Detours Siriraj Hospital
BANGKOK, March 20 (TNA) -- Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) early Saturday began their convoy of cars, pickups and motorcycles criss-crossing the Thai capital’s key streets, but adjusting plans at the last minute to avoid route near the hospital where the king is being treated.
UDD protesters have been rallying in Bangkok for one week in their bid to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the parliament and call for a fresh general election. They began rolling out from Phan Fah Bridge at 10am headed for key business areas including Phetchaburi Road, Ratchadapisek Road, Lat Phrao Road, Rama IV Road, Silom Road, Yaowarat Road and then back to their base area at Phan Fah Bridge.
Later the UDD leaders revised their plan for marching to cross the Phrapokklao Bridge to Bangkok's Thonburi side. After Yaowaraj the motorised marchers were to travel through Wongwienyai, the Charansanitwong Road and cross Phrapinklao Bridge before returning to Phan Fah Bridge, their main protest venue but changed plans at the last minute due to considerations regarding the Thonburi side across the Chao Phraya River where Siriraj Hospital is located and the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is receiving treatment.
The world's longest-reigning monarch was admitted to Siriraj Hospital last year with a lung infection and fever. His condition has improved but still remains there under doctors’ close supervision.
Led by key UDD leaders, the protesters distributed leaflets saying the ‘Red Shirt people love Bangkokians’ to passersby while traffic on roads which they passed through became virtually standstill.
The UDD leaders also invited the people to join them in the demonstration which they hope to force the prime minister to dissolve parliament.
As their caravan snakes along Bangkok's crowded streets, the Red Shirt protesters said earlier they will distribute heart-shaped self-adhesive stickers to Bangkokians to promote an improved understanding of the ideology and goals of the protesters who say they are carrying out the demonstration for democracy.
The protest on Saturday was also intended as an opportunity to apologise to the Bangkok residents who may face difficulties from the demonstration, said the UDD leaders. The caravan started at 10am and was expected to tangle traffic all day.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to hold talks with senior security officials and members of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order at 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters on the outskirts of Bangkok to assess the situation on Saturday’s rally.
He is expected to give interviews to the press later in the day.
On Thursday the premier said his government was ready to hold talks to find best solution, while the UDD leaders said they do not object to the talks but the prime minister has to open mind to listen to the protesters view without preconditions and accept its demand to dissolve parliament. (TNA)
UDD protesters have been rallying in Bangkok for one week in their bid to force Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the parliament and call for a fresh general election. They began rolling out from Phan Fah Bridge at 10am headed for key business areas including Phetchaburi Road, Ratchadapisek Road, Lat Phrao Road, Rama IV Road, Silom Road, Yaowarat Road and then back to their base area at Phan Fah Bridge.
Later the UDD leaders revised their plan for marching to cross the Phrapokklao Bridge to Bangkok's Thonburi side. After Yaowaraj the motorised marchers were to travel through Wongwienyai, the Charansanitwong Road and cross Phrapinklao Bridge before returning to Phan Fah Bridge, their main protest venue but changed plans at the last minute due to considerations regarding the Thonburi side across the Chao Phraya River where Siriraj Hospital is located and the revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is receiving treatment.
The world's longest-reigning monarch was admitted to Siriraj Hospital last year with a lung infection and fever. His condition has improved but still remains there under doctors’ close supervision.
Led by key UDD leaders, the protesters distributed leaflets saying the ‘Red Shirt people love Bangkokians’ to passersby while traffic on roads which they passed through became virtually standstill.
The UDD leaders also invited the people to join them in the demonstration which they hope to force the prime minister to dissolve parliament.
As their caravan snakes along Bangkok's crowded streets, the Red Shirt protesters said earlier they will distribute heart-shaped self-adhesive stickers to Bangkokians to promote an improved understanding of the ideology and goals of the protesters who say they are carrying out the demonstration for democracy.
The protest on Saturday was also intended as an opportunity to apologise to the Bangkok residents who may face difficulties from the demonstration, said the UDD leaders. The caravan started at 10am and was expected to tangle traffic all day.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to hold talks with senior security officials and members of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order at 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters on the outskirts of Bangkok to assess the situation on Saturday’s rally.
He is expected to give interviews to the press later in the day.
On Thursday the premier said his government was ready to hold talks to find best solution, while the UDD leaders said they do not object to the talks but the prime minister has to open mind to listen to the protesters view without preconditions and accept its demand to dissolve parliament. (TNA)
