ID :
142652
Sun, 09/19/2010 - 15:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/142652
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Protesters urged not to rally more than two hours in Bangkok; No violence reported
BANGKOK, Sept 19 -- Police have urged the anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) not to extend their Sunday activities for more than two hours and to avoid blocking traffic around Ratchaprasong intersection, an important business area in the Thai capital, according to national police chief Pol Gen Vichien Poteposri.
Speaking after visiting police on duty in the area, Gen Vichien said no problem had bee seen as police had urged the UDD Red Shirt demonstrators to act peacefully at Ratchaprasong intersection within a two-hour timeframe and not to obstruct traffic which would cause hardship to motorists.
Police coordinated with UDD leaders not to disrupt traffic and to avoid violence during the event marking the fourth anniversary of the bloodless coup which toppled the government of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006 and also the fourth month since government security forces forcefully regained the area from the protesters.
The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), responsible for security, is optimistic that police can handle the situation at the business district as some 700 police have been deployed there, Gen Vichien said.
However, the army is prepared to enter the area and assist police if the situation gets out of control, he said.
Early Sunday, university students and UDD activists held placards commemorating both events, laid wreaths and read statements at the Democracy Monument. No violence was reported.
In Chiang Mai where the UDD will hold a major gathering at the provincial stadium Sunday afternoon, police have been on full alert since Saturday night.
Police said they are on the round-the-clock alert to prevent third parties from creating violence. (MCOT online news)
Speaking after visiting police on duty in the area, Gen Vichien said no problem had bee seen as police had urged the UDD Red Shirt demonstrators to act peacefully at Ratchaprasong intersection within a two-hour timeframe and not to obstruct traffic which would cause hardship to motorists.
Police coordinated with UDD leaders not to disrupt traffic and to avoid violence during the event marking the fourth anniversary of the bloodless coup which toppled the government of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in September 2006 and also the fourth month since government security forces forcefully regained the area from the protesters.
The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES), responsible for security, is optimistic that police can handle the situation at the business district as some 700 police have been deployed there, Gen Vichien said.
However, the army is prepared to enter the area and assist police if the situation gets out of control, he said.
Early Sunday, university students and UDD activists held placards commemorating both events, laid wreaths and read statements at the Democracy Monument. No violence was reported.
In Chiang Mai where the UDD will hold a major gathering at the provincial stadium Sunday afternoon, police have been on full alert since Saturday night.
Police said they are on the round-the-clock alert to prevent third parties from creating violence. (MCOT online news)
