PAD protesters march to Temple of Emerald Buddha

BANGKOK, Aug 2 (TNA) - The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)
protesters, an anti-government coalition, on Saturday morning marched to the Thai capital's revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha to oppose the government's plan to amend the constitution and for Thailand to regain the Preah Vihear temple from Cambodia.

More than 200 democracy-activist PAD security guards provided security as the demonstrators marched from their main protest site at Makkawan Bridge, passing by the Democracy Monument to go to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Historically the private chapel of the kings of the present Chakri
dynasty, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is the spiritual 'heart' of
Thailand.

The number of Bangkok police on duty has also been reinforced to make sure
that pro-government groups would not attack the anti-government PAD during
its demonstration.

More PAD supporters from upcountry joined the rally late Friday amid a
downpour.

The 11th century Preah Vihear temple was awarded to Cambodia by the
International Court of Justice in 1962 and was declared a World Heritage
site in early July. The two neighbouring countries are now locked in a
dispute over a 4.6-square-kilometre overlapping zone surrounding the
temple.

PAD demonstrators led by another core leader, Sondhi Limthongkul, on
Friday held a ritual ceremony and sought a 'blessing from the sun' during
Friday's eclipse, with the purpose of driving away evil and that Thailand
could get back Preah Vihear temple.

The event was held after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's wife hosted a
ritual at the Preah Vihear temple, also on Friday, to bless her country
with good luck and to also give it power for its dispute with Thailand.
(TNA)