ID :
31386
Thu, 11/20/2008 - 19:02
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/31386
The shortlink copeid
Anti-govt protesters to rally at Parliament Sunday
BANGKOK, Nov 20 (TNA) - After a series of bomb attacks which killed and wounded a number of protesters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who now occupy Government House, the coalition's core leaders said Thursday that protesters will march to Parliament on the weekend to demonstrate against the government's plan to amend the 2007 Constitution.
PAD core leader Sondhi Limthongkul told a press conference that the latest attack on the PAD protesters which took place at 3.25 am Thursday was caused by "people in the government with acknowledgement by senior police officers".
One protester was killed and 24 others wounded in the pre-dawn attack after an apparent rifle grenade was lobbed into the Government House compound, where the protesters have encamped since August 26.
As the coalition government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has never ceased its plan to amend the 2007 charter, written by legal and constitution specialists appointed by the military coupmakers, Mr. Sondhi said PAD supporters would march to Parliament Sunday afternoon to oppose the government's attempt to alter the charter.
PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang warned that the government must be held accountable if violence occurs.
The retired general's warning was made after two persons were killed and nearly 500 others injured when police suppressed the protesters at parliament on Oct 7.
Denouncing the government for permitting the violence against the protesters, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) labour union chief said the union members would meet Friday and decide whether to join the PAD demonstration Sunday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai said police were now hunting for Thursday's assailants. However, he admitted it was difficult because the PAD did not allow police to enter the Government House compound to investigate.
Asked whether he foresaw any problem when the PAD demonstrates on Sunday, the same day that pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathers at a Buddhist temple in nearby Nonthaburi, Mr. Somchai said the authorities would try to provide adequate protection for all. (TNA)
PAD core leader Sondhi Limthongkul told a press conference that the latest attack on the PAD protesters which took place at 3.25 am Thursday was caused by "people in the government with acknowledgement by senior police officers".
One protester was killed and 24 others wounded in the pre-dawn attack after an apparent rifle grenade was lobbed into the Government House compound, where the protesters have encamped since August 26.
As the coalition government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has never ceased its plan to amend the 2007 charter, written by legal and constitution specialists appointed by the military coupmakers, Mr. Sondhi said PAD supporters would march to Parliament Sunday afternoon to oppose the government's attempt to alter the charter.
PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang warned that the government must be held accountable if violence occurs.
The retired general's warning was made after two persons were killed and nearly 500 others injured when police suppressed the protesters at parliament on Oct 7.
Denouncing the government for permitting the violence against the protesters, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) labour union chief said the union members would meet Friday and decide whether to join the PAD demonstration Sunday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai said police were now hunting for Thursday's assailants. However, he admitted it was difficult because the PAD did not allow police to enter the Government House compound to investigate.
Asked whether he foresaw any problem when the PAD demonstrates on Sunday, the same day that pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathers at a Buddhist temple in nearby Nonthaburi, Mr. Somchai said the authorities would try to provide adequate protection for all. (TNA)
