PAD leader vows next protest at Parliament 'won't last long'

BANGKOK, Nov 21 (TNA) - People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core leader Chamlong Srimuang on Friday reiterated a renewed schedule for the democracy coalition's anti-amendment protest for Sunday at Parliament would last no longer than one month nor would it trigger violence as in last month's clashes.

On October 7 police fired tear gas at demonstrators trying to disrupt Parliament, sparking street clashes that left two people dead and nearly 500 injured.

Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong said the anti-amendment protesters will not provoke the authorities nor will they be armed during the planned gathering at Parliament where a joint House of Representatives/Senate meeting is scheduled for Monday.

Without elaborating, the PAD leader said Sunday's gathering will be the last fight of the PAD protesters, who will remain peacefully and without weapons so that it will not turn into a chaotic or violent situation as widely speculated.

He said he did not believe Monday's joint legislative meeting will not touch on any constitutional amendment motion, despite House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Deputy House Speaker Aphivan Viriyachai strongly denied that charter reform would appear on the agenda.

Gen. Chamlong sidestepped questions as to whether his planned protest at Parliament will not be dragged into the approaching nationwide celebration for His Majesty the King's birthday on December 5.

Meanwhile, Maj-Gen. Chamlong called on Deputy Prime Minister/Interior Minister Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana to name whoever he referred to as ''a back-up'' for the PAD protests during an exchange in the House of Representatives in which he took part Thursday. (TNA)