ID :
33294
Mon, 12/01/2008 - 16:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/33294
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Thai protesters vacate Government House; reinforce airport positions
Thai protesters vacate Government House; reinforce airport positions
BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) - Frequent grenade and shooting attacks in recent weeks on the anti-Somchai government Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters occupying Government House since August 26, the long-standing occupation of Thailand's seat of government was lifted Monday, not as a change of heart regarding the policy, but to reinforce their fellow protesters at the capital's two airports.
Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a key PAD leader, told protesters occupying Government House that it is better for them to leave the compound and join their PAD compatriots occupying Don Mueang domestic airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but for their personal safety and because the airports are more politically sensitive than the traditional centre of government.
Demonstrating at the two airports has proven more effective than staying at Government House, Gen. Chamlong said.
It was unclear whether PAD security guards will continue to occupy Government House.
The protesters seized Government House on August 26, forcing his predecessor and the prime minister's staff to leave the compound. Mr. Somchai and his staff moved to Don Mueang airport, Bangkok's former international port of entry, the temporary site of the national government, but it was occupied by the protesters last Wednesday.
By Monday afternoon, most protesters had left Government House and headed to the two airports.
The protesters have demanded that Mr. Somchai resign unconditionally and not amend the 2007 charter.
Meanwhile, security measures at Don Mueang airport have been tightened as police have joined PAD security personnel to patrol the area to prevent any third party from launching any violent attacks.
Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn Suppawong said he and his subordinates will help transport stranded foreigners so that they could return to their home countries.
In echoing Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda's earlier request for Mr. Somchai to resign and return power to the people by holding a general election, ACM Ittiporn said the prime minister should resign because he has no office now and the country would suffer more as long as he stays on.
On reports that pro-government supporters may be dissatisfied with whatever rulings to be made Tuesday by the Constitution Court which might dissolve three political parties, including the ruling People Power Party headed by Mr. Somchai, ACM Ittiporn said it is the duty of police to provide security and take severe action against lawbreakers. (TNA)
BANGKOK, Dec 1 (TNA) - Frequent grenade and shooting attacks in recent weeks on the anti-Somchai government Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters occupying Government House since August 26, the long-standing occupation of Thailand's seat of government was lifted Monday, not as a change of heart regarding the policy, but to reinforce their fellow protesters at the capital's two airports.
Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, a key PAD leader, told protesters occupying Government House that it is better for them to leave the compound and join their PAD compatriots occupying Don Mueang domestic airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, but for their personal safety and because the airports are more politically sensitive than the traditional centre of government.
Demonstrating at the two airports has proven more effective than staying at Government House, Gen. Chamlong said.
It was unclear whether PAD security guards will continue to occupy Government House.
The protesters seized Government House on August 26, forcing his predecessor and the prime minister's staff to leave the compound. Mr. Somchai and his staff moved to Don Mueang airport, Bangkok's former international port of entry, the temporary site of the national government, but it was occupied by the protesters last Wednesday.
By Monday afternoon, most protesters had left Government House and headed to the two airports.
The protesters have demanded that Mr. Somchai resign unconditionally and not amend the 2007 charter.
Meanwhile, security measures at Don Mueang airport have been tightened as police have joined PAD security personnel to patrol the area to prevent any third party from launching any violent attacks.
Air Force commander-in-chief Air Chief Marshal Ittiporn Suppawong said he and his subordinates will help transport stranded foreigners so that they could return to their home countries.
In echoing Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda's earlier request for Mr. Somchai to resign and return power to the people by holding a general election, ACM Ittiporn said the prime minister should resign because he has no office now and the country would suffer more as long as he stays on.
On reports that pro-government supporters may be dissatisfied with whatever rulings to be made Tuesday by the Constitution Court which might dissolve three political parties, including the ruling People Power Party headed by Mr. Somchai, ACM Ittiporn said it is the duty of police to provide security and take severe action against lawbreakers. (TNA)
