ID :
43487
Sat, 01/31/2009 - 13:09
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http://m.oananews.org//node/43487
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Security tightens in Thai capital as anti-govt mass rally looms
BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) - Thousands of police were deployed in the Thai capital on Saturday to ensure that law and order are maintained as anti-government Red Shirt demonstrators plan to march to Government House Saturday evening.
Pongsak Poonsiriwong, senior government official in charge of security, said some 150 police have been deployed inside the Government House compound, while some police personnel were positioned outside the compound to protect the seat of government.
All main entrances to Government House were locked and secured with padlocks, and only a few have been left open for authorised authorities and vehicles to enter. All valuable belongings and key documents had been removed from Government House, said Mr. Pongsak.
Some demonstrators, many having travelled from provinces in Thailand's northern and northeastern provinces, gathered at Sanam Luang before being led by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to Government House to blockade the heart of the administration.
They demanded that the Democrat-led coalition government remove all those formerly involved with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), including Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
The UDD's main leaders -- Veera Musikapong, Nattawut Saikua, Jatuporn Prompan and Jakrapob Penkair -- announced earlier that the group will demonstrate at centrally-located Sanam Luang on Saturday at 4pm before the marching to blockade Government House.
Mr. Veera said the gathering would be called 'Red in the Land' and that those at the rally would be informed about UDD's position and its move to press the government to more quickly take legal action against the PAD, charging that it had violated laws through its actions, including last year's seizure of Government House and the country's two main airports.
The UDD demanded the removal of Mr. Kasit from his position,along with others who were involved with the PAD movement and demanded the government reinstate the 1997 Constitution.
Better known as the 'Red Shirts', from their distinctive bright red shirts, trousers and baseball caps bearing the word 'Democracy' , the UDD are key supporters of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now a fugitive.
Mr. Jatuporn stressed earlier that the protesters would not enter the Government House compound, but wanted to show that the UDD could also do anything that PAD could do.
The latest move of the UDD is seen as similar to the PAD strategic plan to protest againt the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments.
The 'Yellow Shirt' PAD occupied Government House compound from late August until early December, and also seized Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in iate November and early December before dispersing when the court ordered the dissolution of the then ruling People Power Party.
Mr. Jakrapob, former minister to the Prime Minister's Office, said the Saturday demonstration would be a test of the Red Shirts popularity of the Red Shirts power.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who supervises security affairs, said the police are responsible for ensuring law and order and prevent any action that would contrary to law. He also said back-up from the millitary would be sought to help the police if needed, he said.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Friday said the military would provide the back-up only if requested by the police to help maintain peace and order inside and outside Government House. (TNA)
Pongsak Poonsiriwong, senior government official in charge of security, said some 150 police have been deployed inside the Government House compound, while some police personnel were positioned outside the compound to protect the seat of government.
All main entrances to Government House were locked and secured with padlocks, and only a few have been left open for authorised authorities and vehicles to enter. All valuable belongings and key documents had been removed from Government House, said Mr. Pongsak.
Some demonstrators, many having travelled from provinces in Thailand's northern and northeastern provinces, gathered at Sanam Luang before being led by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to Government House to blockade the heart of the administration.
They demanded that the Democrat-led coalition government remove all those formerly involved with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), including Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.
The UDD's main leaders -- Veera Musikapong, Nattawut Saikua, Jatuporn Prompan and Jakrapob Penkair -- announced earlier that the group will demonstrate at centrally-located Sanam Luang on Saturday at 4pm before the marching to blockade Government House.
Mr. Veera said the gathering would be called 'Red in the Land' and that those at the rally would be informed about UDD's position and its move to press the government to more quickly take legal action against the PAD, charging that it had violated laws through its actions, including last year's seizure of Government House and the country's two main airports.
The UDD demanded the removal of Mr. Kasit from his position,along with others who were involved with the PAD movement and demanded the government reinstate the 1997 Constitution.
Better known as the 'Red Shirts', from their distinctive bright red shirts, trousers and baseball caps bearing the word 'Democracy' , the UDD are key supporters of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now a fugitive.
Mr. Jatuporn stressed earlier that the protesters would not enter the Government House compound, but wanted to show that the UDD could also do anything that PAD could do.
The latest move of the UDD is seen as similar to the PAD strategic plan to protest againt the Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments.
The 'Yellow Shirt' PAD occupied Government House compound from late August until early December, and also seized Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in iate November and early December before dispersing when the court ordered the dissolution of the then ruling People Power Party.
Mr. Jakrapob, former minister to the Prime Minister's Office, said the Saturday demonstration would be a test of the Red Shirts popularity of the Red Shirts power.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who supervises security affairs, said the police are responsible for ensuring law and order and prevent any action that would contrary to law. He also said back-up from the millitary would be sought to help the police if needed, he said.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Friday said the military would provide the back-up only if requested by the police to help maintain peace and order inside and outside Government House. (TNA)
