ID :
45374
Thu, 02/12/2009 - 21:17
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/45374
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Bangkok police to monitor anti-govt mass rally on Valentine's Day
BANGKOK, Feb 12 (TNA) - The Bangkok police commander was assigned to closely monitor movements of anti-government protesters loyal to the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), who planned to hold a major rally in the Thai capital this Saturday – Valentine’s Day
Deputy government spokesman Puttipong Poonakan said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban had officially assigned Metropolitan police commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Suchart Muankaew as chief in monitoring the UDD protesters and to strictly adhere to non violent measures in controlling crowds.
According to the deputy government spokesman, police would be unarmed and carry only shields and batons. If violence occurred, police would follow international practice in handling protests. Soldiers would be on stand-by to help police as a backup plan in case a situation worsened.
The UDD protest leaders have pledged to gather peacefully in designated areas.
The government called for people to avoid such gatherings as it might cast a negative image of the country, as the ASEAN Summit drew near. Mr. Puttipong said the international meeting was an opportunity for Thailand to regain confidence among ASEAN member countries.
However, the government would not attempt to set up check points to stop people travelling to Bangkok to join the rally, said Mr. Puttipong.
Meanwhile, the deputy governmentt spokesman added the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD’s planned gathering in the northeastern province of Udonthani on should comply with the law. If confrontation or violence occurred, authorities would apply the same standard of practice to be used with the UDD. - (TNA)
Deputy government spokesman Puttipong Poonakan said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban had officially assigned Metropolitan police commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Suchart Muankaew as chief in monitoring the UDD protesters and to strictly adhere to non violent measures in controlling crowds.
According to the deputy government spokesman, police would be unarmed and carry only shields and batons. If violence occurred, police would follow international practice in handling protests. Soldiers would be on stand-by to help police as a backup plan in case a situation worsened.
The UDD protest leaders have pledged to gather peacefully in designated areas.
The government called for people to avoid such gatherings as it might cast a negative image of the country, as the ASEAN Summit drew near. Mr. Puttipong said the international meeting was an opportunity for Thailand to regain confidence among ASEAN member countries.
However, the government would not attempt to set up check points to stop people travelling to Bangkok to join the rally, said Mr. Puttipong.
Meanwhile, the deputy governmentt spokesman added the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD’s planned gathering in the northeastern province of Udonthani on should comply with the law. If confrontation or violence occurred, authorities would apply the same standard of practice to be used with the UDD. - (TNA)
