ID :
55342
Tue, 04/14/2009 - 12:57
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/55342
The shortlink copeid
UDD Red Shirts end demonstration at Government House
BANGKOK, April 14 (TNA) - The Thai capital’s anti-government protesters, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) officially announced the end of their demonstration at the Government House as they feared for the safety of their compatriots as troops advanced closer to the protesters' site.
Top UDD leader Veera Musikapong told the Red Shirt activists gathered at Government House to return home.
He later surrendered to police as Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Phatcharawat Wongsuwan came to receive Mr. Veera on Rajdamnoen Road near the UDD' rally site at the Government House.
UDD protesters have demonstrated against the government since March 26, demanding that Mr. Abhisit resign unconditionally, the House of Representatives be dissolved and a fresh elections be held.
Mr. Veera earlier told the protesters that the United Front leadership decided to end the rally for the time being after learning that members of a so-called third party had mingled in the crowd to create violence intending to deteriorate the situation.
He said the UDD also feared that if the troops forced the dispersal of the protesters, the United Front supporters could be hurt.
Other UDD leaders said their move did not signify defeat, or an end to their movement, but was just a temporary stop for their activities.
However, some UDD volunteer guards and hard-core demonstrators did not want to end the demonstration and expressed their anger.
Some demonstrators gradually departed from the rally site but others remained at the scene.
A Thai News Agency report said the UDD leaders said the move was not disbanding of the movement, but that now the area at Government House was no longer suitable, but they may gather again after Songkran. (TNA)
Top UDD leader Veera Musikapong told the Red Shirt activists gathered at Government House to return home.
He later surrendered to police as Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Phatcharawat Wongsuwan came to receive Mr. Veera on Rajdamnoen Road near the UDD' rally site at the Government House.
UDD protesters have demonstrated against the government since March 26, demanding that Mr. Abhisit resign unconditionally, the House of Representatives be dissolved and a fresh elections be held.
Mr. Veera earlier told the protesters that the United Front leadership decided to end the rally for the time being after learning that members of a so-called third party had mingled in the crowd to create violence intending to deteriorate the situation.
He said the UDD also feared that if the troops forced the dispersal of the protesters, the United Front supporters could be hurt.
Other UDD leaders said their move did not signify defeat, or an end to their movement, but was just a temporary stop for their activities.
However, some UDD volunteer guards and hard-core demonstrators did not want to end the demonstration and expressed their anger.
Some demonstrators gradually departed from the rally site but others remained at the scene.
A Thai News Agency report said the UDD leaders said the move was not disbanding of the movement, but that now the area at Government House was no longer suitable, but they may gather again after Songkran. (TNA)
