ID :
91468
Wed, 11/25/2009 - 11:55
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http://m.oananews.org//node/91468
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Thaksin to Red Shirts: 'postpone rally, it's not right time'
BANGKOK, Nov 25 (TNA) - Fugitive ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday urged his supporters in Thailand to urge the key ‘Red Shirt’ leaders of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) to postpone the group's demonstration this weekend, saying that it is an inappropriate time, being close to His Majesty the King's birthday.
Mr Thaksin commented as he addressed a meeting of the opposition Puea Thai members of parliament via video link, according to Puea Thai MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
The ousted premier reasoned that the public disagreed with the timing of the upcoming UDD protest as it is not appropriate, Mr Surapong explained, so he urged the Red Shirt leaders to review their plan as a number of Puea Thai MPs also disagreed with the idea.
Red Shirt leaders earlier announced that they will stage a major protest in many areas of Bangkok to topple the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration starting this Saturday and continuing through December 2, with a plan to resume after the king’s birthday.
Mr Thaksin also urged the MPs to prepare for the general election, saying he is confident it will be held in the first half of next year, according to Mr Surapong.
The ex-prime minister said he will leave Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to travel to many places beginning Saturday and will be near Thailand during the New Year.
The Abhisit government earlier advised the UDD to postpone its rally as the main site is used to rehearse the annual Trooping of the Colours of the Royal Guard and preparations for activities to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the protest period.
The Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to invoke Internal Security Act (ISA) in the Thai capital from November 28 to December 14 to maintain law and order during the UDD protest as the anti-government group planned to march to many important spots.
Meanwhile, key UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said that it is not surprising that the government enforced the ISA, but he did not expect that the ISA timeframe would be as long as announced.
Mr Jatuporn said it is not appropriate that the Thai people celebrate the king's birthday (December 5) under a security clampdown. He said the government should apply the act only from November 28 to December 2, the group's announced protesting period.
"The UDD leaders will meet Wednesday to consider whether to continue the rally," Mr Jatuporn said, "The outcome of the meeting could be both to continue or postpone the protest." (TNA)
Mr Thaksin commented as he addressed a meeting of the opposition Puea Thai members of parliament via video link, according to Puea Thai MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
The ousted premier reasoned that the public disagreed with the timing of the upcoming UDD protest as it is not appropriate, Mr Surapong explained, so he urged the Red Shirt leaders to review their plan as a number of Puea Thai MPs also disagreed with the idea.
Red Shirt leaders earlier announced that they will stage a major protest in many areas of Bangkok to topple the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration starting this Saturday and continuing through December 2, with a plan to resume after the king’s birthday.
Mr Thaksin also urged the MPs to prepare for the general election, saying he is confident it will be held in the first half of next year, according to Mr Surapong.
The ex-prime minister said he will leave Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, to travel to many places beginning Saturday and will be near Thailand during the New Year.
The Abhisit government earlier advised the UDD to postpone its rally as the main site is used to rehearse the annual Trooping of the Colours of the Royal Guard and preparations for activities to mark the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the protest period.
The Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to invoke Internal Security Act (ISA) in the Thai capital from November 28 to December 14 to maintain law and order during the UDD protest as the anti-government group planned to march to many important spots.
Meanwhile, key UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said that it is not surprising that the government enforced the ISA, but he did not expect that the ISA timeframe would be as long as announced.
Mr Jatuporn said it is not appropriate that the Thai people celebrate the king's birthday (December 5) under a security clampdown. He said the government should apply the act only from November 28 to December 2, the group's announced protesting period.
"The UDD leaders will meet Wednesday to consider whether to continue the rally," Mr Jatuporn said, "The outcome of the meeting could be both to continue or postpone the protest." (TNA)
