Bangkok Red rally to be held on Nov 29
Red rally to be held on Nov 29
BANGKOK: — The red shirts plan their “showdown rally” against the government from November 29, which they expect one million people to join and the administration to be overthrown before the New Year’s Day.
Jatuporn Phrompan, an MP from the opposition Pheu Thai Party who is a red-shirt leader, said Tuesday that the rally would be halted between December 3 and 5, when ceremonies marking His Majesty the King’s birthday are organised, and would be resumed afterwards.
“We believe one million people will take part, as has been expected. And we believe that we will be able to reach the end game. If we are unable to overthrow the government, we will resume our rally after December 5,” Jatuporn said.
BANGKOK – Thailand passed a tough security law on Tuesday, giving the military broad powers to control a street rally that begins this weekend by supporters of exiled former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Internal Security Act (ISA) allows troops to impose curfews, operate checkpoints, restrict movements of protesters and act fast if rallies by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) turn violent.
Deputy government spokesman Supachai Jaisamut said the Thai cabinet approved the use of the ISA from November 28 to December 14 in Bangkok, where anti-government protesters plan to rally. Thaksin’s red-shirted supporters plan to gather on Saturday in the historic heart of the capital before marching to an intersection near Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s office on November 29, pressing demands for fresh elections.
The group has said it will then march on key roads in Bangkok on November 30 before peacefully dispersing on December 2 as the country begins celebrations for the birthday of revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand’s sole unifying figure.
Red-shirts Postpones Gathering Indefinitely
The red-shirt group has decided to postpone this weekend’s gathering indefinitely following widespread opposition against the rally due to the fact that it is being held close to HM the King’s birthday on December 5.
Red-shirt leader Weera Musikapong said the leaders will meet again in mid-December to decide their next move.
Earlier this morning, fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra also called on the red-shirt group to reconsider its gathering.