Lively protest draws 100,000
****POST REPORTERS
(Bangkok Post dd. 27 februari 2006 // DN)
Anti-Thaksin groups came out in force yesterday at Sanam Luang to make their political statement following Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s decision to get the House dissolved.
The number of demonstrators was put at 100,000 as the day wore on. Observers believed it would not have jumped this much had Mr Thaksin not called a snap election for April 2.
The protesters occupied half of the ground. The entire area, which is about 78 rai of land, can accommodate 200,000 people. Organisers said the rally would press on until Mr Thaksin quits.
The rally was as colourful as ever with protesters tying yellow bands around their heads. The protesters gathered under the shade of tamarind trees or sat on mats under umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun.
Chamlong Srimuang, former leader of the Phalang Dharma party, was the first to arrive with 1,000 members of Santi Asoke, walking barefoot from the Royal Plaza to the meeting point.
Thousands of people converged at Sanam Luang as the rally was about to kick off. Uthai Pimchaichon, former parliament president and co-founder of Thai Rak Thai, was among veteran politicians to show up. The crowds roared when Maj-Gen Chamlong took the stage after 8pm to address the crowd. In his brief speech, he urged demonstrators to stay put if they were to win the fight.
The crowds erupted in cheers again when media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul took the stage.
He gave them a wai as a thank-you gesture for joining the rally that he believed was the reason for Mr Thaksin abruptly dissolving the House.