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[li]Published: 1/10/2009 at 03:44 PM[/li][li]Online news: Breakingnews[/li][/ul]
The red-shirts will, under the theme “Daeng Tang Duan” (Red All Month), hold three major anti-government demonstrations this month, Natthawut Saikua, a core leader of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said on Thursday afternoon.
“On October 11, the day that the 1997 constitution was officially enforced, the red-shirts will rally at the Victory Monument and call for a return to the 1997 charter,” Mr Natthawut said.
The red-shirt will also hold a mass gathering at Government House again on Oct 17 to demand a progress report on the UDD’s petition seeking a royal pardon for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr Natthawut said.
Oct 17 will be the 60th day since the petition was submitted to the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary. The office forwarded the petition to the government and it is now being examined by the Ministry of Justice.
“As it is clear that the government intends to delay the consideration process of the petition, the red-shirts will on that day launch a signature collection campaign seeking the impeachment of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva,” Mr Natthawut said.
He said UDD would also arrange an outside-the-parliament debate on a motion of no confidence in the government on Oct 24.
The** red shirts plan to organise their next political rally on October 17 to mark the 60 days of their submission of a petition for royal pardon to fugitive expremier Thaksin **Shinawatra.
Nattawut Saikua, spokesman for the red shirt movement, said Thursday that this month would be full of activities by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship. Starting from this coming weekend, red shirt leaders would hold the second seminar for followers in Khon Kaen under the “Red Academy” project.
Then at the following weekend, another seminar would be organised in Pattaya City of Chon Buri, he said.
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[li]Published: 9/10/2009 at 04:00 PM[/li][/ul]A meeting of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) on Friday approved a security plan for the Asean summit in Cha-am and Hua Hin this month, acting government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn said.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, also agreed that a joint peace keeping centre be set up to ensure law and order during the 15th Asean Summit on Oct 23 to 25.
A joint force of 18,298 military, police and civic officials will be deployed in and around the two Asean meeting venues to ensure full control of the situation.
“The prime minister has directed security units to prevent any violence occurring during the regional meeting in order to boost confidence in Thailand within the international community,” Mr Panithan said.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon will be in charge of the security operation.
First Army commander Lt-Gen Khanit Sapitak said the Internal Security Act (ISA) will be imposed from Oct 12 to 27 in Cha-am and Hua Hin to ensure peace and order during the summit…
Maj-Gen Ditthaporn Sasasamit, the Isoc spokesman, asked red-shirts who plan to rally against the government during the summit to think of the country’s image.
“An internal conflict should not be put on parade in front of foreigners,” he said.
He said he had talked with some leaders of the red-shirt group and asked them to rally peacefully.
Today’s Isoc meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and the defence minister.
Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said that the government was prepared to invoke the ISA in the capital whenever there is a red-shirt gathering.
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) plans an anti-government rally in Bangkok this Sunday, demanding the government to replace the 2007 constitution with the 1997 charter. The group also plans rallies on Oct 17 and 24.
Mr Suthep called on the red-shirts to rally in peace and abide by the law, as further violence would only damage the country’s image and the economy.
The government would not underestimate the situation and would keep a close eye on the UDD rallies to ensure peace and order, he said.
"I am considering enforcing the security law in Bangkok from the middle of this month unitl the Asean summit is over.
“But the government has no plan to use it this Sunday unless there are changes in the red-shirts’ activities,” the deputy prime minister said.
The security law could be enforced in the capital from Oct 15 to 25, but the government would reassess the situation before acting, he said.
Mr Suthep said security officials were well prepared for the Asean summit and the operation would be carefully carried out.
“The government will not allow a repeat of the fiasco in Pattaya,” he said.
In April, the red-shirt protesters forced their way into the hotel where the 14th Asean summit was held in Pattaya, forcing the cancellation of the summit and the hasty evacuation of visiting leaders and their delegations by helicopter and boat.
Former premier Somchai Wongsawat and ex-foreign minister Noppadon Pattama are greeted by hundreds of red shirts during a visit at Si Sa Ket’s Kantaraluck district on Friday.
The** red shirts **will on Sunday hold a rally at Democracy Monument to mark the promulgation date of the 1997 charter before its suspension by the 2006 coup, organiser Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday.
The rally is a one-day event lasting from 4.00 pm to midnight.
Rally activities include a launch of the signature campaign to impeach Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, an opposition to the six charter amendments, a demand for the complete restoration of the suspended charter.
Published: 12/10/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
More than 15,000 red shirt protesters have rallied at the Democracy Monument to call for the reinstatement of the 1997 constitution.
More than 15,000 supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship rally at the Democracy Monumenton Ratchadamnoen Avenue yesterday to renew calls for the restoration of the1997 constitution which wasabolished by the military after the Sept 19, 2006, coup. SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters gathered at the monument at 4pm yesterday.
The rally was the first large gathering by the group since its protest on Sept 19 to mark the third anniversary of the coup d’etat which toppled Thaksin Shinawatra from office in 2006. About 1,500 police officers turned out. Nearby roads were closed.
The UDD launched a campaign to impeach Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
“This [campaign] is to show that a lot of people want you [Abhisit] to go,” Jatuporn Promphan, a UDD leader, told the crowd.
The highlight of the rally was a candle-lit ceremony at 8.30pm, when Thaksin appeared on a giant screen to preside over a ceremony to pray for His Majesty the King’s rapid recovery from illness.
Thaksin then returned to his favourite theme, attacking the coup makers.
“They tore down the 1997 charter and invented a new constitution without public consent,” he said.
Soldiers are deployed to provide security inside Government House’s compound Friday as pro-Thaksin protesters plan to conduct mass rally on Saturday. The area has been under internal security laws since Thursday.
The government has been trying to drag out the petition seeking royal pardon for fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Charan Ditthaaphichai, a core leader of the pro-Thaksin United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said at rally stage in front of Government House on Saturday afternoon.
The red-shirts rally was aimed at asking for progress report about the petition as it is now 60 days after the petition was submitted to the office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary.
The activity was broadcast live by the People Television station of the red-shirts.
“The Abhisit government has ignored the wishes of 3.5 million people who signed their names in support of the petition”, said Mr Charan.
He said the mass gathering today was to show that the red-shirts will no longer allow the government to further ignore their demands.
Pol Lt Col Waiphoj, ex-secretary-general to former interior minister Chalerm Yubamrung, said on the rally stage that the disclosure by president of the Privy Council Gen Prem Tinsulanonda that he had warned former premier to think twice before joining the Puea Thai Party because Gen Prem wanted to destroy the opposition camp.
He also accused Mr Abhisit of trying to drag out the red-shirts’ petition.
Worrathai Hema, another speaker on the stage, said the 2007 Constitution is the law of the bureaucrats and thus, it yields nothing to the people.
He attacked Mr Abhisit for taking over his royal authority by dragging out the petition of the red-shirts.
Published: 18/10/2009 at 01:18 PM
Online news: Breakingnews
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday the red shirts of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship would not be allowed to get near the venues for the Asean Summit since the Internal Security Act has been imposed both at Hua Hin and Cha-am.
Mr Abhisit said this in responding to a remark made by UDD leader Arismant Pongruangrong at the rally on Saturday night that the red shirts would go to submit a letter to national leaders of countries attending the Asean Summit to tell them that the government used violence to quell the protesters during the Songkran riots.
The prime minister said that everyone should learn from the incident that took place in April how much damage it had caused to the country.
He said the government would not allow a recurrence of the incident in which the red shirts managed to force cancellation of the summit in Pattana in April by staging a riot. The ISA has been imposed and security forces have been in place for many days, he added.
By Avudh Panananda
The Nation
Published on October 20, 2009
Judging by his phone-in on Saturday, fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra is gearing up for his comeback through popular support and votes.
Thaksin has made it crystal clear he remains a key player in politics regardless of his conviction and life in exile.
He spells out his return will be through the ballot box and not a royal pardon.
Friends and foes of** Thaksin **ought to think about the long-term consequences to the country instead of trying to settle old scores. Otherwise the polarisation will persist and deepen.
Thaksin’s ambition is evident and he is very direct about achieving his political aspirations.
If the legendary populist Juan Peron of Argentina could manage to return to power after 18 years in exile, then there is no reason to doubt Thaksin’s resolve to bide his time.
Peron was 60 and in his second presidential term when he was ousted from power by the coup in 1955. He staged a triumphant return in 1973.
Thaksin saw an abrupt ending of his second term by the power seizure in 2006. He was 57.
Though circumstances differ greatly,** Thaksin **and Peron share a common trait - both are hugely popular and at the same time, a catalyst for polarisation.
In light of Peron’s successful comeback,** Thaksin **has every reason to remain optimistic for fate to smile on him.
In Argentina and Thailand, the crusade to promote democracy and oppose military intervention has been used as a springboard to grab power.
Although** Thaksin **and Peron both thrive on popular votes, it is ironic their brand of populism has brought about unprecedented polarisation which leads, in turn, to military intervention.
Even after Peron’s death from natural causes in 1974, his populism brought about another power seizure in 1976. To this day, the populist legacy of Peron is still a factor in Argemtina’s political divide.
Will Thailand repeat a similar polarisation as the one lasting for almost half a century in Argentina?
More importantly, the crucial question is whether Thaksin’s return, if it happens, will trigger a new round of power seizures.
All concerned parties are obligated to think hard when charting a course for Thai politics. Knee-jerk reaction and opportunistic ploys to ride on Thaksin’s coattails will likely harm democracy rather than advance it.
The pro-Thaksin camp appears to have no qualms about placing the political system second to the individual interests of Thaksin.** Thaksin **too has the audacity to put his country at risk in order to resolve his issues.
The political divide will remain so long as parties concerned are willing to allow the game to revolve around one player - Thaksin.
The yellow shirts see** Thaksin as the biggest threat to the country’s political system. The red shirts are determined to reinstate Thaksin **to power.
Instead of trying to find a common ground to foster compromise, the rival camps are surging full steam to defeat one another by working either through street protests, or election victory, or a combination of the two.
Thaksin has given his blessing for the** red shirts to try and oust the Abhisit Vejjajiva **government by lengthy street protests scheduled to start next month.
He has recruited former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh as** Pheu Thai **chief adviser in order to prepare for a snap election.
He has the backing of former deputy Army chief General Jiradej Kocharat, a newly-appointed trouble shooter to mend fences between the military and the main opposition party.
Jiradej is expected to secure the defence portfolio as a reward if he succeeds in swaying Army chief General Anupong Paochinda and the top brass not to work against Thaksin.
In 2007, the** red shirts **won the general election. In less than a year, the coalition switch happened in favour of the Democrats.
Thaksin is again beating the war drum to fight his opponents through balloting. The yellow shirts are making full preparations to contest the polls.
How many rounds of fighting to go before the rival camps realise there has never been a vote outcome to end the polarisation?
Red-shirt rally postponed, ISA still to be enforced.
[
](Bangkok Post - Thailand channel)
The red-shirts postpone their plans for massive anti-government protests in Bangkok, but the government is hesitant to abandon its plan to enforce the Internal Security Act across the capital.
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[li]Published: 25/11/2009 at 04:21 PM[/li][/ul]The government will not immediately abandon its plan to enforce the Internal Security Act throughout Bangkok, even though the red-shirts have postponed their anti-government rally this weekend, Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said on Wednesday.
Veera Musikhapong, one of the key members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said the core leaders agreed on Wednesday to the postponement of the mass protests planned from Nov 28 to Dec 2. They had agreed it would not be appropriate to hold demonstrations at this time, with the approaching celebration of His Majesty the King’s 82nd birthday on Dec 5.
Mr Suthep was sceptical. “The government has to be prepared, because the situation is not yet certain. The plan to enforce the Internal Security Act is still on,” he said after a meeting with top officials from the Internal Security Operations Command and other security agencies at Government House in the afternoon.
He said the government needed to be absolutely certain there would not be any violence before calling off the security plan.
The cabinet on Tuesday approved the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) across the capital to cope with the red-shirts’ plan to to split into groups and protest separately at many different locations. Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra later advised his supporters to reconsider their rally plans, prompting the UDD leadership UDD agree on an indefinite postponement.
Mr Suthep also advised Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva not to attend the annual Thai Chamber of Commerce meeting in Chiang Mai this Sunday for his own safety.
The Rak Chiang Mai 51 red-shirt group plans a major anti-government protest in the northern province this weekend to coincide with the prime minister’s visit. There has also been a threat to his life, with a dire prediction he would die in a bomb blast.
“Prime Minister Abhisit should avoid going to Chiang Mai as the red-shirts there have a history of resorting to violence during rallies,” Mr Suthep said.
Puea Thai MP for Chiang Mai Surapong Towichakchaikul also called on Mr Abhisit to cancel his visit Chiang Mai and to instead give his speech to the annual meeting of the Thai Chambers of Commerce by via video conferencing.
“Mr Abhisit should listen to his cabinet ministers who recommended that he cancel the Chiang Mai trip for his own safety,” the opposition MP said.
The prime minister is on a three-day official visit to Qatar and will return to Bangkok on Thursday.
Published: 27/11/2009 at 02:44 AM
Online news: Local News
Fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra wants the government to spare him legal punishment. In return, he will put an end to protests against it, says a Puea Thai Party source.
The move was part of a strategy laid out by Thaksin, as conveyed by politicians who visited the ousted prime minister in Dubai recently.
The politicians included opposition Puea Thai Party members and those suspended from politics by a court decision dismantling the Thai Rak Thai (TRT) and People Power parties.
The source said Thaksin wanted the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship movement to keep up its campaign against the government.
At the same time, he wanted to open talks with the government about his fate.
Any negotiations would proceed on the condition that Thaksin would be spared the two-year jail term which he fled overseas last year to avoid.
Last year, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions sentenced Thaksin to two years in jail for a conflict of interest when he was prime minister, and Khunying Potjaman na Pombejra, then his wife, won a bidding contest to acquire land in the Ratchadapisek area. The auction was in 2003.
Thaksin’s 76-billion-baht assets seizure case, for which a court verdict is expected in January, would also be up for negotiation.
If they reached a deal, rallies against the government would cease and the Democrat-led coalition government could remain in power.
The Puea Thai source said if Thaksin was spared legal punishment, he would not mind if the government stayed on to finish its term.
One of the politicians who met Thaksin in Dubai was Puea Thai MP for Samut Prakan Pracha Prasopdee.
He said yesterday that Thaksin predicted the government would fall next year, as political and economic problems caught up with it. The coalition, he said, would probably disintegrate amid internal conflicts.
However, Thaksin did not rule out the possibility of the coalition government completing its term.
In that case, Thaksin told the Puea Thai MPs to prepare a censure debate against the government, according to Mr Pracha.
Meanwhile, Democrat MPs Wirat Kalayasiri and Boonyod Sukthinthai yesterday accused Puea Thai MP Apiwant Wiriyachai, a deputy house speaker, of inappropriate conduct, and called on him to step down.
According to the Democrats, Col Apiwant joined a red shirt protest in Samut Prakan province last week and used verbal profanity to attack privy councillor Surayud Chulanont and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
He also referred ``inappropriately’’ to Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, whom the UDD accuses of being behind the Sept 19, 2006 coup.
The Democrats also criticised Col Apiwant for skipping a parliamentary session on Nov 13 to travel to Cambodia to meet Thaksin.
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[li]Published: 10/03/2010 at 12:00 AM [/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]Members of Thaksin Shinawatra’s immediate family have left or are leaving the country ahead of this weekend’s rally by supporters of the fugitive former prime minister.
Thaksin’s former wife Potjaman na Pombejra and their son Panthongtae Shinawatra left for Hong Kong on Monday while their two daughters Ms Pinthongta and Ms Paethongtan fly out today for Berlin.
A source from the Puea Thai Party said yesterday the trips were organised in the expectation that there could be unrest at the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship protest at the weekend. There were also concerns they might be taken hostage if the situation turned violent.
The UDD is hoping to attract one million red shirts to the demonstration but security authorities say they may be over-estimating.
Army chief Anupong Paojinda is confident the Internal Security Act, which was endorsed by the government yesterday and transfers the role of maintaining law and order from the police to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), will be adequate to deal with the rally without recourse to emergency rule.
Gen Anupong said there was no need at this stage to fall back on the Executive Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations, which gives officers more sweeping powers to deal with protesters.
The internal security law will cover all areas of Bangkok, all districts of Nonthaburi and 21 other districts in Ayutthaya, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan and Samut Sakhon from tomorrow until March 23.
Isoc, chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, will meet today to find ways to coordinate efforts to handle the rally.
The prime minister said the government would not use force to quell the demonstration. But he ruled out dissolving parliament, saying this option would not put an end to the problem.
Mr Abhisit urged supporters of Thaksin to rethink their ideas now that Khunying Potjaman and her children would not be in the country during the rally. He said red shirt supporters should now realise that while they are fighting hard for the interests of the Shinawatra family, the Shinawatras were living in the lap of luxury. It was irresponsible to leave their supporters in the lurch.
In addition to the ISA, the cabinet has also decided to place 17 other laws under the authority of Isoc instead of the usual agencies. They include laws on disaster prevention, medical emergencies, road traffic, water transport and radio operations.
Puea Thai MP for Samut Prakan Pracha Prasopdee said the government plan to impose the ISA would not discourage pro-Thaksin supporters upcountry who have vowed to go ahead with their demonstration in the capital.
At least 100,000 people will travel to Bangkok from the Northeast, according to UDD co-leader Nisit Sinthuprai, a former MP for Roi Et.
The People’s Alliance for Democracy stressed yesterday that its members would not counter the UDD rally. But the PAD would stay alert and wait for orders from its leaders for future moves, it said in a statement.
Deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Piya Uthayo said at least 8,000 city police, including 41 crowd control units, would be on standby to support security operations.
Ayutthaya police chief Jaruwat Waisaya said he had received reports that the UDD planned to use at least 120 boats to carry red shirt supporters from Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi provinces along the Chao Phraya River to Bangkok. They would disembark at the Tha Phra Chan pier, Pol Maj Gen Jaruwat said.
He said boat skippers could face legal action if the boats carried too many passengers.
Published: 10/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Bangkok-based news outlets are increasing security at their offices in the run-up to this weekend’s anti-government protests.
Red shirt supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship plan to bring a million protesters to Bangkok’s streets this weekend in a bid to force the government to step down.
Suwitcha Piarat, executive editor of Manager Daily and the Manager website, said his offices had private security guards and the organisation was experienced in how to deal with the red shirts.
“We have learned that we are a target because they are frustrated with our reports, but we insist our coverage will not be influenced by them,” he said.
Mr Suwitcha was one of 52 “opponents of Thaksin” whose names were published on a list by UDD supporters last week.
Some of his organisation’s editorial staff will work outside the office during the protests, when the government plans to invoke the Internal Security Act from March 11-23.
Manager Group has not yet asked for police protection during the period, but it would file the request if needed, Mr Suwitcha said.
Thai Post news editor Chatchai Namtaplee said his newspaper’s offices were guarded around the clock and would be regularly visited by police.
Adisak Limprungpatanakij, managing director of the Nation Broadcasting Corporation, acknowledged reports that his company might be targeted.
Mr Adisak said Nation Broadcasting was in touch with local police and he hoped authorities could control the demonstration.
The Nation Group will minimise staff at its Bang Na office during the rally and relocate them to its printing facility and a temporary office.
Civic groups have called on the government and red shirts to avoid violence during the weekend protest.
“We want to meet the UDD to ask it to make a commitment that its rally will not cause violence,” said Khunklang Khukhanthin, a representative of the Youth Group for Peace Building.
The group is led by Gothom Arya, director of Mahidol University’s Research Center for Peace Building.
The UDD leaders could play a major role in preventing violence by making sure demonstrators did not carry weapons, he said.
The government should also stick to acceptable crowd-control measures. Police and troops must avoid using weapons, he said.
Sawitree Wanmongkol, 17, of Wat Nuanoradit school and a member of Mr Gothom’s group, said she agreed the UDD had a right to voice its dissatisfaction with the government, but the rally must be peaceful.
Violence should not be used as a way to participate in politics, she said.
The group did not want the rally to deepen Thailand’s political divide.
News reports of the UDD’s mobilisation and the state’s response had made some Bangkokians anxious.
Assumption College student Kritamet Homjantanakul, 17, said his parents were so worried about the rally that he was not allowed to leave the house this weekend. His family had even stockpiled canned and dried food, he said.
Published: 10/03/2010 at 03:04 PM
Online news: Breakingnews
The Transport Ministry has taken steps to ensure that travellers can use bus terminals and airports across the country normally during the mass anti-government rally in Bangkok this weekend, transport permanent secretary Supoth Sublom said on Wednesday.
He said Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum had issued orders to ensure the operations of major transport hubs, especially Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, would not be disrupted by the red-shirt protesters.
“There are four or five measures [in place] and alternative routes have been prepared if the main routes are obstructed,” Mr Supoth said.
The transport minister had also assigned security officers to guard state property and ensure people’s safety.
Public buses had been told to change their usual routes to avoid the protesters, as they may damage the buses, the permanent secretary said.
Transport Department teams will oversee the orderliness of various roads in the capital, he added.
Published: 10/03/2010 at 02:45 PM
Online news: Breakingnews
Supreme Commander Gen Songjitti Chakkabart said after the meeting of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) that he was not worried bout the red-shirt rally and did not believe there would be a bombing campaign in Bangkok, as reports suggested.
“There have been no signs that any particular groups would stir up the situation during this period. No important person or family members of cabinet ministers have been taken to safe houses at this time," Gen Songkitti said on Wednesday afternoon.
Deputy Prime Minister for security affairs Suthep Thaugsuban said early this morning that the government has implement stringent security measures after receiving intelligence reports there could be bombings at three major locations and 40 other points in Bangkok during the red-shirt rally.
“The government also has prepared a number of safe houses for members of the cabinet,” he said.
The supreme commander said he did not think that the fact Thaksin Shinawatra’s ex-wife and three children have left on trips overseas was a sign of impending violence.
Mr Suthep was of the same opinion earlier this morning.
It was reported that, after the Isoc meeting, army commander-in-chief Gen Anupong Paojinda and navy chief Adm Kamthorn Phumhiran were seen in close discussion. Both of them had serious faces.
Afterwards, Gen Anupong left army headquarters in same car as his deputy Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Published: 10/03/2010 at 01:39 PM
Online news: Breakingnews
Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had sent an SMS message to his supporters urging them to join in the mass anti-government protest by the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in Bangkok this weekend, reports said.
In his SMS, Thaksin said “On this 14, join forces to bring back the disappeared democracy and justice for the future of our children (14 nee ruam thuang kuen pracha thippatai lae kwam pen tham thee hai pai puea anakot kong luke larn Thai)”.
The fugitive politician also wrote on his Twitter page on Wednesday that his two daughters, Pinthongtha and Paethongthan, traveled to Germany today to see a hotel trade exhibition.
“The trip was scheduled long in advance. After that, they will visit me in Dubai as it is a long time since we last met,” Thaksin said.
In response to supporters’ questions about possible violence during the red-shirts rally, Thaksin said he had always stressed that the red-shirts must stick to the strategy of Mahatma Gandhi, who used peaceful means in fighting for the independence of India.
“We must fight for democracy by peaceful means and by uncovering the truth, even if most media are under the control of the government,” he said.
The real red-shirts have the same objectives – a true democracy in which the supreme power belongs to the people, not an elite group, and justice, he said.
Thaksin claimed that the law was being used to get rid of the government’s political opponents.
Thaksin confirmed that army specialist Maj Gen Khattiya Sawasdipol had visited him three times in Dubai.
“The yellow-shirts and people in the government camp also visited me there,” he said.
**Cages lie close to UDD route, food stockpiled **
Published: 11/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Dusit Zoo has relocated more than a dozen animals amid fears that areas around the zoo could be disrupted by red shirt rallies.
A tiger takes a bite of a frozen pork leg at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok yesterday. Staff are feeding the animals with frozen meat, vegetables and fruit to cool them downin the hot weather. Vitamin supplements are added to the ice. CHANATKATANUYU
Fourteen of the 2,000 animals have been moved to zoos in Nakhon Ratchasima and Songkhla since Monday. They included three elephants, two cranes, six red kangaroos and three wallabies.
Elephants and anteaters were moved to Khao Khiew Zoo in Chon Buri last April for the same reason.
Dusit Zoo director Kanchai Saenwong yesterday said the 14 animals were the first to be moved because their cages were close to Uthong Nai Road, which runs between the zoo and the parliament. The zoo will relocate more animals if the situation worsens, he said.
“We have prepared boxes and cages and have vet teams on 24-hour standby,” Mr Kanchai said. “In case of an emergency, we are ready to take care of the wildlife in the zoo.”
Animal keepers will be close to the animals to reduce their stress during the relocation and the zoo had stockpiled food for animals in case of an emergency, he said.
“We have already stocked amounts of food for 10 days to prevent any food shortage. We plan to close the zoo if the situation gets out of control. We will monitor and evaluate the situation on a day-to-day basis.”
Mr Kanchai has estimated that in the worst case scenario, the zoo’s revenue will be cut by half.
March and April normally are the peak period for the zoo, as schools are closed during that time.
The zoo said it expected revenue this month to drop from 7 million baht to 5 million baht.
Meanwhile, the zoo has tried to improve the quality of life for animals during the dry season by providing them with frozen food.
Nuntanit Kulcharoen, a zoo nutritionist, said frozen food for chimpanzees, orangutans, tigers, smooth-coated otters and elephants had been prepared. Frozen food could help reduce their stress when temperatures rise.
Spraying the animals with water is also another way to reduce heat stress, she said.
**Retreat to provinces likely if govt holds out **
Published: 11/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship is preparing to retreat to the provinces if its mass rally against the government in Bangkok this weekend falls flat, sources close to the movement say.
Soldiers are on standby at a checkpoint on Bangkok-bound lanes at the 46km marker of Asian Highway in Bang Pahan district of Ayutthaya. Four companies of soldiers and police have been deployed at the checkpoint to search red shirt demonstrators for weapons, explosives and fuel. Convoys of protesters from upcountry are expected to pass the checkpoint on their way to Bangkok tomorrow. SUNTHORN PONGPAO
The UDD can only afford to keep its protest going for three to five days. If the government has not fallen by that time, it will have to withdraw and draw up a new strategy.
“At this stage, the UDD leaders plan to rally for three to five days.” one source said.
“They need to win, but if the government manages to hold out, the protest will have to end.”
The red shirts were expected to retreat and seize provincial halls if their rally in Bangkok could not produce any significant changes - the prime minister’s resignation or a dissolution of the lower house, according to the sources.
The cost of organising such a large rally could reach up to 30 million baht a day - based on 100,000 demonstrators. The bigger the crowd, the more money that is needed.
UDD leaders and their allies are soliciting donations to fund the protest which is set to begin nationwide tomorrow with a plan to assemble in Bangkok on Sunday. They have launched a donation campaign chaired by Yaowaret Shinawatra, a sister of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin, to raise money to pay for demonstrators’ fuel costs.
UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan said yesterday the red shirt demonstrators would not be deterred by the government’s decision to enforce the Internal Security Act for the duration of the rally.
The law will be in effect from today to March 23. The act transfers the role of maintaining law and order from the police to the Internal Security Operations Command.
Supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship hold a tod pha pa ceremony at a Bangkok shopping mall to raise funds for up-country red shirt protesters to travel to Bangkok this weekend. (Photo by Thiti Wannamontha)
Mr Jatuporn insisted the protest would be peaceful and there would be no attempt to seize airports, seal off Government House or surround public or private establishments.
“No law can deter the red shirts and the government will see that the one million march is for real,” he said.
The UDD is threatening to mobilise one million supporters for the march.
As the government prepares for the weekend rally, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday chaired a security meeting which approved a security operation plan related to the enforcement of the ISA. A peace-keeping centre was set up at the 11st Infantry Regiment to monitor the situation.
Nine cabinet members, including the prime minister, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, have been assigned to attend any emergency cabinet meetings.
Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister’s secretary-general, has been appointed to head a negotiating and coordinating team.
Mr Korbsak’s team has been told to ensure a good understanding between the protesters and state agencies to help avoid any misadventures.
Mr Suthep said more than 10,000 police and 30,000 troops would be deployed to maintain law and order as soon as the ISA took effect.
The security officers would carry only shields and batons, while fully armed SWAT-trained units would be ready to respond to any violence within 15 minutes.
The 11st Infantry Regiment would accommodate VIPs and emergency cabinet meetings, an army source said.
Meanwhile, a van yesterday tried to cut in the middle of Mr Abhisit’s motorcade.
The incident took place on the expressway as Mr Abhisit was on his way home after leaving parliament.
The van, a Volkswagen, had followed the motorcade and tried to squeeze into the line of vehicles travelling at high speed.
The van continued to follow the motorcade until Mr Abhisit reached his home. Police are checking the registration number but suspect it might be fake.
Published: 11/03/2010 at 03:34 PM
Online news: Breakingnews
Army commander-in-chief Gen Anupong Paojinda reaffirmed on Thursday that he, navy chief Adm Kamthorn Phumhiran, air force chief ACM Itthaporn Supphawong and all their subordinates will not stage a military coup.
He called on the people not to worry themselves about it and said that the armed forces will try their best to ensure law and order.
He also warned civilians not to wear military uniform or military-like clothing, It was not lawful and offenders could be arrested.
Published: 12/03/2010 at 02:35 PM
Online news: Local News
Supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship began to spread out from their five rendezvous points in Bangkok shortly after noon on Friday, to campaign for people to participate in their rally on Sunday.
The five rendezvous points are the King Taksin monument at Wong Wian Yai, the Lak Si democracy monument in Bang Khen, Lumpini park, Thailand-Japan sports complex at Din Daeng, and the Bang Na intersection.
According to the plan for activities announced by the UDD, from Wong Wian Yai, the red-shirts under Jatuporn Promphan were to conduct a religious rite at the King Taksin monument before marching mainly along Phetkasem road.
From the Lak Si democracy monument, the red-shirts under Veera Musikhapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Kokaew Pikulthong were to march past many places including the 11th Infantry Regiment on Phahon Yothin road.
From Lumpini park, the red-shirts under Jaran Ditha-apichai, Wisa Khanthap and Darunee Kritboonyalai were to march along Ratchadamri, Rama I, Yosse, Urupong, Ratchadamnoen and Phan Fa roads. They were to stop over for speeches in front of the Royal Thai Police Office.
From Din Daeng, Chinawat Haboonphat was to lead the red-shirts to gather for speeches at the Victory Monument.
From the Bang Na intersection, the red-shirts under Worachai Hema were to campaign in Sukhumvit, Phra Khanong, Ekamai, Thonglor and Klongtoey areas.
According to their plan of activities, they were to return to the gathering points in the evening before dispersing. They would regroup on Saturday morning before moving to the main rally ground at Sanam Luang and the Ratchadamnoen avenue.
In Nonthaburi, the red-shirts were to rendezvous at the city hall.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he was not at all interested in the threat by UDD leader Natthawut Saikua to increase pressure if the government does not respond to the group’s demand for a House dissolution.
Mr Natthawut said on Thursday that if the UDD’s demand was not met before Monday, more than one million red-shirts would scatter to preselected rallying points throughout Bangkok.
"The government is not in the position to bow to any threat. It will listen only to petitions made properly under the constitution. A threat is not acceptable.
“Mr Nathawut himself said a House dissolution is not the ultimate goal [of the red-shirts]. I will protect the interests of the majority,” Mr Abhisit said.
The prime minister said his secretary-generak Korbsak Sabhavasu was coordinating with UDD leader Weng Tojirakarn to make sure the rally is peaceful.
He had suggested that checkpoints jointly manned by both the protesters and authorities be set up to screen for weapons.
Mr Abhisit said there had so far been no reports of trouble at the five gathering points of the red-shirts in Bangkok.
He was aware of the reports of bomb explosions in Surat Thani on Friday morning, but did not if they were linked to the red-shirt movement. Surat Thani is the home of Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban.
The prime minister went to the govrnment’s peace-keeping operations centre in the 11th Infantry Regiment on Friday afternoon to monitor the situation. He arrived shortly before protesters travellnig from Laksi arrived outside the barracks and began delivernig speeches.