PAD Confirms Dragged-on Rally In Bangkok

Jan 26, 2011
(Bernama)

BANGKOK -- Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a strong Thai civic movement, confirmed on Wednesday that their yellow-shirt group would drag on their latest rally near Government House in Bangkok, beginning on January 25, until the Thai government bowed to their three-point demand related to Thai-Cambodian border issues, reports Thai News Agency (TNA).

The PAD leaders, led by Major General Chamlong Srimuang, told reporters the only factor which could end their ongoing rally at the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge was that their demands were met by the Thai government.

They include the Thai government's withdrawal its membership from the World Heritage Committee under the United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), revocation of the 2000 memorandum of understanding (MOU) on border demarcation it signed with Cambodia and expellation of Cambodian people from border areas claimed by Thailand.

The PAD leaders also said that they would urge five Thai nationals -- who were earlier arrested by Cambodia on charges of entering and trespassing into the Cambodian territory illegally -- to file a suit against incumbent Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban overseeing national security with the Thai Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions for alleged negligency and conspiracy with Cambodia resulting in Thailand's loss of territorial interest.

The leading PAD activists revealed that their yellow-clad group would also file a case with Thailand's National Anti Corruption Commission (NACC) to seek impeachment against the Thai Democrat premier and deputy premier for the same allegations.

Major General Chamlong announced that on Wednesday the yellow-shirt people would not move from the rally site, but his group would assess the situation, with probably a change in policy, day by day, including a possible decision on occupying the Government House.

Meanwhile, the PAD rally, though peacefully, has forced the closure of part of Bangkok's main Rajadamnoen Avenue, from the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge to the Misakawan Intersection near the Government House, where some 400 police officers have been deployed together with barbed wires and other barriers to maintain security, resulting in heavy traffic in adjacent areas.

Local police said more roads may have to be closed and suggested the public to access to the 1197 hotline for updated information around the clock.

-- BERNAMA