Hun Sen, Gen. Kattiya and Thaksin in Cambodia on 11.11.09- Published: 10/12/2009
- Bangkok Post
About 5,000 red-shirt supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship gathered around the Democracy Monument on Thursday, Constitution Day, calling on the government to bring back the 1997 constitution, which was abolished by the September 2006 coupmakers who ousted Thaksin Shinawatra.
The charter was replaced by a new constitution in2007, written during the Surayudh Chulanont government's term.
The red-shirt group earlier said the rally would be peacefull and the demonstrators would disperse by midnight.
UDD leader and opposition Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Promphan claimed that Bhumjaithai Party de facto leader Newin Chidchob could try to stir up violence during the rally.
"I have received reports that Mr Newin gave people red shirts along with weapons in an attempt to create unrest during the gathering," Mr Jatuporn said. "If there is violence, the protest certainly will prolong."
He also claimed that the government was using the tambon council budget to hire people to wear pink shirts and gather near King Rama V Equestrian Statue where His Majesty the King's birthday celebrations were organised.
Mr Jatuporn said former prime minister Thaksin would give a speech to his supporters via video link from abroad around 7pm. Thaksin would lead them in a mass candle-lighting ceremony to bless His Majesty the King.
Army specialist Khattiya Sawadipol, better known as Seh Daeng, said he had brought 200 former paramilitary soldiers to help maintain order during the red-shirt demonstration.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Police said it had deployed 10 companies of policemen to ensure security around the Democracy Monument.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he believed the red-shirt protest would not be prolonged, nor turn violent.
The government would continue to oversee the demonstration but no one would likely try to create violence during this period, he said.
"I still want the opposition to take part in the charter amendment process as suggested by the reconciliation committee because a referendum cannot take place without the opposition's participation," Mr Abhisit said.
The red-shirt group earlier said the rally would be peacefull and the demonstrators would disperse by midnight.
UDD leader and opposition Puea Thai Party MP Jatuporn Promphan claimed that Bhumjaithai Party de facto leader Newin Chidchob could try to stir up violence during the rally.
"I have received reports that Mr Newin gave people red shirts along with weapons in an attempt to create unrest during the gathering," Mr Jatuporn said. "If there is violence, the protest certainly will prolong."
He also claimed that the government was using the tambon council budget to hire people to wear pink shirts and gather near King Rama V Equestrian Statue where His Majesty the King's birthday celebrations were organised.
Mr Jatuporn said former prime minister Thaksin would give a speech to his supporters via video link from abroad around 7pm. Thaksin would lead them in a mass candle-lighting ceremony to bless His Majesty the King.
Army specialist Khattiya Sawadipol, better known as Seh Daeng, said he had brought 200 former paramilitary soldiers to help maintain order during the red-shirt demonstration.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Police said it had deployed 10 companies of policemen to ensure security around the Democracy Monument.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he believed the red-shirt protest would not be prolonged, nor turn violent.
The government would continue to oversee the demonstration but no one would likely try to create violence during this period, he said.
"I still want the opposition to take part in the charter amendment process as suggested by the reconciliation committee because a referendum cannot take place without the opposition's participation," Mr Abhisit said.
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