Bangkok: "red shirts" prepare "the final act" of protests
Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The "red shirts" have occupied Ratchaprasong, the commercial heart of Bangkok, Pathum Wan district, to prepare for what they call the "final act" of protest. Meanwhile anti-government leaders deny any involvement with "terrorist groups" that have sparked the violence last April 10. The government have also rejected outright the rumour that they are planning the use of force to end protests as early as next week.
The "red shirts", close to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in exile and supported by the opposition party United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), decided to meet in one place in the capital. A "strategic" decision say revolt leaders, to prevent the government blocking events.
The demonstrators chose to converge in the commercial heart of Bangkok to focus resources and enhance the morale of supporters. Jatuporn Prompan, a leader of the UDD, said the move is a preparation for the "final act" of the battle against Premier Abhisit Vejjajiva and his Executive to obtain the immediate dissolution of Parliament and fresh elections.
Natthawut Saikuea, representing the opposition, denounced a government plan - to be implemented over the next four or five days – of trying to incriminate demonstrators. The "red shirts" are being charged of "links with terrorists," which triggered the riots of April 10 last, causing 24 deaths and over 800 wounded.
The government however, has strictly denied rumours that a crackdown plan is scheduled to take place between 19 and 21 April, to disperse demonstrators and arrest protest leaders. Staff of Premier Abhisit report he has chosen not to speak with press because of the "unusual" situation that has arisen in the capital. The prime minister wants to reach an agreement with the opposition and bring "peace and order to the country”.
.png)
10/05/2011
