Sunday, 20 July 2008

Thailand: Demonstrators won't stop anti-gov't protest

Mathaba News Network
2008/07/19
From: MNN

Pledged to bringing down the Thai government, the People's Alliance for Democracy ''PAD'', will not stop its marathon demonstration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, despite the request of pro-government groups, according to retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang.

Gen. Chamlong, a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said a pro-government group had presented a letter to the PAD asking its members and supporters to cease their ongoing demonstration in central Bangkok on August 12, the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

The letter said if the rally continues, it would demonstrate that the PAD does not respect the Royal institution. But Gen. Chamlong said the democracy-activist group's members had always shown respect to the Royal institution and had also urged the government to pay attention in a like manner.

He also urged government, military and provincial officials to help prevent future clashes between PAD members and supporters with local residents people as the PAD leaders cannot control demonstrators in each province.

The former Bangkok governor was referring to Thursday's clash between the PAD and local residents in Si Sa Ket province near Preah Vihear temple in which a number of persons from both sides were injured.

The PAD members wanted to march to the temple ruins to protest Cambodia's listing of the temple as a World Heritage site. They were unable to reach the temple after the clash because the army and police had blocked the roads with barbed wire and wooden barricades which succeeded in keeping them out.

Gen. Chamlong said that the PAD rally in the provinces is beyond the control of the PAD leaders because demonstrators voluntarily came and joined it from various locations and communities. (TNA)

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