Posted on 01/31/2006 10:02:13 PM PST by killjoy
BANGKOK, Feb 1 (TNA) - No violence or untoward incident is expected to occur during a gathering of demonstrators protesting against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at the Royal Plaza Saturday, because Thais are known to be a peace-loving and smart people, Deputy Prime Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya said Wednesday.
The authorities earlier changed the protest venue from Sanam Luang to the Royal Plaza at the other end of Rajdamnoen Avenue, surrounding the statue of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, on horseback, where many Thais go to express reverence for the monarchy.
The demonstrators are expected to be led by media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, Gen. Chidchai said.
He advised Mr. Sondhi and the protestors to remain peaceful and abide by the laws so that no untoward incident would take place -- as some officials fear.
The authorities learned a lesson from last month's unruly aftermath of such a demonstration (Jan 13) which escalated into a gate-crashing and intrusion into the Government House compound, he said.
"Peace and order will be maintained Saturday," vowed Gen Chidchai, who is concurrently justice minister.
"Peace-loving demonstrators must be able to tell right from wrong and not be misled by third parties sowing unrest and misgiving between the protesters and the authorities," the police general commented.
The deputy prime minister, who had consulted with the National Intelligence Agency about the matter, believes the situation at Royal Plaza -- around the equestrian stutues of King Chulalongkorn, King Rama V, in front of Thailand's Old Parliament -- and nearby could be conducted without the authorities losing control.
At the same time, he said, anti-riot police officers standing by will be able to cope with anything arising during the anti-Thaksin gathering.
Police will also stand guard at Government House and other government premises to prevent possible vandalism.
Gen. Chidchai called on groups of provincial teachers who had planned to join the Royal Plaza gathering to remain as respectable as ever and refrain from breaking the law. (TNA)-E008
Needless to say, the security precautions for the rally are massive and involves bringing in troops and police from around the country. A have a lot of friends being brought in as security and they are not too happy about having to come to BKK to deal with this. If things do get out of hand, it is not going to be pretty.
Thailand update ping.
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