Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva takes to
the stage in front of the Banglamung District Office in the lead up to
national elections.
Boonlua Chatree
About 2,000 government supporters again welcomed
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as he made another campaign push
through the Pattaya area.
The Democratic Party leader headlined the June 22
rally in front of the Banglamung District Office, where he fired salvos
at the Pheu Thai Party and its self-exiled leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
Abhisit said he is determined to unify Thailand by following its laws
and that he would not negotiate with convicted criminals or those who’ve
had their assets seized.
However, the premier added, unity in Thailand will be
impossible unless the fugitive former prime minister’s red-shirted
supporters give up their push for his amnesty and return of the fortune
seized by the government.
About 200 Banglamung Police officers provided
security for the premier, keeping a close eye out for Thaksin’s red
shirts. Undercover investigators also combed through the crowd, trying
to determine how many covert anti-government operators might be present.
The rally went off without any disturbances.
After wrapping up his Banglamung appearance, the
Democrats moved to Sriracha Public Park for another speech and rally and
then a brief appearance at Chonburi City Hall.
Public opinion polls in the final days leading up to
this weekend’s election show Abhisit’s Democrats are behind in the July
3 poll. A June 14 Chonburi survey showed the Democrats with only about
15 percent support, several points behind Pheu Thai and Chonburi’s local
Palang Chon Party, although the poll also stated that almost half those
questioned were still undecided. The survey showed the Democrats
possibly winning only 3 of the province’s 11 seats and none in the
Pattaya area.
