Red Shirt leader urges government to keep close watch on Pitak Siam group

BANGKOK, Oct 30 – A key Red Shirt leader today warned the government to keep a close watch on the moves of the anti-government ‘Pitak Siam’ group, claiming it is determined to topple the Yingluck administration within two months.

Key United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Jatuporn Prompan said he learned that Pitak Siam intends to topple the government within two months. He also urged the government to beware and closely monitor the group’s moves.

Mr Jatuporn made his remark as Pitak Siam–‘Protecting Siam’–led by retired Gen Boonlert Kaewprasit rallied Sunday at the Royal Turf Club in the capital’s Nang Loeng area, with its leader claiming as many as 20,000 protesters joined the event.

As Mr Jatuporn missed gaining a ministerial post in the latest cabinet reshuffle, the Red Shirt leader said he has already talked with the premier and both have a good understanding.

Mr Jatuporn said he can work without a political post and will continue working for the Pheu Thai Party and the Red Shirt movement.

Another key Red Shirt leader Natthawut Saikua, now incoming deputy commerce minister, said the Pitak Siam rally is a sign of the return of a movement aiming to topple the government.

The minister urged the Red Shirt supporters to show their force to protect the government, while those who have been accused or verbally attacked in the rally should also protect their rights by filing legal suits against the protest leaders.

Another Red Shirt leader, Kwanchai Praipana, earlier threatened to mobilise hundred thousands of UDD supporters to protest in parallel to the Pitak Siam group.  Mr Natthawut however commented there is no need to intensify the situation as that would be the anti-government group’s way.