BANGKOK, Oct 27- Security has been tightened at the home of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra today as protesters from the Thai Patriots Network announced their rally there.
National Police Chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew said the overall situation is under control and that police estimate the protester turnout will not be high.
Gen Adul however said security has been stepped up to prevent any incident and that police will not allow protesters to reach the premier’s house in Soi Yothinpattani 3 on Navamin-Ramintra Road in Bueng Kum district.
Instead, the police chief said, a compound outside Soi Yothinpattani 3 has been prepared for the protest. Vehicles can still pass the area and roads will not be closed.
The police move came as the network announced its intention to rally in front of Ms Yingluck’s home today to demand that the government reject the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Phra Viharn temple disputes.
He said the protesters told police that their protest will not be prolonged, adding that police continue monitoring rallies of many groups including the protests at Urupong intersection, the Thai Patriots Network led by Chaiwat Sinsuwong, and the rubber grower protest in the southern region.
Gen Adul said police believe the groups’ movements are related.
Pheu Thai Party spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the network’s rally wants to pressure the premier but its move will cause trouble to those who live around the premier’s house. He urged the protesters to submit their petition at Government House instead.
In the latest development, Network leader Chaiwat, after negotiation with police, agreed to withdraw the protest and give a one-week deadline to the premier.
He said his group will gather outside the prime minister’s home again next Sunday (November 3) if their demand is not met.
