BANGKOK, Nov 20 – Red Shirt supporters will expand their rally in Bangkok, originally scheduled to end tonight, if the Constitution Court’s ruling today fails to appease them.
Thida Thavornseth, chairwoman of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), said the rally at Rajamangala Stadium is to monitor the court’s judgement on a charter amendment concerning electoral procedures and composition of the Senate.
A bill, calling for the election of all members of the Senate, with no appointed members as at present, was passed by Parliament, prompting the opposition Democrat Party to lodge a petition with the Constitution Court claiming that Parliament’s action breaches Section 68 of the charter.
Mrs Thida said the Constitution review was approved by the national legislative body and the judicial branch should not intervene and block the action.
The three pillars of democracy – administrative, legislative and judicial branches – should not interfere with each other, said Mrs Thida.
She said Thailand will be in chaos if the Constitution Court dissolves the ruling Pheu Thai Party and revokes the political rights of 312 MPs and senators.
“We may mobilise the suporters (now at Rajamangala Stadium) instead of calling it off Wednesday night. Core leaders will hold a meeting if the court’s ruling is not in our favour. However, we will not pressure, threaten or assault the judges,” said Mrs Thida.
“The demonstrators will listen to only three core leaders – myself, Nattawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan. We assure that our fight will be peaceful.”
The UDD leaders went on stage to address to the demonstrators at Rajamangala Stadium last night without the usual video-linked speech by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
