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.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva takes to the stage in front of the Banglamung District Office in the lead up to national elections.
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.
