BANGKOK, Jan 7 – The “Bangkok shutdown” on January 13 will zero in on seven major locations in the capital, according to protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban.
The rank and file of the anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) are anxiously counting the days to seize the capital, while Mr Suthep stood firm that the Bangkok paralysis will only slightly impact the economy, not by billions of baht as claimed by the government.
He said the PDRC will disassemble the stage and rally site on Ratchdamnoen Avenue on January 13 and disperse at seven spots in Bangkok.
The Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, one of the seven spots, will be blocked to bar civil servants from reporting for work.
Other rally sites will be at Lat Phrao intersection which will be operated by Rangsit and Kasetsart universities and joined by Northern and Northeastern people, Victory Monument, Pathumwan intersection by Chulalongkorn University, Lumpini Park by Silom business group, Asoke intersection by Srinakharinwirot University and National Institute of Development Administration, and Ratchaprasong by Dr Seri Wongmontha and entertainment personalities.
Mr Suthep gave assurances that Suvarnabhumi airport and transport terminals will not be sealed off, and all public transportation services will be operated as usual.
He lashed out at Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri for threatening to take legal action against protesters who take to the streets to occupy the capital.
Mr Chaikasem warned people who joined the massive demonstrations of violating the law but Mr Suthep said the citywide PDRC rallies will be in accord with people’s fundamental rights.
Mr Suthep and PDRC leaders will make another warm-up march in Thonburi today to encourage people to occupy Bangkok’s streets on Monday.
