BANGKOK, 1 May 2014 – The Center for Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) indicated on Wednesday it was making preparations to adjust the deployment of security officials, after news on relocation of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) main rally venue circulated.
Deputy Prime Minister Suraphong Towichakchaikun, in his role as CAPO chief advisor, said the CAPO was making preparations for an event of the PDRC relocating from Bangkok’s Lumphini Park to the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Rd. He called on the PDRC leaders to let the police and military security officers know in advance before they relocate their supporters, in order to prevent attempts by ill-intentioned third-party groups to stir up trouble.
Mr. Suraphong asserted the prime minister had emphasized that force not be used to disperse the protest.
CAPO director Chalerm Yubamrung on Wednesday met with police officials charged with handling security around protest sites. He said after the meeting that there should not be any problem if the PDRC went ahead with the relocation. He also asserted that authorities will not allow the PDRC and United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters to clash with one another. Pol. Capt. Chalerm also affirmed authorities are not looking to disperse the protests.
At the same time, merchants have set up stalls along the route leading up to Democracy Monument, after hearing that the PDRC will return to camp at the site. Some have reportedly even pitched tents and erected metal fences to reserve their space.
