BANGKOK, Nov 4 – The weeks-long rally at Urupong intersection was reinforced yesterday evening with an added army of Thailand’s old hands in political activities, led by veteran protester Chamlong Srimuang.
Members of the United Front of People’s Networks declared a unanimous decision to join the Urupong demonstration and walked from Lumpuni Park, passing Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong and Pratunam business centres on their way to the rally site.
Maj Gen Chamlong said he has given moral support to every group and movement against the Amnesty Bill and he would not take the lead, but rather be a follower, in the demonstration.
He said he has resigned from the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) – the strongest movement against the former government of Thaksin Shinawatra.
Other ex-PAD members who walked with the protesters to Urupong were Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Suriyasai Katasila, Pipop Thongchai, Hattachai Muanparn and Somkiat Homla-or. They also went on stage.
Piya Utayo, spokesman of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), predicted that today’s protests against the Amnesty Bill will be spread out and police have been ready to handle the situation and facilitate motorists as many roads will possibly be closed by demonstrators.
Senior police officials in all Bangkok districts were ordered to be on alert and closely assess the situation, he said, admitting that he was concerned about both traffic congestion and possible clashes.
Security protections have been enhanced at the residences of major political figures, he said.
National police chief Adul Saengsingkaew ordered all police units to closely observe and assess demonstrations in Bangkok and upcountry, and set up checkpoints to prevent people from carrying weapons to rally sites.
Regarding an attack on Patnacha Haotavanich, personal sectary to Democrat deputy leader Korn Chatikavanich, police said they have checked closed-circuit video records and questioned several witnesses but no conclusion has yet been reached.
