BANGKOK, Jan 10 – Anti-government protesters will strictly adhere to non-violent and unarmed demonstrations during Monday’s seizure of Bangkok, protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban reaffirmed on Thursday.
He said protesters will be given prayers to chant in case of intimidation or assaults by the authorities or opponents during the citywide rallies.
Mr Suthep, who marched with members of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok yesterday, said the activity was successful in creating awareness among the people about Monday’s Bangkok shutdown.
He expected 400,000-500,000 Thon Buri residents to join the massive protest on Monday which will possibly paralyse Bangkok.
The PDRC has announced its plan to occupy seven major locations in the capital, including Pathumwan–which will be the hub of demonstrations replacing Ratchdamnoen Avenue, Silom-Lumpini, Victory Monument, Ratchprasong, Lat Phrao, Chaeng Wattana and Asoke.
“Please strictly follow our plan. We have announced closure of seven locations. Don’t spread to other areas. We will separately block government property in the morning and withdraw in the evening to avoid attacks by hooligans at nighttime,” he said.
He said the PDRC will go ahead with its plan to occupy Bangkok without reservation thanks to the Criminal Court’s rejection of a request by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to issue arrest warrants for 35 PDRC leaders.
The DSI has charged the 35 PDRC leaders with insurrection, instigating unrest in the kingdom and holding gatherings of more than 10 people.
The DSI said it has summoned the suspects but they refused to report themselves to the authorities without giving acceptable or appropriate reasons.
The court said the suspects had already informed the DSI that they would be willing to give their testimonies and did not intend to disobey the DSI’s order.
It was unclear if some of the suspects have received summonses from the DSI, the court said, instructing the agency to issue more summonses to the 35 PDRC members.
