BANGKOK, Feb 3 – Thailand’s anti-government People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) vowed to continue with post-election protests to oust caretaker Prime Minister and her government from power.
PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban today led his supporters marching from Lat Phrao five-way intersection and Victory Monument to a rally site at Lumpini Park.
He said the two sites were open locations and unsafe for the protesters. It is more convenient for security team to protect the protesters at Lumpini Park.
Mr Suthep has announced that, from tomorrow, the PDRC will launch rapid mobile units to block state offices and ministries.
He said a new major rally will also be held to reaffirm the PDRC stance against the government.
The campaign urging people not to vote will also continue.
Meanwhile, Chalerm Yubamrung, director of the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), said the centre will seek talks with the anti-government protesters on Thursday (Feb 6) from earlier scheduled
today. He said the CMPO will first wait for the Criminal Court to approve warrants to arrest 19 PDRC leaders.
After that, he said, if the protest leaders refuse to talk to end blockade at Government Complex, force might be used to arrest them.
Mr Chalerm added that the CMPO is ready to organise poll reruns at failed polling stations. Police will be deployed there seven days in advance if asked by the Election Commission.
He said election officials who intended to cancel the Sunday elections will also be probed
The CMPO director reasserted that the elections must be re-held and complete within 180 days as required by law, adding that he will propose to the poll agency that police will transport the ballot papers and boxes in order to prevent any seizure by the protesters.
