BANGKOK, Sept 27 – Thailand’s yellow shirt movement, the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), on Thursday issued a statement condemning its rival red shirt following a recent clash of supporters from both sides.
Key PAD leaders Pipob Thongchai, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Panthep Puapongpan and Saranyu Wongkrachang read the group’s statement after pro-government Red Shirts and their rival Yellow Shirt supporters clashed at the Crime Suppression Division on Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok on Tuesday.
The PAD protesters gathered there to show their moral support for Manasnant Nookam, a former teacher at an international school in Pathum Thani province, after key Red Shirt United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) activist Darunee Kritboonyalai filed a defamation lawsuit against her.
As the Yellow Shirts left the police compound, they confronted a group of Red Shirts who followed the case outside the venue. Both sides exchanged heated taunts before the yellow shirts physically attacked a red shirt loudspeaker truck. One woman was injured in the melee.
Mr Panthep said the PAD expressed regrets for Tuesday’s incident but condemned the UDD red shirt supporters for creating conditions leading to the clashes. The yellows also blamed some ruling Pheu Thai figures and the police for failing to maintain law and order.
As Ms Manasnant is scheduled to report to police to acknowledge charges on Friday, Mr Panthep said the PAD and its lawyer will not make any move unless being asked for help by the accused.
Mr Panthep however said the yellow shirt supporters have a right to turn up at the police compound to show support for Ms Manasnant.
