Thai anti-government protest called off
11/26/2009 | 08:08 AM
BANGKOK (AP) — A protest group seeking to bring down the government of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Wednesday called off its plans for a rally this weekend after criticism that it would interfere with birthday celebrations for the country's revered monarch.
Veera Musikapong of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship announced the cancellation of the rally, which had been set to start Saturday and end by Dec. 2, three days before the 82nd birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The aborted protest is part of an ongoing political war that has left Thai politics unstable for more than three years, since billionaire politician Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister by a military coup after being accused of corruption and disrespect for the king.
Thaksin's supporters and opponents have repeatedly taken to the streets since his ouster to spar over who has the right to rule the country, sometimes sparking violence.
The rally's cancellation came after Thaksin, a fugitive from justice now in exile, told his political allies inside Thailand that the protest should be postponed because the timing was inappropriate.
The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship — informally known as the 'Red Shirts' due to their signature garb — comprises mainly Thaksin's followers, but also has factions that do not support him, but do oppose the coup and other undemocratic measures. The group did not attribute its decision to cancel the rally to Thaksin's call.
Abhisit's Cabinet on Tuesday announced that it would invoke a special security law in parts of Bangkok during the protest to help keep the peace. The measure allows the government to order curfews and restrict freedom of movement, among other actions.
Nattawut Saikua, another protest organizer, told The Associated Press that the government's invocation of the Internal Security Act was factor in calling off the rally.
He said it was a disgrace for the government "to use this dictatorial law during the time of celebration for our beloved king," and the protest group didn't want to be associated with such a matter.
"I assure you that the government will definitely face a rally of the Red Shirts soon," he said. - AP
Veera Musikapong of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship announced the cancellation of the rally, which had been set to start Saturday and end by Dec. 2, three days before the 82nd birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
The aborted protest is part of an ongoing political war that has left Thai politics unstable for more than three years, since billionaire politician Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister by a military coup after being accused of corruption and disrespect for the king.
Thaksin's supporters and opponents have repeatedly taken to the streets since his ouster to spar over who has the right to rule the country, sometimes sparking violence.
The rally's cancellation came after Thaksin, a fugitive from justice now in exile, told his political allies inside Thailand that the protest should be postponed because the timing was inappropriate.
The United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship — informally known as the 'Red Shirts' due to their signature garb — comprises mainly Thaksin's followers, but also has factions that do not support him, but do oppose the coup and other undemocratic measures. The group did not attribute its decision to cancel the rally to Thaksin's call.
Abhisit's Cabinet on Tuesday announced that it would invoke a special security law in parts of Bangkok during the protest to help keep the peace. The measure allows the government to order curfews and restrict freedom of movement, among other actions.
Nattawut Saikua, another protest organizer, told The Associated Press that the government's invocation of the Internal Security Act was factor in calling off the rally.
He said it was a disgrace for the government "to use this dictatorial law during the time of celebration for our beloved king," and the protest group didn't want to be associated with such a matter.
"I assure you that the government will definitely face a rally of the Red Shirts soon," he said. - AP
