Rally plans for October spark fears

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Rally plans for October spark fears
Security beefed up, PAD chafes at CRES warning
Published: 2/10/2010 at 12:00 AM
Bangkok Post: Newspaper section: News

Security authorities are being placed on high alert as political groups organise highly charged commemorative gatherings this month to mark past bloodshed.

October marks the anniversary of several political revolts against past military and civilian governments. There were student uprisings in 1973 and 1976 and the yellow shirt protest in 2008.

The spate of explosions and bomb scares in Bangkok in recent weeks has increased fears that violent elements could test lapses in security to cause trouble.

The yellow shirt People's Alliance for Democracy has raised security concerns as it plans to gather at the Royal Plaza to mark the second anniversary of the Oct7 protest against the Somchai Wongsawat administration.

PAD demonstrators laid siege to parliament in 2008 to prevent Mr Somchai from delivering his government's policy statement. A violent confrontation with riot police ensued in which two protesters were killed and scores were injured.

National Security Agency secretary-general Thawil Pliensri yesterday played down fears of violence surrounding the planned anniversaries.

Mr Thawil said the activities being organised to mark the Oct 14, Oct 6 and Oct 7 events were unlikely to result in any trouble, but it might be better for everyone involved to help authorities maintain peace and order.

He said security agencies had warned that there might be violence in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces following a report that eight locations were vulnerable to bomb attack.

But he gave an assurance that national police chief Wichean Potephosree was working hard to ensure public safety.

The spokesman for the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation, Sansern Kaewkamnerd, said the PAD had submitted an application to hold a public gathering.

The CRES suggested that the yellow shirts gather in an enclosed area, otherwise they could be in violation of the state of emergency.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila responded by criticising the CRES for blocking their planned gathering.

Mr Suriyasai said the PAD was not holding a political rally but a religious ceremony to make merit for the victims of violence.

"The CRES should review its stance," he said.

"It allowed the red shirts to gather at Ratchaprasong intersection on Sept 19 and that was clearly a political gathering."

Emergency rule now only remains in force in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

The government yesterday lifted the emergency in the northeastern provinces of Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen.

The revocation of the state of emergency in the northeastern provinces was recommended by the Interior Ministry. The order was announced following a security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Mr Thawil said yesterday the lifting of emergency rule in Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces had not been considered by the cabinet.Meanwhile, about 500 crowd control police have been assigned to watch a red shirt rally tomorrow in Ayutthaya.

The provincial police chief, Pol Maj Gen Jaruwat Waisaya, has called a meeting to rehearse security plans.

Hundreds of red shirts in Bangkok led by Sombat Boon-ngamanong will travel to Ayutthaya by train to hold activities, including the symbolic tying of red cloths around Pridi Bridge.

Rail and road authorities in Ayutthaya said yesterday they were bracing for the red shirt gathering but did not think the situation would get out of hand.

"We will treat them like other passengers, but railway police will be preparing security," said Chaichan Khokdokmai, assistant chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya train station.

http://bangkokpost.com/news/politics/199259/rally-plans-for-october-spark-fears