Monday, 29 December 2008

Thailand’s Anti-Government Group to Hold Protest to Force the Dissolution of Parliament

Sun, 2008-12-28

Bangkok, 28 December, (Asiantribune.com): Thailand's anti-government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) Saturday threatened to hold protests against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva nationwide, to pressure him to dissolve the House.

The three leaders of the UDD said the group would hold a massive rally on Sunday to oppose what it termed as a "coup in disguise" launched jointly by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the military and capitalists.

The demonstrators will not move to Parliament Monday and Tuesday when the new Cabinet presents the government's policy to Parliament, the trio said, adding that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not telephone to the rally.

Pledging that the demonstration will be held in peaceful manner, they said that it will focus on donations amounting to more than Bt300 million given to the ruling Democrat Party which they claimed are against the law.

Defending the planned charges to be filed by the UDD, Mr. Abhisit, also leader of the Democrat Party, said opposition parties also plan to do the same next week but the government was not worried because it had explained to the House of Representatives earlier.

Meanwhile, Parliament President Chai Chidchob Saturday expressed concern over a planned protest by DAAD protesters on Monday, saying the policy debate may be delayed if the situation spirals out of control.

The government will present its policy to Parliament on Monday and Tuesday (December 29-30).

Chai said he will monitor the situation minute by minute to consider whether the policy debate should be postponed or not.

He said he has not yet considered an alternative meeting venue.

Chai said he believes police will be able to control the situation.

- Asian Tribune -

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