Sunday, 28 March 2010

PM, Suthep rush back to Bangkok


via CAAI News Media

Published: 27/03/2010 at 11:39 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban left Hua Hin ahead of schedule on Saturday morning, returning to Bangkok to monitor the movements of anti-government protesters in the capital.

The premier and his deputy travelled to Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district this morning to inspect the venue for the first Mekong River Commission (MRC) summit from April 2 to 6.

Mr Suthep, who is in charge of security affairs, said national army chief Anupong Paojinda, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and the peacekeeping operations centre will help oversee security during the mass anti-government rally around different areas in Bangkok.

Deputy PM Suthep (left) and PM Abhisit

The plan of the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to march to different areas of Bangkok could cause heavier traffic than usual, he said.

"I ask the red-shirts to gather in peace and not to close down the intersections because if they break the law the government will take legal action against UDD leaders since they are responsible for bringing people to the rally.

"Security personnel are not carrying weapons and I ask the demonstrators not to intimidate or pressure them.

"I would like to ask the general public to help look after the security personnel," Mr Suthep said.

The deputy premier said he believed there would be fewer protesters this weekend than last Saturday, but the government was prepared to deal with different situations.

There were no reports that the red-shirts will mobilise to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) meeting, he said.

Meanwhile, the situation near the 11th Infantry Regiment was quiet, with only a few anti-government demonstrators around, as usual.

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