Defence Ministry Spokesman: No strife to occur during red shirts’ petition

BANGKOK, 15 August 2009 (NNT) – Spokesman of Defence Ministry, Col. Thanathip Sawangsaeng, expressed confidence that no strife would occur on the day the red-shirt supporters petition His Majesty the King to seek pardon for the ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The petition for royal pardon by the red-shirt supporters will take place at Sanam Luang on 17 August 2009.

With the concerns from many sides over the possibility of severe occurrences on that day, Col. Thanathip said police officers were ready and would be deployed on Monday to keep peace at the Sanam Luang rally site.

He added police had not yet asked for reinforcement from the Defence Ministry, while assuring that the military was ready to provide cooperation if asked.

Col. Thanathip also said Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan had not mentioned anything in particular.