Defense Minister steps up security measures for UDD gathering

BANGKOK, 17 August 2009 (NNT) – Defense Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has assigned relevant security units to closely monitor mass gatherings of the anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) and its opponent blue-clad group today at Sanam Luang.

Defense Ministry Spokesperson Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng said the police would directly oversee the demonstrations today while military personnel would assist them. He said the Defense Minister believed unrest incidents would not occur.

The UDD earlier announced that they will submit a royal pardon petition for ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra around noon today to the Office of His Majesty’s Principal Private Secretary. The blue-clad group said it will also gather in front of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to give moral support to banned politician Newin Chidchob who will travel there today to listen to the court’s verdict in the rubber sapling case as a defendant. The two places are located near Sanam Luang.