UDD confirms to stage peaceful rally on 11 Jan

BANGKOK, 9 January 2010 (NNT) – The anti-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has confirmed that it will stage a peaceful demonstration on 11 January 2010 at Yai Thiang Mountain in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.

UDD core leader and Puea Thai MP, Jatuporn Prompan, promised that the UDD would not enter the premises of former Prime Minister and incumbent Privy Councilor General Surayud Chulanont on the mountain although the protest was aimed at General Surayud for his national park encroachment. The confirmation came after a report that said there would be an attempt by ill-intentioned people to burn Gen Surayud’s residence so that people would misunderstand and blame it on the UDD.

Mr Jatuporn said another UDD core leader, Suporn Atthawong, known as ‘Isan Rambo’ will therefore lead a group of security guards to keep watch around the residence from 10 January 2010 onwards to prevent any incidents.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) on Friday dropped the charge against the former prime minister, reasoning that General Surayud did not have any intention to encroach on the forestland. The UDD core leader voiced disagreement and deemed it unfair for others prosecuted under the same charge. He believed that the locals would be dissatisfied with the conclusion of the OAG.

Mr Jatuporn continued to say that the UDD would announce its plan for mass gathering to topple the Democrat-led government within this month.