CRES warns time is running out, urges demonstrators to leave protest site

BANGKOK, April 22 (TNA) – The Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) warned Thursday that “time is running out”, urging the anti-government ‘Red Shirt’ United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) demonstrators to leave their rally site before a crackdown which could start at any moment, according to CRES spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

The UDD has encamped at Ratchaprasong since April 3 to demand Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve Parliament for fresh elections.

Col Sansern, also Army spokesman, reiterated the rally site was unsafe as it was also clear that some elements of the Red Shirts were in possession of military weapons.

The authorities did not want the protesters to risk their lives as when the military operation to regain the area starts, such weapons could be used and the protesters could be hurt by stray bullets.

Troops are waiting for an appropriate time to take back the area, he said, urging the demonstrators to leave the rally site and return home.

He added that if the protesters leave the rally site and report to the authorities they will not be prosecuted but after the military operations have taken place, the protesters there would be arrested and prosecuted.

“With jail terms of two years and a Bt40,000 fine for each violator of the Emergency Decree, no UDD leaders can afford to help you,” he said.

The authorities are ready to facilitate the protesters who wanted to return homes, he said, adding that hundreds of demonstrators have expressed their intention to return to their homes.

Col Sansern said the CRES would not let the a skirmish occur at Saladaeng intersection again and CRES ordered the security forces to prepare six companies of motorcycle patrol units to prevent the Red Shirt protesters to move to other area. (TNA)