Alien laborers will be barred from joining in rally

BANGKOK, 23 November 2009 (NNT) – Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has warned alien laborers in Thailand to not take part in the coming major gathering of the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on 28 December 2009.

Mr Suthep stated that state officials would urge entrepreneurs to discourage their immigrant employees from joining in the rally. The deputy premier explained that it would be illegal to do so since the right to peaceful assembly in the Kingdom belonged to Thai citizens only.

The deputy PM added that the UDD core leaders should postpone the protest to other months since the nation would celebrate HM the King’s 82nd birthday anniversary this December.

As for the possibility of using the Internal Security Act (ISA) during the rally, Mr Suthep said he would convene with national security units today before deciding on the matter.

The UDD group has announced to bring forward its mass rally to 28 November from the earlier scheduled 29 November. The objective of the protest is to topple the Democrat-led government until 2 December 2009 and will temporarily disperse to celebrate the King’s birthday anniversary. The group said it would gather again after the end of the celebration.