Democrats rally at Red Shirts’ Ratchaprasong protest site amid tight security

BANGKOK, June 23 – A large crowd gathered at Ratchaprasong, Bangkok’s prime business and shopping area, Thursday evening to join a major election campaign rally for Thailand’s oldest political party, the Democrat Party, with less than two weeks to go until the July 3 general election.

Despite rains, the Democrat supporters turned up in substantial numbers at Ratchaprasong, last year’s rally site for the anti-government Red Shirt movement, amid tight security with the presence of hundreds of police officers offering protection.

At 7pm, the flow of traffic at Ratchaprasong intersection remained normal, with no Democrat supporters reported trespassing into the nearby roads.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, the Democrat deputy leader, gave the opening speech to the crowd gathering in an open space in front of CentralWorld shopping complex at 6pm, followed by former prime minister Chuan Leekpai and the party chairman for the committee on party strategies Korbsak Sabhavasu, respectively.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, as Democrat Party leader, is scheduled as the last person to speak before the rally ends about 10pm.

Apirak Kosayodhin, chairman of the Democrat’s election centre for Bangkok, gave assurances that the rally was not aimed at fuelling political conflict in Thailand, but will look ahead on how to build national reconciliation.

Mr Apirak added the party also hoped the Ratchaprasong rally will appeal to the “silent group” who remains undecided to cast their ballots. The party will also explain facts to the public so that they would give the Democrats a chance to go ahead with its mission to restore peace in the country.

Metropolitan Police Division 6 commander Pol Maj-Gen Suwat Chaengyodsuk said before the rally began that police have been deployed around the rally site both on the ground and in nearby high-rise buildings.

He said police have been informed that the Red Siam movement, a Red Shirt faction group, will steer clear of the Ratchaprasong intersection.

Police however are not complacent but remain on alert, said Gen Suwat, adding that all roads remain open for traffic but police will review again whether they are needed to be closed if the venue is too crowded. (MCOT online news)