Protesters gather near Gen. Prem’s residence; Security tight at PM’s home

BANGKOK, Sept 19 (TNA) – Led by leaders of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), red-shirted demonstrators early Saturday marched near the home of Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council and statesman, in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima.

More than one thousand UDD protesters are marching in Nakhon Ratchasima as well as in the capital on Saturday to commemorate the third anniversary of the bloodless coup which toppled then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Confusion occurred when protesters attempted to break through barricades set up by police near Gen. Prem’s residence. Police retreated some 10 metres from the barricades, but did not allow the protesters to approach the home.

UDD protesters rallied there after being unable to break through the barricades, while their leaders passionately spoke against Gen. Prem for about an house, but the former prime minister was not home.

The protesters dispersed at 8.30 am, heading to Bangkok’s Royal Plaza in a convoy of over 30 buses, to the United Front’s mass rally.

UDD leaders have charged that Gen. Prem was the key mastermind behind the coup.

Meanwhile, police security at the home of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in Bangkok was tight.

Anti-riot personnel, including female police officers, were seen surrounding Mr. Abhisit’s home, but there were no signs that UDD protesters would demonstrate there.

Mr. Abhisit was scheduled to travel to a shopping mall near his home at 10 am to record his weekly address which airs Sunday. At 7 pm he will attend the 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at Impact Muang Thong Thani. (TNA)