Red Shirt ‘column’ moves to army unit to await PM’s answer on House dissolution

BANGKOK, March 15  (TNA) – The red-clad anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) core group began moving from its main protest venue at Phan Fah Lilat Bridge on Bangkok’s Rajdamnoen Avenue to wait for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s response to their demand for a House dissolution at the government’s temporary safe house at a key army base.

The prime minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban moved to the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters in Bangkhen where the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) is coordinating the government’s response to the Red Shirt rally situation.

The UDD on Sunday at noon isued an ultimatum to the government to dissolve the House of Representatives within 24 hours, threatening mass street protests across the capital if their demand is not met.

The red-clad demonstrators began leaving the main venue by cars, pickup trucks and motorcycles at 9am and expect to reach their destination at the 11th Infantry Regiment before noon.

Key UDD leader Natthawut Saikua earlier promised the march will avoid causing inconvenience to Bangkok commuters and hoped that the UDD will not face any resistance from Bangkokians.

However, some protesters will remain at the Phan Fah Lilat Bridge and the platform they erected there will not be removed as the Red Shirts plan to return to the protest site.

CAPO spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that the protesters could go to the 11th Infantry Regiment headquarters but would not be allowed to enter the premises. If the protesters attempt entry, the army will respond appropriately, he said.

Military personnel will not attempt to disperse the protesters outside the army base, but will remain inside to protect the premises, he said, adding that the Army will start with the softest measures and gradually increase into toughtest measures.

Thirty four battalions of additional troops have been deployed at the 11th Infantry, which has added barbed wire surrounding its compound.

Loudspeakers have been installed to facilitate communication and to warn demonstrators in case they trespass into the compound.

Eight armoured vehicles are stationed in front of the main headquarters buidling.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Santhan Chayanont said 300 police officers are facilitating the protest movement and guarding the 11th Infantry Regiment.

Gen Santhan instructed the police not to use violence and to not block the UDD progress from Rajdamnoen to Bangkhen if they comply with the law. (TNA)