Security forces disperse Red Shirts at Pathum Thani; UDD prepares ‘offensive’ for Tuesday

BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) – Combined police and military forces dispersed Red Shirt protesters in Pathum Thani blocking the highway in Bangkok to prevent police reinforcements which might try to retake Ratchaprasong intersection, the protest site, but late Monday a top protest leader claimed the Reds may go on the offensive again.

Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the police and army had jointly dispersed Red Shirts who blocked Phaholyothin Road at the Talad Thai Market in Klong Luang district.

The operation was successful with no injuries reported on either side, but a dozen leading protesters were detained, he said.

As for the Border Patrol Police who broke a Red Shirt blockade in Phitsanulok and headed to Bangkok after a five-hour stand-off, Col Sansern said that if there was any further blockade the force would operate as it did at Pathum Thani and clear the way.

The emergency centre would not permit Red Shirt protesters any further blocking of the authorities going to their duty in Bangkok, and any such blockage will be dealt with promptly.

Col Sansern renewed the warning to anti-government ‘Red Shirt’ United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) encamped at Ratchaprasong intersection to be well aware that if the situation permits, and plans are well prepared, the operation to regain the area would be carried out.

He said CRES believes that some protesters joined the demonstration because of untrue information.

Changing their outfits would be to their disadvantage as it would lack unity and the authorities could easily mingle with the protesters, the spokesman said.

In related developments, Noppadon Pattama, a legal advisor to fugitive ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, denied rumours that his client had died.

Mr Noppadon said he spoke with his client daily. He said Mr Thaksin had good health and was bemused by the rumours.

He said the deposed prime minister will appear in public again at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile, international media reported that Mr Thaksin is in Montenegro seeking investment opportunities and was quoted as saying that he kept contact with the protesters who fight for democracy and justice.

This is the second time Thaksin visited Montenegro this year. On March 13, he arrived by private plane from Dubai to the Montenegrin coastal town of Tivat.

Meanwhile, UDD leader Natthawut Saikua said that there was possibility that the government will crack down on protesters at any time, taking action when it sees the possibility but will refrain from the movement if the situation does not permit.

He warned that if there is a crackdown on protesters at Ratchaprasong, Red Shirts nationwide will rise up against the government.

On Tuesday the UDD will have offensive measures in place to fight, he claimed. Some protesters will join the operation but he will wait until Tuesday to tell the details, he said. (TNA)