Security forces tighten stiff measures against Red Shirts

BANGKOK, April 27 (TNA) – The Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) on Tuesday ordered security forces to further tighten already stiff security measures against the anti-government Red Shirts who disrupted public transportation and obstructed security operations.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as centre director said the security operation has been stepped up as the protesters did not rally peacefully as they earlier claimed, but obviously broke the law and infringed on the rights and freedom of other people.

Mr Suthep commented after the Red Shirt protesters laid tyres on the tracks of the BTS Skytrain at Chidlom station, forcing a temporary closure of the skytrain service early Tuesday morning and the protesters also blocked roads in several provinces to prevent security forces travelling to the capital on Monday as reinforcements.

“They set up checkpoints to scan private cars. Some searched the cars, harming the people and taking away their assets. They also inspected the cars of state officials and obstructed the travel of police and soldiers, said Mr Suthep. “Another group also launched terrorist attacks in parallel by using military weapons for sabotage in many places.”

Mr Suthep said he has instructed local police to arrest the protesters who block roads if negotiations fail. The officials have been ordered to strictly enforce the law and they have been informed of clear and appropriate approaches in handling the crowd.

Following the recent CRES statement over an alleged plot to overthrow the monarchy, Mr Suthep asserted legal action will be taken against whoever getting involved with the movement. The accused will be summoned twice before arrest warrant will be issued. If necessary, they will not be allowed to leave the kingdom.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, currently chairman of the opposition Puea Thai Party, challenged the government Tuesday to take legal action against him if it thinks the general has been involved with the ‘terrorist’ movement.

Gen Chavalit said he has always reiterated the peaceful solutions of the country’s ongoing crisis, while saying he will not sue anyone.

As CRES boosted up security measures against the Red Shirts, the protest leaders on Tuesday said demonstrators will fan out across the capital on Wednesday to explain the truth over the April 10 clashes to the public outside the rally site and distribute CDs of the incident giving their understanding of what happened.

UDD leader Nattawut Saikua said the activity will be continued until the government dissolves Parliament, saying the Red Shirts are ready to confront police and the military.

Mr Nattawut said the Red Shirts will exercise their rights of public assembly similar to what the multi-coloured group did, but will try to avoid causing traffic disruption as much as they can.

A Thai News Agency (TNA) reporter said some protesters at Ratchaprasong intersection have moved to six checkpoints across Bangkok to prevent the security officials’ operation to retake the protest area.

“For Red Shirt supporters detained by security officials after rallying at the Thai Market and at the premier’s home, the Red Shirt legal team will seek bail for them,” said Mr Nattatwut. “If bail is not granted, we will continue fighting through legal process.”

Mr Nattawut also denied any Red Shirt involvement in an attempt to overthrow the monarchy, saying the group will ask its legal team to file a lawsuit for a defamation case against those who accused them of being in such movement and being “terrorists.”

As BTS Skytrain resumed service late Tuesday morning, Acting National Police Chief Pol Gen Pateep Tanprasert ordered metropolitan police to step up security measures for BTS Skytrain stations and other public transportation, according to police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Prawut Thavornsiri.

Gen Prawut said the police will take legal action against Red Shirts who blocked roads and besieged police stations in other provinces in their attempt to block them from rotating their forces.

The acting national police chief also approved to disperse the protesters and to detain the protest leaders immediately, Gen Prawut said.

Meanwhile, multi-coloured shirted demonstrators are scheduled to hold a peaceful mass rally on May 2 at the Royal Plaza in the capital.

The pro-government multi-coloured group said their protest will start at 3pm and will not be protracted, according to Tul Sithisomwong, a group coordinator.

The move is against persons who cheat the nation, cause disunity and insult the monarchy, he said, adding that some demonstrators joining the group are supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which had rallied against the administrations, allies of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and seized Bangkok’s two airports in 2008. (TNA)