Bangkok Prepares for Red Shirt Rally
Security has been stepped up in Bangkok ahead of this weekend’s mass anti-government rally. The protest, which has been organised by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), will be another test of character for Thailand’s prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva. Some UDD leaders have claimed up to one million protesters will join the rally in a show of strength aimed at forcing the current government out of office. Pro- and anti-government groups will be watching carefully how Abhisit handles the situation. As is often the case in Thai politics, the role of the army could also be significant with rumours of a coup refusing to go away.
Supporters of the UDD, also known as the red shirts, have said the protest will be peaceful. However, the Thai government has invoked the Internal Security Act which gives the government emergency powers to deal with the protests. It also means the military could potentially play a key role in dealing with the rally and has helped to fuel the coup rumours. In April 2009, violence flared in Bangkok as red shirts clashed with locals and security forces. In order to try and prevent any repeat of those incidents, the Thai government will be employing a security force of over 50,000 in the Bangkok area. This will include 30,000 troops as well as police and civilian volunteers.
PM Abhisit, who has cancelled a scheduled visit to Australia so that he can be in Bangkok, has recognised the red shirts have a right to peaceful protest. He has also stressed that the authorities are up to the challenge of the mass rally which will see red shirt supporters gathering in the provinces tomorrow before converging on Bangkok on Saturday and Sunday. Check-points are in place on strategic routes leading into Bangkok and road closures will be in force to ensure public safety.
Related Articles:
