PAD Plans Another Major March for Monday, October 13

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The following appears in THE NATION:

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PAD Plans Major March Against Police

 

By Veena Thoopkrajae

 

Boosted by legal "victories", anti-government protesters are determined to hold police responsible for Tuesday bloodshed

 

 

Buoyed by return of key leader Chamlong Srimuang and a court injunction prohibiting more drastic measures against it by the government, the People's Alliance for Democracy is stepping up a campaign against the police following Tuesday's bloodbath.

 

PAD protesters will march to the national police headquarters on Monday morning to protest violent measures that left two demonstrators killed and hundreds injured as the PAD tried to seize Parliament Tuesday morning.

 

Sondhi Limthongkul, a key PAD leader, told the protesters inside Government House that PAD followers will gather on Monday morning at 9am at the National Stadium and march to stage a protest in front of the police headquarters.

 

The rally at Government House Thursday night was filled with swollen crowds as the protesters gathered to welcome their two leaders _ Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong _ who were released on bail after the Appeals Court dropped treason charges against core PAD members earlier in the day.

 

In another perceived legal victory for the PAD, the Central Administrative Court on Thursday also issued an injunction demanding the prime minister to strictly observe the international standards on crowd control when dealing with the protesters.

 

The court issued the injunction following a suit filed by some senators against Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and the police, accusing them of using excessive force to disperse protesters on Tuesday.

 

The court said the injunction would be in place until the court makes a ruling in the case.

 

Sondhi said the PAD would not take any action now because they were in the mourning period. However, PAD lawyers are preparing to file a lawsuit against Pol Maj Gen Surapol Thuanthong, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, and deputy national police chief Umnuay Nimmano for their claims that slain protester Angkhana Raduppanyawut was carrying a bomb with her.

 

"Apart from this case, the police will face a number of charges," said Sondhi.

 

The anti-government movement will also seek justice for those killed and injured, he announced. The PAD is planning to release five millions copies of a book featuring all information about the Tuesday clashes with the riot police. "We're about to start publishing it. When finished, the books will be distributed with CD to the public free of charge," said Sondhi.

 

He was speaking on stage during a routine prime time, when key leaders normally address the crowd at the Government House. On Thursday night it was special as the protesters welcomed back the two detained leaders.

 

Chamlong was the first speaker of the night. He cheered up the crowds with his story from behind bars. He claimed that everyone - from prison guards to prisoners - were sympathetic with the PAD.

 

Chamlong warned that the other seven leaders of PAD should not give in to the police unless bails are guaranteed. "We've to stay with our prople. The government want to separate us," he said.

 

Chaiwat echoed Chamlong's remarks that they were treated well and there were also PAD supporters inside the jail. He said he missed the protesters the most. "I also miss Thaksin Shinawatra especially when I saw the signboard 'Money is the root of evil' in jail."

 

In a home-coming mood, Chaiwat and Chamlong shared their light-hearted speeches especially on their days in jail. "The day I went to court I was handcuffed but they said there was no need for Lung Chamlong because he was old. They considered me young," said Chaiwat.

 

Meanwhile, Army chief Anupong Paochinda on Thursday ruled out a military coup to lead the country out of political paralysis, scotching a rumour that he had conferred with Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda.

 

"It would not be a way to solve the problem but it would create another problem, instead. Its consequences could ruin the country," Anupong told reporters.