Red Shirt protest forces early business closure in Bangkok’s busiest district

BANGKOK, Feb 19 (TNA) – Thailand’s largest commercial bank Bangkok Bank, was forced to close its headquarters in the capital’s Silom business district earlier than usual on Friday, along with nearby business offices as anti-government protesters led by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rallied against some bank executives’ ties with Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda.

Bangkok Bank’s executives earlier had decided to open the bank headquarters one hour earlier than normal, at 7.30am rather than 8.30 am to facilitate bank clients, but they later decided to close the bank altogether at noon out of concern for the safety of their clients and bank employees.

Other office buildings in Silom Road reportedly closed earlier than usual Friday, while premier girl’s school Saint Joseph Convent closed for the safety of its students.

Saladaeng and Narathiwas intersections on Silom Road were also closed, paralysing traffic in the area. Commuters were advised to use the underground and elevated mass transit systems for their convenience.

UDD leader Nattawut Saikua questioned the tax payment of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, saying that the movement will protest near his home in Bangkok’s Bang Khen district next week. The Red Shirt leader has accused the Privy ouncil head of suspicious transfers of house documents to conceal the property’s real owner.

The Red Shirt leaders also accused Gen Prem of unfairly favouring a group of businesspersons investing in a golf resort in forest reserve land of  the eastern province of Chanthaburi.

Another key Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan, told reporters that the group will not rally before the February 26 court verdict on the frozen assets case of ousted convicted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, as it does not want to become target of the government.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions is scheduled to rule whether or not to seize the Bt76 billion frozen assets of convicted former prime minister on February 26.

Mr Jatuporn however announced that a mass rally will be held after the court decision, but before the no-confidence debate which will be initiated by the opposition Puea Thai party soon.

Mr Nattawut said some Thaksin lovers may turn up at the Supreme Court to express their love and support for the ousted premier. (TNA)