UDD rally was peaceful

BANGKOK, 18 October 2009 (NNT) – A mass rally of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) yesterday ended peacefully.

Yesterday afternoon, Jatuporn Prompan, core figure of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said they would not intrude into the government house as promised, but demanded for an extended area in front of the Government house for their peaceful rallies. After negotiations with Mr. Jatuporn, officials accepted the demand and allowed the UDD to expand their rallies to the front of the Government house to avoid confrontation and to cool down tensions.

Thailand’s former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, greeted supporters via a 15-minute phone-in, saying that he does not expect a royal pardon apology from the King. However, he urged UDD protesters to keep fighting to bring back the 1997 constitution and also wished the King a speedy recovery.

One of the UDD core figures, Weera Musikapong, called on the Ministry of Justice to consider the council draft this Monday, insisting that they would not disturb the 15th ASEAN Summit, held at Phetchaburi province and Prachuap Khiri Khan province. In contrast, if the government did not dissolve or amend the constitution, the demonstration would be extended.

Acting police chief Pol Gen Pateep Tanprasert rounded up with Executive Officers at the Metropolitan Police Bureau to reiterate all officials to maintain law and order to prevent turmoil. He also asked the officers to record the voice of Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra and UDD core leaders to further investigate to find any unlawful speeches.

The mass rally peacefully ended at midnight.