Red shirts stage anti-coup rally in Khao Yai
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Red-shirt supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra began to gather at Bonanza Square in Khao Yai National Park yesterday, in the heat of the day, for a "Stop the Coup, Change the Charter" concert - their first rally in months.
The red shirts occupied space in front of the stage and set up tents for an overnight stay before activities started in the afternoon with leaders from many regions taking turns to speak amid musical shows.
Red-shirt leaders arrived at the venue late in the afternoon. They included chairperson Thida Thawornseth, Pheu Thai MPs Jatuporn Promphan and Weng Tojirakarn and guard leader Aree Krainara.
Thida said the rally was evidence that red shirts oppose military coups. And they did not accept the 2007 Constitution, which has been in use for five years. The red shirts could see good and bad elements.
Thida said it was the first red-shirt rally since she officially took the position of chairperson, so she would announce proactive fighting plans for the group over the next two years.
She said Thaksin was scheduled to address the red shirts via video-link at 9pm.
Kwanchai Praipana, leader of Khon Rak Udon group, said he changed his mind and led his group to join the rally because of moves by the anti-Thaksin People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) – yellow shirts – and the multi-coloured group.
He spoke as he and over 1,500 members of his group started to travel from Udon Thani to Bonanza on 21 buses yesterday morning.
Kwanchai denied reports that he had conflicts with the red shirts, saying he said earlier he would be happy to join activities they put on that contribute to the country. “I think there will be no problem. The red shirts are also glad [that my group will attend the event]. Jatuporn showed gladness, Minister Natthawut Saikua called to thank me, saying he understood the way of fighting. We are one when it comes to fighting [our rivals],” Kwanchai said.
“I am sure I will be welcomed by all the red shirts, as when the news spread that we were going, red shirts from many provinces called to thank [us] and gave me moral power. The false image of having a conflict must be because my opponents spread a rumour that I was bought by the Blue Party, which was impossible,” he said, referring to the opposition Bhum Jai Thai Party.
More than 10,000 people had arrived at the venue before dusk. Police Major General Phanu Kerdlarpphol, head of Region 3 police, said 500 officers had been deployed for the concert.
Police will monitor the concert for any violations in regard to lese majeste. Video and picture cameras would be used.
