Huge turnout expected at red-shirt rally today
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Some 50,000 red-shirt supporters will likely take part in today's rally at Ratchaprasong in memory of the 2010 crackdown, Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner Maj-General Methee Kusolsrang said yesterday.
“The large turnout will block off all traffic at the Ratchaprasong intersection,” he said, adding that some 1,000 policemen would be mobilised to maintain peace.
Police have been working with rally organisers like Thida Thawornseth and business owners like Chai Srivikorn to facilitate the flow of traffic at the rally site, he said.
Four checkpoints will be set up to check on people before they enter the rally site, he said. The checkpoints will be located at Chidlom, Pratunam, Chalermpao and Ratchadamri junctions.
A stage will be set up on Rama I Road and the rally will include a video-link with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at around 8pm and a candle-light ceremony at 9pm. The event is expected to conclude at around 2am.
Buses bringing red-shirt supporters from upcountry will be parked at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, the Thai Tobacco Monopoly and at two designated sites on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road and Rama III Road. Organisers have arranged for 50 buses to bring some 3,000 red shirts from Nakhon Ratchasima. Supporters from the North and Northeast will arrive at the rally in the evening and head home a few hours later.
Organisers in Surin, Maha Sarakham, Chiang Rai and Phayao have been coordinating the return trip for supporters. Red-shirt supporters from the South departed for the capital yesterday and will stay until the conclusion of the rally.
