Rival masked rallies planned in city Sunday
Anti- and pro-government groups plan separate demonstrations Sunday in Bangkok's business district, as the Guy Falkes white mask campaign gains more support from people opposed to the so-called Thaksin regime.
The white mask group planned its gathering at the Central World shopping complex Sunday afternoon against the Yingluck Shinawatra government, which opponents say is a “puppet” regime controlled by Yingluck’s brother, fugitive former premier Thaksin.
The anti-government group, which started its campaign in the social media, said it would begin its protest at 1pm. Participants were asked to bring Guy Falkes white masks and placards containing messages “describing the evils of the Thaksin regime”, according to organisers.
Supporters of the government, meanwhile, called a gathering at the BTS Siam station, which is not far from Central World.
Groups that call themselves Ultra Red and Daeng Sayiew planned their demonstration at 5pm. Participants have been asked to wear red masks or any other style other than the white Guy Fawkes mask of their rivals.
According to the organisers, participants should hold placards with the message “Protect the monarchy”. They accused the white mask group of using a symbol of an “anti-monarchy” plotter in their campaign.
