Nattawut calls for release of protest leaders, peaceful resolution
Former red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikua on Tuesday called on the government to release pro-democracy protesters from jail and seek a peaceful resolution to the political conflict.
Nattawut said sovereign power in the country belonged to the people as everyone is equal.
The former United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) leader said his view on this had not changed even though he had been banned from political activities for 10 years.
"I have no regrets over the path I chose. I have been sentenced to jail three times, but I can handle it if I have to face such punishment again.”
Nattawut was speaking ahead of a large protest rally planned at Government House on Tuesday.
He also reaffirmed his support for the pro-democracy protesters, saying that he believes the new generation has the power to change the country.
"The country can't move forward if the new generation is still in jail, so the government should talk with the [young protesters] to seek a peaceful solution for the country," he said.
He added that he hadn't talked with current UDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan about holding an anti-government protest at Pruesapha Prachatham monument in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district on Sunday (April 4).