BANGKOK, March 14 (TNA)
Tens of thousands of protesters are gathering at Government House Tuesday morning for what is being billed as a final push to force caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to step down.
The demonstrators led by the People's Alliance for Democracy marched from the capital's historic Royal parade ground, Sanam Luang, to Government House repeatedly shouting "Thaksin, Get Out." They vowed to stay put until Mr. Thaksin quits.
Members of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect formed human chains to block traffic from side streets. But as the march swelled, traffic came to a standstill.
Hundreds of police with batons have been deployed, while security has also been stepped up around the official seat of government.
One of the core protest leaders, Thaksin's former political mentor Chamlong Srimuang, urged the demonstrators to remain peaceful and adhere to principles of non-violence.
Among the demonstrators are students, state enterprise workers' union members, and other people from all walks of life.
The demonstators rallied last night at Sanam Luang under tight security.
It is the fifth major rally in as many weeks aaimed at pressuring Mr. Thaksin to resign.
There was no violence at last night protest.
As tens of thousands of anti-Thaksin demonstrators gathered just outside the gates of Government House demanding his resignation, the caretaker premier is not at his desk but is away from the office, planning to hold this morning's cabinet meeting via interactive video conference mode from
the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchatani with other ministers attending at Government House.
The caretaker prime minister is visiting Ubon Ratchathani on his election campaign stops and will proceed to Buriram later in the day.
Meanwhile, supporters of Mr. Thaksin planned their own rally at a Bangkok bus terminal, far from the opposing rally.
Anti-Thaksin protestors march to Government House
Anti-Thaksin protestors march to Government House
I intend to live forever - so far so good.
This is really starting to get interesting.
Go here for some startling pictures and minute by minute commentary:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/
Go here for some startling pictures and minute by minute commentary:
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/
Thailand's calm before a storm
So far, Thailand's colorful rendition of people-power politics against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been wholly peaceful. The incentive for a paroxysm of violence and subsequent military intervention to restore law and order has nevertheless risen across the political spectrum.
Full Story : Asia Times Online
So far, Thailand's colorful rendition of people-power politics against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been wholly peaceful. The incentive for a paroxysm of violence and subsequent military intervention to restore law and order has nevertheless risen across the political spectrum.
Full Story : Asia Times Online
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
PM is ready to declare state of emergency
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday he is prepared to declare a state of emergency if mass protests against him in Bangkok turns violent.
"I am ready to sign the decree if the situation becomes violent," he told reporters before entering a Cabinet meeting via teleconference in Ubon province. Thaksin said a prepared decree is already in his hands.
In Bangkok, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully towards the Government House, vowing to remain there until Thaksin steps down.
Let's hope everybody remain calm and peaceful.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Tuesday he is prepared to declare a state of emergency if mass protests against him in Bangkok turns violent.
"I am ready to sign the decree if the situation becomes violent," he told reporters before entering a Cabinet meeting via teleconference in Ubon province. Thaksin said a prepared decree is already in his hands.
In Bangkok, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully towards the Government House, vowing to remain there until Thaksin steps down.
Let's hope everybody remain calm and peaceful.
I intend to live forever - so far so good.