Chamlong will not join Hua Hin rally

[Norseman]

From the Bangkok Post today.

CHAIWAT SADYAEM & SIRIKUL BUNNAG

Hua Hin _ Co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy Chamlong Srimuang says he will not join a car rally to Hua Hin this weekend. Rumours he would attend generated protests amid fears it would lead to social conflict.

The rally, from Bangkok to Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, will comprise about 200 sedans and 14 coaches. It will take business people, military officers and members of the Royal Family to a show of reverence for His Majesty the King, who is staying at Klai Kang Won Palace.

Maj-Gen Chamlong said yesterday he would not participate. He needed to observe the situation this weekend to prepare for any unexpected event.

''The rally has nothing to do with Maj-Gen Chamlong and he will not join our group,'' said Kamolphan Chewaphansri, chairwoman of the Parent-Youth Network for Education Reform, who organised the rally.

She said the rally was not part of the political turmoil surrounding caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Its objective was just to show the group's reverence for the King at a time when society was divided by politics.

No one would make any attempt to ask for a royally-appointed government under article 7 of the constitution.

''I think Hua Hin residents have probably misunderstood,'' said Ms Kamolphan.

Thai Rak Thai canvasser Bawornmongkol Ruek-ukote yesterday encouraged Hua Hin residents to protest against the rally. He accused Maj-Gen Chamlong of causing conflict in society.

The rally group plans to light candles on a beach in a show of reverence for the King tomorrow night, but this has led to concerns about public disorder if it generates a clash between the two sides, or is used by a ''third hand'' to sow chaos.

''I have no idea whether the candle-lighting ceremony contains a hidden agenda,'' said Prachuap Khiri Khan Governor Kittiphong Sunanan. ''But the activity could be carried out anywhere. There is no need to do it in Hua Hin.''

[lomuamart]

So there may be riot police and barricades on our streets todays?
Should be fun in the run up to Songkran.
Dunno what TRT's worried about. They don't win Prachuaup anyway.