Thailand : Gov't won’t use force against protesters during planned mass rally

**StrontiumDog** · 15-09-2010, 10:48 AM

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home...-30137985.html

5,000 police, troops on alert

By THE NATION
Published on September 15, 2010

Protesters to gather at jails around country, as well as in Chiang Mai, Bangkok

The Centre for Resolution of the Emergency the Situation (CRES) yesterday issued three iron-clad rules prohibiting red-shirt protesters from activities affecting public and prepared 5,000 security officials to maintain security from September 17-19, while Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva admitted Thai intelligence agencies had warned of assassination plans against the country's important persons.

The CRES called an urgent meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss the red-shirt's planned rally on September 17-18 and especially September 19. CRES spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the meeting understood that the rally was the group's right to express political views and the protest leaders would keep it peaceful and according to the law because everyone wanted the country to progress. There were however some information suggesting that ill-intention group might use the opportunity to create violence hence CRES set three-rule guideline as followed:

1. The action framework must be clearly set about what protest leaders and demonstrators could or could not do so they would refrain from law violation or public disturbance.

2. The negotiations with leading demonstrators would mainly use police to avoid dispute, violence or chaos.

3. As the demonstrators' intention wasn't to cause chaos, CRES would look whether it affect the public or not and CRES has assigned the police force to be in charge of operations, while army would in at their bases, well-prepared to assist police in providing security at various places upon request.

Police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Piya Uthayo commented of the demonstrators' plan to lay flowers in front of all prisons that police had already contacted all prisons to allow demonstrators to do activities on footpath but prohibit them from entering the prisons.

The protest mustn't linger and the police would talk to leading protesters from now on, he said urging that the balloon-releasing in Chiang Mai was doable but police would proceed legal actions if the balloons were attached with law-violating messages. He said Metropolitan Police overseeing Bangkok would prepare 600 officers on September 17, and 1,800 officers on September 19, with seven companies of soldiers as backup. In Chiang Mai, 1,800 officers were to provide security. Police would also have a teleconference to update situations everyday at 10.00am.

Following the First Army Region Commander Lt Gen Kanit Sapithak's previous comment to media that there were assassination attempts against certain VIPs, the premier confirmed yesterday that they received reports of assassination plans against some VIPs on periodical basis, to which the government was caution and careful.

Meanwhile, Kanit yesterday said the law and order maintaining during the red-shirt rally was police's responsibility but the army would prepare to help upon request.

Expressing his confidence that the situation would not get out of control because all Thais have learnt many painful lessons in the past, he said that they would have to watch out for the third party aiming to create chaos during the protest and urged people to help surveillance such things.

Asked whether the intelligence agencies had found any plans to carry out a massacre, a car bomb attack, or an assassination of VIPs, he laughed and said, "It's just a report, we haven't got clear evidences yet."

Declined to say exactly how many troops were prepared for the rally, he said the soldier deployment would be divided in three steps depending on the severity of situation. Firstly the military police officers and some soldiers would be on duty. Secondly, the backup forces would be prepared to mobilize upon an order. Thirdly, the reinforcements would be deployed.

Meanwhile, police spokesman Pol Maj-Gen Prawut Thavornsiri said police chief Pol Gen Wichean Potephosree has urged police nationwide to take strict legal action against any protesters who break the law, such as setting up a road block, obstructing people from traveling to and from their residences, inciting unrest and causing physical harm to others. The punishment according to the state of emergency law was two years in jail and up to Bt40,000 in fine.

Meanwhile a Thai intelligence source said that the red-shirt found themselves with a leadership vacuum with many leaders in jail and others in hiding, hence red-shirt activist Sombat Boonngamanong emerged as a leader gathering demonstrators and trying to rid of the previous violent image to get more sympathetics especially those unhappy with the government works for being double standard, corruption and arresting students. Many leaders in jail were reportedly upset with Sombat's emergence. Besides Sombat's group, there were other two groups of red-shirts to watch for. The group that believed violent means would lead to change and the other group of upcountry red-shirts who were vote-canvassers, the source said.

Meanwhile, Puea Thai list MP and red-shirt leading member, Jatuporn Prompan said he would file a criminal case against the government in the World Court over the death of 91 people during the crackdown on red-shirt protesters between April 10 and May 19. The international law office of Amsterdam and Peroff would handle the case and Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra would be a co-plaintiff in the case, he said. He said he had a red shirt, who tried to help the fatally shot Col Romklao Thuwatham, former deputy chief-of-staff of the 2nd Infantry Regiment, until he himself was seriously injured during the April 10 clash, to testify that it was the doing of rival army soldiers not by the red-shirts as accused. The man was still being treated thus couldn't show himself in front of public yesterday, Jatuporn said. He said he would wait for the Criminal Court ruling on Sept 27 if the court allowed an autopsy on nine of the dead victims, a team of doctors would be brought from abroad, along with a Amsterdam and Peroff legal team, to observe the autopsy.

In related news, the Provincial Police Region 5 yesterday morning hosted a meeting for the cases in Chiang Mai and vicinity areas especially the M79 grenade attacks on a military camp and the business of the father-in-law of Newin Chidchob. It was reported that security camera footage showed the suspected assailant as a man wearing white shorts, black shirt, and black cap in the back of one of two Toyota Vigo pickup trucks parked outside the construction company of Newin's father-in-law. The suspect carrying the grenade launcher went into a nearby orange stand to get a proper range to shoot the grenade, shot it and returned to the truck calmly.

**Butterfly** · 15-09-2010, 11:09 AM

here we go, Round 4

last count: 91

**Mr Lick** · 15-09-2010, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Pol Maj Gen Sommai assured that state officials will try to handle the situation and people should not be overly agitated over negative effects that might develop.

Not exactly offering the people of Bangkok much in the way of confidence is he?

**Mr Lick** · 15-09-2010, 12:11 PM

To permit another mass demonstration/rally in Bangkok shortly after the catastrophic events of April/May involving the same political groups/supporters quite frankly beggars belief, especially when an Emergency Decree remains in force.

The government, i'm afraid will have but themselves to blame should any disruption occur as a result. They made an error of judgement in allowing the yellow shirts to rally recently and the red shirts in response now want their turn.

There appears not to be a nanosecond of intelligent life amongst any of them. They are but children playing a very dangerous game. 'Reconciliation' probably not being a part of the rules of this particular one.

I suspect that no good will come of the rally, however, I hope that i am mistaken.

Dan · 15-09-2010, 12:22 PM

To permit another mass demonstration/rally in Bangkok shortly after the catastrophic events of April/May involving the same political groups/supporters quite frankly beggars belief, especially when an Emergency Decree remains in force.

Why? Could work out quite well for them. A few of their agents provocateurs causing some controlled mayhem would do nicely (for the cocktrumpets in government, not for anyone else, that is.)

**Butterfly** · 15-09-2010, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Lick

The government, i'm afraid will have but themselves to blame should any disruption occur as a result.

agree, if they want to repeat the same mistakes, as apparently they can't learn, in true Thai style, the blame of the killed will be entirely on their shoulders, unlike last time

Originally Posted by Mr Lick

There appears not to be a nanosecond of intelligent life amongst any of them

of course not, they are Thai

**StrontiumDog** · 15-09-2010, 01:43 PM

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...red-activities

Prem invited to 'red' activities

Published: 15/09/2010 at 12:50 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

The June 24 Democracy Group, an affiliate of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), has invited Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda to join a mass rally to mark the fourth anniversary of the Sept 19, 2006 coup.

The invitation was made by the group at a conference on Wednesday.

"On this occasion, we would like to invite Gen Prem to join the rally and listen to our speeches, since he was the one who supported the Sept 19, 2006 coup that has caused division in society,'' Somyos Prueksakasemsuk said.

Mr Somyos said there would be a mass rally in Bangkok and Chiang Mai where the demonstrators would demand that the government:

1. Release all UDD suspects arrested in connection with their political activities;

2. Reform of the judicial system by introducing a trial by jury;

3. Reform the economy by revoking the excise tax on oil, reducing value-added tax from 7 to 5 per cent, and collecting heritage and property taxes at a progressive rate to fund state welfare; and,

4. Implement land reform to distribute land to farmers and planters, guarantee farm prices, and increase wagea for labourers.

He said that on Sept 18 a convoy of 50 vehicles, carrying banners proclaiming the four demands, would gather at the Imperial, Lat Phrao, at 6am before taking off on a convoy rally from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

On Sept 19, there would be a parade of floats and marchers along the roads of Chiang Mai city from 1pm to 5pm.

A mass rally would be held at the municipal sports stadium in Chiang Mai from 5pm to 11pm. Speakers to appear on the stage would include former prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, UDD co-leader and Puea Thai list MP Jatuporn Prompan and Puea Thai MP Sunai Julapongsathorn.
Jaran Ditha-apichai, Daranee Kritboonyalai and Arisman Pongruangrong would call in by phone to the centre stage.

In Bangkok, the Red Sunday Group led by Sombat Boonngamanong would arrive on bicycles to rally at Ratchaprasong intersection from 4pm.

In Chiang Rai, the Red Chiang Rai Group would hold a rally in front of Saen Phu Hotel from 5pm to 10pm.

**StrontiumDog** · 15-09-2010, 01:47 PM

Need to get a trace on that call from Arisman...I wonder if he will call on the reds to burn Bangkok again....?

Agree with points 2 and 4.....but not 1 and unsure of 3, some of it sounds ok.

Just like old times eh?

I wonder if Prem will go...

**keda** · 15-09-2010, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Lick

To permit another mass demonstration/rally in Bangkok shortly after the catastrophic events of April/May involving the same political groups/supporters quite frankly beggars belief, especially when an Emergency Decree remains in force.

The government, i'm afraid will have but themselves to blame should any disruption occur as a result. They made an error of judgement in allowing the yellow shirts to rally recently and the red shirts in response now want their turn.

There appears not to be a nanosecond of intelligent life amongst any of them. They are but children playing a very dangerous game. 'Reconciliation' probably not being a part of the rules of this particular one.

I suspect that no good will come of the rally, however, I hope that i am mistaken.

Agreed. With the Bangkok chaos still fresh in the mind it seems dumb to let the reds in again, and dumber still to state that the message of the day will be restraint.

But if he banned it, this would lead to instant violence since that's the only way the authorities could stop the reds from entering Bkk and massing.

And of course, the liberal international media would have a field day with the Thai tyrant that doesn't allow 'peaceful' protest (note peaceful as in innocent reds, as they haven't actually hurt anyone or burned any buildings, yet, this time).

**StrontiumDog** · 15-09-2010, 03:38 PM

Thaksin will not make phone-in to red rally on Sept 19

Thaksin will not make phone-in to red rally on Sept 19

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will not make a phone call to address red-shirt people when they rally in Chiang Mai on Sunday to denounce the September 19 2006 coup.

Sriwan Janphong, a coordinator of the Chiang Mai red-shirt group, said Thaksin decided not to make a phone call to address the red-shirt people to show that the rally would be the people's fight, not his.

The Nation

**StrontiumDog** · 15-09-2010, 03:39 PM

Police expects no violence on 4th coup anniversary

Police expects no violence on 4th coup anniversary

The Royal Thai Police expects no untoward incident when the red-shirt people hold a rally to commemorate the fourth coup anniversary in Bangkok on Sunday, the police spokesman said Wednesday.

Police spokesman Pol Maj Gen Prawut Thavornsiri said Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew held a meeting of senior police officers to assess the situation.

The meeting was informed that only some 500 to 1,000 red-shirt people would join the rally at the Rajprasong Intersection.

The meeting was told that the organizers of the rally promised full cooperation with police to prevent untoward incidents.

Prawut said police expect that the rally would not be prolonged.

The Nation

**Mid** · 15-09-2010, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

"On this occasion, we would like to invite Gen Prem to join the rally and listen to our speeches, since he was the one who supported the Sept 19, 2006 coup that has caused division in society,'' Somyos Prueksakasemsuk said.

wish I'd seen the reaction when Prem got the invite

**StrontiumDog** · 15-09-2010, 04:17 PM

^ I'd love to have been a fly on the wall...

**Mid** · 15-09-2010, 04:57 PM

Red Shirts pledge peaceful rally marking anti-Thaksin coup’s 4th anniversary
วันพุธ ที่ 15 ก.ย. 2553

CHIANG MAI, Sept 15 - Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in the northern province of Chiang Mai, a major Red Shirt stronghold, on Wednesday promised a peaceful demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 coup which toppled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.

Pichit Tamool, secretary of the Chiang Mai Red Shirt group, said the event will be held at a provincial sport complex in the municipality this Sunday from noon until midnight. The Red Shirt caravan will also travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai on Saturday.

The rally is aimed at denouncing the coup for causing the loss of people's lives while the group will also issue three demands including the release of all political prisoners to pave the way for national reconciliation and the exercise of jury system in judicial process and economic reform, according to Mr Pichit.

All activities will be carried out under the rule of law and peace, he said, asserting that the group would not initiate possible violence.

The state of emergency in Chiang Mai was revoked on August 16 following an evaluation that the enforcement had negatively impacted business and the tourism industry. At present, a state of emergency is in effect in Thailand's capital and six other provinces.

Despite the planned protest and the latest grenade attack last Sunday at the office of the father-in-law of Newin Chidchob, a banned politician who is de facto leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, a coalition partner of the Democrat-led government, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva earlier asserted he preferred using normal law to maintain order in the province.

Meanwhile, following rumours over possible violence this Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, in his capacity as director of the Centre for the Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES) reaffirmed on Wednesday there is no confirmed report on the matter from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Mr Suthep said no extra security measures are provided for the premier on September 19.

The deputy prime minister’s comments came as Democrat members of parliament discussed in a party meeting that intelligence reports said the Red Shirt movement planned to amass a crowd on September 18-19 leading to concerns about possible violence, sabotage and assassination attempts on the country's key figures.

mcot.net

**Mid** · 15-09-2010, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Democrat asks UDD supporters not to dress in red

pleased to see that got the contempt it deserves .

**Mid** · 15-09-2010, 05:26 PM

Police Won't Allow Red-shirt Protest to Prolong
15 September 2010

The National Police Office has prohibited the red-shirt protest on September 19, marking the fourth year anniversary of the September 19 military coup, to prolong.

Around 500-1,000 protesters are expected to join the demonstration.

thailandoutlook.tv

**Mid** · 16-09-2010, 03:49 PM

FTI: Red rally no threat
16/09/2010

The planned mass rally to mark the fourth anniversary of the Sept 19, 2006 coup by the red-shirts on Sunday would not have any impact on the industry sector nor on the confidence of investors, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Payungsak Chartsuthipol said on Thursday.

A recent survey on confidence of investors in the industry sector found that investors were not worried about the planned mass gathering of the red-shirts. They viewed it is just a political expression which would not cause any problem to the production sector, said Mr Payungsak.

Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesman of the Automobile Group at the FTI, took the same tone, saying was not concerned about the planned mass rally by the red-shirt supporters of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship on Sunday.

Mr Surapong said it is a political activity to express the red-shirts’ point of view. He was confident that the mass gathering would not escalate to violence and cause damage to the country as all Thais want the country to have peace.

bangkokpost.com

**Mid** · 16-09-2010, 04:02 PM

Prisons warned to get ready for reds
16/09/2010

The Corrections Department has ordered the commanders of more than 100 prisons around the country to be well-prepared for a visit by the red-shirts on Friday morning, the department’s director-general Chartchai Suthiklom said on Thursday.

The United front for Democratic against Dictatorship (UDD) earlier said the red-shirts would gather in front of prisons across the country to lay red roses in front of all prisons at 10am tomorrow.

The flower laying activity is part of the red-shirt people group’s functions marking the fourth anniversary of the Sept 19, 2006 coup and to call for the release of red-shirts being detained in various prisons.

“The commanders are instructed to prepare security measures inside the prison walls. They are also directed to coordinate with police to maintain law and order outside the prison area,” said Mr Chartchai.

He did not think the activities in front of prisons would escalate to violence as the red-shirts only wanted to express their best wishes to detained colleagues.

Mr Chartchai said all activities at prisons will still continue as usual and people can visit their relatives, including the red-shirt inmates, at the allowed times.

He said a total of 252 people are being detained at 17 prisons in the capital and other provinces on charges of inciting unrest and related offences.

Of these, 59 are in Udon Thani central prison, 55 in Bangkok special prison, 36 in Ubon Ratchatani prison, 24 in Mukdaharn prison, 18 in Klong Prem prison in Bangkok, 12 in Mahasarakam prison, 11 in Khon Kaen central prison, 7 in Chiang Mai central prison, 6 in the women's central prison, 6 in Chiang Rai central prison, 6 in Nonthaburi prison, 3 in Thonburi special prison, 2 in Samut Prakarn central prison, 2 in Nakhon Pathom central prison, 2 in Thanyaburi prison, 2 in Pathum Thani central prison and 1 in Pattaya special prison.

bangkokpost.com

**Mid** · 16-09-2010, 04:15 PM

Thailand Red Shirt Demonstrations Could Turn Violent
US Embassy Bangkok
16.09.2010

Foreigners are warned by US Embassy, Bangkok, to use caution in Bangkok and in and around Chiang Mai as the Red Shirts begin yet another demonstration which could turn violent as the 4th Anniversary of the ousting of Prime Minister Thaksin and the fourth month anniversary of the end of the Red Shirts protests ending coincide later this month.

Thailand Red Shirt demonstrations this month could turn violent. Political demonstrations in Bangkok and northern Thailand will mark the fourth anniversary of the September 2006 coup and the four-month anniversary of the end of the 2010 demonstrations in Bangkok.

Supporters of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD or “Red-Shirts”) are organizing activities that will include September 17 wreath laying at prisons where UDD members are being held and a vehicular procession from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, where participants will join UDD activities on September 19.

On September 19, UDD supporters in Bangkok plan gatherings at Thammasart University and Democracy Monument. The UDD is scheduled to hold a rally in the Ratchaprasong between approximately 1700 – 1900 hours; about 2,000 people are expected to participate. UDD supporters in Chiang Mai plan to assemble in the area of the Chiang Mai railroad station proceed to the Tha Pae Gate area, then march along the moat that surrounds the old city, and then rally at the Municipal Sports Stadium. UDD supporters could also gather at the Three Kings Monument and at the Grand Worarot Hotel (near Wat Phra Singh). These areas are frequented by foreign tourists. Other possible demonstration sites include government buildings and military and police installations. UDD gatherings in other provinces across northern Thailand are also likely on September 19.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. All people should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. all people should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information of any demonstrations and areas to avoid.

In the past, the Thai government has increased security force presence and patrols in response to possible political demonstrations. all people might encounter police or military personnel at roadblocks or other security checkpoints. People should obey all instructions from them. Be sure to carry identification and proof of all your citizenship at all times to present if asked by authorities.

Grenades were detonated in Chiang Mai in the last week at a military installation and at a local construction company. These attacks appear to be politically motivated, not acts of international terrorism, and travel to Thailand remains generally safe.

However, more such attacks cannot be ruled out. In March and April 2010, a series of similar explosives attacks targeted police and military sites, the same local construction company, and Bangkok Bank branches and ATMs. Some of those incidents involved military-grade munitions and took place at or near areas frequented by foreigners.

Similar incidents involving grenades and improvised explosive devices continue to take place in and around Bangkok. All people should exercise caution and vigilance, especially after dark. Immediately report to law enforcement or security personnel any unattended packages or bags or suspicious objects in public areas.

All citizens in Thailand should register with the Consular Section of their Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate General in Chiang Mai or through their nations' travel registration website.

For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens may also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Thailand and the Worldwide Caution, located at the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website. U.S. citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas.

The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok is located at 95 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049 and by e-mail at acsbkk[at]state.gov. The emergency after-hours telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn[at]state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

pattaya-times.com

**Mid** · 16-09-2010, 04:51 PM

following is from the blog world ..................

Red Shirt activities to mark the coup
Andrew Walker
September 16th, 2010

Received via email:

Please find below details of activities by the red-shirts to coincide with the anniversary of the 2006 coup:

1. Friday, September 17, 2010 time 5.00pm at Bangkhawng prison on Hjarmwongwan road. UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan and other red-shirt leaders andsupporters will gather at the front gate and lay red flowers to show support for leaders who have been detained in the prison.

2. Friday evening, September, 17, 2010 red-shirts in Petchaburi, Ratchaburi and Samut Songkhram will organize a Chinese dinner at the municipal school, Banpong, Ratchburi province. UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan, Dr. Apiwan and Dr. Suchart will be the guest speakers.

3. September 19, 2010 time 10.00am, the president of Thailand Mirror Foundation, Sombat Boonnjarmanong joined by red shirt supporters will organize activities at Ratchprasong intersection, floating 50,000 balloons and tying red ribbons.

4. Somyos Pluksakasemsook will co-ordinate buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to join the mass rally in the northern Thai city on the 19th. UDD co-leader Jatuporn Prompan will be on stage. The buses will depart from Imperial Lardproa in the evening of the 18th.

asiapacific.anu.edu.au

**keda** · 16-09-2010, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

...The Royal Thai Police expects no untoward incident when the red-shirt people hold a rally to commemorate the fourth coup anniversary in Bangkok on Sunday, the police spokesman said Wednesday...

The only explanation for this is if a little bird whispered to the organisers that in case of any serious violence their lives won't be worth a 711 burger.

That could also tie in with Abhisit's premature and seemingly bold declaration of restraint.

He could come out of this looking real good if there is no violence. And if there is any violence it will be covered from every angle to still make him look good. Perhaps he's not such a dolt after all.

**Bobcock** · 16-09-2010, 07:21 PM

I saw a lott of shirts last weekend being printed where i was visiting.

Rwed ones with the design.

FREE THAI POLITICAL PRISONERS

Bangkok - Chiang Mai

18-19th September 2010.

I think they were even spelt correctly.

**Mr Lick** · 16-09-2010, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Mid

promised a peaceful demonstration to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 coup which toppled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.The rally is aimed at denouncing the coup for causing the loss of people's lives

Wasn't it deemed a bloodless coup?

**StrontiumDog** · 17-09-2010, 11:48 AM

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...ers-at-prisons

Red-shirts lay flowers at prisons

Published: 17/09/2010 at 10:45 AM
Online news: Breakingnews

A large number of red-shirt supporters of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Friday morning gathered in front of Bangkok Remand prison on Ngam Wong Wan Road in Bangkok to lay red roses as planned.

The red-shirts, led by Worawuth Wichaidit, placed red roses and placards saying “Release our core leaders” and “The country has a law, do not use a kangaroo court against our leaders” at the fence of the jail entrance door.

Through loudspeakers they called for a release of UDD co-leaders being detained at various prisons across the country, saying they were unfairly treated.

Five companies of metropolitan police were deployed at the prison to ensure law and order. There were no incidents.

The red-shirt rally did cause traffic congestion on Ngam Wong Wan road.

In Lampang, about 300 red-shirts laid red roses at the fence of the provincial prison and read out their statement calling for the release of all political prisoners held since the Sept 19, 2006 coup. After that they peacefully dispersed.

The red-shirt people group planned to gather at prisons around the country to call for a release of detained UDD leaders and supporters about 10am today.

They will also hold a mass rally to mark the fourth anniversary of the Sept 19, 2006 coup on Sunday.

**StrontiumDog** · 17-09-2010, 12:01 PM

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1034909

Khon Kaen Prepared for Red-shirt Rally

UPDATE : 16 September 2010

The Khon Kaen local administration is confident violence will not occur during the September 19 red-shirt rally.

Nonetheless, security precautions have been implemented to ensure public safety.

Khon Kaen Governor Phayat Chanprasert has pointed out red-shirt activities are on the rise and insisted that Khon Kaen's emergency rule must not be revoked to ensure public safety.

The situation is being monitored closely and there have been no reports of unusual activities.

The Provincial Police Bureau 4 will be conducing a crowd control drill tomorrow as a security precaution.

Over the weekend, the army will be holding various public events, including a concert, Buddhist sermons and a tree planting.

It is expected that people from neighboring provinces will also attend the events.

The governor also said red-shirt supporters have visited their relatives detained at Khon Kaen Prison.

He said the visit was orderly and the situation remained under control.

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