June 10th, 2007, 00:01
ANTI-JUNTA RALLY Protesters target Army - The Nation
Some 10,000 demonstrate to demand CNS resignation
Anti-coup protesters last night marched from Bangkok's Sanam Luang to the Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Avenue, demanding the resignation of the Council for National Security (CNS). Police mobilised more than 1,350 personnel to control the rally.
Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee said all personnel had been ordered not to carry any weapons in a move aimed at preventing untoward incidents. Police used only anti-riot shields in dealing with the protesters, who were led by Veera Musikapong, a former Thai Rak Thai Party figure.
Weng Torjirakan, another rally leader, said last night that the protesters would not cause any unrest, despite the fears of the police.
CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said he had no concerns, as even some of his relatives were among the protesters. "The police are in charge and we'll strictly follow the law," the CNS chief said.
At around 10pm, an estimated 10,000 protesters reached a police checkpoint at Democracy Monument heading towards Pan Fa Leelas Bridge and the Army headquarters opposite Rajdamnoen Boxing Stadium.
Anti-coup rallies have been taking place every day at Sanam Luang for a week. Besides Veera and Weng, the other leaders included Manit Jitjankab, a former judge, Prateep Ungsongtham, and community radio hosts Chinawat Haboonpad and Chupong Teetuan. These leaders said the protesters would meet tomorrow outside Parliament to oppose the new constitution drafted by a body appointed by the CNS.
Police said it had 600 personnel stationed in front of the Army headquarters, 300 at Democracy Monument and 400 at Sanam Luang. Maj-General Manit Wongsomboon of the Metropolitan Police said personnel had been ordered to be patient in dealing with demonstrators.
"Our task is to look after the rally participants, not to disperse them. However, demonstrators who violate the law will be arrested," Manit warned.
General Montri Sangkasub, the Army chief of staff, said the situation would not worsen as long as there was no third-party intervention to spur violence. - The Nation
Some 10,000 demonstrate to demand CNS resignation
Anti-coup protesters last night marched from Bangkok's Sanam Luang to the Army headquarters on Rajdamnoen Avenue, demanding the resignation of the Council for National Security (CNS). Police mobilised more than 1,350 personnel to control the rally.
Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee said all personnel had been ordered not to carry any weapons in a move aimed at preventing untoward incidents. Police used only anti-riot shields in dealing with the protesters, who were led by Veera Musikapong, a former Thai Rak Thai Party figure.
Weng Torjirakan, another rally leader, said last night that the protesters would not cause any unrest, despite the fears of the police.
CNS chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said he had no concerns, as even some of his relatives were among the protesters. "The police are in charge and we'll strictly follow the law," the CNS chief said.
At around 10pm, an estimated 10,000 protesters reached a police checkpoint at Democracy Monument heading towards Pan Fa Leelas Bridge and the Army headquarters opposite Rajdamnoen Boxing Stadium.
Anti-coup rallies have been taking place every day at Sanam Luang for a week. Besides Veera and Weng, the other leaders included Manit Jitjankab, a former judge, Prateep Ungsongtham, and community radio hosts Chinawat Haboonpad and Chupong Teetuan. These leaders said the protesters would meet tomorrow outside Parliament to oppose the new constitution drafted by a body appointed by the CNS.
Police said it had 600 personnel stationed in front of the Army headquarters, 300 at Democracy Monument and 400 at Sanam Luang. Maj-General Manit Wongsomboon of the Metropolitan Police said personnel had been ordered to be patient in dealing with demonstrators.
"Our task is to look after the rally participants, not to disperse them. However, demonstrators who violate the law will be arrested," Manit warned.
General Montri Sangkasub, the Army chief of staff, said the situation would not worsen as long as there was no third-party intervention to spur violence. - The Nation