February 23rd, 2009, 05:42
Army stands by to control UDD protest
Published: 23/02/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Twenty-one army companies will provide backup security for police at government offices Tuesday, when the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship rallies at Government House.
Army commander-in-chief Anupong Paochinda said police had requested reinforcements as they feared the situation would get out of hand.
Gen Anupong said the army units would provide protection at government offices.
In Chiang Mai, UDD members have been criticised for disrupting the 2009 Gay Pride Festival in the northern province over the weekend.
Social activists, leaders of HIV groups and youth networks yesterday launched a broadside against the Chiang Mai-based Rak Chiang Mai 51 group, known to be loyalists of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Gay Pride parade in Chiang Mai was cancelled on Saturday when more than 100 red-shirted demonstrators from the group sealed off the parade venue.
The organiser also had to call off the Miss Gay Pride contest when red-shirts stormed a shopping mall being used as the contest venue.
Hundreds of participants were locked in as demonstrators refused to leave.
The organising committee cancelled the event as it felt unsure whether participants would be safe.
Unt Muangmoonthai, an activist from the northern youth networks, said the Gay Pride Festival had nothing to do with politics.
The event was aimed at promoting HIV/Aids awareness, sex education and social equality.
He said the red-shirts were merely trying to instigate violence.
"They hurled offensive words at participants and treated them badly. Their actions are unacceptable to young people," Mr Unt said.
Bangkok Post
Published: 23/02/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Twenty-one army companies will provide backup security for police at government offices Tuesday, when the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship rallies at Government House.
Army commander-in-chief Anupong Paochinda said police had requested reinforcements as they feared the situation would get out of hand.
Gen Anupong said the army units would provide protection at government offices.
In Chiang Mai, UDD members have been criticised for disrupting the 2009 Gay Pride Festival in the northern province over the weekend.
Social activists, leaders of HIV groups and youth networks yesterday launched a broadside against the Chiang Mai-based Rak Chiang Mai 51 group, known to be loyalists of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The Gay Pride parade in Chiang Mai was cancelled on Saturday when more than 100 red-shirted demonstrators from the group sealed off the parade venue.
The organiser also had to call off the Miss Gay Pride contest when red-shirts stormed a shopping mall being used as the contest venue.
Hundreds of participants were locked in as demonstrators refused to leave.
The organising committee cancelled the event as it felt unsure whether participants would be safe.
Unt Muangmoonthai, an activist from the northern youth networks, said the Gay Pride Festival had nothing to do with politics.
The event was aimed at promoting HIV/Aids awareness, sex education and social equality.
He said the red-shirts were merely trying to instigate violence.
"They hurled offensive words at participants and treated them badly. Their actions are unacceptable to young people," Mr Unt said.
Bangkok Post