Pattaya Daily News

Bangkok, the 13th of March 2010 [TNA]: In another development, House Speaker Chai Chidchob has called for an urgent meeting of the House members next Tuesday to find ways in breaking the current political stalemate in which more than 30 countries have advised their citizens to avoid visiting Thailand.

Weng Tochirakarn, a leader of the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said the protesters intend to proceed with their planned massive rally Sunday to call for the government to dissolve parliament. He said if the government refuses to budge, the protesters would “seize every corner of Bangkok after March 15.” UDD leading protesters will take turn in delivering speeches on their platform at Phan Fah bridge on Ratchadamnoen Avenue starting from 3pm Saturday, said Mr Weng.

Meanwhile, Jatuporn Prompan, another UDD leader, said from Sunday noon, UDD leaders will be on stage at Phan Fah bridge to announce its deadline for the government to dissolve parliament or resign. If the deadline passes without action by the government, then the Red Shirts will carry their protest to important locations around Bangkok. Mr Jatuporn, also an MP of the opposition Puea Thai Party, said he beilieved the protest would not be prolonged, estimating that it would take perhaps a minimum four days or a maximum seven days to get what it demanded.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, responsible for national security and also director of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre, said there would be no Cabinet meeting Tuesday as House Speaker Chai has called for an urgent meeting of the House to find ways to break the political deadlock. Reiterating that the government would facilitate protesters in holding the demonstration provided that it is peaceful, Mr Suthep said an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 UDD supporters are expected to join the rally in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Peacekeeping Operations Centre, told a press conference that security officials now allowed the protesters to park their vehicles in areas designated by the Centre in order avoid confrontations between officials and demonstrators. Col Sansern said police early Saturday searched a factory producing car spare parts in Wang Noi district of Ayutthaya province, near Bangkok, and seized about 100 pieces of steel tube which could be used as substitution for M79 grenade launcher. Some reports said the metal pieces could possibly be parts of material for M79 launchers. He said security agencies reported that military uniforms were purchased in large amounts. (TNA)

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