Red Shirt laid red roses in front of a Bangkok prison

Published : September 18, 2010 :: 12:09:16 [ 1,397 views ]

Red Shirt laid red roses in front of a Bangkok prison

Supporters of Thailand's anti-government Red Shirt movement, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)on Friday laid red roses in front of a Bangkok prison.

BANGKOK – Sept (17.9.10) At Bangkok prison where their protest leaders are jailed, as part of the group’s activities to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 coup which toppled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.

supporters, led by a top leader Jatuporn Prompan, who is also a member of parliament, gathered at Bangkok Remand Prison amid tight security provided by a combined force of metropolitan police and prison guards, while the traffic in the area is paralysed.

Key leader Veera Musikapong however is the only detainee to have been released on bail (in July), while Mr Jatuporn has not been imprisoned due to his parliamentary immunity.Thida Tavornset, wife of detained Red shirt leader Weng, negotiated with prison commandant SophonThitithampruek, seeking permission for the UDD supporters who turned up to lay flowers Friday morning to visit the detainees.Normally, only ten people are allowed to meet a prisoner, but the prison chief decided to allow more 20 visitors to enter the prison compound. The Red Shirt protesters later left the prison after their activity was finished.

The UDD activists are scheduled to stage a brief rally at the capital’s prime commercial area, Ratchaprasong intersection, this Sunday afternoon, while the supporters in the UDD’s northern stronghold, Chiang Mai, planned gather at a city sports complex to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 coup.

Mr Thaksin is now living abroad in self-exile after a court sentenced him to two years prison, in absentia, for violating conflict of interest laws.