Preethi Nallu, Press TV (Ireland), Bangkok
With four different groups rallying in Bangkok, January 25th was a protest filled day for the Thai Capital with tens of thousands of demonstrators ascending to voice their demands at seperate venues. The groups were different but their sentiment was unanimous. All expressed grievances with the performance of the current administration.
Some groups are united in their cause and hope to converge to gain a stronger voice. The Santi Asoke, the Thai Patriots and the Yellow shirts have opposed the government's current stance on the border dispute with Cambodia. The recent arrest of seven Thais, including a member of Parliament, by the Cambodian authority on grounds of trespassing through disputed territory brought on an onslaught of protests by the three groups. They have all set up camps and tents close to the government house and insist that they will stay on until the prime minister finds a favorable solution. They demand that government immediately deport Cambodians living on the Thai side of the border and to nullify existing agreements with the neighboring country.
But when asked about the grounds for protest, Santi Asoke's spiritual leader only spoke in general terms.
The people's alliance for democracy or yellow shirts were the strongest in attendance with at least ten thousand supporters. The core leaders of the group explain that their motivation is not to instigate violence but regain territory which they claim rightfully
belongs to the Thai.
The yellow shirts, traditionally supportive of the current administration, are now being accused of attempting to provoke the Thai military to oust the current administration through a coup.
The pro-governement groups were countered by the red shirts, some of whom gathered to highlight their own grievances. They chose January 25th, which is armed forces day in Thailand, to illustrate the influence of the military in politics and the resulting lack of democracy.
Even before protestors gathered this morning, police apprehended four suspects in possession of home made bomb intended to be used at the rally sites. prime minister Abhisit stated that the sources of these intended attacks are currently unknown.
In response to the protests, he reaffirmed his position on the Thai-Cambodian border issue by explaining that he would continue negotiating with the Cambodian leaders on the basis of the 2000 memorandum that seeks permanent settlement of the dispute. The counter rally by red shirts was evaded by the government.
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