Thaksin calls for mass demonstration
Reporting anything on April Fools’ Day carries risks when numerous media sources have stories meant to catch the unwary. PPT does not claim that this post is in this category, but we include the disclaimer!
The Bangkok Post (1 April 2009: “Thaksin sets rally deadline”) reports that former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has called his UDD supporters to mass in Bangkok prior to Songkhran/Thai New Year to bring down the Democrat-led government.
Earlier, it was reported that the Civil Court ordered the UDD to partially lift its Government House blockade so that officials could enter the compound.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has not ruled out “decisive measures” to disperse the rally, saying that “If people exercise their rights without breaking the law, or affecting national security, the government will not take any action which could be distorted…”.
Of course, the Democrats have defined lesé majesté as a threat to national security.
Update: The Nation also has this story (1 April 2009: “Thaksin says it’s time to fight for his stolen asset”). Thaksin apparently “insisted that he remained loyal to His Majesty the King, adding that he believed the King did not want to get involved with politics.” He added that “people around the palace” plotted the “2006 coup with the military to overthrow his government. He said that those people should not interfere with politics as it was not an intention of His Majesty the King.” He made his speech with a Thai flag in the background and a message that “Thailand Needs Change”.
The monarchy is now unambiguously at the centre of Thailand’s politics.
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