PM says security must keep control, avoid disorder

BANGKOK, Sept 18 (TNA) - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva instructed concerned security agencies Friday to closely monitor Saturday's anticipated United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protest, asking that they try to avoid clashing with the protesters.

The so-called Red Shirt UDD announced it would hold its rally at the Royal Plaza to mark the third anniversary of the 2006 coup which ousted then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The rally is expected to be the largest public protest since its demonstrations at Government House in April, which turned into riots leaving two dead and over 120 injured.

The Cabinet on Tuesday resolved to apply the ISA from Friday (September 18) through Tuesday (September 22) in Bangkok's Dusit district, where most official buildings are located, including Parliament and Government House.

Mr Abhisit said Friday during a visit by the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) that implementation of the ISA was aimed to maintain law and order and not intended to restrict the civil rights of citizens under the Constitution.

The premier said he always stressed that during any mass rally, there is concern over the risk that the incident could lead to violence.

Therefore, he stressed that all agencies concern closely follow situation and adhere to the principle to avoid a violent clash between security personnel and protesters.

In related developments, First Army Area Deputy Commander Maj-Gen Ongart Pongsak led a army bomb squad to inspect the Royal Plaza and the environs of the home of Privy Council president Gen Prem Tinsulanonda and nearby government offices before the UDD gathering begins to set up its stage Friday afternoon.

The bomb squad used five bomb scanning devices to search for explosives and would randomly scan during the implementation of the ISA through Tuesday. (TNA)

-- TNA 2009/09/18

I think it's fantastic that both the red and yellow extremist groups are rallying on the same day. It makes Abhisit look more and more like the centrist's choice or Middle Way.

I think it's fantastic that both the red and yellow extremist groups are rallying on the same day. It makes Abhisit look more and more like the centrist's choice or Middle Way.

If both rallies kick off there are going to be a lot of calls to deal firmly with both sides. Now who does that favour?

Legally Suthep isn't controlling anything. The leader of the ISOC is the defacto head of the army.

I though that was Abhisit and he's off to the US of A.

Let's hope there's not a coup though

Image that never leaves the mind

I though that was Abhisit and he's off to the US of A.

Let's hope there's not a coup though

Image that never leaves the mind

Legally, the army controls the ISA.

As for images that never leave the mind. Suthep naked is enough to put me off a coup.

Although, being out of the country as far as Abhisit is concerned is a good NIMBY get out.