Thai PM to still visit Australia

The Sydney Morning Herald

March 4, 2010 - 10:14PM

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will press ahead with his official visit to Australia and New Zealand despite looming anti-government mass protests at home.

Mr Abhisit's official visit, due to start on March 13, will come as anti-government protesters, backed by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, start to mobilise up to half a million people in a bid to force the government to resign and call fresh elections.

Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said the visits would proceed, while Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban would be in charge of security to watch over the protests.

Mr Abhisit's visit to Australia will be his first as Thai prime minister.

It follows an invitation by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd last year.

Key areas set to be discussed include Australian and Thai trading relations and ongoing security arrangements between the two countries.

The pro-Thaksin United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), planning the mass demonstration in Bangkok, wants fresh general elections.

Thaksin, who remains in exile, was recently found guilty by the Thai Supreme Court over abuse of power and concealment of wealth.

Australia is among more than 20 countries to issue travel warnings to their nationals against visiting places in Bangkok where large gatherings of people are expected.

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world...00304-plwd.html

Mr Abhisit's official visit, due to start on March 13, will come as anti-government protesters, backed by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, start to mobilise up to half a million people in a bid to force the government to resign and call fresh elections.

The UDD rally in Bangkok is scheduled for March 14, with lead-up rallies in the provinces in the days prior to it.

I note that the "Million Man March" has now been halved.

Why not? nothing much happening here.

So does this mean its advanced warning for the next coup?