Demonstrators Face Disruption From Red Shirts

[ChiangMaiMail]

Demonstrators face disruption from Red Shirts

Chartchai Chumseneethong submits a letter of complaint to Deputy Governor Pairote Saengphuwong, protesting the actions of the Red Shirt group’s attempts to disrupt the Rainbow Shirt rally.

Supoj Thiamyoj

After demonstrating peacefully on April 24 to show their support for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiva and to call on him to not dissolve Parliament, 3 representatives of the Facebook group against dissolving Parliament, led by Chartchai Chumseneethong, submitted a letter of complaint to Chiang Mai Governor Amornphan Nimanant on April 27, stating that the Red Shirts had disrupted their daily rally.

They had started a daily rally at Fitness Park near the Chiang Mai University Convention Center, singing the National Anthem and calling for a peaceful resolution of the crisis and opposing dissolution of Parliament after more than 200 members of various groups took part in a rally on April 24. Included in that rally were the Rainbow Shirts, the Chiang Mai people group, Protecting the Thai Nation, Buddhist Religion and King Institute, as well as members of a Facebook group opposing dissolution in front of the Fitness Park.

With signs and banners opposing violence and the dissolution of the government, the group marched up Nimmanhaemin Road to the Amari Rincome Hotel intersection on the 24th.They then sang the National Anthem and the SanSern Baramee song in praise of HM the King as they returned to the Park at CMU.

Despite the heavy rains, the demonstration passed peacefully but Phu Ping Police were there to guarantee the safety of the demonstrators.

They distributed leaflets as they passed by about the mission of their peaceful demonstration. Calling for peaceful resolution of the situation, without violating laws, they oppose the dissolution of Parliament. They called for Thai people nationwide to join hands in taking responsibility to solve the country’s political turmoil without class, color or sides.“As Thai people, we would like to express our loyalty to His Majesty the King, “one member of the group said.

However, subsequent rallies saw the appearance of members of the Red Shirt group opposing their demonstration, with leaders stating that the Red Shirts surrounded their group and, in an effort to avoid confrontation, the group was forced to disperse.

They called on the Chiang Mai Government to protect their rights to demonstrate peacefully.

“We are here to call for the provincial authorities to help protect our demonstration from disturbance by the red shirt group,” a member said.

Deputy Chiang Mai Governor Pairote Saengphuwong, met with the group’s representatives on behalf of the Governor to receive their complaint. He added that the government and provincial authorities are currently keeping the peace and security in the city, and that if any group violates the law they would be then taken for legal action.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd4

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2010/05/04

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[mausplan]

Sadly , we better get used to democracy Red Shirt style , the Reds could not articulate what they actually wanted so to be safe they oppose everything.

[Jingthing]

Their people are the people, so freedom to their people. Hurrah!

Edited May 5, 2010 by Jingthing