PDRC occupies ministry HQ, but eschews violence: Bangkok Shutdown

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PDRC occupies ministry HQ, but eschews violence
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation


Protesters from Lumpini Park march to the Bang Rak Revenue Department.

BANGKOK: -- The Nonthaburi-based chapter of the People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) is preparing to turn the Public Health Ministry into its headquarters.

The plan was unveiled after its demonstrators entered the ministry's compound in Nonthaburi but without forcing officials to stop working.

"We will set up a stage, kitchens and prayer rooms for Muslim demonstrators here," Rachen Trakulviang said in his capacity as the chair of the group.

He said screens would be erected in the ministry's compound on which demonstrators could watch the live broadcast of proceedings on the main stage at the Pathumwan intersection in Bangkok. Former senator and health advocate Jon Ungpakorn, meanwhile, has urged the ministry's permanent-secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat to resign following his announced desire not to work with the government.

Hundreds of PDRC protesters yesterday entered the ministry to ramp up pressure on the Yingluck Shinawatra-led caretaker government.

Protesters led by Issara Somchai, a key PDRC leader, also stormed the Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Department, suspecting caretaker minister Pradit Sintavanarong might have been hiding inside the building.

Issara had instructed his security guards to use keys and chains to lock one room of the department as a symbol of blocking the ministry.

Rachen said his group would not cut power and water supplies to the ministry as protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban had not ordered it.

He said cutting the utilities would affect the pharmaceutical and medical equipment kept at the ministry.

As there are two hospitals located around the ministry, Rachen said his group would not block the road and would help patients access the hospitals. He added that his group was considering measures to encourage more government officials to join its rally.

"We may launch a flash-mob campaign at the ministry," he said.

In Nonthaburi province, the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship (UDD) is also active.

Rachen said he and UDD leaders had already agreed avoid confrontation.

"We have resolved that we want Nonthaburi to be a model for peaceful demonstration," he said.

In a related development, Jon suggested Narong not drag the ministry into the arena of political movements.

"He should resign and tell the public about his reason to quit the ministry, instead of announcing the ministry will not work with the government." he said.

However, he was not worried that Narong's expressing his political stance would create further conflict in the ministry or other government agencies.

A housekeeper who wanted to be unnamed said she would be affected by the PDRC's movement to block the ministry as she would not be able to enter the building to work and get paid by her company. "I will not get my daily wages if I can't work," she said.


-- The Nation 2014-01-17

[Prbkk]

This is now reaching farcical proportions. Muslim prayer rooms for protesters? In an occupied govt building? Defies belief

[noitom]

Astonishing breach of security. The government and or the police/military seem unwilling or incapable of controlling Thailand.

[EricBerg]

This is now reaching farcical proportions. Muslim prayer rooms for protesters? In an occupied govt building? Defies belief

What about buddhists and christians? Would you allow them their praying facilities?

[NongKhaiKid]

If everyone from all sides abhor violence where are all the shootings and grenades coming from ?

Of dozy me, it's those evil spirits at it again.

[JoeThePoster]

This is now reaching farcical proportions. Muslim prayer rooms for protesters? In an occupied govt building? Defies belief

What about buddhists and christians? Would you allow them their praying facilities?

Nah, just circumcisions.

[radariraq]

Would you advise aginist shopping in the MBK &Siam mall areas, my wife is Thai I am American.

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[noitom]

And the Jews - what about them?

[heina]

After the election Thailand defenitelly has to set up anti terrorist law which allow police and army forces to prevent government offices, airports, highways, power an state telecom stations and other infrastructure objects seizure.

[ginjag]

And the Jews - what about them?

And atheists. ??

[kurtgruen]

Hmmmm, I wonder if the skinny lady singing, will have the same outcome as the Fat Lady singing? Either way, I think, we will hear music soon.

[pxlgirl]

and the gays?

[khunsiam]

This is now reaching farcical proportions. Muslim prayer rooms for protesters? In an occupied govt building? Defies belief

What about buddhists and christians? Would you allow them their praying facilities?

no buddhists around, only those who need Buddhism.

[londonthai]

" prayer rooms for Muslim demonstrators" is just a codeword for an armoury. Every protest side has to have one, just "in case"

[toybits]

So what's the point? Intimidation? Dr. Narong allowed this to happen. So Dr. Narong - What about serving the rest of the population - especially those who do not think like you? Those who are just trying to get by with what little they have? Those who need your ministry's services most? What about them? Oh! JUST LET THEM SUFFER!!! While you eat cake....

[wirat69]

Would you advise aginist shopping in the MBK &Siam mall areas, my wife is Thai I am American. Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

No problem.... MBK is closed, Siam Centre and Paragon close early if they open at all....

[Baerboxer]

" prayer rooms for Muslim demonstrators" is just a codeword for an armoury. Every protest side has to have one, just "in case"

Yeah, sure they do, whatever.

Dope.

[Scamper]

This protest is indeed peaceful in the manner in which it is symbolically occupying buildings without disrupting their services. These buildings are - after all - for the service of the people - who are now sick and tired of the massive and inner secret world of corruption as practiced by this administration. During the day, there is no violence. The only violence occurs at night, when those who oppose free expression can give full vent to their rage - in the form of grenade attacks on sleeping protesters, the houses of protest leaders, and the homes of the former prime minister and the current Governor of Bangkok. All these attacks are clearly on one side of this conflict in clear support of the same motive, as the administration with greater and greater consistency, shows their hands to be very dirty indeed in their role as " overseer ".

[rijb]

So you wouldn't have a problem if a few reds 'symbolically occupy' your residence or work?

Edited January 17, 2014 by rijb

[Bluespunk]

And the Jews - what about them?

And atheists. ??

And the Romans, but then again, "what have the Romans ever done for us?"