Standoff continues, with counter threats. Not sure if both sides calling bluff. Can't help feeling a storm's brewing
UDD ready for 'final battle'
Published: 6/04/2010 at 09:47 AM
Online news: Breakingnews
Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua on Tuesday morning called on his supporters from all provinces to immediately come to Bangkok and gather at Ratchaprasong intersection for the final showdown against the government.
The call for reinforcements came after a report that the peacekeeping centre planned to use force to disperse the anti-government protesters later this morning.
“Thousands of soldiers were now stationed at the Lumpini Park, about 300 metres from Ratchaprasong intersection, waiting for an order to crackdown on the demonstrators,” said Mr Natthawut, a core leader of the pro-Thaksin United front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).
At the Ratchaprasong rally stage, Mr Natthawut dared Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to order the crackdown, saying the red-shirts will not go any where but will use their bare hands to fight against the military forces until the last minute.
He said it’s the time for the red-shirts to create a new chapter of the country’s political history.
Jatuporn Prompan, said on the stage that if the government uses force against UDD supporters, red-shirts from Phan Fa main rally site will immediately lay siege to the headquarters of the Democrat Party. In addition, red-shirts from Samut Prakarn will attack Mr Abhisit's Bangkok residence in the Sukhumvit area,.
“If we are dispersed from Ratchaprasong, we will in turn disperse the Democrat’s 64th anniversary celebration being held at its headquarters, the same way,” Mr Jatuporn said.
On the orders of another UDD leader, Weng Tojirakarn, 1,000 UDD security guards were sent to intersections at Prathunam, Ploenchit, Pathumwan and Chidlom areas to confront police and troops.
Riot police reinforced at hot spot
Riot police reinforced at Ratchaprasong