Police brace for protests
Eleven police companies have taken up positions in various places in Dusit, Phra Nakhon and Pomprap Sattruphai (Bangkok).
They man checkpoints, guard government buildings and protect "important people," said police spokesman Piya Uthay. The Internal Security Act applies in the three districts, which gives the police additional powers. The first demonstrators have already gathered at the statue of King Rama VI in front of Lumpini park.
Today the police expect four to five thousand demonstrators. They oppose the amnesty proposal of Pheu Thai MP Worachai Hema, which will be considered by parliament on August 7. The proposal provides an amnesty for anyone charged with or imprisoned for political offenses since the 2006 military coup. According to the opponents, far too many people benefit from it.
The security measures also extend to Prime Minister Yingluck's residence. There are allegedly plans to kidnap her, the speaker of parliament and his two deputy chairpersons. That claim was made by Pheu Thai MP Weng Tojirakarn. The newly formed Peple's Army Against the Thaksin Regime is said to be up to that. The Thaksin army is a bundling of existing anti-government groups.
The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD, yellow shirts) is not taking to the streets. The leadership has waived this because she has been released on bail and a summons would violate the bail conditions. The leaders and other yellow shirts have been charged with terrorism over the occupation of Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in late 2008.
Pheu Thai spokesman Anusorn Iamsa-ard does not think the protests will lead to political change. "I think they end as quickly as they begin."
The Thai Broadcast Journalists Association and the Thai Journalists Association have consulted with the police about the protection of reporters. Journalists are entitled to full protection. They can be recognized by a bracelet and their press card that they wear visibly.
(Source: Bangkok Post, August 4, 2013)
Photos: Just like last Sunday, the police held exercises yesterday, this time at the parliament building.