Today 13 marches through the city; PM resignation 'not enough'

Of course, estimates vary again on the number of protesters on Ratchadamnoen Avenue on Sunday. Rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban says more than a million, police estimate 98.000 and military intelligence 150.000.

Nevertheless, a considerable number that turned the otherwise car-filled broad avenue and side streets into one large pedestrian area. If you don't know any better, you'd think it's a folk festival with strangely dressed revelers.

Three more days and then the rally of the Democrats is called off. Today, demonstrators are marching in separate groups to thirteen government buildings, the headquarters of the three army units and TV stations.

Rally leader Suthep Thaugsuban promises that the marches will be peaceful and orderly. "We're just handing out whistles and flowers." The police advises traffic users to avoid the relevant routes.

The United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD, red shirts) held a rally at the Rajamangala stadium yesterday, barely a week after the previous rally. The organizers estimate the attendance at 100.000, reporters put it at 40.000. UDD chair Tida Tawornseth said the rally was aimed at securing the constitutional monarchy. Referring to the Constitutional Court's ruling in the Senate case, she stressed that parliament has the power to amend the constitution.

Meanwhile, the riot police begin to grumble. The agents do not complain about the food, but they have been away from home for more than a month since the Internal Security Act was declared effective for three districts of Bangkok. There is no proper sleeping accommodation and they have to see how they do their laundry. The officers are on guard six hours a day. They guard the area around Government House, Parliament and the Ministry of Education. The daily allowance is 300 to 400 baht and the meal allowance is 200 to 300 baht.

Dissolution of the House is unlikely

On Tuesday and Wednesday, a so-called censor debate took place, culminating in a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Yingluck and the Interior Minister. Suthep says a possible resignation of Yingluck, dissolution of the House of Representatives and new elections will not be enough to stop the protest. According to him, the ultimate goal is to eradicate the 'Thaksin regime' root and branch.

A source close to the prime minister considers it unlikely that Yingluck will step down, because then the country will end up in a power vacuum. Dissolution of the House of Representatives is also unlikely. A lecturer from Thammasat University thinks Thaksin would not agree with Yingluck's departure as prime minister.

Yingluck writes on her Facebook page that the country will not get into a doldrums as long as both sides try to resolve their differences through talks and avoid a confrontation. She called for unity and respect for the rule of law. "The government does not want to see violence or bloodshed."

The head of the Bangkok municipal police says the crown prince is concerned about the political conflicts. Kamronwit Thoopkrachan met him yesterday at an audience. The prince said Thais should settle their differences through negotiations.

(Source: Bangkok Post, Nov. 25, 2013; website Nov. 24, 2013)

Submitted communication

Looking for a nice gift for Sinterklaas or Christmas? Buy The Best of Thailand Blog. A booklet of 118 pages with fascinating stories and stimulating columns from eighteen bloggers, a spicy quiz, useful tips for tourists and photos. Order now