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Prime ministers

Thai Government Prepares for Large-Scale Protest as Tensions Rise

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has warned that the government is aware of possible acts of sabotage aimed at creating unrest in the country as the anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) prepares to hold a large-scale demonstration in Bangkok. The protesters, also known as the Red Shirts, plan to bring pickup trucks to the rally and have threatened to seize any tow trucks that attempt to remove their vehicles from the streets. Despite threats from UDD leaders to oust the government within three days, Abhisit has stated that the ISA will only be invoked if necessary, and that security personnel have been ordered to inspect vehicles for any weapons being taken to the rally site.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has received information on possible acts of sabotage aimed at creating unrest in the country, but has not invoked the Thailand's Internal Security Act (ISA) yet.
  • The UDD leadership has threatened to bring pickup trucks to the rally and seize tow trucks that attempt to remove their vehicles from the streets.
  • Abhisit has warned the UDD protesters to conduct their planned Bangkok rally in a peaceful manner and to refrain from bringing vehicles from upcountry to block traffic in the capital.
  • The government has dispatched volunteers from the Interior Ministry to monitor the situation during the demonstration, while police and security officials have been ordered to exercise restraint.
  • UDD leaders have threatened to oust the government within three days, but Abhisit has stated that the ISA will only be invoked if necessary.
  • The UDD has boasted that one million protesters will join the protest, which is scheduled to take place at Sanam Luang on Sunday morning, March 14.

Statistics:

  • 3 days: The time frame within which UDD leaders have threatened to oust the government.
  • Friday, March 12: The day on which nationwide protesters are expected to begin moving to Bangkok.
  • Sunday, March 14: The day on which the UDD protest is scheduled to take place at Sanam Luang.
  • 1 million: The number of protesters that UDD leaders claim will join the protest.

Sources:

  • TNA-OANA, "Thai PM warns against sabotage as anti-government protesters plan rally" (no date specified)

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