Phuket Pitak Siam protesters to head home, for now

PHUKET: The Phuket contingent of Pitak Siam supporters who joined the anti-government rally in Bangkok will head back home today.

The thousands-strong peaceful protest – intended to “only escort” former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and former Prime Minister and Democrat chief adviser Chuan Leekpai to Parliament House – was headed off by “riot” police at Ratchawithi Intersection yesterday.

The protest was held to rally against the amnesty bill proposed by the Pheu Thai Party, which was introduced to Parliament yesterday (story here).

The police, empowered by the Internal Security Act, threatened to take action if the crowd did not disperse.

The Democrat leaders elected to stop the protest, instead of risking confrontation, Pitak Siam Phuket co-ordinator Apharat Chartchutikumjorn explained to the Phuket Gazette.

However, the Democrat MP for Surat Thani, Suthep Thaugsuban, vowed “we will continue to fight against the government.”

“He told the Democrat supporters at the rally to return home for now, and to wait and see what happens next before they decide what action will be taken,” Ms Apharat said.

— Orawin Narabal