PM unworried over anti-govt rally Saturday

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Friday he was not worried about a major rally against his government and the Council for National Security (CNS) planned by members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) in Bangkok Saturday.

But the protest must be conducted within the framework of the law and protesters who don't respect the law will be dealt with the law if they violate it, said Gen. Surayud.

Speaking after attending a meeting with senior officials of the First Army Region, responsible for security in Bangkok and the Central region, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol. Lt-Gen. Adisorn Nonsee said police would be reinforced Saturday as protesters planned to carry their rhetoric into several Bangkok shopping centres before regrouping at Sanam Luang and then moving to the Army headquarters.

Police will record actions and speeches by the demonstrators, and those who violate the rights of others will be dealt with under the law if they violate other people's rights, Gen. Adisorn said.

Meanwhile, Gen. Anupong Paochinda, assistant army chief and also assistant secretary-general of the CNS, said the ongoing protests would not bring peace to the country but are causing more confusion.

Jakrapob Penkair, a leading DAAD member, should cancel plans to take protesters to a major mall in central Bangkok, Gen. Anupong advised, as the demonstration would cause a negative impact on economy and also make it difficult for the police to provide sufficient security.

Gen. Anupong said former members of the House of Representatives and are now leading protests should pay more attention to the upcoming election, to be held late this year, rather than creating conflicts in the society. (TNA)