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ASEAN
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2009-02-23 05:41:01-05
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Special Branch Police concerned about protest groups
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The Special Branch Police (SBP) has identified three potential protest groups, with one expected from abroad, during the ASEAN Summit which starts next week im Cha-Am by the sea.
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The Special Branch Police (SBP) has identified three potential protest groups, with one expected from abroad, during the ASEAN Summit which starts next week im Cha-Am by the sea. Branch commissioner Police Lieutenant General Theeradech Rodphothong said the 'redshirt' - United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) supporters plan to gather in Sanam Luang in Bangkok on Feb 24 and have threatened to stage an extensive demonstration by surrounding Government House. The SBP was monitoring the movements of the debted farmers group and the discontented milk producers from Saraburi to see if they would carry out their threat to join the UDD protest action. The farmers are frustrated with what they call the government's hesitation to settle their debt issues. The milk producers, meanwhile, have cried foul over an oversupply of raw milk in the market which they attribute to corruption in the supply chain. Observers say although the UDD has given its word that it would not hold any demonstration at the February 27th -March 1st ASEAN summit in Cha-am, Phetchaburi, its protest in Bangkok was bound to affect the overall security climate. Pol Lt Gen Theeradech admitted that if the farmers and the milk producers join forces with the UDD protesters in Bangkok, the situation would certainly become more volotile and difficult to handle. The commissioner said other home-grown opponents of ASEAN governments represented at the summit could also descend on Cha-am beach resort. Furthermore, the summit may also face the wrath of environmental and human rights NGO campaigners. But what is worrying the SPB the most is the planned demonstration by the 'yellow shirt' UDD and its possible hook-up with the farmers group.
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