Thai protesters wend through capital
Anti-government protesters hang on a Tuk-Tuk, a three-wheeled taxi as they take part in demonstrations in Bangkok on Saturday. (EPA)
Published: Mar 21, 2010 01:17 Updated: Mar 21, 2010 01:17
BANGKOK: A crimson tide of protesters snaked its way through the streets of the Thai capital Saturday, traveling in a caravan of thousands of cars, trucks and motorbikes to drum up support for their campaign to oust a government they call illegitimate.
The “Red Shirt” protesters plan to follow the march with a giant painting made from their own blood Sunday, the latest shock tactic in their weeklong campaign to have Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve Parliament and call new elections.
The raucous procession, which organizers said wound its way through 70 kilometers of city streets, was met with curious and often sympathetic crowds, revealing a level of support in the capital that the conventional wisdom of the Thai press had underestimated.
“I haven’t seen any opposition from Bangkok people. People were thankful. They came to cheer us from all walks of life. They gave water and food to us,” said Kotchawan Pim-ngern, 40, a flower seller, on a pickup truck.
“Just seeing them come out made me happy,” she said. “They all want democracy back.”
The caravan stretched at times at least six miles (10 kilometers) along Bangkok’s streets, and Vichai Sangparpai, a commander in the Metropolitan Police, estimated the number of participants at 100,000, though the department later gave a figure of 65,000 people traveling on 10,000 motorcycles and 7,000 cars and trucks.
The protesters consist of supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup for alleged corruption, and pro-democracy activists who opposed the army takeover.
They believe Abhisit came to power illegitimately with the connivance of the military and other parts of the traditional ruling class and that only new elections can restore integrity to Thai democracy. They also believe a new vote would bring Thaksin’s allies to power. The Red Shirts’ opponents believe they are puppets for Thaksin to regain power. The week of protests may have dented the government’s credibility.

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JAMES
May 21, 2010 11:44
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