The government reveals that the important key points to be considered before conducting a crackdown on the anti-government demonstrations at the Ratchaprasong junction.
According to government spokesperson Panitan Wattanayagorn, factors to be considered include being able to differentiate between the three groups, including politically motivated terrorists, core leaders with arrest warrants, and innocent protestors at the rally site.
Since the rally is located at the capital’s main shopping district, in front of major shopping malls such as Central World and Big C Ratchaprasong, and hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Erawan, the impact on the surrounding buildings and property is also important, said Mr Panitan.
Mr Panitan stressed that the innocent protestors and the surrounding property must be given their utmost protection. The spokesperson also mentioned the core leader’s concerns for terrorists, as their movement will create tension and pressure for both sides.
The anti-government demonstrators have been protesting in Bangkok while calling for a House dissolution since 12 March. A previous crackdown attempt in the Ratchadamnoen area led to 25 deaths of officers and civilians and more than 800 injuries on 10 April 2010. Since then, the protestors have vacated their rally site at Phan Fa bridge to converge at the Rajprasong rally site, causing significant impact to malls and businesses in the area.
Reporter : Dolsinee Kritayapimonporn
via Govt reveals key points considered before crackdown : National News Bureau of Thailand.
