BANGKOK: Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday expressed fears that violence could erupt during planned anti-government protests in Bangkok this weekend, following unrest at multiple rallies in the capital over recent years.
The self-styled “People’s Army”, a coalition of ultra-royalist groups who loathe the Puea Thai ruling party and its exiled figurehead, Thaksin Shinawatra, has vowed to protest in Bangkok on Sunday, possibly for several days. It is targeting a government-backed bill, due to enter parliament on August 7, which proposes an amnesty for those involved in several bouts of political violence that have convulsed the nation since a 2006 coup toppled Thaksin.
The government has invoked a special security law to control protests and more than 1,600 police were deployed to protect key government buildings, while thousands were put on standby.
“As Prime Minister and a Thai citizen I worry that the rally could lead to violence,” Yingluck said in a weekly TV broadcast, addressing increasing fears of unrest.
In an appeal to opponents, including the People’s Army, and pro-government groups such as the “Red Shirt” street movement, Yingluck called for talks to diffuse tensions.
Thailand has been scored by deep political divisions which have often spilled into violence since the overthrow of Thaksin, a deeply divisive figure who lives in self-exile but still draws loyalty among the kingdom’s poor, rural working class. AFP
