PM defends policy, says the govt cannot turn back now; Natthawut demands cease-fire and talks as death toll rises to 22
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva last night defended the government's protest-containment policy, arguing it was the best way to address Bangkok's security situation.
The premier insisted there would be no turning back, although Natthawut Saikua, one of the protest leaders, asked for an immediate cease-fire and a return to the negotiating table.
Yesterday saw deadly clashes between security forces and protesters at Bon Kai, Rajprarob and nearby areas of Bangkok, resulting in 22 deaths and 172 injuries.
At noon, several grenades were launched from M79s in the Din Daeng/ Rajprarob area, resulting in many injuries. This prompted the security forces to step up their action by declaring the area a "live bullets" zone.
Many used-car tyres were burnt by the protesters to create fire and smoke while large water and garbage trucks were used by protesters and militants to get close to the lines set up by security forces.
In his nationally-televised speech from the 11th Infantry Regiment, the premier said after the clashes between protesters and security forces the containment policy aimed to restrict the number of protesters at Rajprasong, which was estimated at around 6,000 at the latest count.
Rajprasong and surrounding areas and roads have been sealed off since Thursday, with joint police/military checkpoints set up to prevent anyone entering the 4-5 sq-km area.
"This is to pressure them to end their rallies and to minimise losses. Authorities only set up barricades around the Rajprasong area and they have not yet entered inside," the premier said.
"However, there are groups of armed militants out there, trying to stop the security forces from doing their work. I insist that our containment policy is necessary as we cannot allow the movement to use armed militants to overthrow the government.
"This policy is currently the only way to restore law and order in this country, as we earlier attempted to use other methods, such as holding negotiations [but they failed]. Now we need to have the protesters end their rallies if we wish to see minimum losses.
"As long as there are rallies, there will be attacks from armed militants. Hence, I asked the public to cooperate with authorities by getting themselves out of the current conflict so that officials can do their work on your behalf," the premier said.
Abhisit also urged the public to be cautious about rumours and untrue stories as his administration remained committed to a free press.
The Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation reported that there were four factors contributing to deaths and injuries: infighting among red-shirt guards; armed militants hidden among protesters; protesters were attacked by those unhappy with the movement; some casualties had resulted from troops defending themselves.
At least, 30 armed militants were arrested yesterday, according to Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the CRES spokesman.
Meanwhile, protest leader Natthawut said the government must order the security forces to stop their actions. "Now, there must be a cease-fire like what the government did on April 10."
Asked if he had any regrets about not accepting the government's November 14 election ultimatum, he said the movement wanted to continue in order to seek justice for those killed on April 10.
In the northeast province of Udon Thani, about 600 protesters gathered at a community radio station to watch a telecast from Rajprasong, while there were about 100 protesters in the northern province of Lampang.
From : The Nation
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