Demonstrations in Thailand
March 10, 2010 – 5:55 pm
The political demonstrations by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship in Thailand (aka UDD or “red-shirts”) are expected to start in provincial areas on 11 March 2010 and reach Bangkok on 13 March 2010. The main demonstration is expected to occur near Government House and along Ratchadamnoen Road in the Dusit district of Bangkok, but the UDD has also announced plans for demonstrations in other parts of town. As a result, traffic congestion and difficulty of movement is possible throughout Bangkok.
While UDD leadership has pledged that the demonstrations will be peaceful, the possibility of violence cannot be ruled out and the government has invoked the Internal Security Act (ISA), which enable the police and military expanded powers to maintain security. The Foreign Minister also gave assurances that all officials would proceed in accordance with the rule of law and with the utmost restraints.
The Thai government is doing its best to provide the utmost security to all residents in Bangkok and Thailand, including the diplomatic corps and other foreigners.
