Fears of clashes at pad rally

In a move to step up pressure on the government, supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) from provinces around the country will join the rally in an attempt to seize Government House tomorrow.

A confrontation between security officials and the PAD is expected as police have been instructed not to let protesters move across Makkhawan Bridge to Government House.

Police chief Pol General Patcharawat Wongsuwan said yesterday that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej had ordered an increase in security forces.

"They will not be allowed to come from Makkhawan Bridge and we will prevent them from coming to Government House from other directions,'' he said.

He said Samak had consulted with Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda but refused to elaborate if the military would deploy its forces to support the police.

Patcharawat was confident the security forces would not use force against protesters. "We will increase the number of police to handle the situation,'' he said.

Ekachai Issarata, leader of PAD in Songkhla, said the group felt the government had made a big mistake over the Preah Vihear temple by ceding sovereignity over land to Cambodia. About 300 PAD members from Songkhla will travel to Bangkok tomorrow to demand the land back.

"We will not come back until we have victory,'' he said.

Government Spokesman Wichian Chokesukchoterat said the PAD protesters risk being charged with treason if they try to take Government House.

"They do not have the right to seize Government House, which is the symbol of democratic government. If they try to take control of Government House, it means they are revolting against the legitimate government and will be charged with treason,'' he said.

Maj-General Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD leader, said the group would move its protest site from Makkhawan Bridge to Government House to submit a letter demanding the government stop its attempt to amend the Constitution and solve the economic problems.

Chamlong said the PAD had no choice but to continue its protest.

"If police disperse us, we will come back. If they want to arrest the PAD leaders, they must have arrest warrants or order a state of emergency,'' he said.

Osot Suwansawet, a PAD leader for 14 southern provinces, refused to reveal the number of members coming to Bangkok for fear they would be blocked by the government. He said a number of Nakhon Si Thammarat members also want to join the rally.

Other organisations joining the rally include the State Railway of Thailand Labour Union in the southern region, the Provincial Electricity Authority Labour Union, the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.

Sarapee Bunpratuchai, a leader of Korat People for Democracy, said some members had already arrived in Bangkok by public transport and more would come by buses tomorrow. "If police block our buses, we will launch a protest with a road blockade on Mitrapap Road,'' he said.