A three-day rally to counter the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has kicked off in Bangkok. Around 10,000 people who support the present government joined a demonstration held by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) at Muang Thong Thani.
The event was centred around a special episode of the political talk show Kwam Jing Wan Nee (The Truth Today) and hosted by key members of the UDD, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and even former PM’s Office minister Jakrapob Penkair. The venue was a sea of red, the colour of choice for the new pro-government countermovement.
This is the first major gathering of pro-government supporters since the violent clash between the two opposing political camps on 2 September on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The clashes left one UDD supporter dead and more than 40 people injured from both sides.
The three-day UDD rally will happen at Sanam Luang to express their disagreement with the PAD’s occupation of Government House, which they’ve held since 26 August. The PAD are planning a massive demonstration in front of the Royal Police Office in an effort to pressure police to accept responsibility for the 7 October clash between PAD protestors and police that left two people dead and hundreds injured.
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