PTV threat to stage rally at Democracy Monument
Maverick broadcaster PTV may move its anti-junta rally on Friday from Sanam Luang to Democracy Monument after claiming the city government was deliberately scheduling parallel events at the park.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is using the ground for April 23 to May 1 concerts honouring His Majesty the King. PTV organiser Jatuporn Prompan claimed yesterday the rally would go ahead as scheduled but the venue may be reconsidered in light of the concerts. He said PTV believed the BMA was deliberately disrupting it by scheduling activities to coincide with its weekly rally. PTV said it should have been informed of the schedule clash when it sought permission to use Sanam Luang. "The BMA is trying to hide its activities to block our rally. The public can see that when PTV plans to rally at Sanam Luang the BMA holds another activity, every time," Jatuporn said. He alleged the city administration would continue to schedule parallel activities every time PTV sought to demonstrate. Jatuporn said the Democracy Monument was an alternative to Sanam Luang and City Hall. Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said yesterday that room at Sanam Luang was limited but believed PTV could be accommodated. "We gave permission for the concert before PTV sought to use Sanam Luang. The BMA will talk to PTV in the hope that it will understand." The Bangkok Governor's spokesman Chanin Rungsaeng said many groups have sought to use Sanam Luang.
Sucheera Pinijparakarn The Nation
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