'Hardcore groups' being watched
Security will remain high for the next few days to guard against a "few hundred people" trying to cause disturbances in Bangkok, a Council for National Security (CNS) source said yesterday.
Referred to as "hardcore groups", they have reportedly been hired to instigate violence through arson, bomb attacks and sabotage to provoke a reaction from security officials that would "create a scenario like the 1992 Black May upheaval", the source said.A major rally, under the watchful eye of the CNS is being organised today by PTV near the Royal Plaza - one day after the Constitution Tribunal's verdicts in the electoral fraud case against the two largest political parties yesterday. These groups would use various tactics to stir up trouble, including shouting hateful words in demonstrations or using public rallies to pitch protesters with different political views against each other. They have been organised and supported financially by "people with ties to the old power" and had their last meeting in a hotel in the Saphan Khwai area, the source added. CNS spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng, said the Army would deal with all anti-junta movements with extreme caution and non-violent measures as ordered by CNS chairman and Army commander General Sonthi Boonyaratglin. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont welcomed the "peaceful atmosphere and peaceful responses" to the court's verdicts. However, he promised full government support and the execution of an emergency decree for the armed forces in case they were needed to control public disorder. - The Nation
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