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Published on July 18, 2007

Second Army Region commander Lt General Sujet Sithiprapa yesterday said that an anti-charter rally in Nong Khai was not a security concern.

The crowd might have surged to around a thousand as expected, but everyone remained peaceful, he said.

"Security authorities tried to reason with villagers but did not try to block the rally," he said.

Many former Thai Rak Thai MPs, including Newin Chid-chob, hoisted the anti-charter banner and campaigned to sway referendum votes, he said. The rally was organised by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship with the aim of drumming up support to defeat the draft charter in the upcoming national referendum.

Key organisers included Veera Musigapong, Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Phrom-phan. Villagers from Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Loei and Sakhon Nakhon were mobilised to attend the rally, which took place on private property.

Protesters showed up with banners calling for the rejection of the charter and displayed posters depicting ousted premier Thaksin Shinawat-ra in a farmer's hat.

Nong Khai police deployed about 150 anti-riot officers to keep the peace.

The Thai Rak Thai Group, comprising the remnants of the disbanded party, will soon release a 10-page pamphlet outlining its reasons for rejection of the charter, group executive Pongthep Thepkanchana said.

The group is expected to complete a final review of the pamphlet by next Thursday before distributing it publicly, he said.

Navy chief Admiral Satira-pan Keyanon said that urban residents and the middle class were likely to accept the charter.

"I am still concerned that villagers might not have a chance to study the new constitution, although I am confident they will give their approval once they understand the charter and its drafting process," he said.

He said that a successful referendum was needed in order to bring about political normalcy.