More than 10,000 join TRT rally

A number of supporters are those who want deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra return to rule the country.

Starting at 5.15 pm, more than 50 former Thai Rak Thai MPs lead a mass rally in Sanam Luang with supporters wearing red T-shirts with print screen "Vote No" [to an upcoming referendum on August 19 over the junta-sponsored charter draft].

The key members include Chaturon Chaisang, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Surapong Suebwonglee, Pongthep Thepkarnchana, Newin Chidchob, Kuthep Saikajang and Adisorn Piengket. They took the stage and urgedpeople to reject what they called "the junta's charter".

The stage, installed with a big billboard read "August 19, Vote No to the Charter," is close to the one of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD). Two big TV screens are installed by the stage.

Chaturon says in a back-staged press briefing that his TRT group wants to use this rally as a channel to communicate with the people. The junta has blocked all other channels that he and his colleagues tried to tell the people why they should reject the charter draft.

He ensures that he will only criticise the charter draft. He will not attack the junta leaders and their government.

TRT legal expert Chusak Sirinil says rejecting the junta-sponsored draft charter will mean the whole country rejecting the coup of September 19.

Former TRT executive Sutham Sangprathum says a number of people who are against the draft have been intimidated to stop their movements. The junta alleges that we buy votes to reject its charter. But the government has mobilised and pay people to rally in support of its charter. They both are quick to learn dirty political tricks.

Meanwhile, the DAAD halts its daily rally today to pave the way for its supporters to join the TRT stage.

Four DAAD leaders, who are released on bail, reportedly come to Sanam Luang but only listen to the addresses of TRT leaders at the DAAD stage, where is close to the TRT rally. They include Veera Musigapong, Jatuporn Phromphan, Jakrapob Penkair and Natthawut Saikua.