Mae Moh power plant employees head to Bangkok

Egat staff Somchoke Chanthong, also a PAD leader in the North, said about 20 buses are heading to bring 1,000 workers from to Bangkok, with funding from the employees.

"We originally planned to be there on Wednesday but the labour union urged us to take leave today following the violence. We would meet members of other labour unions and PAD supporters at the Royal Plaza," he said.

He also vowed to convince officers at the power plant to cut off power if state officials resort to violence or let others hurt PAD members.

"The power cut would affect the public and be against the law. But it's necessary if officials use violence against the PAD. We'd rather be arrested than allowing the public to get hurt. I believe that the majority of people would understand," Somchoke said.  

Phien Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority's labour union, is prepared to ask Army chief General Anupong Paochinda to tackle the violence, or the union could cut power supply to the offices of the Royal Thai Army, the Interior Ministry and the Defence Ministry tomorrow.

He said on Tuesday that Anupong could have Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej resign or dissolve House of Parliament. If Samak is defiant, the Army must stage a coup d'etat and form a national government.

Phien also noted that the state of emergency is unnecessary. He noted that if violence worsens, the union is ready to join the People's Alliance for Democracy's protest.