Vigilant PAD ready to fight on

Anti-government protesters were largely solemn but determined inside Government House Tuesday night, joined by their allies who poured in from other provinces after the most violent day of their months-long campaign.

Scenes inside Government House were largely similar to those of other days, reflecting the mostly non-aggressive nature of the campaign and contradicting what happened earlier on Tuesday that left at least two deaths and hundreds of injuries. 

Key leaders of PAD took the stage between 10.30pm and midnight. They included Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Wongpaiboon and Suriyasai Katasila.

Hundreds of protesters from the southern provinces Sonkhla and Ranong gradually arrived at the Government House to the loud cheers of those inside. The new arrivals helped cram the compound and ease fears of ambush by police.

Suriyasai told the crowd that he believed that the government's use of violence would certainly affect Thaksin Shinawatra's request for seeking a refugee status in the United Kingdom.

"Britain is a true democracy and they won't just gather information from his (Thaksin) side alone. The (British) embassy certainly did a lot of work today and they have the human rights department and they would know exactly what the puppet government of Thaksin did to the protesters," he said.

Suriyasai added the British government would surely hear the international community's criticism against the Thai government's use of violence. "All international media agree that the government overreacted in dispersing the protesters," he said.

The PAD's current strategy, according to the key leaders, is to hold their two main rally grounds _ inside the Government House and around the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge.

"We've heard a lot of rumours on the possible attack and we think it is more important to station here (inside Government House). We can march to Parliament any time but we do have to stay here because here is the symbol of government," said Suriyasai.

He asked the demonstrators to listen to each unit's leader and stay disciplined.

He said the resignation of Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyuth brings a major change into politics. "Unlike Banharn (Silapaarach) or Sanoh Thienthong, Big Jew (Chavalit) is the man who is not a businessman-turned-politician. He quitted the top army post to enter politics so  we must give him some credit."

Gen Chavalit's resignation signals the end of government for three reasons, he said. "First, they won't have anyone to handle the problem in the Southern provinces. Secondly, since he is the main person to hold talk for reconciliation, his departure means no more talk between us and the government. Thirdly, there is no link now to Gen Prem Tinlasulanonda if he is meant to be that link."

Suriyasai led the mob to give big hands to Gen Chavalit for "choosing the people's side rather than holding onto power."

He also asked the protesters to keep their eyes on the moves of the Democrat Party. "They are led by new generation of leaders and I think they would come out with something really good in no time. I'd like you all to give big hands to Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva in advance."