South, unions say they will be a force at pad's next gathering

Allies of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) from the South and in state-enterprise labour unions yesterday promised their full support for the group's next major rally, planned for tomorrow.

The new development came amidst the military's concern about violence and the police's preparation for the large protest outside Parliament, which is to convene next week.

The PAD's local chapters set a target of mobilising at least 100,000 protesters from 14 southern provinces for the rally in Bangkok, said Saroj Rakchan, leader of the PAD's Songkhla chapter.

Meanwhile, the State Enterprise Workers Relations' Confederation resolved yesterday to take part in the PAD rally, said Sawit Kaewwan, secretary-general of the labour unions' umbrella group.

He said the government had lost its legitimacy since ordering a violent crackdown on protesters on October 7, which left two people dead and hundreds more injured.

"If the government doesn't resign, 240,000 state-enterprise workers will go on strike until it does," he said.

Sawit said the constituent organisations would send members to the rally from Monday onwards.

Somchai Sriniwet, head of the Metropolitan Waterworks union, said the utilities might stop services to certain state agencies like the Royal Thai Police and Parliament if the authorities resorted to the use of force in dealing with the protesters.

The PAD's Saroj said that its supporters from southern provinces had set out in groups, mostly by train or bus, for Bangkok yesterday evening.

He said the PAD had set up a rally site in front of Hat Yai railway station to rouse the crowds, and another in Phuket. Buses were ready for 24-hour, non-stop departures to transport the protesters.

Meanwhile, the Army committee monitoring the state of affairs met yesterday and agreed that the venue for next week's parliamentary meeting should be changed to avoid confrontation and possible violence, said Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said he had no power to change the venue, adding that any such decision would have to be made by a joint meeting of both houses.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Suchart Muankaew yesterday called a meeting of senior police officers in preparation for the PAD rally.

More than 1,300 policemen are to be dispatched to keep law and order during the demonstration outside Parliament.

However, police spokesman Watcharapol Prasanratchakit said the police had no policy of dispersing protesters.

"We've learned some lessons from October 7," he said.

Deputy Interior Minister Prasong Kositanon yesterday called on the PAD to end its ongoing rally in order to prevent further damage to the country. He said moving its protesters to blockade Parliament would not help either.

"I don't side with either the government or the PAD. What I want is social reconciliation and peace."