Pledge not to disrupt IPU Assembly but security a concern

The Peace-keeping Operations Command will coordinate security measures with event organisers in order to preempt any security risks related to the red-shirt protests, government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

In light of the prevailing circumstances, security is a concern even though the red shirts pledged not to disrupt the IPU Assembly between tomorrow and next Thursday, he said.

Red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said on Thursday that the red shirts will tomorrow organise a procession of cars and motorcycles as has been planned around Bangkok but the event will not impact on the IPU Assembly.

In regard to today's red-shirt activities, organisers plan to invite the diplomatic corps to attend a briefing session this afternoon at a hotel in Lan Luang, located near the rally site on Phan Fa Bridge.

The red shirts want to explain their side of the story to foreign diplomats.

They also plan an awareness campaign for today to solicit the supports of Bangkok residents ahead of tomorrow's procession.

A number of Pheu Thai MPs are expected to speak at the rally stage, as one of the highlights of today's protesting activities.