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2,000 rally against Wissanu
Thousands of people attended a rally yesterday calling for the prosecution of Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam on charges of lese majeste.
More than 2,000 people submitted copies of their identification cards to join in the signature campaign.
 The Nation
November 07, 2005 - Launched at Charoen Hotel, the campaign was initiated by Thongkon Wongsamut, a follower of the revered monk Luangta Maha Bua. Thongkon said everyone who joined the signature campaign would become a plaintiff in the complaint against Wissanu.
The deputy prime minister has found himself at the centre of a broiling controversy after appointing a panel to act on behalf of ailing the Supreme Patriarch.
Sondhi Limthongkul, owner of the Phujadkarn daily newspaper, also attended the event as a speaker. He stressed that citizens played a vital role in ensuring His Majesty the King's royal prerogatives.
"The campaign aims to allow people to express their opinions," he said. "They can become joint plaintiffs without having to go to courts."
A participant Wattana Phoomtassana, from Udon Thani, said he had decided to join the campaign because he wanted to protect the country's core institutes - nation, religion, and royalty. Other participants expressed similar opinions.
Thongkon said residents in Roi Et, Kalasin, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Ratchaburi and Samut Sakhon had asked him to collect signatures in their hometowns.
The move has, however, also attracted opposition. Some 50 people staged a counter-rally carrying banners condemning Thongkon and Sondhi.
Thongkon dismissed them as canvassers for some interested politicians.
Meanwhile, Udon Thai police chief Maj-General Khemanat Sukcharoen said police were investigating a bombing, which took place on Saturday morning at an intersection leading to Wat Pa Ban Tad, where Luangta Maha Bua is abbot.
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