Northern reds gather forces as decree lifts

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/191396/northern-reds-gather-forces-as-decree-lifts

Northern reds gather forces as decree lifts

Abhisit follows CRES advice to relax orders

• Published: 17/08/2010 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Red shirt supporters in the North are gearing up for mass gatherings after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva lifted the state of emergency decree in three provinces.

Suthep: Says PM was worried about impact

Mr Abhisit yesterday told cabinet he had lifted the emergency decree in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Ubon Ratchathani following a recommendation from the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).

The decree remains in effect in seven provinces: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima.

Mr Abhisit said security forces in the provinces where the decree had been lifted might enforce other laws on the books to prevent activities that could lead to unrest.

The state of emergency decree was imposed in 24 provinces in April when the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) began staging its mass protest in Bangkok. It has since been lifted in 17 provinces.

Mr Abhisit denied opposition Puea Thai Party claims that the government planned to enforce the decree for more than one year in certain areas.

The government has based its decision on the decree's scope on an assessment of each area and has lifted it in areas where the situation had returned to normal, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and CRES director Suthep Thaugsuban said the prime minister decided to lift the decree in the three provinces as he was concerned about its impact on businesses and the tourism industry.

Red shirt supporters in Chiang Mai have been buoyed by the revocation of the decree. Phichit Tamoon, a UDD leader in Chiang Mai, said the group would hold its first gathering on Sunday near Tha Phae gate in Muang district.

Puea Thai chief MP Chalerm Yubamrung said the party's key members would visit supporters in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phayao.

Jatuporn Prompan, a UDD leader and a Puea Thai list MP, said the UDD would rush to offer assistance to red shirt supporters in the three provinces who had been adversely affected during the army dispersal of the Bangkok demonstration in May.

Meanwhile, 17 of the 19 UDD leaders charged with terrorism yesterday denied all counts during the first hearing of the case in the Criminal Court.

Veera Musikhapong, 62, the only UDD leader allowed free on bail, and 16 other detained red shirt chiefs attended the hearing at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road yesterday morning.

Sixteen UDD leaders are being detained at Bangkok Remand Prison: Natthawut Saikua, 35, Weng Tojirakarn, 59, Korkaew Pikulthong,45, Kwanchai Sarakham, 58, Yoswaris Chuklom, 52, Nisit Sinthuprai,54, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai, 58, Phumkitti Sujindathong, 52, Suksek Poltue, 34, Charan Loypoon, 39, Amnart Inthachote, 54, Chayut Laicharoen, 37, Sombat Makthong, 48, Surachai Thewarat, 25, Rachata Wongyod, 29, and Yongyuth Thuammee, 54.

Also accused are Puea Thai MPs Jatuporn Prompan, 44, and Karun Hosakul, 42, who are protected by parliamentary immunity and did not attend yesterday's hearing.

The court will review the defendants' witness list and evidence on Sept 27.