Government and mass demonstrators coordinate on security

Following the meeting of the Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, on 13 March 2010 from 8.00 to 9.20 p.m., Secretary-General of the Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu and Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Watthanayakorn briefed the press on the latest developments. The gist of the briefing are as follows:

Secretary-General Korbsak said that he contacted Dr. Weng Tojirakan by telephone to discuss two main issues relating to safety measures for the demonstrators.

Firstly, Dr. Weng expressed concern that having a large number of demonstrators near Pom Phrakan being in close proximity to military personnel may unnecessarily raise the temper of the demonstrators. Dr. Weng therefore asked the Government to consider redeploying those military personnel. The government agreed to this request, and it was mutually understood that the redeployed military personnel would be replaced by police officers in order to maintain the security level in the area.

Secondly, the Government expressed concern about the presence of four groups known, from past events, to be associated with the use of violence, namely (1) Chak Thong Rob (Raise the Battle Standard) Group from Ubon Rajathani, (2) Chomrom Rak Chiangmai 51 (Love Chiangmai 51) Group, (3) Phitsanulok 49 Group, and (4) UDD Ranong. Dr. Weng agreed to locate and coordinate with leaders of those groups so that officials could meet and discuss with them on issues relating to security during the morning of 14 March.

Secretary-General Korbsak also expressed satisfaction with the good cooperation received from the leaders of the demonstrations. He was optimistic that if such good understanding and coordination could be continued, the risk of misunderstanding or confrontation between the demonstrators and the security forces would be reduced.

The acting Government Spokesman, meanwhile, added that the Government intended to accommodate the wishes of the demonstrators as much as possible with regard to security measures. For example, the issue of checkpoints was resolved today. With more demonstrators expected on 14 March, it was important that the Government and the leaders of the demonstrators maintain close contact and coordination.

13 March 2010, 10.25 p.m