THAILAND: Thousands of protesters begin march through Bangkok streets demonstrating to oust Prime Minister Thanksin Shinawatra

Record ID: 214337

  • Title: THAILAND: Thousands of protesters begin march through Bangkok streets demonstrating to oust Prime Minister Thanksin Shinawatra
  • Date: 6th March 2006
  • Summary: SONDHI LIMTHONGKUL WAVING THAI FLAG AT DEMOCRACY MONUMENT
  • Embargoed: 21st March 2006 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Thailand
  • Country: Thailand
  • Topics: Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA6SMK67PB3BQIQ6JDROO1LR6AJ
  • Story Text: Tens of thousands of protesters took part in a massive rally on the streets in Thailand's capital Bangkok on Sunday (March 5) to oust prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
    The protesters had earlier gathered at Sanam Luang, a field outside the Grand Palace, where they shouted slogans and set an effigy of the Thai premier on fire.
    They began their march towards the Democracy Monument at about 9.30pm (gmt 0230) after organisers gave the signal.
    Setting off in staggered groups after being divided into "zones" by rally organisers, the procession of demonstrators chanted the now familiar slogan of "Thaksin, Get Out!" as they marched down Bangkok's streets bearing flags and banners.
    It had been earlier feared that the march to the monument could turn violent as the landmark has been the focal point of bloody revolts in the 70s and 90s that overthrew the military governments then.
    Such fears have so far been unfounded.
    But it still remains to be seen if the protest will remain peaceful as demonstrators moved on from the monument towards the Government House less than ten kilometres away about an hour after the start of the march.
    Security has been beefed up around the area to prepare for the protest, with some 5,000 police having been mobilised, and another 5,000 on standby.
    Another squad of about a hundred riot police are also on alert.
    Police have also stepped up security at key locations, namely the Government House, Thaksin's residence and the headquarters Thai Rak Thai, Thaksin's political party.
    Organisers say protesters will return to Sanam Luang after the march and have promised to continue their protest through the night and even the following days if Thaksin refuses to step down.
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