Red shirts, politicians mark 12th anniversary of April 10, 2010 event 

A LARGE number of red-shirt followers led by former United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Mr. Nattawut Saikua, who currently heads the Lai Prayut Network, together with politicians and new generation activist groups gathered at the October 14 Memorial this afternoon to commemorate the violent crackdown on April 10, 2010 at Khok Wua intersection that left scores dead, Matichon newspaper said.

A lot of wreaths were placed in front of a large vinyl banner posted at the middle of the memorial with this saying, “After 12 years still no justice, heroes of April-May 2010.” 

The violent crackdown on the red-shirt protesters was undertaken by the government of then prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Thongs of red-shirts were on hand to welcome Nattawut when he arrived at 1.05 p.m. Shortly afterwards representatives of Pheu Thai Party including party leader Mr. Chonlanan Srikaew, senior member Mr. Chaturon Chaisang and former party list MP Ms. Kattiya Sawasdipol, who is the daughter of  Maj.-Gen.Khattiya Sawasdipol, alias Se Daeng (“red commander”), who headed the militant wing and was killed by a sniper in May 2010.

Also joining in the event were Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, MP and secretary-general of the Prachachat Party, and representatives of Move Forward Party led by former MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn who is the party’s candidate in the Bangkok governor election and MP Mrs. Amarat Chokpamitkul. This party’s wreath carried this message, “Waiting for the day to reclaim justice for the April-May 2010 events, Move Forward Party doesn’t betray the people.” 

Later nine monks arrived at the memorial with Nuttawut and relatives of people who died that day making merit with the names of 99 deceased protesters read out.

While key leaders gave speeches at the memorial, a car mob procession carrying a coffin set off from Ratchaprasong intersection and arrived at the memorial at 2.38 p.m. Most of the participants were members of the new generation activist groups including Thalu Fah and Thalu Gas.

They planned to burn the coffin at the Democracy Monument at 4 p.m.

CAPTION:

Lots of people participated in commemorating the April 10, 2010 event this afternoon. Photos: Matichon

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