MEMBERS of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), aka the red shirts, gathered at Ratchaprasong intersection at 4.30 p.m. today (May 19) to mark the violent suppression of their protests by the military on this same day in 2010 in which at least 80 civilians and six soldiers were killed and over 2,100 injured, Matichon newspaper said.
The rally started off with red shirt followers sitting in groups in front of Central World shopping complex having flocked here from Pratunam intersection. Free food and beverages were distributed to the participants with there also being stalls selling souvenirs carrying messages related to their fight for democracy.
Reporters said the highlight was a speech by Mr. Phromsorn Wirathamjari, or Fah, from Power of People group, with offerings having been prepared for a religious rite for those who died during the protests that ran from March 12 to May 19 against the Democrat Party-led government headed by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Phromsorn is expected to focus on Sunday’s (May 22) Bangkok governor election by relating the background of the candidates especially those with links to National Council for Peace and Order.
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The red shirts rallying to commemorate the violent crackdown of their protests in 2010 that left scores dead. Photos: Matichon
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