PROTESTERS from the South who drove up to Bangkok in a convoy on Sunday (Nov. 8) today moved 50 metres away from Government House while warning the authorities that pressuring them would only lead to an escalation with this merely being the beginning of a “war” while reiterating their demand for a 10-baht reduction in fuel prices, Amarin TV and Naewna newspaper said this afternoon (Nov. 10).
Meanwhile Prime Minister/Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he had directed all ministries to listen to the various proposals of this protest group, noting that a price reduction for B20 diesel had already been implemented.
The People’s Revolutionary Front for the Defence of the Land, led by Mr. Mano Kruakaew, aka Kamnan Mano, Krabi Noi sub-district head (kamnan), Krabi province, had been protesting near the foot of Chamai Maruchet bridge on Phitsanulok road, in front of Government House. However after police negotiated this morning they opened one lane for traffic to flow through.
In the afternoon they moved 50 metres away from Government House, in accordance with a Metropolitan Police order, and are now encamped at the edge of the sidewalk on Rama V road, alongside Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, which is exactly 50 metres away.
Speaking to reporters after negotiating with police Kamnan Mano said his group has contingency measures to deal with pressure. Alternative plans are in place should their current position become untenable, he said, while warning that the situation could escalate significantly.
“This is only the beginning—the start of a ‘war,'” he said, adding that if the pressure intensifies, the response will be even more robust.
For now, the stage will be smaller than the one used yesterday, in line with the parameters set by the authorities, but that could change if the pressure continues to mount. He declared that they, too, would not back down, and that the protest would certainly escalate.
As for today’s speeches, Kamnan Mano confirmed that other leaders and allies would be involved, including former and current politicians. They are currently evaluating potential participants to see who might join their cause which is a 10-baht-a-litre reduction in the price of all types of fuel.
When asked if any signals had been received from Government House, Kamnan Mano said there had been none so far. Yesterday the only contact was a discussion with the secretary to the Energy Minister. He reiterated that they are open to receiving word at any time and if the fuel price is reduced by 10 baht a litre, they are prepared to express their thanks.
“Regarding Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s statement that lowering fuel prices would have repercussions elsewhere, one must ask: why can’t prices be reduced? Oil refineries are making a profit of nearly 7 baht a litre—that could be cut.
“Excise taxes could be slightly reduced, and marketing margins could also be lowered. Most importantly, I believe refineries could certainly afford a reduction; previously, the refining margin was only 1 to 2 baht, yet today it stands at 8 baht. I would like to ask the Prime Minister: is he unable to exercise control over the refineries? After all, he is the Prime Minister,” Kamnan Mano said.
Meanwhile Anutin mentioned that no demands from the protesters had reached him directly, though he had tasked the relevant ministers with monitoring the situation.
Regarding the protesters’ demand for a 10-baht reduction in the price of fuel, he pointed out that any feasible request would be heard and taken into consideration.
Pressed on whether such a reduction was possible, he replied that a 10-baht reduction had, in fact, already been implemented — for B20 diesel.
When asked if he intended to visit the protesters himself, Anutin laughed and remarked, “If anything comes up, the relevant people will be there to handle it.”
CAPTIONS:
This and Front Page: Kamnan Mano and the protesters near Government House. Photos – Amarin TV
Second insert: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo – Naewna
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