Thai PM’s ultimatum to Red-Shirts to quit protest or face action

Bangkok, May 12 (ANI): Thailand’s Prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued an ultimatum to the agitating Red-Shirts to end their opposition or face action.

Abhisit had offered the olive branch to United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) also known as the Red-Shirts. He had agreed to hold elections in line with Red-Shirts’ demands.

“If the situation in the country does not return to normal, it will affect the election. Protesters should return home on May 12,” the Bangkok Post quoted Abhisit, as saying.

But they have refused to call off their rally since he offered a ‘reconciliation road-map, and according to Abhisit, this translates into their rejection of the existing arrangement.

The Red-Shirts on the other hand, maintain that the agitation will end only if Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban turns himself in to the police following complaints from family members of those killed during the clash between the security forces and the protestors. The clashes left 25 people dead and more than 800 injured, the paper reports.

“On the day Mr Suthep reports to authorities as the accused, the Red Shirt protesters will call off our demonstration on the same day,” the Bangkok Post quoted Natthawut, a Red-Shirts’ leader, as saying.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has said that Nonglak Chaimaen and 13 other people, who claim they were relatives of those killed and injured on April 10 have lodged a complaint with the DSI against Suthep.

Vejjajiva is now considering enforcement of measures like cutting off water and electricity supply to the Ratchaprasong Area, the site of the rally, to put more pressure on the Red Shirts to go home.

The agitation has severely affected the normal life in the area, forcing schools to be shut down.

Vejjajiva’s concerns include the re-opening of schools, scheduled for Monday and ensuring that the election, that start on May 12 take place in a peacefully. (ANI)