Anti-coup protestors rally in Bangkok
Hundreds of anti-coup protesters today demanded a quick return to democratic rule in Thailand, in the largest demonstration since former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted from power in September.
“We love democracy,” read one sign at the rally in a park called Sanam Luang in Bangkok, where tens of thousands of people held regular protests early this year to demand Thaksin’s ousting.
A military coup on September 19 removed Thaksin, after critics accused him of widespread corruption and abuse of power.
More than 500 people attended the rally. Authorities lifted martial law - which barred political gatherings – two weeks ago in Bangkok.
Security was hardly visible at the protest, where speakers demanded that new elections be held quickly. Organisers then led a march to the city’s Democracy Monument, about half a mile away.
“People are beginning to realize that the coup makers are destroying democracy and the freedom of the people,” said Sombat Boonngamanong, a former official from Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai party. He vowed to hold weekly protests with a group he now heads called the 19 September Anti-Coup Network.
The protest was timed to coincide with Constitution Day – a national holiday that marks the creation of Thailand’s first constitution in 1932 and the end to an absolute monarchy.
Coup leaders scrapped the existing constitution, which was drafted in 1997, saying a new one would be created with less “loopholes” that makes future leaders more accountable.
They unveiled an interim constitution October 1, which authorised the military-installed government to run the country until a permanent charter is drafted and elections scheduled for October 2007 are held.
Work on the new charter has not yet started, with the selection of the 100-person constitution-drafting committee not expected to be finalised before next year.
Thailand has had 17 constitutions since 1932 – a reflection of the political instability and military coups that followed the drafting of the first charter that created a constitutional monarchy.
