Eight rally leaders will be arrested, police say
POST REPORTERS
Anti-government protesters retreated from in front of the residence of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda late last night after clashing three times with riot police who were ordered to break up the demonstration.
Shortly before midnight, the demonstrators began walking back to Sanam Luang. Protest leaders decided to call it a night after riot police made their third push about 11.30pm to clear them from outside Gen Prem's residence.
Police tried twice earlier to end the rally and arrest its key leaders after they marched from Sanam Luang through police barricades at Makawan bridge to Gen Prem's Si Sao Thewes residence.
The demonstrators, from the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD), called on the former prime minister to resign, accusing him of pulling the strings behind the military coup last September.
The rally started with about 10,000 sympathisers at Sanam Luang, but only about half of them gathered outside Gen Prem's house.
About 8.40pm, riot police using teargas attempted to raid the stage set up outside the house in a bid to end the rally and capture key speakers. They pulled back in the face of strong resistance from the protesters, who threw rocks and water bottles. They tried again about 10.30pm but again faced strong resistance and withdrew.
A number of police and demonstrators were injured. The army auditorium and vehicles parked nearby were also vandalised, police said.
Rally leaders Weng Tojirakarn and Jakrapob Penkair vowed not to stop the protest until their mission is accomplished and Gen Prem steps down.
Gen Prem's resignation would be a victory for democracy, said Veera Musikapong, a DAAD leader.
A source close to Gen Prem said he had ordered authorities not to allow the rally to become violent.
But a company of soldiers was now stationed inside the compound to protect the former prime minister, the source added.
Eight leaders of the anti-government rally are now facing arrest warrants, which could be issued today.
Metropolitan police chief Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn Nonsi said the key DAAD leaders will face charges of attacking police, damaging property and instigating trouble.
Evidence will be submitted to the court today for arrest warrants, which could land them five years in jail and obstruct their future movements.
The police targets included Dr Weng, Mr Veera, Chupong Teetuan, Manit Jitjanklab, Viputhalang Pattanapoukthai, Prateep Ungsontham Hata and Shinawat Habunphad. Another target has not been confirmed.
The police decision was backed by Vice-Adm Pachun Tampratheep, private secretary to Gen Prem, who wanted law enforcement authorities to take action against them.
On their way from Sanam Luang to Gen Prem's house, the protesters attacked police and officials at Makawan bridge on Ratchadamnoen avenue.
A rubbish truck driver and his vehicle were attacked after he refused to clear the way for the rally.
About 2,000 police were deployed to keep law and order.
While Gen Prem was under pressure to resign, about 10,000 people gathered in Bangkok yesterday to counter the anti-government protesters.
The pro-government rally led by Sondhi Limthongkul and Samran Rodphet, members of the People's Alliance for Democracy, took place at Lumpini park.
They pledged support for Gen Prem and called on the anti-government protesters to stop attacking him.
Revered Buddhist monks and Islamic leaders also joined the gathering, which ended before noon, and called for peace.
Bangkok Post July 23, 2007