PAD will tell the world its side of story
Written by Writer on Thursday, October 9th, 2008
PAD will tell the world its side of story
By Veena Thoopkrajae
Movement will “seek justice” for those killed and injured and rebut police shocking claims through messages to embassies and foreign media
The People’s Alliance for Democracy is planning an international campaign to bring justice to those killed and injured in Tuesday’s clashes with the police, who have made some “outrageous” claims against the victims.
PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul said Wednesday night his movement would tell their side of story to 80 embassies and international media in Bangkok.
He told the vociferous crowd of protesters inside Government House that all information on the government’s use of violence will be put on CDs and letter that would inform all Bangkok-based diplomats in Bangkok on what actually happened.
The diplomatic drive followed Tuesday morning clashes that took place as PAD protesters tried to seize Parliament to prevent the new government from declaring its policy statement. Tear gas was fired by police but two protesters died and hundreds were injured, many losing their limbs.
The police made shocking claims Wednesday afternoon that some of the victims were injured or killed by the explosives they themselves were carrying. The claims were also directed at a female university student whose relatives insisted had joined the protest with a pure heart.
“Somchai (Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat) planned to tell his side of story to diplomats from 80 countries at a meeting today but not all of them were present. I’ll do my job by providing all the facts in CDs which will be sent to them soon,” said Sondhi.
In addition, he promised the PAD supporters that he would unveil “big” news about some senior military members who he claimed were linked with a powerful man in London. “If you know who are these two-headed betrayers, you guys will be shocked,” he said.
He said that he could get all information from a reliable source in London by tomorrow.
Sondhi also confirmed an earlier announcement by the PAD that the movement was not involved with the seizure of a public bus. He said there was no reason to do so and it could be the work of those who wanted to smear the PAD’s name.
Sondhi vowed to bring the justice to those who lost their lives or were injured. “I’ve studied the Americans’ standard (of how to handle protests) and it is a shame that for Thai police, they only know how to shoot,” he said.
He said the PAD would launch a new strategy which he called a “grand-scale activity”. He declined to elaborate. “All I can tell you is that with your cooperation, it will be very effective. There’s no danger but it will benefit the protest in short and long terms.”
The PAD also plans to release a sticker for retail outlets or service providers that says “Tyranny government is not welcome.” The stickers will be part of the PAD’s “civil disobedience.”
