Anti- Government Protesters March In Bangkok, Renew Efforts to Oust PM

BANGKOK, January 5 (TNA) - Anti-government protesters loyal to the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) early Sunday began their march on Bangkok streets as a warm-up for planned shutdown of the capital on January 13, aimed at pressuring the caretaker government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down and pave ways for national political reform. PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister, led the protesters on the march from their rally venue at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. From there, the protesters marched to the King Rama I statue and paid their tribute before marching to Pahurat, New Road, July 22 Circle, Mahachai Road and ending their march at the Democracy Monument. The protesters will also hold similar marches on Bangkok streets this Tuesday and Thursday to persuade people to join their massive demonstration called the ‘Bangkok shutdown’ to be held on January 13. Meanwhile, a cultural group calling themselves the ‘Ants’ Power’ movement plan to march this afternoon near the National Stadium. They plan to wear white shirt and release white balloons, displaying their opposition to political demonstration which might lead to violence and eventually to military coup. The movement has issued a statement saying that they believed the general election due to be organised on February 2 could be the “answer to help reduce current political tensions” in the country. Amid prevailing political turbulence, Pheu Thai Party of Miss Yingluck on Saturday kicked off election campaigns in five provinces, including Nonthaburi near the capital. (TNA)