Red-shirt protesters who are gathering in Bangkok say they are likely to extend their two-day rally if they are unhappy with the Constitution Court's ruling on the make-up of the Senate today.
About100people turn up at the Constitution Court to give moral support to nine judges whowill today rule on the charter amendment draft on the composition of the Senate. TAWATCHAI KHEMGUMNERD
The group, led by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), started rallying at Rajamangala Stadium in Hua Mak yesterday to support the Pheu Thai-led government. By mid-evening the red shirts estimated they had drawn 60,000 supporters. Police put the figure at 20,500.
The government backs a charter amendment draft seeking to require all Senate members to be elected, but opponents have asked the court to rule whether the change is constitutional.
The atmosphere at the rally was lively last night with many sounding air horns to show their support for speakers.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, many red-shirt demonstrators said they supported Pheu Thai making the change and they would not accept the court's role in interpreting the issue, whichever way its ruling turns out today.
However, some red shirts said they could accept the verdict if it caused no harm to the government. They would also stay with the rally if their leaders asked them.
Piyachai Nachai, 67, a red shirt from Pattaya, said the charter amendment draft was pending the King's approval and the court should not interfere with the process.
Ladda Saensuk, 63, a Thai resident in the United States, said she had flown back home to join the rally. She said she was prepared to stay as long as five months to support the protest.
"I'm one of many people that can't accept the role of the court. We elected the government for a four-year term," she said.
"We should give it a chance to stay until it completes its term."
Another red shirt from Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima, who identified herself as Rak, 45, showed bags she had brought, filled with clothes and basic utensils. "I'm ready for a month-long gathering," she said. "I think MPs and senators have the power to amend the constitution. Otherwise, what do we have these MPs and senators for?"
She said she did not believe the red-shirt rally would lead to violence.
Jai, 54, a red shirt from Lamphun, said she did not want to see any violence. But if the court's ruling went against the government, red-shirt supporters and their opponents might clash.
UDD chairwoman Tida Tawornseth said she did not anticipate the court would rule in favour of the amendment draft but she still could not say how unfavourable the ruling would be.
In the worst-case scenario, all the 312 lawmakers who voted in support for the draft might be removed, which might lead to the dissolution of the lower house.
"We can't see how the law allows the court to accept the petition and rule on the case," she said.
We believe most people will not be able to accept the court's ruling if it comes out in a negative way," she said.
She insisted parliament had the power to amend the charter because each branch of the state _ the executive, the legislature and the judiciary _ is independent.
If the court's ruling goes against the UDD's position, the red shirts would have to discuss what to do next. She insisted the red shirts would not march out from Rajamangala Stadium during the rally.
"It's possible that our protest will be prolonged. But it will not be violent. It will be just a platform for people to express their opinions," Ms Tida said.
UDD co-leader Weng Tojirakarn said red shirts would not use violence to counter the court's ruling. UDD leaders said they would make sure their supporters listened to Ms Tida, and co-leaders Jatuporn Prompan and Nattawut Saikuar at the demonstration.