The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has set a date for yet another "last-ditch battle" against the caretaker government, amid speculation the protest group will return to its former base on Ratchadamnoen Avenue.
At a raucous Lumpini Park meeting Wednesday evening, Suthep "Kamnan" Thaugsuban and supporters donned yellow protest shirts once again, and beat the drum for a "final victory" that supposedly will come after yet another major Bangkok street rally on May 14. (Photos by Patipat Janthong)
PDRC co-leader Thaworn Senneam said Wednesday protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban and networks allied with the group will mobilise supporters for a major rally on May 14.
On Coronation Day on Monday, the PDRC and its allies will march to Sanam Luang where they will take a vow to push for thammathipatai, or "dhamma democracy", to ensure the country's system of governance is based on morality, he said.
Mr Thaworn said from Monday to May 13, anti-government protesters will hold warm-up rallies on Bangkok's streets to encourage more people to join their cause.
- July 20 polls approved: ... but with conditions
On May 13, which also marks Visakha Bucha Day, protesters will hold merit-making rites at Sanam Luang before beginning their major rally the following day, Mr Thaworn said.
It is the latest in a long line of vows by the PDRC to stage a "final battle" against the caretaker government.
Mr Thaworn said Lumpini Park will remain the PDRC's main demonstration base, while rumoured plans for the group's return to Ratchadamnoen Avenue — its original protest site — would have to be assessed.
The move comes ahead of an expected intensification of the political situation from next week.
The Constitutional Court has ordered caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and three witnesses to testify on Tuesday over the transfer of National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri. There is speculation that the court might hand down a ruling next week or the following week. An unfavourable ruling could end Ms Yingluck's premiership.
Meanwhile, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has announced it will make a decision over Ms Yingluck's alleged dereliction of duty in the controversial rice-pledging scheme on Thursday or on May 13.
Speaking to supporters at Lumpini Park yesterday evening, Mr Suthep once again announced the PDRC will launch a campaign to take back sovereign power and return it to the people.
He cited Section 3 of the constitution which stipulates sovereign power belongs to the Thai people.
Mr Suthep said after a so-called "people's government" is established, the national reform process will begin and foreign countries' confidence in the country's economy will be restored.
He reiterated that the reform process will take about 18 months.
The pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship also announced it will hold a mass rally on Utthayan Road on Tuesday to protect the caretaker government.
Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order director and caretaker Labour Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said yesterday the PDRC has the right to move back to Ratchadamnoen Avenue. But he warned the group must not break the law or block traffic.
Mr Chalerm noted the PDRC's victory or defeat would not depend on its location, but on its rationale, adding that Mr Suthep has always "flip-flopped".
Mr Chalerm said he had analysed the content of Mr Suthep's speeches over the past month and found they contained little substance.
"I want to ask Mr Suthep a question: If you know you're not going to win, why do it? You can't establish sovereign power. It's illegal. Let's go to the polls," he said.
People's Democratic Reform Committee secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban shows full-on yellow shirts once again as he rallies supporters on stage at Lumpini Park Wednesday evening. He announced plans for a major mass street rally in Bankgok on May 14. There will also be protest activities leading up the rally day.