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Protestors rally again in Bangkok
Associated Press - May 6, 2009
Bangkok – Hundreds of anti-government protesters gathered outside the prime minister's office on Wednesday, in the first demonstration there since their rally last month turned violent and were forcibly stopped by the army.
The protesters, some of whom are supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, called for the current government to allow the broadcast of a key anti-government satellite news station.
The satellite news broadcaster, D Station, was blocked on April 13 as protesters rioted and clashed with government troops and residents, leaving two dead and more than 120 injured across the city. The station was broadcasting speeches ousted Prime Minister Thaksin gave to his supporters via video link and footage of their demonstrations.
The government had closed down several Internet sites linked to the protest as well as some radio station in the provinces which authorities said instigated violence.
The station has been blocked since riots in Bangkok last month when protesters clashed with government troops and residents. The government said the station was inciting violence.
The protesters marched peacefully from Royal Plaza, a large square in the old quarter of the city, to Government House. The number, estimated by police at 500, was far short of the estimated 100,000 who turned out for a street rally last month, calling for the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down.
At least 500 policemen and soldiers were deployed within the compound of Government House, police spokesman Suporn Pansua said.
Protest leader Somyos Prueksakasemsuk said the demonstrators gathered Wednesday to show 'the division in the country remains'. 'We want to be able to exercise our rights and we want the broadcast of the station to resume so we can tell the truth,' he said to loud cheers from protesters.
The group has accused the military and other elements of the Thai elite of conniving to undermine democracy. Mr Somyos said the protesters will end their rally later in the afternoon.
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