3 May 2010 / REUTERS, BANGKOK
Thailand’s prime minister warned anti-government protesters on Sunday there was a risk of “losses” if they did not get out of a Bangkok shopping district they have closed for a month, but the protesters vowed to stay put.
“From now on, what the government will do may risk clashes and losses, but the government knows what it’s doing. What needs to be done must be done,” Abhisit Vejjajiva said in a weekly televised address. It was not clear what he meant by “losses.” The “red shirt” protesters, supporters of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra who are demanding early elections, said they were staying put, although they agreed to pull back a barrier around 200 meters to give cars access to a big hospital. Asked by reporters if Abhisit had accepted that, Nattawut Saikua, a protest leader, said: “That’s Abhisit’s problem. If he wants to do anything, we’re prepared for that.” Abhisit was holding an emergency cabinet meeting amid speculation martial law could be imposed to clear the protesters, who have forced ritzy shopping malls and luxury hotels to close. However, Abhisit appeared to rule that out, saying “this instrument is not needed.” Martial law would give troops more freedom to act to end the rally -- for example, allowing detention without a court order for seven days. However, under a state of emergency declared in the capital on April 7, the security forces already have wide-ranging powers, such as being able to ban public gatherings of more than five people.
