Thailand's "red shirts" march in Bangkok

On June 24, tens of thousands of supporters of the pro-government "red shirt" movement of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) held a massive march in the capital Bangkok, amid signs of political tensions rising again in the country.

A police official said that as of early evening on June 24, about 30,000 people had joined the march. According to the UDD plan, the march would last until midnight.

Hundreds of police officers were deployed to maintain order. Cars were also banned from entering the parade area to avoid traffic congestion.

Red shirt protesters. (Source: Internet)

The "red shirts" march was to mark the "80th anniversary of the establishment of democracy," referring to the June 24, 1932 revolution that transformed Thailand from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. "Red shirt" leader Kokaew Pikulthong said the march was a demonstration of concern over threats to democracy.

Addressing the crowd, Mr. Kokaew Pikulthong noted that Thailand has experienced 20 attempted or actual coups since 1932. The massive march was also seen as a call for the judiciary to not interfere in politics.

Thailand has been in constant political turmoil since Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted as prime minister in a coup in 2006. Court rulings are seen as playing a key role in the political tensions, with the courts forcing two pro-Thaksin prime ministers from office in 2008.

Large-scale "red shirt" protests in April and May 2010 paralyzed many areas in central Bangkok, leading to a military crackdown, and more than 90 people were killed in clashes between the military and protesters./.

According to (Vietnam+) - DT