Thai Reds optimistic:

Protests could end soon

THAILAND: Thailand’s anti-government “Red Shirts” hinted Wednesday their weeks-long rally in the heart of Bangkok could soon end as they awaited more details on the government’s reconciliation roadmap.

Despite signs the crisis is nearing a resolution, thousands of protesters remained barricaded inside their encampment in Bangkok’s main shopping district, behind piles of tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

The red-clad demonstrators, whose eight-week campaign has sparked deadly outbreaks of civil unrest that have left 27 dead, agreed Tuesday to join Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s proposed reconciliation process.

The mainly poor and working class Reds want Abhisit to make clear when he will dissolve parliament for elections promised for November, and to withdraw troops who have converged on the capital, which is under a state of emergency.

But Reds leader Veera Musikapong voiced optimism Wednesday that the end was in sight for supporters who have spent weeks sleeping rough under flimsy shelters, and who are now enduring the start of the rainy season.

“I have a feeling that we will soon return to our hometown as our goal to fight for true democracy and return power to the people is about to be achieved,” Veera told the crowd. “We have been together for some 50 days, I really feel that we may soon return home,” he said as leaders of the movement offered alms to 45 Buddhist monks on their protest stage. The ceremony was part of celebrations for Coronation Day, which marks the 60th anniversary of the official coronation of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch.

In a light-hearted address to the crowd, Veera said the protesters would not remain forever in Bangkok’s retail heartland, where luxury hotels and shopping malls have been forced to close.

“We will not stay here until we obtain the land title deed,” he joked.

Abhisit said in a nationally televised address Monday that he was ready to hold elections on November 14 if all parties accepted his reconciliation plan, and drop their demand for snap polls. BANGKOK, Wednesday, AFP