[Tlc] T-politics/white shirts

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Forwarded from Dr. Bonnie Brereton.
Thanks,
justin

POLITICS
Thousands rally to give peace a chance

'Stop hurting Thailand' push gains support
By: POST REPORTERS
Published: 5/05/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News

Thousands of professional media organisations, government agencies, the military, civic groups and business people have joined the "Stop hurting Thailand" campaign, urging political groups to end bickering that is causing social divisions.

The campaign was initiated by 21 organisations including the Thai Journalists Association, the King Prajadhipok Institute and peace advocacy groups. The 21 organisations yesterday led a crowd of peace advocates dressed in white in a parade from King Rama VI statue in front of Lumpini Park along Silom Road to Bangkok Bank's headquarters.

Joining the parade were Borwornsak Uwanno, secretary general of the King Prajadhipok Institute, and his deputy Wuthisarn Tanchai, Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey, Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boonyadet, TJA president Prasong Lertratanawisut and singer Add Carabao.

Bangkok Bank president Chartsiri Sophonpanich joined the crowd when the parade reached his bank's headquarters.

TJA secretary general Pradit Ruangdit read a campaign statement asking all political groups to end their incitement of violent clashes between different groups and stop insulting the monarchy or claiming connections to the monarchy for political reasons.

The statement called for government authorities to act in an open and sincere manner while urging journalists to stringently adhere to their codes of ethics and abstain from exploiting their media outlets for political purposes.

It urged the public to support the campaign by raising the national flag in front of their homes. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and civic authorities in other provinces also held activities to promote the "Stop hurting Thailand" campaign.

In Bangkok, the BMA backed the campaign at City Hall and its branch office in Din Daeng, and at the 50 district offices.

The armed forces also joined the campaign. At army headquarters, about 2,000 officers led by Lt-Gen Sant Jariyajirawattana of the Office of the Commander paraded with national flags.

About 1,000 marines from the Royal Thai Marine Corps lined up along a 2km stretch of Sukhumvit Road, in Chon Buri province, in front of their headquarters to show their support for the campaign.

Red shirt leaders also gave their support.

In Udon Thani, Kwanchai Sarakham, also known as Praipana, leader of Khon Rak Udon (Love Udon People), led a group of 800 red shirt supporters for a "Stop hurting Thailand" demonstration at Udon Thani city hall.

Leaders of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in Bangkok backed the sentiments of the campaign but warned the government not to use it to serve its own political interests.
______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu