Further large scale demonstrations in Bangkok

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters staged another large demonstration in Bangkok on 20 October 2008 to demand the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat. Authorities stated that the protesters caused significant traffic disruptions in Bangkok's Central World shopping district when they marched between Sukhumvit Road, the Rajprasong Intersection and Wireless Road. Protesters rallied between these sites, passing out information on the 7 October violent clashes. There were no reports of any violence during the demonstration. Anti-government activists have stepped up pressure on Somchai after two people died during clashes with police on 7 October. Somchai has resisted demands from the public and the Thai military to take responsibility for the violent clashes and resign from office. PAD organizers warned the government that they are planning to bring thousands of additional protesters into Bangkok from other areas of Thailand. The PAD warning comes two days after Bangkok Police General Salang Bunnag told reporters that he will lead an advance to remove all anti-government protesters camped out at Government House. Salang stated that he will call on at least 1,000 retired or inactive police officers to take part in the operation to remove hundreds of PAD protesters. Salang claims that the government building must be returned to the Thai people in time for a Buddhist religious ceremony scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 22 October. Meanwhile, the government and Senate are making a renewed effort to alter the constitution. Reports on 20 October indicated that Article 291 of the Charter will be placed in front of a new constitutional drafting assembly (CDA), which is currently being put together. The bill, which will allow for the constitution to be amended, will be debated in Parliament next week, and could potentially be passed within 30 days. The potential for the PAD to use this development as a starting point for additional protests is extremely high, as the PAD initiated its protests in early 2008 due to the potential for the constitution to be changed.