Ongoing Strikes Will Cause Widespread Traffic Disruptions In Bangkok

On 18 March 2010 the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) announced plans to continue protesting in Bangkok indefinitely. UDD leaders stated that the group will continue to rally at the Phan Fa bridge and that protesters will follow Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to his appearances. Abhisit continued to express willingness to hold talks with UDD leaders, but has refused to concede to the protesters' main demands and resign. Although the demonstrators continue to block roads in central Bangkok, the protests have remained peaceful. On the evening of 17 March witnesses estimated the number of participants at 15,000 to 25,000 -- significantly fewer than the 100,000 protesters who gathered on 14 March, when the protest got underway. UDD leaders plan to stage another large-scale rally on 20 March that will involve 2,000 vehicles, increasing the potential for widespread traffic disruptions in the city.