Threat of anti-government protesters regrouping

Representatives of the anti-government movement, which initiated the violent protests that occurred in Bangkok over the past three weeks, stated on 15 April 2009 that they will regroup and instigate another protest movement after the state of emergency is lifted. Supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra indicated that they are in the process of organizing underground movements in preparation for their next actions and that the new rallies will far surpass the scale of previous protests. Government officials will increase security at D-Station, as well as closely monitor taxi drivers and radio stations to prevent anti-government protesters from inciting further unrest. In a live address to the nation on 16 April, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva reassured the public that the state of emergency is only temporary and once it is lifted, peaceful protest actions can resume. He indicated, however, that should any political movement defy the constitution, freedom of movement would again be restricted. Abhisit also stated that security measures for international meetings will be increased in response to the poor security provided for the recent ASEAN +3 meeting in Pattaya that was canceled due to violent protests.