Pitak Siam sets mass anti-govt rally ultimatum
The anti-government Pitak Siam group has threatened to stage a mass rally on Aug 4 unless the Yingluck
Shinawatra administration responds positively to its six-point demands within a week.
Pitak Siam leader Chai Suwannaphap announced the ultimatum yesterday.
Two of the six demands are for the government to show respect to the monarchy, and for Ms Yingluck
and Deputy Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa to resign from their posts following a controversial
audio clip featuring an alleged conversation between Gen Yutthasak and ousted premier Thaksin
Shinawatra.
The other demands are for energy giant PTT Plc to be reformed to stop it from reaping huge profits at
the public’s expense; for the government’s 350-billion-baht loan contract and 2-trillion-baht borrowing
bill to be scrapped; for all amnesty and reconciliation bills allegedly aimed to whitewash Thaksin to be
withdrawn from parliament; and for those involved in corruption in the government’s rice-pledging
scheme to be brought to account.
The group has given the government seven days to respond to its demands or it will mobilise its
supporters to stage a mass rally on Aug 4.
Former Pitak Siam leader Boonlert Kaewprasit yesterday added his support to the anti-Thaksin
movement led by Adm Chai. The retired general, also known as Seh Ai, told reporters he had no role in the group’s political movement, but he did back it.