Bangkok Post
Having lost its political appeal, the People’s Alliance for Democracy may soon have to call off its anti-government rally in Bangkok.
Since it launched the protest late last month, the PAD has been facing strong pressure from the Abhisit government, while the public at large views its nationalistic campaign against Cambodia as counter-productive.
PAD members charged with terrorism in connection with the seizure of Bangkok’s airports in 2008, were also summoned by the Royal Thai Police Office which had earlier been reluctant to take strong action against them. The latest police action has sent a strong signal to the PAD that it will no longer be treated leniently. The enforcement of the Internal Security Act has also made it difficult for the PAD to take disruptive action against the government.
Many of the anti-Thaksin groups which were once its allies have refused to take part in the PAD rally. Allegations that some PAD leaders have a score to settle with leading members of the ruling Democrat Party have also hurt the PAD’s image.
More importantly, the PAD has suffered from rumours that its anti-government protest is designed to create a situation for the army to stage a coup. Obviously, these damaging allegations have adversely affected the PAD, as many of its supporters have chosen to stay away this time. Now that they can no longer sustain the protest, the PAD leaders should consider a graceful exit.
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