THOUSANDS OF RED SHIRTS PROTESTERS RALLY IN BANGKOK

BANGKOK, Jan 10 (Bernama) -– Tens of thousands of Red Shirts anti-government
protesters held a peaceful rally in this capital Sunday.

They started to gather at Phan Fa Bridge at Ratchadamnern Avenue about noon
(Malaysian time: 1pm) before proceeding to the Ratchaprasong intersection at
about 5pm (Malaysian time: 6pm).

The rally was led by United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)
leaders Jatuporn Prompon and Thida Thavornseth.

"We want the government to release our other leaders and colleagues," said
Thida, adding that they would continue to hold the protest twice a month.

About 400 Red Shirts leaders and supporters are still under detention,
including 19 who are facing terrorism charges. The rest are being held for
violating the Emergency decree.

They were detained, following a spate of unrest in which 91 people were
killed and more than 1,800 people injured in violent clashes between protesters
and troops between April 10 and May 19.

The protesters also lit red candles by 6pm.

Overall, the security situation is under control and they are expected to
disperse by 8pm.

BERNAMA