Thai activist Sondhi calls rally for Sept. 10 to "reclaim Thailand"

BANGKOK, Sept 7 (TNA) - Thai political activist Sondhi Limthongkul announced on Monday a new protest movement aimed at "reclaiming Thailand," setting the group's first demonstration for Sept. 10 outside the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok.

Speaking alongside former leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the Student and People Network for Thailand's Reform (STR), Sondhi said the movement does not intend to overthrow the government. Instead, it seeks to force the administration to prioritize public interest over political factionalism.

"The government has lost its legitimacy," Sondhi said, citing alleged corruption in local recruitment exams, Senate election irregularities, and controversial civil service transfers at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). He also highlighted unresolved land ownership disputes at Khao Kradong and alleged improper foreign business ownership in the country.

The organizers stated that the movement will avoid prolonged, overnight encampments and will operate without traditional political color-coding.

The Sept. 10 gathering will include submitting a letter at the Israeli Embassy. Sondhi urged citizens opposed to the current administration to join the protest, dismissing critics who downplayed the movement's potential influence. -819 (TNA)