As the Red Shirts/UDD latest demand, leader Veera Musikhapong threatened from the main demonstration platform at Pan Fah Bridge that, “unless the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiiva agrees to dissolve parliament, relinquish power and return it to the people”, the group would spread their protests across the capital in coming days if their demands are not met. The UDD believes that the current government is, in fact a dictatorship and not a fair representation of the people.

The noon, Sunday ultimatum was made in the face of an additional nine companies of security personnel being deployed, with the number of police and military units near the rally site rising to 42 companies. ( I wonder how long until the security apparatus outnumber the protesters, … ?) More troops were also sent to reinforce the 11 Infantry Regiment in Bang Khen where the government has set up a peacekeeping and monitoring command center. Additionally 20 companies of unarmed soldiers are currently guarding the compound in the event the Red Shirts attempt to invade or block entry access, in an attempt to thwart the use of military security measures or even a coup. Army Chief Anupong Paojinda is in charge of commanding overall military and army operations. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejajiiva’s statements indicate that he is holding his ground firmly and not giving in to the protesters demands.

In light of bitter UDD accusations of his government falsely occupying power, he and his cabinet will likely consider invoking emergency military law if the situation appears to be veering out of control or blockades of army compounds and command centers are attempted. So far, only a small number of instances of brawling or minor injuries have beeen reported, …. (far less than most football/ soccer matches with an equal number of attenders, for sure.)

Memories are still fresh of 2009’s Songkran violence in which last year’s Asean meeting in Pattaya was the site of an ugly clash between Red and Yellow aligned factions, as the Red Shirts broke into the venue for the meeting and dispersed Asean Ministers, that consequently spilled over into disruptions in Bangkok in which the Prime Minister’s car was attacked by an angry mob… (Got Attitude …?)

Perhaps these events have served as forewarnings to all not to be the first to instigate clashes, and both sides are content to seek the most peaceful offfensive and defensive methods possible, at least for the moment ….

In a famously Thaksin-esque styled ’surprise Call –In’ to the protest demonstrators from his latest safe haven, Berlin along with his family, he told his loyal fans and supporters in the political crisis “the more you come out, the more I want to fight… I’m very grateful to everyone and I’ll come back to Thailand to pay you back,” also telling the cheering maroon masses. “The Democrats came to power with the help of the coup-makers and ‘amataya’”(royally aligned elite). Doesn’t it seem sheer irony that Thaksin himself told protesters, “…and I’ll come back to Thailand to pay you back ...“?

Isn’t it corruption on a massive scale that started this whole thing anyway… ? Maybe some people just never get it.