2 rally sites closing

Protesters at the Lat Phrao and Victory Monument rally sites have begun dismantling the stages and have started gathering their belongings. Next comes the long march to Lumpini where they will join the rally site there.

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Lat Phrao, one of the more active rally sites, is shutting down today with its group of protesters moving to Lumpini park. PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD

12:15

Suthep Thuagsuban is leading his fastest march ever, no waiting around, no food stops and it doesn't look like he is seeking many donations either. The Lat Phrao protesters have already been joined by the Victory monument group and together are marching down Phetchaburi Road and are nearing Pradu Nam. From there they will pass the Ratchaprasong rally site and, without stopping, they say, will go straight to Lumpini Park.

Protesters take their belonging away from the Lat Phrao rally site this morning.

PDRC secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban leads the Lat Phrao protesters to Victory Monument before moving on to Lumpini Park. PATTARCHAI PREECHAPANIT

2 rally stages to close

POST REPORTERS

The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) has resolved to end rallies at two of their seven stages for safety reasons.

PDRC co-leader Issara Somchai, who oversees the Lat Phrao stage, announced the demolition of the two stages last evening following a meeting with PDRC leaders, including secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban.

The decision came after several violent attacks at the stages, including Saturday's shootout between anti-government protesters and the pro-government red-shirt group at Laksi, he said.

Mr Issara said the PDRC obtained information suggesting there would be more violence after the general election, as red shirts and an unidentified group of armed men had already plotted attacks.

''PDRC leaders believe it isn't worth risking our lives with these armed groups. We have tried our best to safeguard ourselves, but the attacks have continued over the recent weeks,'' Mr Issara said.

The Lat Phrao and Victory Monument stages, led by former Democrat MP Thaworn Senneam, have been attacked with gun fire and explosive devices, injuring several guards and protesters.

PDRC protesters from upcountry provinces at the Lat Phrao rally site who have been camping out at Chatuchak should feel at home at Lumpini Park. PATTARACHAI PREECHAPANICH

Mr Issara said demonstrators from Lat Phrao and Victory Monument stages would join the rally at Lumpini Park near Sala Daeng intersection.

Mr Suthep will visit the Lat Phrao stage on Monday to lead protesters to join Victory Monument protesters before moving on to Lumpini Park.

The PDRC set up seven stages across Bangkok when they launched the Bangkok shutdown operation on Jan 13.

The Victory Monument site has been a popular gathering point, but it not easy to defend, rally leaders say. SEKSAN ROJJANAMETAKUL

With the demolitions of the Lat Phrao and Victory Monument stages, there will be five stages left, at Chaeng Watthana, Pathumwan, Ratchaprasong, Asok and Lumpini.

Mr Issara said he would also convince Luang Pu Buddha Issara, who leads the Chaeng Watthana protest, to disband for safety reasons.

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