Suthep: Lumpini move not a retreat

The PDRC's Bangkok Shutdown is over with major streets open to traffic again and the main group of protesters occupying a single site in Lumpini Park. But this should not be seen as sign of weakness, rally leader Suthep Thuagsuban said.

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The atmosphere at Lumpini Park last night as protesters settle into their new rally site. PORNPROM STRABHAYA

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The People's Democratic Reform Committee's (PDRC) Bangkok shutdown campaign officially ended yesterday after its secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban led thousands of protesters at Pathumwan intersection in a march to their new home at Lumpini Park.

The atmosphere at Lumpini Park last night as protesters settle into their new rally site. PORNPROM STRABHAYA

The most colourful section of yesterday's march. KRIT PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN

However,  he warned the PDRC's move should not be seen as a retreat, but rather an indication the movement has gained more confidence and is ready push harder towards their agenda of national reform.

According to core PDRC member Sathit Wongnongtoey, the shutdown campaign has served its purpose and is no longer needed under the current circumstances. The anti-government group has over the past several months put on a show of defiance against the caretaker government and effectively pressured it.

Anti-government protesters regroup at Lumpini Park yesterday after their rally sites at Pathumwan, Ratchaprasong, Asok and Silom were shut down. SITHIKORN WONGWUDTHIANUN

He said the people have decided and what is left for the PDRC is to figure out how to make caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra step down and to push for national reforms.

With the National Anti-Corruption Commission wrapping up its investigation into irregularities in the rice-pledging scheme, the PDRC will wait for the agency to do its job and see the back of the government, he said. The PDRC does not need ''the power of the masses'' for that.

By consolidating the four rally sites into one single stage at Lumpini Park, Mr Sathit said the security will be easier to handle, and protest leaders can refocus their efforts in addressing reform issues.

With the protesters gone, the Ratchaprasong intersection gets a thorough cleanup. PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL

He said the PDRC has stretched its resources providing security at the protest sites.

Mr Sathit admitted some PDRC supporters felt discouraged and even demoralised, but the move to Lumpini was correct. It was proposed by PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban and discussed by core members.

"We know the supporters might feel a little demoralised. But we believe it will be good in the long run. We are confident that Ms Yingluck and the Thaksin regime will have to go," he said.

The first rally site open to traffic was the Asok intersection which was fully operational last night. THANARAK KHOONTON

A source close to the PDRC said there are signs that changes are coming and a new strategy is needed. He pointed to the day national police chief Adul Saengsingkaew came down from his office to accept a petition in person from the protesters and Mr Suthep apologised to Pol Gen Adul.

"Changes are coming. The government is being isolated more and more. We must get ready for reform," the source said.

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