PAD Ends Occupation of Government House

Apparently the PAD has decided that the airports are the places to fight their battle. The occupation of Government House did not cause near the uproar that the takeover of the airports is causing. It seems clear they have no intention of giving up the airport sieges any time soon and have called out all the "troops."

At the present time there simply seems to be no end in sight and they mean to make the airport situation even worse than it already is. The good news, if you can call it that, is so far they have made no moves to disrupt the U-Tapao airport, but at this point it wouldn't surprise me if they make moves to close down U-Tapao as well.

It seems fairly obvious that these people are in it for the log haul and they don't intend to give up easily or soon.

The following appears in THE NATION:

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PAD Ends its Occupation of the Government House

By The Nation

In a shocking move, People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) ended its three-month-long protest at the Government House on Monday.

PAD's co-leader Chamlong Srimuang informed anti-government protesters to abandon the Government House and move to gather at either Don Muang or Suvarnabhumi airports.

"I will lead you to continue the rally against the government at either airport. We will abandon the Government House. PAD's guards are assigned to supervise moving of the equipments and tents to the new rally sites," Chamlong said.

PAD had started the seizure of the Government House on August 26, forcing the prime ministers; Samak Sundaravej and incumbent Somchai Wongsawat, to work somewhere else including Supreme Command office. Somchai who was appointed to the position late October has never had chance to work there.

Chamlong said the Government House was no longer secure as it risked being attacked by pro-government supporters.

"I already alerted police about the insecurity and dangers on protesters protesting in the Government House, but they have done nothing," he said.

Security and protection at Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports are much better and

Upon hearing Chamlong, some protesters said they would continue the protest there and would not move to new site.

"It is up to you if you wanted to stay here, but I would not guarantee your security. I don't you to die here," he said.

There would be no protesters but PAD's guards staying overnight at the government House. The move will mean the end of live broadcast of ASTV at the Government House.

PAD provided many vehicles, including six-wheeled trucks, vans and pickups for protesters who wanted to go to the airports.