Bangkok: “Uniting the Power of the Land” takes center stage as the United Power of the Land group prepares for a major rally set to occur on June 28. Mr. Jatuporn Prompan, an influential member of the United Front for the Protection of Sovereignty, emphasized that the rally is not merely an assembly but a bold declaration of national sovereignty, urging participation from citizens across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jatuporn Prompan has planned an inspection of the rally venue at the island in the middle of Victory Monument, ahead of a scheduled meeting with the Metropolitan Police. The rally aims to echo historical student-led sovereignty movements and challenges the current government’s restrictive stance on assemblies. Mr. Jatuporn criticized the government’s legal maneuvers against such gatherings and voiced distrust in the Prime Minister’s negotiations with Cambodian officials, questioning the government’s commitment to national integrity.
Mr. Jatuporn asserted that the rally is not a call for a coup, but a patriotic duty transcending generational divides. He highlighted the government’s failure to support or encourage such initiatives while condemning attempts to discredit the movement as being driven by familiar faces. He urged nationwide participation, stressing the importance of demonstrating national unity.
The event will commence at 4 p.m., concluding at 9 p.m., with pre-event activities starting at 1 p.m. Mr. Jatuporn expressed hope that authorities would not obstruct the gathering. He addressed concerns about potential third-party violence, assuring that discussions with the Metropolitan Police would establish checkpoints to secure the area.
Mr. Panthep Puapongphan, another protest leader, reiterated the transparency of their efforts, detailing the setup in a public area and the symbolic choice of Victory Monument as the venue. He dismissed claims that the protest would disrupt nearby hospital operations and confirmed that the movement’s funding is self-supported, with provisions for public donations to ensure transparency.
Mr. Kaewsarn Atibodhi assured that arrangements would accommodate essential vehicular access and apologized for any public inconvenience caused. He emphasized that the rally is a defense of sovereignty, not a political maneuver against the Prime Minister, urging resignation only if trust is lost.
Lastly, Mr. Nitithorn Lamluea clarified that the rally aligns with constitutional provisions rather than the Assembly Act, asserting police responsibility to facilitate rather than permit such gatherings. He confirmed a meeting with the Metropolitan Police to discuss measures ensuring minimal disruption to public life.