Bangkok: "Sonthi" revealed his regretful decision of chasing his father away 20 years ago, which has come full circle as he now faces the necessity of chasing his son away. The underlying issue, as he highlighted, is deeply rooted in Thailand's political system. Meanwhile, "Jatuporn" has made clear intentions to escalate protests if the Prime Minister, despite a court order, continues to hold office.
According to Thai News Agency, at the United Power of the Land group's rally at Victory Monument, leaders passionately called for the Prime Minister's immediate resignation. Mr. Sonthi Limthongkul, in a heartfelt speech, shared his age of 78 and his determination to take a stand for potentially the last time. He disclosed details of a 50:50 profit-sharing concession with a massive deposit of 100 billion US dollars or 3 billion baht, emphasizing the crucial issue of a flawed political system.
Mr. Sonthi openly expressed his opposition to military intervention, stating, "I am not encouraging a coup because the military has not said when it will stage a coup. They can do it whenever they want. If they see that a political crisis has occurred and cannot be solved, then it is their business. But I have one request: if they are going to do it, amen. Please do not let a general run the country anymore. Let the people participate in solving the country's problems."
Reflecting on past actions, Mr. Sonthi acknowledged, "I never thought 20 years ago, I would walk up on stage to chase away Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra. Now, 20 years later, it is the misfortune of life. It is the era that he has to chase away his daughter." He emphasized the necessity of future protests if needed to instigate change, urging the crowd for their commitment.
Mr. Jatuporn Prompan, representing the People's Fusion Group, closed the rally with a firm stance on escalating actions if the Constitutional Court orders Ms. Paethongtarn to cease her duties and she does not comply. He also expressed strong opposition to the Entertainment Complex Act's introduction in parliament, promising full-force protests if necessary.
'The time for reform has passed. We must revolutionize and cleanse the land, but not by means of a coup. However, reform cannot be swept away. We must cleanse it on a large scale. We must clean it thoroughly. Today, the people should unite as one to protect the sovereignty of the nation. If we are divided, the nation will be lost. Join hands to expel Paethongtarn. We must not lose even a single inch of land,' he declared passionately.
The rally concluded at 9:43 p.m., leaving a strong message of unity and determination among the protesters.