Anti-government protests intensify in Thailand
Updated
Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of the Thai prime minister Samak Sundaravej.
Presenter: Ron Corben
Speaker: Anti-government protestors, Chum Lelalyuwa and Art Skulkan.
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CORBEN: Rally organizers were hoping up to 300-thousand people would be gathering in what they called "D" day in a bid to pressure Prime Minister Samak Sundarvej to stand down accusing the government of abuse of power.
The rallies, led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, have been ongoing for the past three months, the protests often acting as vehicles raising crucial debates such as government efforts to alter the constitution to halt investigations and court proceedings against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Mr Thaksin fled Thailand earlier this month during a crucial court case in which he is accused of abuse of power over state held land purchased by his wife while he was Prime Minister.
Chum Lelalyuwa, an advertising industry executive, says he believes the government has been using the state budget to support spending programmes aimed at paving the way for Thaksin's return to politics.
CHUM: We all believe - I do believe - that Thaksin try to use all the money because the government here is subsidised from Thaksin anyway. They try to use all the money and then we don't have any money then Thaksin will try to come back.
CORBEN: Perhaps say Samak stands down what happens then?
CHUM: It's a first step we get rid of him first then we think about it.
CORBEN: This is a very, very big crowd today more than before. Why so many today?
CHUM: Because people blow the whistle. We send a signal to all the Thai people that the government is no longer legal - he's got to go out.
CORBEN: Art Skulkan, is a graphics designer, is one of those who accuses the government of abusing the budget through major spending programmes.
ART: They use the money; they spend the money on the project. But they're corrupted. They took all the money inside for each other that's why this is a corruption issue.
CORBEN: For many the key concern remains the influence that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has over current administration. Mrs Nanthana is one of those who still believe that despite Mr. Thaksin fleeing to Britain he is still "pulling the strings" behind the scenes through key supporters in Thailand.
NANTHANA: We don't want the Samak government because he's very corrupted and he's a nominee from the Thaksin Governments and Thaksin is not really gone - he's a billionaire - he exploited Thailand and took everything and he's got lots of money so he can pull the strings. Thaksin is behind everything and Samak is a nominee, he does everything for Thaksin.
CORBEN: Earlier protestors brought to a temporary halt broadcasts from a state TV station after up to 80 people stormed the station. Other acts of civil disobedience had included entering ministerial department buildings and the closure of main access highways to the capital Bangkok. Amid the increasing tensions senior military officers were reportedly meeting to discuss the unrest. But the military has ruled out any intervention
