Asia-Pacific
Some red-shirts leaders have fled: Thai govt
(Agencies/Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-19 14:18
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 A Thai army soldier aims his weapon during an operation to evict anti-government "red shirt" protesters from their encampment in Bangkok on May 19, 2010. [Agencies] |
BANGKOK - Acting government spokesman Panithan Wattanayakorn announced on Wednesday that some red-shirt leaders have fled out of Rajprasong rally site, though he did not give the names.
In an televised address at 11:40 am, Panithan confirmed the escape of some red-shirts leaders, as media reported earlier.
On the other hand, one of the red-shirted core leaders Nutthawut Saikua appeared at the center stage of the rally site Ratchaprasong at about 11:20 am, saying he has not fled and will go on fighting here.
He voiced his pledge after some red-shirts leaders were reported to have fled the sealed-off zone, where the troops are pushing forward to disperse the protesters.
Thailand's ASTV reported that Arisman Pongruengrong, another leader, fled Ratchprasong the central rally site as military take Sarasin intersection.
Arisman was reported to have changed his clothes before he managed to sneak his way out from Ratchaprasong at about 10:20 a.m.
The whereabout of the other two leaders, Jatuporn Promphan and Suporn Attawong, were not mentioned. But according to Xinhua News Agency who cited ASTV news report, Jatuporn plans to surrender at 1:00 pm at Thailand's national police headquarters in central Bangkok.
