Red Shirts from the Northeast Organize Mass Gathering in Bangkok to Welcome Thaksin Upon Prison Release
Thousands of red shirt activists from Thailand's Northeast are organizing a mass gathering at Klongprem Central Prison in Bangkok on May 10-11 to welcome former PM Thaksin Shinawatra upon his release following a royal pardon.
Red shirt activists from the Northeast have coordinated plans to travel to Bangkok to greet former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at Klongprem Central Prison following his pardon. Panwadee Tantisirin, advisor to the 20-Province Northeast Women's Network and former pro-democracy movement leader, announced at a press conference in Khon Kaen on May 9 that supporters from all provinces have agreed to unite and travel to the prison on the evening of May 10. She stated that thousands of red shirt supporters, pro-democracy activists, and Thaksin's fans are excited and have been anticipating this day for a long time. The group plans to wear red shirts and line up in front of the prison to send smiles and encouragement, though they will not be able to directly meet with Thaksin due to security procedures and family gatherings. Reports indicate that Preeda Panthiva, a red shirt leader from Ubon Ratchathani province, has organized approximately 150 supporters to depart on three chartered buses on the morning of May 10 to join the reception at Klongprem Central Prison on the morning of May 11, with plans to return home the same day.
