Chamlong takes to the stage yesterday urging supporters to protect the stage with peaceful means.

Interpretation of court order in dispute; protests to be prolonged with new tactic

The police say the People's Alliance for Democracy must completely clear Rama V and Phitsanulok roads around the clock.

Deputy spokesman Maj-General Surapol Thuanthong says the court order stipulates these roads must be kept open to traffic at all times.

He says the PAD is complying only between 7.30am and 4.30pm.

"We won't negotiate anymore. Police will take photographic evidence of the pro-test, its stage and possessions for a court submission," adds Metropolitan Police deputy chief Maj-General Phanu Kerdlapphol.

The Civil Court on Monday issued an injunction ordering PAD leaders to remove their road blockade.

Amplifiers

It must refrain from using amplification during school hours, too, or between 7.30am and 4.30pm. The PAD appealed, but lost.

Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD leader, insists the court directive does not stipulate a 24-hour road opening. However, he says the alliance will obey any subsequent orders.

Shortly before noon yesterday, Chamlong sought to break the sound-level rule to warn protesters to protect the rally stage and camp if the government attempts to dismantle them. However, he urged no use of force or abusive language with police, fearing this could provoke forcible removal.

The PAD will likely break its demonstration into smaller groups, if the Civil Court for-ces it away from Government House.

Spreading stars

Chamlong says it can adopt a so-called "spreading stars" tactic in a bid to perpetuate its campaign aimed at removing the government from office.

He says PAD hope the plan can be initiated in three or four days. The sit-in will spread to state-agency head offices which have failed to make progress on issues raised by the alliance.