Taxi Drivers Demand End To Protests

The taxi drivers parked around 20 taxis in front of the headquarters and submitted an open letter to the Chief of the Royal Thai Police, Pol.Gen. Adul Saengsinkaew, explaining their difficulties in making a living throughout the protests. 

 

They also decry the upcoming plan by the People′s Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD) to "shutdown" Bangkok on 13 January.

 

Mr. Sanong On-Anong, 40, one of the taxi drivers, told our correspondent that the prolonged protests of PCAD had severely affected his 20-year business. Since the protest started, his income had dramatically decreased, causing his family to face financial difficulty and unable to pay for the taxi leasing bills, Mr. Sanong said.

 

The protesters have been occupying stretches of Ratchadamnoen Avenue and a blocking a number of roads. 

 

Mr. Sanong also expressed his concern that a taxi driver had been brutally beaten  bythe anti-government protesters during their brief occupation of Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

 

“I want the police to prosecute Mr. Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the PCAD. I also wished him to stop the protest and turn himself in,” said Mr. Sanong, adding that if Mr. Suthep wants to protest, he should protest in his home province, Surat Thani.

 

“Please stop causing troubles in Bangkok”, Mr. Sanong pleaded.

 

Mr. Sanong added that he and his fellow taxi drivers are discussing about the solution for 13 January, after PCAD announced to close 20 major intersections in Bangkok during the shutdown.