6,377 people participated in the UDD led anti-government rally in Thailand demanding dissolution of the Parliament;
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  • More than 45,000 people participated in the March 14 anti-government rally led by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) in Bangkok.1 The UDD vowed to increase the level of their protests if Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva failed to dissolve Parliament.2 PM Abhisit had earlier pledged to dissolve Parliament if it could bring about political stability. He however added that such a decision will have to be made depending on national interest.3 He also assured the parliament that the government would respect the UDD demonstrators’ right to assemble peacefully but will take necessary measures to prevent the situation from getting out of hand. The Thai PM also denied the possibility of a military coup.4

    Burma’s pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi urged the people to stand against the ‘unjust’ election law that was recently announced by the military junta. Under the new law, Suu Kyi as a serving prisoner has not only been banned from contesting the upcoming national election but also faces exclusion from her own party, the National League for Democracy.5 In the face of world wide criticism on account of the new election law, the authorities finally allowed the NLD to reopen its offices which were closed since 2003.6

    In other developments, Singapore, Thailand and the US Air Forces concluded the trilateral air exercises ‘Cope Tiger’ at the Korat Air Base in Thailand on March 12. Being conducted since 1994, the exercises aim to enhance the interoperability and professionalism of the three forces and foster better understanding among their personnel.7

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