BANGKOK, Aug 27 – British former prime minister Tony Blair’s visit next week is expected to draw protests from several groups opposing the current government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The protesters are expected to hand over a protest letter to the British government Tuesday, calling for Blair not to join a one-day special lecture series on “Uniting for the Future: Learning from Each Other’s Experience” to be held here on Sept 2.
Blair along with former president of Finland Marti Ahtisaari and Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue senior adviser Pricilla Hayner are scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the event.
Yingluck is also expected to attend the event.
Anticipating the protest, the UK Foreign Office advises those with non-essential consular business to visit the British embassy on an alternative day.
“We are expecting a public gathering outside the British embassy in Bangkok on Tuesday, Aug 27,” said the UK Foreign Office’s travel advice for Thailand.
The protest gathering is expected to begin at 10am.
“We will remain open to the public as usual, but visitors may encounter some inconvenience,” it said.
– BERNAMA
