by Rex Wockner
The second gay pride parade in Chiang Mai, Thailand, was called off at the last minute Feb. 21 following virulent on-site protests by 30 members of a group called Rak Chiang Mai 51, The Nation newspaper reported.
Pride organizers said they feared the march would descend into violence, despite the presence of 150 police officers.
Rak Chiang Mai 51 spokesman Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul said pride events should be held in other cities, such as Phuket and Pattaya.
"Chiang Mai people cannot accept this and will stop the parade by all means, even violence," he said.
