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Gen. Prem is confident
Posted on Saturday, 11 October 2008, 15: 29 GMT
Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, president of the Privy Council and senior statesman, said he is confident that reconciliation among the public could eventually be achieved in Thailand. Declining to say whether it is the right time for the military to come out of their barracks and to try to solve the country's persisting political turbulence, Gen. Prem, a former prime minister, said the military knows their responsibilities. He declined to answer whether it is appropriate for the military to remain neutral following the bloody street protests in Bangkok on Tuesday which saw two persons died and more than 400 others injured during clashes between anti-government protesters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and police. Expressing his regret over Tuesday's clashes, Gen. Prem said he could not predict the future but that he hoped that every one would perform his or her own duty. (Source: Thai News Agency)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Chavalit gets his interview back
Posted on Saturday, 11 October 2008, 15: 26 GMT
Army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Friday reminded former deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to be mindful of his role in the Tuesday's crowd dispersal instead of trying to encourage soldiers to seize power. Chavalit was critical of Anupong when he gave an interview insinuating about indecisiveness to lead the coup. He called on the Army chief to intervene because he saw the coup as the only way to end the political rifts. Anupong countered he could think for himself and that he was completely in full grasp of the situation. He said Chavalit might have been confused in trying to prod the military when he should be reflecting on his performance at the Cabinet meeting on the night of October 6 ahead of the crackdown. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Government supporters at Muang Thong Thani
Posted on Saturday, 11 October 2008, 15: 24 GMT
Over 10,000 government supporters in red shirt gathered at the Thunder Dome of Muang Thong Thani Chaeng Wattana Saturday morning. They gathered to show support for three controversial hosts of the Today's Truth TV programme on NBT. About 8,500 people jam-packed the stadium while 2,000 others waited outside. The organizers of the event said the government supporters came from several provinces, including Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Lampang, Udon Thani and Bangkok. Veera Musigapong, one of the three hosts, said the event was held to measure the strength of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship and government supporters for planning measures to counter the People's Alliance for Democracy. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
PAD leaders report topolice
Posted on Saturday, 11 October 2008, 15: 21 GMT
Seven leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy were released from police custody yesterday just hours after turning themselves in for booking. They will have to report to police next on October 24. Maj-General Anan Srihiran, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 1, said police would further interrogate the PAD leaders. The suspects were released on Bt100,000 bail each, with three senators also acting as guarantors for them, police said. Their surrender came a day after the Appeals Court withdrew arrest warrants issued for the PAD leaders on charges of treason, a possibly capital offense. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Chavalit wants a coup
Posted on Friday, 10 October 2008, 12: 45 GMT
Former deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who resigned from the cabinet for ordering police attacks on PAD demonstrations on Tuesday, now says a military-led coup d'etat is the only way to resolve the political strife. Gen Chavalit said the answer lies with army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, who has repeatedly ruled out a coup. Gen Chavalit said Gen Anupong should immediately return power after staging a coup to allow an interim government to be installed and tackle the political turmoil.
"There is no other way out. A House dissolution cannot solve the problem. The problem can be solved by three institutions - the monarchy, which remains politically neutral, the military, which appears to be not interested in intervening, and the government, which stays above the problem. "So I see [the answer in] a putsch. After the military steps in, power should immediately be returned to the people and an interim government can be formed in which every party takes part. "Tell him [Gen Anupong] not to be afraid. After he does it [stage a coup], he should pull out and let the people take it from there," he said.
Gen Chavalit, who resigned from his cabinet post after Tuesday's clashes between police and anti-government protesters, also suggested there was no need to abolish the entire constitution after a coup. Certain articles of the constitution should be suspended to allow for the appointment of a prime minister and cabinet members who represent all sectors of society, he said. Citing his talks with Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a core member of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Gen Chavalit said the PAD had expected to end its siege of Government House on Oct 9 if insurrection charges against its nine core leaders were revoked. He said Oct 11 had been planned for a big event he did not elaborate on. The plan, however, was foiled when he quit the government. Gen Chavalit said PAD leaders were aware they could not prolong their protest because the state funeral for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana was to be held next month. "From our talks [with Maj-Gen Chamlong], the PAD said it would end the protest. But some demonstrators would move to Ban Phitsanulok where they would set up a people's council to scrutinize the government. "Maj-Gen Chamlong understands we will have an important event and the PAD cannot stay where they are. Our agreement was that it must be cleared up by Oct 23," he said. Gen Chavalit doubted Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat would be able to resume a dialogue with the PAD to end the stalemate, especially when casualties occurred in Tuesday's clashes. PAD core leader and media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul was not easy to negotiate with, he said. (Source: The Bangkok Post). This was an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post. We therefore cite it here without further comment.Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
PAD directs protest now at police
Posted on Friday, 10 October 2008, 12: 34 GMT
Chamlong Srimuang, a core leader of the activist People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) said the group planned to protest at the Royal Thai Police headquarters on Monday to criticize the agency for using violence to disperse protesters at Parliament on Tuesday. The demonstrators will gather at the National Stadium before moving to police headquarters. Chamlong asserted that the demonstration will not incite violence, saying that if violence does occurs, it will be from (non-PAD) people who want to incite violence. He added that it was the duty of the police to maintain order. Chamlong said he agreed with the government to set up a fact-finding committee to probe Tuesday's clash at Parliament, which claimed two lives and injured more than 400 protesters and a relatively small number of police. He said committee members must not be police officers or government officials, or the probe may be distorted. Note from Hasekamp Net: Neither should the committee contain PAD-connected persons.
Chamlong said that he agreed with social critic and leading citizen Prawase Wasi to propose Kanit Na Nakhon, former attorney general, to chair the committee. (Source: Thai News Agency)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Chula doctors critisized
Posted on Friday, 10 October 2008, 5: 01 GMT
Dr. Suthep Koncharnwit, a physician at Chulalongkorn Hospital, said on Wednesday that medical teams from the hospital would not give medical assistance to police who were injured in the clashes with PAD supporters to show that the doctors opposed the use of violence. Medical council chairman Dr. Somsak said the council would investigate the issue. Meanwhile, Thai Red Cross Society secretary-general Dr. Phan Wannamethee and executives of Chulalongkorn Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society and Chulalongkorn's Faculty of Medicine together issued a statement affirming their stance to treat patients regardless of political belief, race, nationality and religion. Meanwhile, Dr. Suthep from Chulalongkorn apologised for having announced a boycott of medical service to the police, and the emotional remarks he had made at a press conference said he was sorry to have made statements that may have had a negative impact against the hospital. He said some may have misunderstood his intention as he only wanted to urge the authorities and other in responsible positions to understand that the measures government and police used against protesters were not appropriate.
We hope the doctors in question will be banned from the profession anyway. This is so basically wrong! (Source: Thai News Agency)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
PAD leaders free on bail
Posted on Thursday, 9 October 2008, 15: 30 GMT
People's Alliance for Democracy leader Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong are released on bail after Appeals Court has dropped treason charges against PAD leaders on Thursday. Both leaders who were arrested last week on treason charges vowed to return to lead the anti-government protest at the Government House. Protesters erupted in cheers upon learning about the release. Chamlong said after being released that he will return to the protest site at the Government as soon as possible. In separate interview, Chaiwat said he thanked the Appeals Court for dropping the treason charges. Commenting on negotiation with the government, Chaiwat said everybody should wait and see to see whether Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat who is brother-in-law of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra was sincere or not in solving the ongoing political crisis. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Account by a Bangkok blogger
Posted on Thursday, 9 October 2008, 4: 36 GMT
"This video is neatly edited and it is nice to put such a headline. Me too, I don’t believe that none of the thousands protesters were unarmed. But it is so heartless for any one to say something like this to an unarmed woman who went with a family to join the protest. Please see… http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/09/politics/politics_30085551.php As I browse Internet to find all information, one thing is clear: we just can’t find any neutral comment on any website. Just like this space of yours, while over 400 people injured – mainly from the police’s tear gas – you can still manage to find a video clip that selectively shows armed PAD members. At the same time, PAD’s main website
Manager also features only police’s violence clips. One question to you, by showing this video clip, do you by any mean want to justify that the police is just to use the force to the protesters as a whole? Do you suggest that the police did it because they had to defend themselves?
Thanks." (Source: Bangkok Pundit)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Zoo animals stressed
Posted on Thursday, 9 October 2008, 4: 31 GMT
Bangkok's Dusit Zoo made special arrangements to protect its 2,300 animals from being stressed out by the explosive noise and smoke from Tuesday's clashes in its neighbourhood between antigovernment protesters and police. The zoo, located opposite the Parliament building, moved two noisesensitive lesser anteaters to Chon Buri's Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Zoological Park Organisation deputy chief Prayuth Navacharoen said yesterday. Kangaroos and wallabies in cages near the Parliament front road were also moved to a quieter corner of the zoo, he said. Other creatures such as birds in the zoo's large cage did not seem affected by the noise, partly because they were already used to city sounds, he said. However, zoo veterinarians will closely watch the animals for signs of stress. "The impact on animals is not clearly seen - but the effect on fearful human visitors is obvious; many have stopped coming to the zoo since Tuesday," he said.
"Normally during the school break in October, parents choose to bring their kids to visit the zoo and we have at least 1,000 visitors a day," he said. He confirmed that despite the street troubles, the zoo is still open and safe for visiting. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Doctors refuse to treat police
Posted on Thursday, 9 October 2008, 4: 26 GMT
Doctors of eight hospitals released a statement condemning the police's dispersal of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) supporters, and called on the government to show responsibility of its action. Chulalongkorn Hospital is the first medical institution that would not treat police officers injured from the incident. "Today, medical team of Chulalongkorn Hospital will not give assistance to police officers injured from the clashes with PAD supporters. This is a social measure to show that doctors and nurses condemn the violent actions," Dr Suthep Koncharnwit, doctors of the hospital said. Doctors from seven other hospitals that jointly released the statement are doctors from Thammasat University, Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University, Ramathibodi Hospital, Siriraj Hospital, Srinakharinwirot University and Songkhla Nakharin University.
According to Dr Suthep, the measure will be adopted only at Chulalongkorn Hospital for now.
These doctors are acting agaist their oath and should be banned from the profession. We are amazed that it should come to such irresponsible actions in Thailand. We hope the government will take its responsibility here. (Source The Bangkok Post)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
The BBC writes
Posted on Wednesday, 8 October 2008, 12: 29 GMT
This is what the BBC,a very reliable news source, writes about yesterdays clashes.
"A man was killed in a suspected car bomb near parliament, and a woman was killed during the clashes. Eight police officers are reported to have been shot or stabbed. Medical authorities said 443 people were injured, 66 of whom had to be hospitalized. At least two protesters had to have limbs amputated. Demonstrators accused police of using stun grenades, but the authorities said they only used tear gas. Local media were shocked by Tuesday's violence. The Bangkok Post newspaper said the country was on the "brink of anarchy", while The Nation described the violence as a "bloodbath in Bangkok". Troops were eventually brought into help the police, although army commanders took pains to reassure the public that there would be no coup - always a possibility in Thailand, says the BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok."Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
PM urged to take responsibility
Posted on Wednesday, 8 October 2008, 12: 24 GMT
Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat should take responsibility for the bloody street violence that claimed two lives and hundreds of injured on Tuesday after police used tear gas against protesters at Parliament, according to the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The police took action to open a passage for members of the House and Senate as the government is scheduled to deliver its policy statement. The PAD protesters that encamped in the Government House compound since late August expanded its rally to the environs of the Parliament to stop the legislative body from convening and to protest against the planned constitutional amendments. PAD core leader Pipob Thongchai said the violent clash between the riot police and the PAD protesters showed that the prime minister himself ordered the police to attack the people, which led to the loss of lives and many injured. He said the police did not exercise international standards to disperse protesters, from gentleness to toughness, and there was no warning before the police used tear gas to crackdown against the protesters. The PAD considers the actions of the police as being illegal, and would sent photos showing people hurt by the police to websites worldwide to let the world know the extent of their actions, he said. Moreover, Mr. Pipob said, an independent inquiry committee should be set up to investigate the fatal incident on Tuesday.
The PAD core leader admitted that some police officers were hurt by the PAD demonstrators as they could not control themselves and they had to act in self-defense. Mr. Pipob showed reporters the photographs that he claimed showed police with hand grenades, and using them to hurt people. One demonstrator lost his leg because of this kind of bomb, he said.
Although the police actions were indeed hard, they were justified, if performed conform international standards. We will wait and see what reliable evidence will be shown in the coming days. As we all know, digital pictures can easily be manipulated. The allegation that the police used hand grenades can be rejected without further investigation for the moment. Mr. Pipob cannot be considered to be a reliable witness in this case. (Source: Thai News Agency)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
PAD seeks confrontation
Posted on Wednesday, 8 October 2008, 4: 46 GMT
After the bloodiest day of their campaign, PAD protesters regroup at Government House Tuesday night and are determined to fight on. Anti-government protesters were largely solemn but determined inside Government House Tuesday night, joined by their allies who poured in from other provinces after the most violent day of their months-long campaign. Scenes inside Government House were largely similar to those of other days, reflecting the mostly non-aggressive nature of the campaign and contradicting what happened earlier on Tuesday that left at least two deaths and hundreds of injuries. Key leaders of PAD took the stage between 10.30pm and midnight. They included Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Wongpaiboon and Suriyasai Katasila. Hundreds of protesters from the southern provinces Sonkhla and Ranong gradually arrived at the Government House to the loud cheers of those inside. The new arrivals helped cram the compound and ease fears of ambush by police.
Suriyasai told the crowd that he believed that the government's use of violence would certainly affect Thaksin Shinawatra's request for seeking a refugee status in the United Kingdom. "Britain is a true democracy and they won't just gather information from his (Thaksin) side alone. The (British) embassy certainly did a lot of work today and they have the human rights department and they would know exactly what the puppet government of Thaksin did to the protesters," he said.
Suriyasai added the British government would surely hear the international community's criticism against the Thai government's use of violence. "All international media agree that the government overreacted in dispersing the protesters," he said.
The PAD's current strategy, according to the key leaders, is to hold their two main rally grounds inside the Government House and around the Makkawan Rangsan Bridge. "We've heard a lot of rumours on the possible attack and we think it is more important to station here (inside Government House). We can march to Parliament any time but we do have to stay here because here is the symbol of government," said Suriyasai.
He asked the demonstrators to listen to each unit's leader and stay disciplined.
He said the resignation of Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyuth brings a major change into politics. "Unlike Banharn (Silapaarach) or Sanoh Thienthong, Big Jew (Chavalit) is the man who is not a businessman-turned-politician. He quitted the top army post to enter politics so we must give him some credit." Gen Chavalit's resignation signals the end of government for three reasons, he said. "First, they won't have anyone to handle the problem in the Southern provinces. Secondly, since he is the main person to hold talk for reconciliation, his departure means no more talk between us and the government. Thirdly, there is no link now to Gen Prem Tinlasulanonda if he is meant to be that link."
Suriyasai led the mob to give big hands to Gen Chavalit for "choosing the people's side rather than holding onto power."
He also asked the protesters to keep their eyes on the moves of the Democrat Party. "They are led by new generation of leaders and I think they would come out with something really good in no time. I'd like you all to give big hands to Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva in advance." (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Crisis worsens seriously
Posted on Wednesday, 8 October 2008, 4: 41 GMT
Convoys of military trucks last night arrived near Bangkok's Parliament complex in preparation to help police restore law and order following a long day of unrest. Large areas in the vicinity of Parliament yesterday became a battleground for anti-government protesters and police, as Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat mulled various options to restore law and order. The premier, who managed to deliver his policy statement before Parliament amid all the chaos, said he would not yet consider dissolving the House of Representatives or tendering his resignation. General Anupong Paochinda, the powerful Army chief, meanwhile, reiterated that the military would neither use force to quell protesters nor stage another coup. Somchai, however, expressed serious concern over the unrest in which two had already been killed and 381 injured by late in the evening. Speaking after an urgent meeting with Anupong and Supreme Commander General Songkitti Chakkabat, Somchai also expressed confidence that there would not be another coup. Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, meanwhile, tendered his resignation yesterday, saying that he could no longer take charge of security affairs following the nrest. Earlier, Chavalit had planned to negotiate a peaceful end to the seizure of Government House with leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy, but Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, two of the PAD's core leaders, were arrested before the start of negotiations.Asked if the government will consider declaring a stage of emergency, Somchai said there was no plan for such a move as yet. Leaders of the Army, Air Force and Navy yesterday morning held an urgent meeting as riots started ahead of the joint session of Parliament, at which the government was scheduled to deliver its policies before starting its official duties. Later in the day, the protesters turned into an angry mob as police stepped up efforts to clear the way for the premier, MPs and senators to enter the Parliament compound. The violence apparently came from both the police and protesters, with most of the injuries caused by the police's use of tear gas while a number of policemen were also injured as angry protesters used hard objects to stab them. One drove a truck over police, injuring 10 of them.A suspected bomb inside a Jeep Cherokee believed to be owned by a member of the PAD exploded in front of Chart Thai Party headquarters near Parliament, killing one person.The military also dispatched a few hundred soldiers to help the police restore peace and order.The PAD leadership was earlier scheduled to hold a press conference at 6pm, but the plan was cancelled, while thousands of protesters later marched from Parliament back to Government House, which anti-government protesters have occupied since August 26.
The court yesterday denied a request for the release of Chamlong. At press time, PAD members also surrounded the residences of premier Somchai and Pol General Jongruk Juthanont, a deputy police chief, in the Chaeng Wattana area. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
The Bangkok post writes
Posted on Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 10: 32 GMT
To complete the picture, here is what the Bangkok Post writes today:
The government won its way into parliament to make its policy statement on the heels of a tear gas attack against protesters early on Tuesday morning - but the demonstrators then locked the MPs and ministers inside the building, and cut off their water and electricity. With minimal debate, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat rushed through a reading of the policy statement, as required by law. But after a three-hour parliament session, Mr Somchai and government MPs found that the People's Alliance for Democracy - chased off by tear gas just after dawn - returned and sealed all five exits from the parliament compound. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat fled parliament uncerimoniously - climbing over a fend with his bodyguards to the Vimarnmek Mansion. But security guards of the Royal Household Bureau stopped around a dozen People Power party MPs from following the premier, and announced only Mr Somchai would be allowed to exit via the royal-maintained home.Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Chavalit resigns
Posted on Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 10: 28 GMT
Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh tenders his resignation on Tuesday to take responsibility on police's use of forces and tear gas on anti-government protesters. Gen Chavalit is deputy prime minister in charge of security. Police fired tear gas and used forces to disperse the protesters who blocked and surrounded the Parliament on Tuesday morning. They wanted to block access of Members of Parliament to the Parliament to attend policy debate of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawats' government. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Not only teargas?
Posted on Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 10: 27 GMT
Vachira Hospital's director Dr Wanchai Charoenchokthavee said the protesters's wounds were not likely to be from tear gas. Wachira Hospital doctors are treating several protesters who were injured after police fired tear gas into the anti-government protesters at the Parliament on Monday morning. Police insisted that they used only tear gas to disperse the protesters who blocked the Parliament so that Members of Parliament from attending Somchai government's policy address on Tuesday. "Judging from wounds of the victims we saw in the operation room, we believed that the wounds did not cause by tear gas," Wanchai said. The doctors said the wounds were caused by powerful explosives which can destroy tissues and bones.
We have apparently watched the wrong tv station, because on the station we watched only smiling people with small wounds were shown. We do not want to defend the use of any other weapons than teargas, however. It would be a serious case if stronger weapons were used. For the moment we have to wait for more proof. (Source for the first part: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
PAD smoked out
Posted on Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 10: 21 GMT
Thai police fired tear gas at anti-government protesters who block the Parliament on Pichai road on Tuesday morning, seriously injuring at least three. The police raid at 6.20am came to pave the way for members of Parliament who are scheduled to attend Somchai Wongsawat government's policy address there. Thousands of protesters blocked the Parliament on Monday night to block access by lawmakers to the Parliament. Thousands of supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) marched to parliament late Monday , using trucks to try to seal off the building ahead of an address by the new cabinet. Television footage showed police fired the tear gas to the protesters who hid behind barriers on a road near the Parliament compound. Sounds of gunfire were also heard but senior police officials said that only tear gas was being used against the crowd. Channel 3 television station reported that at least three protesters were seriously injured with one of them lost his leg. Police fired 40 to 50 canisters of tear gas against more than 4,000 of the demonstrators who conducted the sit in protest on Uthong Nai road. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Former Bangkok Governor re-elected
Posted on Monday, 6 October 2008, 8: 06 GMT
Former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin of the opposition Democrat Party was re-elected Sunday to another four-year term following the close of the voting stations in the Bangkok governor election, according to exit polls conducted by two public opinion monitoring agencies. Mr. Apirak was ranked first by both the ABAC and the Dusit polls, earning 44 and 52 per cent respectively of all eligible voters who exercised their right to vote at polling booths in Bangkok's 50 districts. Prapat Chongsanguan, who contested under the banner of the People Power Party at the core of the ruling government, placed second as he received nearly 24 per cent in the ABAC poll and 23 per cent in the Dusit poll, in result which indicated the integrity of the measurement process. Mr. Prapat was formerly governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. (Source: Thai News Agency)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
The day after the arrest
Posted on Monday, 6 October 2008, 8: 03 GMT
Thailand's Criminal Court is scheduled to rule on Monday whether to grant police permission for further detention of retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, one of the top core leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), for another 12 days, following his arrest Sunday while he was voting in the Bangkok governor's election. Gen. Chamlong greeted PAD supporters who had gathered outside the court to give him moral support but refused to give any comment. Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, deputy prime minister, said he will continue to push efforts to hold talks with the PAD representatives. He defended the police action in apprehending Gen. Chamlong, saying the PAD leader had already been issued an arrest warrant. He also brushed aside allegations that the government was behind the move. The deputy premier urged all sides not to misconstrue Gen. Chamlong's departure from the Government House compound to vote as his intentionally planning to have himself arrested in order to mobilise mass street protests. Gen. Chavalit asserted that the PAD core leader merely wanted to exercise his rights to vote for Bangkok governor. (Source: Thai News Agency)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Thaksin asks asylum
Posted on Monday, 6 October 2008, 7: 59 GMT
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojaman, are seeking political asylum in Britain, the UK Home Office confirmed. It is understood that the UK Home Office is considering their request, UK media reported. Both are on the run after being wanted in Thailand on on several corruption-related charges. Thaksin and his wife fled from Bangkok to London after jumping bails. Thai officials issued arrest warrants on them. After fleeing, Thaksin sold his Manchester City Football Club to an Abu Dhabi group for 210 million pounds. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Taxi drivers want more money
Posted on Sunday, 5 October 2008, 9: 59 GMT
Licensed taxi drivers are demanding a revised fare structure and are defending their strike at Suvarnabhumi airport last Thursday. Drivers working at Suvarnabhumi airport went on strike on Thursday, calling for changes to the new taxi fare structure imposed on June 18 for metered taxis. They said the new metered fare was unfair when making long-distance trips from the airports to provinces other than Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani. The Transport Ministry on Friday agreed to let taxi drivers bargain with passengers for inter-provincial trips. But the permission will not be granted permanently until the transport minister signs a regulation excluding long-distance trips from the ministry's taxi fare regulation. The permission will be temporary, as authorities are working out a new fare structure for long-distance trips to the provinces. (Source: The Bangkok Post)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
Chamlong arrested
Posted on Sunday, 5 October 2008, 9: 53 GMT
Chamlong Srimuang, a key leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, was arrested this morning at an election booth in Bangkok. Today is election day for a new Bangkok Governor. Police arrested him at 8 am when the polling station opened and he was going to cast his vote. He was allowed to cast his vote. His arrest came after the first of the nine PAD core members, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, was captured on treason charges on Friday. So, still seven on the run...
It was not clear if Chamlong, who is very close to Chaiwat, "intended" to be arrested, according to some PAD observers. Chamlong is the most important PAD leader, alongside media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul. The previous Samak government charged Chamlong, Chaiwat and the seven other PAD core members of treason after they led seizure of Government House. The PAD has been protesting inside Government House for several weeks, with the key leaders being careful not to leave the compound. Channel 7 reported that other PAD leaders at the Government House were informed of Chamlong's arrest immediately and were preparing to make some moves in retaliation. NBT reported that Chamlong wrote a letter to his supporters at 6:30 am and the letter was read at the rally site at the Government House at 9 am. In the letter, Chamlong said it was the duty of all Thais to repay the gratitude to the motherland by joining the demonstrations to bring about political reform. (Source: The Nation)Any Comments? Use our Message Board! (Please register for the Board first)
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