Thailand police arrest key anti-govt leader
PAD leader Chamlong nabbed as he arrives to vote in Bangkok election
By Nirmal Ghosh, Thailand Correspondent
PAD strategist Chamlong Srimuang cast his vote in Bangkok’s gubernatorial polls yesterday, before the police took him away. His arrest may have derailed planned talks with the government, which had seemed last week on the verge of a truce with the alliance. — PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS
BANGKOK: Police yesterday arrested a key anti-government figure as he turned up to vote in Bangkok’s gubernatorial election, in a move that could heighten the country’s political tension.
Polls opened across the capital at 8am, and there was immediate drama at a polling station in the historic Dusit district when former general Chamlong Srimuang arrived to cast his vote and was informed by police that he was under arrest.
Mr Chamlong, a former Bangkok governor, was among nine leading figures of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who had arrest warrants issued against them in late August. PAD had invaded a government TV station and three airports before overrunning Government House, where the coalition and thousands of its supporters remain encamped.
The nine were accused of inciting unrest and trying to overthrow the government, charges that amount to treason and can carry the death penalty. However, police were unable to execute the warrants since they refused to leave the Government House compound.
Mr Chamlong, 73, was taken away in a police car after casting his vote. Police are expected to apply to a court today for permission to hold him for another 12 days.
Mr Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, which has been overtly sympathising with the PAD, said he was concerned that the arrest would worsen the political crisis. Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun also said the arrest would heighten the political tension.
The PAD has accused the government of Premier Somchai Wongsawat of acting as a proxy for his brother-in-law, ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Newly-appointed Deputy Premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was reported to be on the verge of reaching a truce with the PAD. Last week, Mr Chamlong even welcomed overtures from Mr Chavalit.
But yesterday’s arrest might have derailed the efforts. Mr Chamlong said following his arrest that PAD will cancel any planned talk with the government, The Nation reported.
‘He said there was no need to negotiate with the government now. He said the talks are no longer necessary and all protesters must remain within Government House,’ Mr Suriyasai Katasila, another PAD co-leader, was quoted as saying.
In a pre-written note read out on the PAD’s television channel, Mr Chamlong also urged his supporters not to quit. ‘We are gathering to repay the country and to make merit for Thailand,’ he said.
On Friday, another PAD co-leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong was arrested after he was spotted at a toll booth in the capital.
One source said police had been waiting to evaluate the PAD’s reaction to Mr Chaiwat’s arrest. While the PAD denounced the arrest and alleged a conspiracy to derail embryonic negotiations with the government, there was no greater mobilisation among supporters.
Later yesterday morning, another PAD co-leader, Mr Sondhi Limthongkul, vowed that demonstrations would continue until the government falls. ‘I am warning you, the government and police, that you are putting fuel on the fire. Once you arrest me, thousands of people will tear you apart,’ he told his supporters.
The developments could further destabilise Thai politics. But taken together with other recent events, they could equally signal a scripted behind-the- scenes manoeuvre to find a way out of the political impasse.
PM Somchai met for 45 minutes last week with Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, believed to be one of the key people pulling strings from behind the scenes - and tacitly supporting the PAD.
Separately Mr Somchai proposed a new Constitutional Drafting Assembly to consider changes to the Constitution to promote political reform.
Meanwhile in the gubernatorial election, incumbent Apirak Kosayothin, yesterday looked on course to comfortably winning a second term. Exit polls showed Mr Apirak - a marketing specialist and poster boy for the Democrat Party - set to win over 40 per cent of the vote.
The polls showed Mr Prapas Chongsa-nguan of the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) a distant second place, followed by independents Chuwit Kamolvisit - a former sex massage tycoon - and Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, a former Democrat Party MP.
Source : Straits Times - 06 Oct 2008
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