Anti-government protesters extend protest to Parliament
Written by changthai11 on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008
Anti-government protesters extend protest to Parliament
BANGKOK - Thousands of anti-government protesters marched to Parliament on Monday, extending their rallies from Government House, as the new cabinet is scheduled on Tuesday to begin delivering their policy statement to parliament.
The protesters led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) vowed to station themselves at Parliament to block government officials and Members of Parliament from entering but would not break into the compound.
The rallies were being led by a second batch of PAD leaders who were designated to replace the PAD’s core leaders in case they were all arrested, as arrest warrants had been issued for all of them. The protesters demanded the government resign as the cabinet served as former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s proxy.
Meanwhile, Police Chief, Police General Patcharawat Wongsuwan called an emergency meeting to cope with the situation.
Earlier Monday, the Criminal Court permitted police to detain PAD core leader retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang for 12 days from Monday and ordered the investigating police officers to accelerate their interrogation. He was arrested on Sunday.
The court will consider on Tuesday afternoon requests for his temporary release. Like another detained PAD colleague, Maj. Gen. Chamlong said he would not seek bail.
Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, deputy prime minister, said he would continue to push efforts to hold talks with PAD representatives. He defended the police’s action in apprehending Maj.Gen. Chamlong and said an arrest warrant had already been issued for the PAD leader. He also brushed aside allegations the government was behind the move.
“All of us meant well. I don’t think anyone is trying to derail the negotiations. If the talks fail, it would be because of my performance. Not anyone’s wicked attempt,” said Gen. Chavalit.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Court rejected a release request by Chaiwat Sinsuwong, another core PAD leader detained on multiple charges including insurrection, as it considered the arrest warrant issued against him was lawful.
The Criminal Court ruled since the Appeals Court had not issued or changed the order on the arrest warrants, police were empowered to make the arrest.
Mr. Chaiwat’s lawyer said his client refused to seek bail as he considered his detention was unlawful. (TNA)
