Democrats demand that Somchai resign

The Democrat party on Sunday demanded that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat step down to show responsibility for last Tuesday's fatal street clashes, the failing economy and what the opposition calls the shaky democratic system.

Bangkok MP Ongart Klampaiboon said Mr Somchai, also defence minister, must show responsibility for the "three crises" especially after Friday's remarks by the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Gen Anupong Paochinda, who urged the government to take responsibility for last Tuesday's police crackdown on protesters backed by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Gen Anupong's remarks have caused an uncertain atmosphere and there is no guarantee that the military will not stage a coup d'etat, said Mr Ongart.

Two persons died and nearly 500 others were injured in the clashes as police fired tear gas at protesters trying to block the government from parliament.

Mr Somchai must accelerate his resignation decision before the "three crises damage the country, himself and all of us," Mr Ongart said.

Mr Somchai has stated several times that he will not resign.

Concerning criticism that the Democrat party was irresponsible for its boycotted of parliament, Mr. Ongart said members of his party decided not to attend the meeting because of the clash in front of the building.

If that meeting had been postponed, the clash could have been averted, he said.

Democrat assistant to the secretary-general Thepthai Senpong demanded that coalition partners resign, to isolate the ruling People Power party (PPP), which cannot control a majority in the Lower House.

The PPP must have evaluated that the military would not stage a coup and, therefore, the coalition government cannot be toppled, and divisiveness has spread among the people throughout the country, according to Mr Thepthai.

Democrat's shadow deputy prime minister Kasit Pirom urged the government to disclose where it bought the weapons used by police last week.

Mr Kasit, who is a former ambassador to Washington, also urged weapons suppliers including the US, Russia and China to impose stricter measures in selling their weapons. He said it is now proved that these weapons are used for killing people in the country and "not for defending the country".

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Prem may step in as a mediator

Concerned by the country's deteriorating economy and the political crisis, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda is pondering whether he should involve himself in resolving the months-long political standoff, a source close to him said yesterday.

Gen Prem was weighing on whether he should take on the role of a mediator by inviting Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and key leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) such as Chamlong Srimuang and Sondhi Limthongkul for separate talks, the source said.

The meetings, if held, would be aimed at convincing them to put their differences aside for the sake of the country, the source added.

While presiding over a ceremony to promote public unity and the desire to end the southern violence, he said he was saddened by the violent clashes between the PAD supporters and police on Tuesday.

Two people were killed and 478 injured in the clashes as the anti-government movement tried to block the government from announcing its policy in parliament.

The source said the privy council president has been consulting privy councillors and military leaders close to him since Tuesday for a solution to the ongoing crisis.

Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda on Friday urged the government to take responsibility for what has happened.

Mr Somchai, who is also defence minister, said yesterday that he was not in conflict with the army commander and said he was sincere in his efforts by setting up two panels to look into the ruthless police action and compensate the victims of Tuesday's clashes.

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UDD GATHER AND PLAN A THREE-DAY RALLY TO COUNTER PAD

About 10,000 government supporters joined a United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) gathering yesterday in a prelude to a three-day rally to counter the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Former PM's Office minister Jakrapob Penkair joined several key figures from the ruling People Power party at the assembly, held at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province. The venue was packed with people wearing red shirts.

It was the first gathering of government supporters since the Sept 2 clash between the pro- and anti-government camps on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which left one UDD member dead and more than 40 people from both sides injured.

The special session of political talk show Kwam Jing Wan Nee (The Truth Today), hosted by Mr Jakrapob, Jatuporn Phromphan and Nattawut Saikua, was the highlight of yesterday's event.

Mr Jakrapob, a key member of the UDD, announced his return to the pro-government movement on the stage after keeping a low profile since he resigned as PM's Office minister in May.

"I am back," he said. "I've closely monitored the political situation and have come to the conclusion that we are now living in a society where a prime minister can be punished for hosting a cooking show, while rebels can walk free," he said.

Mr Jakrapob said that the UDD would act peacefully and avoid violent confrontations with other groups.

Major activities include a three-day rally at Sanam Luang, starting today. The government-run NBT channel will also resume airing Kwam Jing Wan Nee.

"I am confident that when people receive the right information, they will no longer support the PAD and will join our mission to protect democracy," said Mr Jakrapob.

The UDD leaders yesterday distributed leaflets to the participants, asking them to join the three-day rally to express their opposition to the PAD's demonstration and to purge the demonstrators from Government House, which has been occupied since Aug 26.

Many UDD supporters said they would join the rally as they did not agree with the PAD's agenda, especially the planned massive rally in front of the Royal Police Office tomorrow.

The PAD demonstration aims at pressuring the police to take responsibility for the Oct 7 clashes between officers and demonstrators that left two people dead and more than 400 injured.

"I think the police did the right thing that day," said Akhom Samlitdee, 56, a state enterprise official from Bangkok's Lak Si area.

Mr Akhom said the use of tear gas was appropriate to prevent the demonstrators laying siege to parliament. The police had to disperse the protesters, otherwise Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat could not have announced his government policy, he added.

"They did not overreact to the incident," he concluded.

Krittin Wattanachaiprakij, 51, a hotel worker, said to solve the prolonged political strife, the coup-engineered charter should be amended, as it contains flaws that could lead to more political problems.

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PAD leaders surrender

Seven of nine core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) surrendered to police on Friday morning on charges of inciting unrest and illegal assembly, and were released on 100,000 baht bail each within two hours.

The protest leaders who had outstanding arrest warrants entered a police station near the Government House, which they and PAD supporters occupied as a protest camp in late August.

The seven leaders are Sondhi Limthongkul, Pibhop Thongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, Therdpoom Jaidee, Amorn Amornrattananont and Somkiat Pongpaiboon, who was the last to arrive at the police station.

Two other core leaders, Chamlong Srimuang and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, were arrested earlier and released on bail on Thursday. They returned to the site and continued the anti-government protest on Thursday evening.

Mr Sondhi said after his release that police at Nang Loeng station, where they gave themselves up, cooperated with them very well, and that they were released without any conditions.

They were accompanied by their lawyer Suwat Apaipak, who helped in coordinating with police over the bail arrangement.

About 20 PAD supporters who followed them to the station cheered loudly when they saw the leaders emerged from the station.

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Red and ready

About 10,000 government supporters in red shirts joined a United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) gathering on Saturday to preview a three-day rally against the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Former PM's Office minister Jakrapob Penkair joined several key figures from the ruling People Power party at the assembly, held at Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province. The venue was packed with people wearing red shirts.

It was the first gathering of government supporters since the Sept 2 clash between the pro- and anti-government camps on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which left one UDD member dead and more than 40 people from both sides injured.

The special session of political talk show Kwam Jing Wan Nee (The Truth Today), hosted by Mr Jakrapob, Jatuporn Phromphan and Nattawut Saikua, was the highlight of Saturday's event.

Mr Jakrapob, a key member of the UDD, announced his return to the pro-government movement on the stage after keeping a low profile since he resigned as PM's Office minister in May.

"I am back," he said. "I've closely monitored the political situation and have come to the conclusion that we are now living in a society where a prime minister can be punished for hosting a cooking show, while rebels can walk free," he said.

Mr Jakrapob said that the UDD would act peacefully and avoid violent confrontations with other groups.

Major activities include a three-day rally at Sanam Luang, starting Sunday. The government-run NBT channel will also resume airing Kwam Jing Wan Nee.

"I am confident that when people receive the right information, they will no longer support the PAD and will join our mission to protect democracy," said Mr Jakrapob.

The UDD leaders distributed leaflets to the participants, asking them to join the three-day rally to express their opposition to the PAD's demonstration and to purge the demonstrators from Government House, which has been occupied since Aug 26.

Many UDD supporters said they would join the rally as they did not agree with the PAD's agenda, especially the planned massive rally in front of the Royal Police Office tomorrow.

The PAD demonstration aims at pressuring the police to take responsibility for the Oct 7 clashes between officers and demonstrators that left two people dead and more than 400 injured.

"I think the police did the right thing that day," said Akhom Samlitdee, 56, a state enterprise official from Bangkok's Lak Si area.

Mr Akhom said the use of tear gas was appropriate to prevent the demonstrators laying siege to parliament. The police had to disperse the protesters, otherwise Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat could not have announced his government policy, he added.

"They did not overreact to the incident," he concluded.

Krittin Wattanachaiprakij, 51, a hotel worker, said to solve the prolonged political strife, the coup-engineered charter should be amended, as it contains flaws that could lead to more political problems.

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Northerners to join Monday protest at police HQ

Northern members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) coalition plan to join the anti-government activists Monday for their planned rally at Thailand's police headquarters to demand that the police take responsibility for excessive violence in reaction to the street protests which left two person dead and others injured earlier this week.

PAD northern region secretary-general Somchoke Chanthong said PAD members in the north have been informed of the intended protest so that they might join it.

Many northern PAD members left for Bangkok on Friday, and more are expected to travel on Saturday and Sunday, he said.

Mr Somchoke said people in other parts of the country are now more sympathetic to PAD following Tuesday's widely publicised protests at parliament and at Bangkok Metropolitan Police headquarters.

Insisting that the police must take responsibility for using violence on Tuesday, PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk told journalists that the PAD will distribute a booklet entitled 'Police kill people' to passers-by on Bangkok streets so that the public know the PAD's view of facts behind the Tuesday's incidents.

Mr Somsak said the planned rally at police headquarters was intended to draw attention to the misuse of violence as applied by the police during the Tuesday clash between PAD and riot police, but is not intended to blockade the premises.

The rally will take place peacefully, he said, but he could not say for how long as the PAD leadership must consult with one another and gather inputs for their conclusion from those participating in the protest.

Mr Somsak added that the PAD would go ahead with filing a lawsuit against police for their violent behaviour.

Regarding remarks made Friday by former deputy police chief Pol Gen Salang Bunnag that he would recruit

former police officers and form a force to retake Government House from the PAD, Mr. Somsak said the PAD would defend themselves although the group does not want to see violence.

The so-called democracy coalition has occupied Government House since August 26.

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PAD to protest at Royal Thai Police on Monday

People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Somsak Kosaisuk said the anti-government group will march to the Office of the Royal Thai Police on Monday, demanding the police to be responsible for the riot that broke out during the crowd dispersal in front of the parliament on October 7.

Mr Somsak said the PAD supporters will be gathering normally and they will not try to obstruct anyone from entering the site. The police will have to be accountable, if violence erupts, he added.

After former Police Department director Salang Boonnag’s claim that the police will take over Government House from the PAD, Mr Somsak said the group is not worried and no additional guards have been employed.

He said more people have come to join the protest at Government House, following Pol Gen Salang’s announcement.

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Queen sends flowers to Samak at hospital

Her Majesty the Queen sent flowers to former prime minister Samak Sundaravej who has been undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness, suspected to be liver cancer, at Bumrungrad hospital since Oct 2. Thanpuying Chatkaew Nandhabiwat, a representative of the Queen, delivered the bouquet to Mr Samak on Thursday.

Somtawin Yangyoo, assistant secretary to HRH Princess Soamsawali, also brought flowers for Mr Samak on behalf of the princess yesterday.

One of Mr Samak's close aides said although his condition was gradually improving, he needed to be under close medical supervision all the time.

Earlier, there had been rumours that he was suffering from liver cancer. The hospital has refused to release any information on his ailment, only saying that it cannot do so without the patient's permission.

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Army chief speaks

Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda has urged the government to take responsibility for Tuesday's police crackdown - and Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has called off his planned tour of Asean neighours which was to start on Monday.

The comments by Gen Anupong on Friday reiterated those in a radio interview with army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd who early in the day said the government should take responsibility for the violent clashes.

Gen Anupong said: "The government must investigate who issued the order and if police officers operated in accordance with the law. This was because the order could easily lead to injuries and loss of life."

"I am not saying the government is wrong or not wrong. But it must take responsibility. It depends how it will take responsibility," he added.

The army chief, who has repeatedly ruled out a coup to resolve the political strife, said it was not right to pressure the army to stage a coup after the government refused to take responsibility.

He said he had evaluated the option, but could not see the merits of it.

"If the situation returned to normal, it would be interesting. But as we can see mostly it cannot solve the problem," he said, pointing to the political turmoil and street protests by anti-coup groups after the Sept 19, 2006 coup in which he was also involved as commander of the First Army.

Hitting back at former deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh who urged him not to be afraid of seizing power to solve the ongoing political crisis, Gen Anupong urged Gen Chavalit to reflect on his handling of the situation leading to the Oct 7 crackdown.

"I think he [Gen Chavalit] should get back to his work on Oct 6 and finish it," Gen Anupong said.

Early in the day, Col Sansern defended the army's role in a radio programme in which he reiterated that the deployment of troops was to protect the people - not to reinforce the police. The programme was broadcast on 126 army-owned radio stations.

Col Sansern said the government should take responsibility. He said the initial task of the government was to launch a swift, transparent inquiry into the tear gas fiasco.

In defence of the army not getting involved in the political confrontation, he said soldiers could not be deployed to protect demonstrators while police were dispersing the crowds.

"If soldiers were sent out, they would be operating against police. It would appear that two key government security agencies were fighting each other.

"And each side had weapons. There could have been high numbers of casualties. A wound would have been inflicted upon the country," he said.

A source in the army said yesterday that troops were put on full alert yesterday and today to brace for possible violence such as bomb or arson attacks to force the army to stage a coup.

The Internal Security Operations Command has set up a special unit to monitor the political situation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said yesterday he would consider all suggestions amid calls for him to resign or dissolve the House.

"I will listen to all suggestions. The country is ours. I will do the appropriate things," he said.

He said he was approaching individuals to sit on a government panel to investigate the police crackdown.

He said that a deputy prime minister would be appointed to head another committee, to be responsible for rehabilitation of the victims and those affected by the Oct 7 violence.

The prime minister has also cancelled planned visits to neighbouring countries.

Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said the group planned to rally at the national police headquarters on Monday to protest the use of force to disperse protesters last Tuesday.

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Doctors who ignore injured are unethical

Doctors who refuse to treat police risk breaching humanitarian principles and medical ethics, say human rights groups.

An alliance of human rights advocates yesterday called on doctors to change their stance and urged the Medical Council and the National Human Rights Commission to look into the affair.

Doctors at Chulalongkorn University's faculty of medicine on Wednesday said they would not treat officers wounded during the clash at parliament on Tuesday between police and People's Alliance for Democracy supporters.

Student protest Chulalongkorn University students and staff make their way down Rama I road carrying banners condemning police handling of the clash between riot police and protesters outside parliament that led to bloodshed. APICHIT JINAKUL

Suthep Kolchanwit, the group's leader, yesterday confirmed the doctors' stance.

Fifty physicians, mostly surgeons at the faculty of medicine of Chulalongkorn and Chiang Mai universities, would refuse to treat police. Their stance is a reaction to the government's use of violence to disperse demonstrators, they said.

"As doctors, we know that the best way to treat people is to tackle the cause. To me, it's unethical to neglect the cause of death and injury," Dr Suthep said.

Police will, however, receive proper medical treatment if they come to the hospitals in plain clothes or do not identify themselves as police.

Seventy doctors at Chiang Mai University's faculty of medicine also decided against treating police, cabinet members and government MPs, except in emergency cases.

Hundreds of students and academics from Chulalongkorn and PAD supporters yesterday gathered at the statues of King Rama V and King Rama VI and started a week-long protest by wearing black.

Human rights advocates condemned the doctors' move.

"This is not only a serious violation of medical ethics, it is also a breach of international humanitarian laws to which Thailand is a party," they said. Their statement was signed by dozens of human rights activists and academics.

"The lives and rights of these officers should be protected the same as other people," they said.

Chulalongkorn hospital's deputy director Tirapong Jaroenwit and Prasong Siriviriyakul, the deputy dean of the university's faculty of medicine, yesterday submitted a letter to the police chief saying that the hospital would continue to treat all patients regardless of their occupation or political beliefs.

The doctors' protest had created misunderstandings among the public and affected the hospital's image. It works under the auspices of the Thai Red Cross Society.

"We will strictly adhere to humanitarian principles and will treat all people equally," they said.

Pol Sgt-Maj Pichet Pavichai from Nonthaburi said doctors should separate their personal feelings from their duty.

"I hope the doctors will still do their best to save lives," he said.

Somsak Lohlekha, the Medical Council president, said the doctors' action was not against medical ethics.

"Doctors have a right to decline treatment if they consider the case was not an emergency," he said.

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24 university students die as bus overturns

A tour bus carrying students of Khon Kaen College of Agriculture and Technology on an overnight trip crashed in Prachin Buri province early Friday morning, killing 24 of the students and injuring about 30 others early Friday.

According to police, the bus was carrying some 50 students for an educational tour in the eastern province, and was probably running at a high speed. It went off the road and crashed at around 3.30am.

Police believed that the cause of the crash was that the driver was unfamiliar with the route.

Chaturong Muangkam, the bus driver, was found dead at the scene.

Injured students were taken to three nearby hospitals.

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