ID :
22847
Mon, 10/06/2008 - 13:09
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/22847
The shortlink copeid
Chavalit tries to reconnect; Police seek further detention of Chamlong
BANGKOK, Oct 6 (TNA) - 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.
Meanwhile, Suwat Apaipak, PAD lawyer filed a petition to the court seeking
Gen. Chamlong's release, saying the police action was unlawful as the
Appeals Court is deliberating whether to revoke the arrest warrants of
nine PAD members on insurrection charges later today.
Police on August 27 issued arrest warrants for nine of the group's leaders
on charges of insurrection, conspiracy, and illegal assembly by over 10
persons, and refusing orders to disperse. The warrants imposed on the nine
leaders spelled out serious criminal charges punishable by death or life
imprisonment.
Pipob Thongchai, another key PAD leader, said the coalition would
reconsider talks with the government which he accused of demonstrating
insincerity by attempting to amend the charter and arresting the two key
PAD leaders.
He also said the PAD would announce its next move later Monday, adding
that the coalition may revive its campaign to rally at strategic areas to
pressure the government.
Dr. Prinya Thewanarumitkul, deputy rector of Thammasat University, warned
that Gen. Chamlong's arrest could lead to violence. He urged all parties
concerned to take reconciliatory steps to solve the problem.
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.
Meanwhile, Suwat Apaipak, PAD lawyer filed a petition to the court seeking
Gen. Chamlong's release, saying the police action was unlawful as the
Appeals Court is deliberating whether to revoke the arrest warrants of
nine PAD members on insurrection charges later today.
Police on August 27 issued arrest warrants for nine of the group's leaders
on charges of insurrection, conspiracy, and illegal assembly by over 10
persons, and refusing orders to disperse. The warrants imposed on the nine
leaders spelled out serious criminal charges punishable by death or life
imprisonment.
Pipob Thongchai, another key PAD leader, said the coalition would
reconsider talks with the government which he accused of demonstrating
insincerity by attempting to amend the charter and arresting the two key
PAD leaders.
He also said the PAD would announce its next move later Monday, adding
that the coalition may revive its campaign to rally at strategic areas to
pressure the government.
Dr. Prinya Thewanarumitkul, deputy rector of Thammasat University, warned
that Gen. Chamlong's arrest could lead to violence. He urged all parties
concerned to take reconciliatory steps to solve the problem.
