PM to chair special Saturday Cabinet session in Chiang Mai

BANGKOK, Nov 8 (TNA) -- Admitting that he is facing significant political pressure in the country, Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat is convening a special cabinet meeting Saturday evening in the northern city of Chiang Mai.

Mr. Somchai, who also serves as Thailand's Minister of Defense, arrived at
Chiang Rai after attending the third meeting of the Ayeyawady-Chao
Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) held in the
Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

Although he has encountered political problems, Mr. Somchai said he would
continue to stay in his post as he still has a number of ceremonial duties
to perform and will visit India, the Philippines and Peru.

Moral support given to him has allowed him to continue working, Mr.
Somchai said, adding that on occasion he has felt stressed because of the
political situation.

The prime minister complained that he did not receive fair treatment
regarding some issues, but he did not elaborate.

Most Cabinet ministers are expected to attend Saturday evening special
meeting including Deputy Prime Minister Olarn Chaipravat, Justice Minister
Somsak Kiatsuranont and Public Health Minister Chalerm Ubumrung.

The prime minister was also scheduled to attend Buddhist Kathin religious
ceremonies at two temples in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai early
Saturday before flying to Chiang Mai.

He is scheduled to return to Bangkok late Saturday or early Sunday. (TNA)