Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand

[sriracha john]

former People Power Party MP Pongsak Boonsol

EC decides to seek red card against Sakon Nakhon MP

The Election Commission Thursday resolved to ask the Supreme Court to disqualified a Sakhon Nakhon MP for alleged election fraud.

EC Secretary-General Sutthipol Thaweechaikarn said the EC decided to seek a red card against Pongsak Boonsol, an MP from Sakon Nakhon's Constituency 3, for having alleged framed another candidate.

Sutthipol is a former People Power Party MP. He has not yet joined another Party after his Party was dissolved.

- The Nation / 2008-12-19

===============================================================

later...

EC head office building shot at

The head office building of the Election Commission was shot at Wednesday night, police said Thursday.

The bullet hit the window on the 23rd floor of the Sri Jullasup Building, cracking it, but the bullet did not pass through.

Wichian Bangkhunthond, 44, a security officer, told police that he heard gunfire at 9:42 pm.

Police Colonel Phaisarn Luesomboon, Commander of the Pathumwan police station, said the window was not a bullet-proof window, but the bullet might have been fired from afar so it did not break through the window.

He said a security camera showed that three taxis and a motorcycle were passing the building at the time the shot was fired.

The EC office is located on several floors of the building, including the 23rd floor.

- The Nation / 2008-12-19

EC red-cards a PPP MP

Election Commission Thursday handed a red card to a member of the dissolved People Power party (PPP) of Sakon Nakhon province Pongsak Boonsol. He is accused of slandering his rivals, causing voters to misunderstand them and vote for him instead. The case is forwarded to the Supreme Court for further consideration. If the court rules Pongsak guilty, then the Election Commission will have to call a by-election there. Pongsak will also face criminal charges if he is

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=135485

[henryalleman]

Just for reference:

Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civil Aviation

source: http://www.nti.org/e_research/official_doc...pdfs/civair.pdf

Signed by Thailand and in effect since 13.06.1996

source: http://www.icao.int/icao/en/leb/Via.pdf

Compliance and Enforcement: The convention requires states to make the offenses punishable by severe penalties, and it lays out guidelines for custody of suspects. States Parties are required to either extradite the offender or submit the case for prosecution. States Parties are also required to assist each other in connection with criminal proceedings brought under the convention.

Supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Done at Montreal on 23 September 1971

source: http://www.ciaonet.org/cbr/cbr00/video/cbr...cbr_ctd_35.html

Article II

destroys or seriously damages the facilities of an airport serving international civil aviation or aircraft not in service located thereon or disrupts the services of the airport, if such an act endangers or is likely to endanger safety at that airport."

Article 82 of The Constitution of Thailand 2550 (2007)

The State shall promote relations and cooperation with other countries and shall adhere to the equal treatment principle and comply with treaties related to human rights to which Thailand becomes a party as well as international obligations made with other countries and international organisations.

By my knowledge an airport is an public place, free to visit and admire the architecture. And that is wath the PAD was doing, They destroyed nothing, they did not steal anything. They where even so disciplined that 24 hours after they left everything was back to normal.

If you like to see the real thing, you invite 500 footbal hooligans to show you.

[Journalist]

^Yes, PAD had a long-standing arrangement for a reunion (pissup) in a certain place, and it just so happened that when they got there, it turned out to be an airport, much to everyone's astonishment.

And someone forgot to bring the beer (and loaves and fishes) anyway, so they all went home.

[mrtoad]

]

By my knowledge an airport is an public place, free to visit and admire the architecture. And that is wath the PAD was doing, They destroyed nothing, they did not steal anything. They where even so disciplined that 24 hours after they left everything was back to normal.

If you like to see the real thing, you invite 500 footbal hooligans to show you.

OK, I can see where this is going, but can you honestly say they destroyed nothing? How about all the businesses that were affected by this criminal act. The pople who have lost their jobs. Those workers in hotels that would normally be getting a nice bonus, only to find that there hotel is now empty. No they didn't destroy anything structularly, but they have done untold damage to the countries image and economy.

Sonthi should be prosecuted for this and made and example, just like Toxin has been, and should for his other alleged criminal acts.

Edited December 19, 2008 by mrtoad

[Journalist]

EC red-cards a PPP MP

Election Commission Thursday handed a red card to a member of the dissolved People Power party (PPP) of Sakon Nakhon province Pongsak Boonsol. He is accused of slandering his rivals, causing voters to misunderstand them and vote for him instead.

Yes, rubbishing your opponent and his policies in an election is very unsporting.

As is trying to get people to vote for you instead.

[MyphuketLife]

maybe the main reason to occupy the airport where the death and wounded caused by the tear gass attack against the peaceful demonstration of GH. Maybe the PAD thought their people would be more protected at Suva because an brutal attack by teargas whit a few dozens of killings by the police would be seen by the whole world.

Also the demonstrators could be better protected against the bomb trowing red shirts.

Doesn't hold up ... Why did the PAD take Krabi, and Phuket airports just a month eirlier?

If they took swampy because it offered better protection, then why take the other airport in bangkok?

maybe our "non" black and white lawyer friend will have meanilngful answers?

[henryalleman]

It's the Army and the Police's responsibility to follow the government's orders.

By what chain of command do you believe the Thai Army should follow the orders of any minister or committee of ministers?

In an democracy the army must follows the orders given by the minister of defence.

In the UK there has been much principled opposition to the idea that the police should follow the government's orders. In an democracy the police must follows the orders of the minister of interior affairs; In criminal cases they must follow the orders given by the judges or the investigating judge. I think in the Anglo-Saxon law system they call it the prosecutor or district attorney. They also control there actions if they are legal or not. Does the President of the USA have any power of command over state police?

In an democracy the state police is under control of the minister of interior affaires

[henryalleman]

Wrong about that too MyPhuket --- in fact the riots spread and did affect public transportation centers as far away as Altanta Ga

But your problem is you are comparing Thailand to the US all the time"

The thai politics and usa politics are diffent and no the 1992 riots did not effect public transit centers in Atlanta...

Yup that is my problem I am always comparing Thailand to USA especially in this thread... every one of my posts has .... I have only responded to those bringing up America or answered the question what country are you from... get real spindoctor

Now that I know you are an American, I can understand your comments much better

[MyphuketLife]

Now that I know you are an American, I can understand your comments much better

I am glad you finally figured it out, you have only asked several times....

Yes because being from America automaticly makes me a certian way Just like all Thais think the same, and all UK gents think the same.... and those poeple from Antwerp well thats another subject all together

[Plus]

can you honestly say they destroyed nothing? How about all the businesses that were affected by this criminal act. The pople who have lost their jobs. Those workers in hotels...

First - there's no evidence that they did anything criminal, on the first day at least. It was a large group of people, a political protest, at the airport.

Second, with every political protest there are people who get affected. Be it shops in the protest area who have to stay closed, even big ones like Siam Paragon. When people block the roads lots of peole and businesses are affected. Sometimes farmers or truckers, or laid of workers block major roads, lots of people are affected, overall confidence in the country is affected and so on.

No one asks for any compensation, and no one would likely to ever get it.

Airport takeover was no different in principle, just in scale.

[Crushdepth]

EC red-cards a PPP MP

Election Commission Thursday handed a red card to a member of the dissolved People Power party (PPP) of Sakon Nakhon province Pongsak Boonsol. He is accused of slandering his rivals, causing voters to misunderstand them and vote for him instead.

Isn't this what politics is all about? Strange...

[Bangyai]

Thaksin supporter arrested for attacking lawmakers at Parliament

BANGKOK, Dec 18 (TNA) - Bangkok police on Thursday arrested a man who allegedly attacked vehicles carrying parliamentarians who on Monday voted for Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's 27th prime minister.

The man, identified as Chokechai Kamleu, was one of six protesters sought under court-issued arrest warrants on two charges of assaulting and holding people against their will.

He could face a maximum of seven years in jail and/or a Bt14,000 fine for the two offences if found guilty.

Yes, if this total lack of impartiality continues it will fool no one. It will only deepen the rift in society that the recent turmoil has created. Rather than strengthen Aphisits govournment it will only weaken it. Considering he wanted the premiership so badly and was willing to be an accomplice to all the manipulating it took to get himself and the ' cockroaches ' in the driving seat , he would be wise to try to reconcile the opposing factions as quick as possible or else face the consequences. Cracking down on the reds whilst allowing immunity to the yellows is hardly impartial and will not help reconciliation. If it becomes apparent ( as if it were'nt already ) that those PAD members who have broken the law will not be apprehended and brought to justice , it will be clearer than ever that Aphisit, for all his vaunted charisma and education, is exactly what he has appeared to be up until now, a mascot poodle fronting up a bunch of rottweilers.

[Ricardo]

^Yes, PAD had a long-standing arrangement for a reunion (pissup) in a certain place, and it just so happened that when they got there, it turned out to be an airport, much to everyone's astonishment.

And someone forgot to bring the beer (and loaves and fishes) anyway, so they all went home.

I thought it was an inter-Thai badminton competition ?

And the red-shirts are in-training for the brick shot-put ?

[henryalleman]

Thaksin supporter arrested for attacking lawmakers at Parliament

BANGKOK, Dec 18 (TNA) - Bangkok police on Thursday arrested a man who allegedly attacked vehicles carrying parliamentarians who on Monday voted for Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's 27th prime minister.

The man, identified as Chokechai Kamleu, was one of six protesters sought under court-issued arrest warrants on two charges of assaulting and holding people against their will.

He could face a maximum of seven years in jail and/or a Bt14,000 fine for the two offences if found guilty.

Yes, if this total lack of impartiality continues it will fool no one. It will only deepen the rift in society that the recent turmoil has created. Rather than strengthen Aphisits govournment it will only weaken it. Considering he wanted the premiership so badly and was willing to be an accomplice to all the manipulating it took to get himself and the ' cockroaches ' in the driving seat , he would be wise to try to reconcile the opposing factions as quick as possible or else face the consequences. Cracking down on the reds whilst allowing immunity to the yellows is hardly impartial and will not help reconciliation. If it becomes apparent ( as if it were'nt already ) that those PAD members who have broken the law will not be apprehended and brought to justice , it will be clearer than ever that Aphisit, for all his vaunted charisma and education, is exactly what he has appeared to be up until now, a mascot poodle fronting up a bunch of rottweilers.

he man, identified as Chokechai Kamleu, was one of six protesters sought under court-issued arrest warrants on two charges of assaulting and holding people against their will.

Its seems hes not a genuine demonstrator, but rather a trouble maker who drunk a litle bit too much Mekong whisky.

[Steve2UK]

It's the Army and the Police's responsibility to follow the government's orders.

By what chain of command do you believe the Thai Army should follow the orders of any minister or committee of ministers?

In the UK there has been much principled opposition to the idea that the police should follow the government's orders. Does the President of the USA have any power of command over state police?

Richard W, I think your second paragraph is potentially rather misleading. There are complex historical reasons in the UK (more so in England proper) why the local constabularies (i.e. individual county police forces) are set up as they are and their overall operation is generally under local "control" (individual county-by-county Police Authorities) rather than at national government "direction" - and there has long been a fear (thus a "principled opposition") to the idea of a national police force. That said, each constabulary under its own Chief Constable is of course bound to uphold the laws of the land as legislated by Parliament(s). Granted, it's not unknown for "political" pressure from the government of the day to push police forces to enforce some laws more strictly - but the situation is still in practice very different from Thailand. I could make the same point about UK courts' independence - but that really starts to stray off-topic.

Similarly, "states' rights" versus Federal (national) control have always been a major issue in the US since its founding - with individual state governors having authority over the state police in normal circumstances. While being no expert, I think it's clear that Federal (national) authority generally only supercedes when cross-state issues are involved. Even then, the FBI (usually) jealously guards its independence from the national government even though the US Attorney Generalship is a government (presidential) appointment - approved by Congress etc etc.

Overall, I'd say both the UK and US have achieved a generally workable system of checks and balances (occasionally threatened with abuse) - the UK more through evolving custom/practice since Magna Carta etc (there is still no written constitution in the accepted sense of the term) and the US through specific constitutional protections guarded by the US Supreme Court. 800 years for England/UK and 200 years for the US. Not surprisingly, Thailand is not there yet.

[Note to henryalleman: "state police" in this context means the police in one of the 50 US states - not state (national) police as in gendarmerie etc]

[Bangyai]

Thaksin supporter arrested for attacking lawmakers at Parliament

BANGKOK, Dec 18 (TNA) - Bangkok police on Thursday arrested a man who allegedly attacked vehicles carrying parliamentarians who on Monday voted for Abhisit Vejjajiva as Thailand's 27th prime minister.

The man, identified as Chokechai Kamleu, was one of six protesters sought under court-issued arrest warrants on two charges of assaulting and holding people against their will.

He could face a maximum of seven years in jail and/or a Bt14,000 fine for the two offences if found guilty.

Yes, if this total lack of impartiality continues it will fool no one. It will only deepen the rift in society that the recent turmoil has created. Rather than strengthen Aphisits govournment it will only weaken it. Considering he wanted the premiership so badly and was willing to be an accomplice to all the manipulating it took to get himself and the ' cockroaches ' in the driving seat , he would be wise to try to reconcile the opposing factions as quick as possible or else face the consequences. Cracking down on the reds whilst allowing immunity to the yellows is hardly impartial and will not help reconciliation. If it becomes apparent ( as if it were'nt already ) that those PAD members who have broken the law will not be apprehended and brought to justice , it will be clearer than ever that Aphisit, for all his vaunted charisma and education, is exactly what he has appeared to be up until now, a mascot poodle fronting up a bunch of rottweilers.

he man, identified as Chokechai Kamleu, was one of six protesters sought under court-issued arrest warrants on two charges of assaulting and holding people against their will.

Its seems hes not a genuine demonstrator, but rather a trouble maker who drunk a litle bit too much Mekong whisky.

' he man ' or heeee man, who knows his sexual orientation but just to clarify the canine side of things :

Aphisit in conciliatory dress

Angry Rottweiler

[Journalist]

can you honestly say they destroyed nothing? How about all the businesses that were affected by this criminal act. The pople who have lost their jobs. Those workers in hotels...

First - there's no evidence that they did anything criminal, on the first day at least. It was a large group of people, a political protest, at the airport.

Second, with every political protest there are people who get affected. Be it shops in the protest area who have to stay closed, even big ones like Siam Paragon. When people block the roads lots of peole and businesses are affected. Sometimes farmers or truckers, or laid of workers block major roads, lots of people are affected, overall confidence in the country is affected and so on.

No one asks for any compensation, and no one would likely to ever get it.

Airport takeover was no different in principle, just in scale.

You've parroted several times that their intention wasn't that the airport would close. (Even though thousands of them blocked all the roads, not letting people through, and turning back Police)

So what do you think was their intention?

Its friday afternoon, and I could use some of your pie-in-the-sky flights of fantasy to brighten it up !

[Richard W]

By what chain of command do you believe the Thai Army should follow the orders of any minister or committee of ministers?

In an democracy the army must follows the orders given by the minister of defence.

And not those of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief? Oaths are sworn in terms of loyalty to the crown, not to the government.

In the UK there has been much principled opposition to the idea that the police should follow the government's orders.

In an democracy the police must follows the orders of the minister of interior affairs; In criminal cases they must follow the orders given by the judges or the investigating judge. I think in the Anglo-Saxon law system they call it the prosecutor or district attorney. They also control there actions if they are legal or not.

Clearly you don't think England is part of a democracy! In England, the head policeman in a region (mostly geographical) reports to the relevant police authority, which is composed of direct representatives of the local authorities (typically counties), magistrates and índependent' members drawn from a shortlist approved by the home Office. The British Home Secretary has no other direct control. As for criminal cases, the Crown Prosecution Service provides 'guidance and advice' to the police.

Does the President of the USA have any power of command over state police?

In an democracy the state police is under control of the minister of interior affaires

I think you will find that the President of the USA has no control over the state police - they are under the control of the individual states.

Thus, you will find, there is no universal scheme for the control of the police, even in what most of us regard as democracies.

[sbk]

Inflammatory and trollish posts have been deleted. Further such posts will result in formal moderator action so if you don't have anything civil or of value to offer to this discussion please refrain from posting.

[Richard W]

It's the Army and the Police's responsibility to follow the government's orders.

<snip>

Overall, I'd say both the UK and US have achieved a generally workable system of checks and balances (occasionally threatened with abuse) - the UK more through evolving custom/practice since Magna Carta etc (there is still no written constitution in the accepted sense of the term) and the US through specific constitutional protections guarded by the US Supreme Court. 800 years for England/UK and 200 years for the US. Not surprisingly, Thailand is not there yet.

But in Thailand there is at least some doubt about following government orders just because they're the government's. The drawback is that there seems to be no mechanism for long-term democratic direction to take effect.

[Journalist]

"But in Thailand there is at least some doubt about following government orders "

Thats a very genteel way of putting it. Coups d'etat are the only wars that Thai soldiers ever declare.

I wonder what the Thai word for Coup d'etat /Putsch is...likely some euphemism meaning "salvation from the heavens"

[Koo82]

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist, said that Mr Abhisit had been "hoisted into office by the back door".

"The military have arm-twisted former government MPs to change sides," he said. "He has benefited from a kind of judicial veto exercised when the courts don't like the government, and the People's Alliance for Democracy has effectively blackmailed the legislature to prevent another Puea Thai government."

Source: Financial Times

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/26560740-cb19-11...0077b07658.html

[Steve2UK]

<snip>

Oaths are sworn in terms of loyalty to the crown, not to the government.

<snip>

Thus, you will find, there is no universal scheme for the control of the police, even in what most of us regard as democracies.

RichardW, I don't agree with a lot of what henryalleman posts - the more so when he makes sweeping statements that seem to be based on his understanding of the Belgian system. Hence I agree with the last line of your post as I quoted above. But he generally does accept correcting information......... so - easy does it, OK?

Regarding the other line I have included, I think you'll agree that - in the UK context - the oath of loyalty to the crown is a (some would say necessary) convention.......... just as the UK has "Her Majesty's Prison", "Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs", "Crown Prosecution Service" (as you mentioned) etc. The Queen reigns, she doe not rule. Thus, following the same convention, the Queen's Speech for the opening of Parliament includes "My government will introduce legislation to.........". In reality, she could not not read the "Queen's Speech" - written for her by "her" government. No more could she actually interfere with "her" government issuing deployment orders to "her" armed forces.

For reasons that I hope will be obvious, I am making no comparison with any other constitutional monarchy system as operated anywhere outside the UK.

[samgrowth]

can you honestly say they destroyed nothing? How about all the businesses that were affected by this criminal act. The pople who have lost their jobs. Those workers in hotels...

First - there's no evidence that they did anything criminal, on the first day at least. It was a large group of people, a political protest, at the airport.

Second, with every political protest there are people who get affected. Be it shops in the protest area who have to stay closed, even big ones like Siam Paragon. When people block the roads lots of peole and businesses are affected. Sometimes farmers or truckers, or laid of workers block major roads, lots of people are affected, overall confidence in the country is affected and so on.

No one asks for any compensation, and no one would likely to ever get it.

Airport takeover was no different in principle, just in scale.

I am surprise you said no one ask ask for compensation.

http://www.google.co.th/search?hl=en&q...amp;aq=0&oq=

Follow this google link and you will be 46,000 search results.

However I agree with you that no one would likely to ever get it (because the courts in Thailand are runs by kangaroos).

Edited December 19, 2008 by samgrowth

[grandpops]

Mods, Can we have a new thread for this.

Looks like the PAD are going to love this more and more.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081219/wl_as...MTjs9k72yZvaA8F

BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand's new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday protesters who occupied government offices and blockaded Bangkok's airports should be held legally accountable for their actions.

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) first took to the streets in May in their bid to unseat the previous government.

One of the leaders of the PAD is Somkiat Pongpaiboon, a member of Abhisit's Democrat Party.

"With every incident that has happened we must uphold the rule of law," Abhisit told reporters at Government House, the site besieged by protesters for two-and-a-half months, causing about one million dollars' worth of damage.

"My party member is also under the same law. I have told him not to use immunity," Abhisit added.

Democrat Party member Somkiat was among a group of PAD leaders who led thousands of protesters to occupy the compound in late August, demanding allies of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra leave government.

The PAD campaign culminated in an eight-day blockade of Bangkok's airports late November that left about 350,000 travellers stranded.

The demonstrators left their protest sites only on December 3, when a court ruling forced premier Somchai Wongsawat from office and disbanded his People Power Party, paving the way for a new coalition led by the former opposition Democrat Party.

The Democrats were forced to woo former allies of Thaksin in order to gain enough votes to form a coalition, but Abhisit told the BBC he had not "sold his soul."

"I have made very clear in my talks with all the groups that are joining me why we are putting this coalition together. We just want Thailand to move on," Abhisit said.

Abhisit is now preparing a list of cabinet members to be submitted to Thailand's king by midday Friday for approval.

Thai media speculated that the foreign minister's post could go to 64-year-old Kasit Piromya -- a controversial choice because of the former diplomat's vocal support for the PAD.

[Samuian]

....edited......

However I agree with you that no one would likely to ever get it (because the courts in Thailand are runs by kangaroos).

Any genuine and valid PROOF that holds the water in this rather bold claim, sir?

Your claim sounds rather similar to the claim made by the ousted, convicted and turned fugitive prime minister, when there was a narrow margin "not guilty" decision years ago, he was a happy man and the courts weren't biased or the judges influenced, bribed (one of the judges is/was a chairman in AIS!)

But now where the courts found him guilty of malfeasance, corruption in office, of very clear charges, the courts are "kangaroo courts" - it does make 'sense' to an eight month old toddler, sir!

Well, the mudslingers always "know it all", even BEFORE anyone else, the guilty is guilty, proven or not!

That makes claims like yours, a line from "Alice in Wonderland", none else!

[Plus]

Samgrowth, EVERYONE and his dog want PAD to compensate for airport closure.

What I was saying is that no one usually asks for compensation in case of public protests.

>>>>>

Thitinan Pongsudhirak is NOT a political scientist, he is a biased commentator largely out of touch with mainstream society, not as bad as Giles, though.

I've been parroting this line for some time now - practically all western media rely on these two clowns for their reports on Thailand. All these reports get dumped in the same "Thailand" folder and get recycled and regurgitated millions of times, and then people here talk about "world opinion".

This "journalism" can't be taken seriously.

Oh, and there's no evidence of military arm-twisting coalition partners. In fact, Pua Paendin is about to break away already.

[Steve2UK]

It's the Army and the Police's responsibility to follow the government's orders.

<snip>

Overall, I'd say both the UK and US have achieved a generally workable system of checks and balances (occasionally threatened with abuse) - the UK more through evolving custom/practice since Magna Carta etc (there is still no written constitution in the accepted sense of the term) and the US through specific constitutional protections guarded by the US Supreme Court. 800 years for England/UK and 200 years for the US. Not surprisingly, Thailand is not there yet.

But in Thailand there is at least some doubt about following government orders just because they're the government's. The drawback is that there seems to be no mechanism for long-term democratic direction to take effect.

I'm inclined to agree. A while ago, I saw an interesting analysis* of why (in late 2005) Thaksin's hold on power was looking shaky - because his "ability to stay in power depends on his ability to cope with the five pillars – the monarchy, the people, the media, parliament and the military". I think the same will apply to any Thai government for some time to come. Given Thailand's history of coups, I can't see any real democracy lasting for long until it becomes unthinkable for leaders of the nation's armed forces to appear on TV calling for the government to resign. How anyone can regard that as being "neutral" is beyond me.

In the UK at least, the hold on power is really only dependent on two of those - the people and (through them) parliament. OK, arguably also the media; remember the headline from Murdoch's "The Sun": "It's The Sun Wot Won It" **...........

* http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/sondhi/dec13.php

** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_The_Sun_Wot_Won_It

[samgrowth]

Mods, Can we have a new thread for this.

Looks like the PAD are going to love this more and more.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081219/wl_as...MTjs9k72yZvaA8F

BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand's new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday protesters who occupied government offices and blockaded Bangkok's airports should be held legally accountable for their actions.

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) first took to the streets in May in their bid to unseat the previous government.

One of the leaders of the PAD is Somkiat Pongpaiboon, a member of Abhisit's Democrat Party.

"With every incident that has happened we must uphold the rule of law," Abhisit told reporters at Government House, the site besieged by protesters for two-and-a-half months, causing about one million dollars' worth of damage.

"My party member is also under the same law. I have told him not to use immunity," Abhisit added.

Democrat Party member Somkiat was among a group of PAD leaders who led thousands of protesters to occupy the compound in late August, demanding allies of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra leave government.

The PAD campaign culminated in an eight-day blockade of Bangkok's airports late November that left about 350,000 travellers stranded.

The demonstrators left their protest sites only on December 3, when a court ruling forced premier Somchai Wongsawat from office and disbanded his People Power Party, paving the way for a new coalition led by the former opposition Democrat Party.

The Democrats were forced to woo former allies of Thaksin in order to gain enough votes to form a coalition, but Abhisit told the BBC he had not "sold his soul."

"I have made very clear in my talks with all the groups that are joining me why we are putting this coalition together. We just want Thailand to move on," Abhisit said.

Abhisit is now preparing a list of cabinet members to be submitted to Thailand's king by midday Friday for approval.

Thai media speculated that the foreign minister's post could go to 64-year-old Kasit Piromya -- a controversial choice because of the former diplomat's vocal support for the PAD.

Biting the hand that feed him. Any action on PAD will provoke Sondhi and his mob to close the airport again. This time they will shout " Mark Ook Bai".

[MyphuketLife]

BANGKOK (AFP) – Thailand's new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Friday protesters who occupied government offices and blockaded Bangkok's airports should be held legally accountable for their actions.

Abhisit, just might prove to be a fare person.... Looks like he is going to hold the PAD accountable for there actions... It will be interesting to see if anything ever comes of it, or if this is just a PR stunt.

If I was one of the PAD leaders I would feel like my back just got knifed, he is going to go after the same people that put him into the PM role! Love it....

I wonder what the people who think the PAD did "nothing illegal" are going to say.