Pm Abhisit Vejjajiva Cancels His Plan To Go To Chiang Mai

[webfact]

Guns, bombs seized in raid on house in Chiang Mai

By The Nation

Published on November 27, 2009

PM Abhisit Vejjajiva cancels his plan to go to Chiang Mai

Police yesterday found 6,000 home-made "ping-pong" bombs as well as eight guns from a raid at a house owned by man linked to the red shirts, in Chiang Mai.

The owner of the house in Chom Thong district, identified as 45-year-old Narong Bunchongcharoen, was arrested for the illegal possession of weapons and ammunition.

However, he rejected the charges, arguing that the ping-pong bombs were actually fireworks that he meant to sell at his shop during the Loy Krathong festival earlier this month.

As for the six pistols, a rifle and shotgun found, the man claimed they had been given to him in lieu of debts.

A police source said initial investigations had shown that the man was known to have traded in weapons and ammunition, and had also acted as a security guard during the last red-shirt rally in Chiang Mai.

While the suspect was being interrogated, two men in red shirts were seen outside the police station, reportedly making phone calls to their leaders in Bangkok.

On Wednesday night, police also raided a karaoke bar in Chiang Mai's Muang district and found 22 home-made guns, ammunition as well as a large amount of gun-making equipment.

When police arrested Silpa Chaichana, 45, for illegally possessing those weapons, he said he was making guns to sell.

Region 5 police commissioner Lt-General Somkid Boonthanom, whose jurisdiction covers Chiang Mai, told the press yesterday that the arrests were part of security measures ahead of PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's visit.

Abhisit yesterday cancelled his plan to visit Chiang Mai on Sunday to preside over the closing ceremony of the annual conference of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, more than 100 red shirts rallied outside Chiang Mai's Muang district police station yesterday to protest against the provincial court issuing an arrest warrant for local red-shirt leader, Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul.

Petchawat is accused of making threats to assassinate the prime minister on a community radio programme.

The protest leaders also took turns in verbally attacking the top three local police officers - Somkid, Chiang Mai police commander Maj-General Sommai Kongwisaisuk and Muang police station superintendent Colonel Yuthachai Puaprasert - and demanded that they be transferred.

The attack, broadcast on a local community radio station controlled by the red shirts, also targeted the prime minister, the government and Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda.

The anti-government leaders are also threatening to protest outside the home of Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce president Narong Krongprasert, who said the rallies would affect the local economy, as well as at the residence of Chiang Mai Governor Amornpan Nimanun, who had boosted security in anticipation of the PM's visit.

Ping-pong bombs

A ping-pong bomb is a type of home-made explosive. It is widely used to make noise during seasonal festivities. These devices have become better known recently after they were used in street protests following 2006 coup.

The "bomb" can be made easily by putting gunpowder into a ping-pong ball and sealed with aluminium foil or clay. They can be ignited by fire or just by throwing it to hit a solid surface.

The detonation method can be designed according to a person's intent. Both methods are equally risky for users.

If a ping-pong bomb can badly damage someone's hand if it explodes while they hold it.

-- The Nation 2009/11/27

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[LawnGnome]

I am of mixed feelings about this. Relieved that the reds are being denied an opportuntity to use violence, but angered that a small minority can use the treat of violence to dictate the schedule of the Prime Minister of a country. They say that it was the Thai Chamber of Commerce who revoked the PM's invitation, and if that had not happened, he would have gone.

In any event, if the Reds cannot provoke a violent confrontation in the next month - Takki Shinegra lose all chance to get his money back - stay tuned.

[Ricardo]

Sad that the PM cancels his visit, but perhaps understandable, under the circumstances.

One hopes that he will have other opportunities, to demonstrate that Chiang Mai is not a 'no-go' area, and that the 'true democrats' may eventually learn to show tolerance for peoples' differing views.

[Thailand]

It's very sad that a few renegades force the pm to back out on his planned visit.

Surely the local police/military in Chiang Mai could have afforded protection if they thought it was really necessary alternatively security could have traveled with him.

Personally I think it's a cop out and Thailand in general should be ashamed of the current situation no matter what individuals colo/ur preferences may be.

[termad]

I am of mixed feelings about this. Relieved that the reds are being denied an opportuntity to use violence, but angered that a small minority can use the treat of violence to dictate the schedule of the Prime Minister of a country. They say that it was the Thai Chamber of Commerce who revoked the PM's invitation, and if that had not happened, he would have gone.

In any event, if the Reds cannot provoke a violent confrontation in the next month - Takki Shinegra lose all chance to get his money back - stay tuned.

(Thaksin has denied ever using the name Takki Shinegra and says that he certainly doesn't have any passport in that name. Can you verify the source of your information?)

In the Bangkok Post today it says "the invitation was withdrawn after chamber chairman Dusit Nontanakorn talked with key members." On Radio Thailand news they read a statement from Abhisit saying that he had cancelled his plans to visit Chiang Mai because of his fears that a demonstration could harm the country's economic recovery?

You use the term "small minority" but that kind of statement is the root cause of the present problem because it is 'the majority' of Thais who want Abhisit to resign and call elections. Abhisit was never elected and the chances are that he never will be. He assumed the office of Prime minister after a large number of MPs (led by Newin Chidbob) defected from the Opposition to join his Democrat party. (Why they defected is an open secret - and it wasn't because they suddenly saw Abhisit as the Saviour of Thailand)

Abhisit's silence during the siege of Suvarnabhumi gave tacit support to the PAD and in fact he made one of the leaders of the occupation of the airport his Foreign Minister, the same man who referred to the PM of Cambodia as a gangster long before the present spat between Cambodia and Thailand.

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

I am not a Thai but just somebody observing from the sidelines - as you are - so I have no axe to grind. However, I think no matter what the consequences unless Abhisit does call an election the feeling that they have been robbed of their vote will grow and fester amongst, what I believe to be, are the majority of the Thai electorate.

What will happen then? Will the current Thai Foreign Minister be back on a stage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, will the Army stage a coup, and will you be writing in to defend the right of a "small minority" to govern the country?

[londonthai]

yesterday police reported one hand gun http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Police-Arres...ss-t317343.html - now it's the whole arsenal.

surely, they have known beforehand that the guy was selling guns and ammunition, and picked him up not because he was a thread to the pm, but because they wanted to give an excuse for the pm not to go to chiang mai.

for the same purpose the karaoke bar was raided.

as to "two men in red shirts were seen outside the police station, reportedly making phone calls to their leaders in Bangkok", it's unlikely that somebody trying to help arrested would dress a red shirt and parade outside the police station, and as to where and to who they were calling is a guess, rather than fact.

the whole thing can be seen as staged by the security services to heat up the tension before demos, scare potential protesters and eventually introduce locally state of emergency, forbidding all public gatherings.

[Orac]

as to "two men in red shirts were seen outside the police station, reportedly making phone calls to their leaders in Bangkok", it's unlikely that somebody trying to help arrested would dress a red shirt and parade outside the police station, and as to where and to who they were calling is a guess, rather than fact.

As the report also states that 100 red-shirts were protesting outside another police station maybe they had turned up at the wrong police station and were phoning their mates to find out where they were??

[baht&sold]

as to "two men in red shirts were seen outside the police station, reportedly making phone calls to their leaders in Bangkok", it's unlikely that somebody trying to help arrested would dress a red shirt and parade outside the police station

Quoting the original report:

Meanwhile, more than 100 red shirts rallied outside Chiang Mai's Muang district police station yesterday to protest against the provincial court issuing an arrest warrant for local red-shirt leader, Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul.

Petchawat is accused of making threats to assassinate the prime minister on a community radio programme.

The protest leaders also took turns in verbally attacking the top three local police officers - Somkid, Chiang Mai police commander Maj-General Sommai Kongwisaisuk and Muang police station superintendent Colonel Yuthachai Puaprasert - and demanded that they be transferred.

So, you're right, there weren't just 'two' red-shirts.

There were 100, led by the lovely chap himself who allegedly fanned PM death threats.

One can only conclude, if a mere 100 of Mr Thaksin's minions can take over the police station and demand the top police superintendents be transferred (for having the 'audacity' of seeking charges against their leader Petchawat), then sorry, Chiang Mai is being run by hooligans.

High time for the avg citizens of Chiang Mai to launch their own protest to tell Thaksin's minions they are no longer welcomed and they DON'T represent the whole of Chiang Mai.

Until then, a blight hangs over otherwise lovely Chiang Mai, unfortunately controlled by a minority of thugs through intimidation such as the above.

[timekeeper]

he should tell only a few trusted generals he is going and just slide in by army helicopter

do his thing in ten minutes and get out again

he should go, if only to show these <deleted> that mob rule cannot be allowed to dictate to the prime minister.

[hammered]

as to "two men in red shirts were seen outside the police station, reportedly making phone calls to their leaders in Bangkok", it's unlikely that somebody trying to help arrested would dress a red shirt and parade outside the police station

Quoting the original report:

Meanwhile, more than 100 red shirts rallied outside Chiang Mai's Muang district police station yesterday to protest against the provincial court issuing an arrest warrant for local red-shirt leader, Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul.

Petchawat is accused of making threats to assassinate the prime minister on a community radio programme.

The protest leaders also took turns in verbally attacking the top three local police officers - Somkid, Chiang Mai police commander Maj-General Sommai Kongwisaisuk and Muang police station superintendent Colonel Yuthachai Puaprasert - and demanded that they be transferred.

So, you're right, there weren't just 'two' red-shirts.

There were 100, led by the lovely chap himself who allegedly fanned PM death threats.

One can only conclude, if a mere 100 of Mr Thaksin's minions can take over the police station and demand the top police superintendents be transferred (for having the 'audacity' of seeking charges against their leader Petchawat), then sorry, Chiang Mai is being run by hooligans.

High time for the avg citizens of Chiang Mai to launch their own protest to tell Thaksin's minions they are no longer welcomed and they DON'T represent the whole of Chiang Mai.

Until then, a blight hangs over otherwise lovely Chiang Mai, unfortunately controlled by a minority of thugs through intimidation such as the above.

LCM51 are not a normal red group but have set themselves up as arbiters of what is allowed and acceptable in Chiang Mai. They treat Chiang Mai as their fiefdom. These dudes really have littel about them that equates to democracy and the red movement would be better off without them. They have also suppressed other red groups including violently.

[BSJ]

Cancelling makes the PM look weak......but better weak than dead!

[h90]

I am of mixed feelings about this. Relieved that the reds are being denied an opportuntity to use violence, but angered that a small minority can use the treat of violence to dictate the schedule of the Prime Minister of a country. They say that it was the Thai Chamber of Commerce who revoked the PM's invitation, and if that had not happened, he would have gone.

In any event, if the Reds cannot provoke a violent confrontation in the next month - Takki Shinegra lose all chance to get his money back - stay tuned.

Maybe it was a plan?

Demonstrations in Bangkok

PM goes Chiang Mai. As it is difficult to mobilize in Chiang Mai an BKK at the same time they canceled BKK

Than he waited long enough till the preparations were finished and the money transfered.

Than he canceled the Chiang Mai trip and Thaksin had all the expenses but no show?

Just an idea....

[LawnGnome]

I am of mixed feelings about this. Relieved that the reds are being denied an opportuntity to use violence, but angered that a small minority can use the treat of violence to dictate the schedule of the Prime Minister of a country. They say that it was the Thai Chamber of Commerce who revoked the PM's invitation, and if that had not happened, he would have gone.

In any event, if the Reds cannot provoke a violent confrontation in the next month - Takki Shinegra lose all chance to get his money back - stay tuned.

(Thaksin has denied ever using the name Takki Shinegra and says that he certainly doesn't have any passport in that name. Can you verify the source of your information?)

In the Bangkok Post today it says "the invitation was withdrawn after chamber chairman Dusit Nontanakorn talked with key members." On Radio Thailand news they read a statement from Abhisit saying that he had cancelled his plans to visit Chiang Mai because of his fears that a demonstration could harm the country's economic recovery?

You use the term "small minority" but that kind of statement is the root cause of the present problem because it is 'the majority' of Thais who want Abhisit to resign and call elections. Abhisit was never elected and the chances are that he never will be. He assumed the office of Prime minister after a large number of MPs (led by Newin Chidbob) defected from the Opposition to join his Democrat party. (Why they defected is an open secret - and it wasn't because they suddenly saw Abhisit as the Saviour of Thailand)

Abhisit's silence during the siege of Suvarnabhumi gave tacit support to the PAD and in fact he made one of the leaders of the occupation of the airport his Foreign Minister, the same man who referred to the PM of Cambodia as a gangster long before the present spat between Cambodia and Thailand.

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

I am not a Thai but just somebody observing from the sidelines - as you are - so I have no axe to grind. However, I think no matter what the consequences unless Abhisit does call an election the feeling that they have been robbed of their vote will grow and fester amongst, what I believe to be, are the majority of the Thai electorate.

What will happen then? Will the current Thai Foreign Minister be back on a stage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, will the Army stage a coup, and will you be writing in to defend the right of a "small minority" to govern the country?

No plans to argue with a "newbie" member. I'll all come out in the wash.

[h90]

I am of mixed feelings about this. Relieved that the reds are being denied an opportuntity to use violence, but angered that a small minority can use the treat of violence to dictate the schedule of the Prime Minister of a country. They say that it was the Thai Chamber of Commerce who revoked the PM's invitation, and if that had not happened, he would have gone.

In any event, if the Reds cannot provoke a violent confrontation in the next month - Takki Shinegra lose all chance to get his money back - stay tuned.

(Thaksin has denied ever using the name Takki Shinegra and says that he certainly doesn't have any passport in that name. Can you verify the source of your information?)

In the Bangkok Post today it says "the invitation was withdrawn after chamber chairman Dusit Nontanakorn talked with key members." On Radio Thailand news they read a statement from Abhisit saying that he had cancelled his plans to visit Chiang Mai because of his fears that a demonstration could harm the country's economic recovery?

You use the term "small minority" but that kind of statement is the root cause of the present problem because it is 'the majority' of Thais who want Abhisit to resign and call elections. Abhisit was never elected and the chances are that he never will be. He assumed the office of Prime minister after a large number of MPs (led by Newin Chidbob) defected from the Opposition to join his Democrat party. (Why they defected is an open secret - and it wasn't because they suddenly saw Abhisit as the Saviour of Thailand)

Abhisit's silence during the siege of Suvarnabhumi gave tacit support to the PAD and in fact he made one of the leaders of the occupation of the airport his Foreign Minister, the same man who referred to the PM of Cambodia as a gangster long before the present spat between Cambodia and Thailand.

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

I am not a Thai but just somebody observing from the sidelines - as you are - so I have no axe to grind. However, I think no matter what the consequences unless Abhisit does call an election the feeling that they have been robbed of their vote will grow and fester amongst, what I believe to be, are the majority of the Thai electorate.

What will happen then? Will the current Thai Foreign Minister be back on a stage at Suvarnabhumi Airport, will the Army stage a coup, and will you be writing in to defend the right of a "small minority" to govern the country?

What I read was that Takki told that he never used a passport FROM Nicaragua, Montenegro or ??? with the name Takki Shinegra out of fear to get catched.

So he didn't deny to have such passports and he did not even deny that he used them.

[Ricardo]

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

Welcome to a new poster !

Given the way that the PPP formed their first & second governments in 2008, with the coalition-support of several minor parties who were elected on a platform of not doing a deal with the PPP, wouldn't Samak & Somchai have been equally honour bound to call elections, since they were ruling only with the support of MPs who had "deserted the people who had elected them" ?

But this isn't the UK, things like parties switching sides (or policies) seems to be acceptable here, perhaps this is just an aspect of coalition-politics, to which we Brits are unused ?

While I welcome PM-Abhisit's commitment to call elections at some point, it would be nice to see the current problems, caused partly by Takki Shinegra's inflamatory rhetoric and ongoing court cases, resolved first and a more-stable situation emerge. We might then see more clearly how much support remains for the Democrats or PTP, also any yet-to-emerge other democratic-forces, but (returning to the thread topic) it will of course be necessary for all parties to be able to campaign without hindrance or threat of violence everywhere in the country, or another election would still be partly a sham.

[hammered]

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

Welcome to a new poster !

Given the way that the PPP formed their first & second governments in 2008, with the coalition-support of several minor parties who were elected on a platform of not doing a deal with the PPP, wouldn't Samak & Somchai have been equally honour bound to call elections, since they were ruling only with the support of MPs who had "deserted the people who had elected them" ?

But this isn't the UK, things like parties switching sides (or policies) seems to be acceptable here, perhaps this is just an aspect of coalition-politics, to which we Brits are unused ?

While I welcome PM-Abhisit's commitment to call elections at some point, it would be nice to see the current problems, caused partly by Takki Shinegra's inflamatory rhetoric and ongoing court cases, resolved first and a more-stable situation emerge. We might then see more clearly how much support remains for the Democrats or PTP, also any yet-to-emerge other democratic-forces, but (returning to the thread topic) it will of course be necessary for all parties to be able to campaign without hindrance or threat of violence everywhere in the country, or another election would still be partly a sham.

The thing about being able to campaign everywhere is critical. That means making the reds and yellows stay home where they can play with their little clappers to their hearts content.

An election where they run around intimidating people and deciding who can speak and who cant as well as what peole themselves are allowed to say would be a meaningless farce. Now that is a a very big issure to solve if anyone really has nay desire to see a fair election but I have my doubts that anyone does.

[timekeeper]

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

when did the UK have a general election to put Gordon Brown in the driving seat?

did i miss that?

[rabcbroon]

To observers it looks like the government doesn't have the power to govern. What, with the PMs security not being gauranteed on an internal trip, and the governments inability to have the radio host whom openly threatened to kill the PM arrested - looks bad!

[Publicus]

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

when did the UK have a general election to put Gordon Brown in the driving seat?

did i miss that?

We all missed it!

As I recall, on becoming PM Brown and Labour considered a general election then specifically ruled it out. Given public opinion surveys at the time (including to the present) it was a politically wise decision (or a desperate one) but no one is questioning Brown's legitimacy as PM or the legitimacy of Labour to continue to govern. If there's any similarity between LOS and UK this would have to be one.

The present parliament in Thailand is elected and really must continue to its full term as the sociopolitical situation continues to be tenuous at best. Today Abhisit can't campaign in Chiang Mai, so where next will he be unable to campaign? More time is necessary before a new election can be called.

[Publicus]

In the UK, because of the way he became PM and the way Newin Chitbob and his friends deserted the people who elected them,

Abhisit would have been honour bound to call elections within months of assuming office. But he did not do so and in fact during his recent visit to the Middle East he stated that he might call a general election within the next two years!

when did the UK have a general election to put Gordon Brown in the driving seat?

did i miss that?

We all missed it!

As I recall, on becoming PM Brown and Labour considered a general election then specifically ruled it out. Given public opinion surveys at the time (including to the present) it was a politically wise decision (or a desperate one) but no one is questioning Brown's legitimacy as PM or the legitimacy of Labour to continue to govern. If there's any similarity between LOS and UK this would have to be one.

Gordon is a super fit cool guy http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-...ging-pants.html

The present parliament in Thailand is elected and really must continue to its full term as the sociopolitical situation continues to be tenuous at best. Today Abhisit can't campaign in Chiang Mai, so where next will he be unable to campaign? More time is necessary before a new election can be called.

My post above, quoted by 'rabcbroon' has been modified in violation of forum rules (a link and new sentence were inserted) so I have reported the violation. The link in the above post is not in my original post.

Edited November 28, 2009 by Publicus

[rabcbroon]

[when did the UK have a general election to put Gordon Brown in the driving seat?

did i miss that?

We all missed it!

As I recall, on becoming PM Brown and Labour considered a general election then specifically ruled it out. Given public opinion surveys at the time (including to the present) it was a politically wise decision (or a desperate one) but no one is questioning Brown's legitimacy as PM or the legitimacy of Labour to continue to govern. If there's any similarity between LOS and UK this would have to be one.

Gordon is a super fit cool guy http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-...ging-pants.html

The present parliament in Thailand is elected and really must continue to its full term as the sociopolitical situation continues to be tenuous at best. Today Abhisit can't campaign in Chiang Mai, so where next will he be unable to campaign? More time is necessary before a new election can be called.

My post above, quoted by 'rabcbroon' has been modified in violation of forum rules (a link and new sentence were inserted) so I have reported the violation. The link in the above post is not in my original post.

I think we have a glitch in the Matrix

[Publicus]

Yes, ok, I see we do have a technical difficulty.

After my report, your post was deleted and I see your further post above is discombobulated.

So I'l wait this out till the forum gets its circuits reorganized.

No problem, rabcbroom.

[Publicus]

To observers it looks like the government doesn't have the power to govern. What, with the PMs security not being gauranteed on an internal trip, and the governments inability to have the radio host whom openly threatened to kill the PM arrested - looks bad!

It leaves Thai security forces such as the police and even the army looking impotent, or afraid.

Yeh, it can be argued the reds stood down in Bangkok and the government stood down in Chiang Mai, and that the sides are showing cool, but that still leaves CM as a no-go zone because a known militant leader the government tried to prosecute is still free and on the loose after publically threatening the life of the PM.

This is not only bad, it's awful.

[webfact]

Ministers also cancel Chiang Mai trips

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on November 29, 2009

The red shirts staged an anti-government rally in Chiang Mai yesterday, even though Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva cancelled his trip there to avoid violence as suggested by the Thai Chamber of Commerce.

Red shirts from the provinces of Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae and Nan joined the rally that started from Chiang Mai municipality sports stadium to the city moats, went on to Tha Pae gate and ended at the Sam Kasat Monument.

The Chiang Mai Lover 51 Group, who are known to be avid Thaksin supporters, did not turn up.

Peerapol Morakot, a protest leader, said the rally was a show of force but it would not resort to violence. Army specialist Maj-General Khattiya Sawatdipol and Pheu Thai Party MP Sunai Chulapongsathorn were to take the rally stage to give speeches at Chiang Mai Provincial hall in the evening.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul and Commerce Minister Porntiva Nakasai cancelled their plans to give speeches at the Thai Chamber of Commerce's annual conference at Le Meridien Hotel in Chiang Mai, fearing the red-shirt protest would disrupt the meeting.

Interior Ministry deputy permanent secretary Wiboon Sanguanpong and Commerce Ministry deputy permanent secretary Krisda Piumpongsan were assigned to give speeches on their behalf.

Despite the cancellation of the visits by the PM and his two ministers, police yesterday maintained heavy security in Chiang Mai, setting up many checkpoints on highways leading to the city to scrutinise protesters who were travelling to join the protest.

Pol Colonel Bancha Settakorn, superintendent of Mae Tha district police station in Lamphun, said police strictly checked the protesters for arms and illegal items, but did not find any.

The chamber of commerce meeting at Le Meridien went off without any protest by the red shirts. About 30 police were deployed to keep security there. The Chiang Mai Lover 51 Group gathered outside Grand Warorot Palace hotel and announced that they would monitor the situation. If Abhisit or any minister turned up, they would mobilise protesters to oust them immediately.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up for Abhisit, who put on soft armour to perform his official duty in Bangkok yesterday.

Security officials were deployed to guard the PM, who was joining forces with students, volunteers and soldiers to clean up the city moats near Sanam Luang. Some officials went up to high buildings to safeguard him.

Abhisit wore a T-shirt on top of soft armour. He said there had not been reports of any incidents after the Internal Security Act went into effect yesterday, the first day. The Cabinet would decide tomorrow whether to revoke the security law. He said there was nothing to worry as of now.

-- The Nation 29009/11/29

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[wilbert]

Army specialist Maj-General Khattiya Sawatdipol and Pheu Thai Party MP Sunai Chulapongsathorn were to take the rally stage to give speeches at Chiang Mai Provincial hall in the evening.

Major-General Khattiya Sawatdipol AKA Sae Daeng was just convicted and received an un-suspended prison sentence just 10 days ago.

Apparently he must be on bail while he appeals. I'm guessing they didn't include his attendance at this sort of thing as one of his bail conditions.