Pro and Anti-Government Rally Thread

[Jai Dee]

PM to hold a rally on March 3 to explain issues to the people.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinnawat prepares to hold a rally on March 3 at Sanamluang to explain issues to the people, while insisting that he is not worried about the rally of the People’s Alliance for Democracy on March 5, all acts must follow the rule of law.

Prime Minister Thaksin said that the opposition parties decided not to field candidates in this general election because they only aim to oust him from premiership. He said that the opposition has denied the government’s proposals and showed no respect to the rules. He said that the government has done its best. The premier also questioned why the opposition is so afraid of returning the power to the people.

Dr. Thaksin also decided to hold a big rally at the Sanamluang grounds to talk to the people and explain any doubts that the people may have. The rally is planned for March 3.

The Prime Minister said that the problems will be dealt with later, if less than 20% of voters in the South come out to vote in the election, as required by the Constitution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Democrats cancel March 4 rally

The Democrat Party has decided to abandon a plan to hold a rally on March 4 at the Royal Plaza to explain to the public why it will boycott the April 2 general elections.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat party leader, told party executives during a meeting this morning that he feared the rally would be exploited by powerful political forces and undermine their political position.

The announcement was made by Ong-art Klampaiboon, the party spokesman, at party headquarters.

“Now the stuation is uncertain and we don’t want to fall victim to those who have political power in this country anymore.”

The Democrats yesterday announced that the party would today begin traveling countrywide explaining the opposition alliance’s decision to boycott the snap general election.

Source: ThaiDay 1 March 2006 12:22

[Jai Dee]

DPM Chitchai stated the government will put in efforts to retain peace inthe planned rally

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chidchai Wannasathit(ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์ ) said the government will put its best effort in restoring peace in the planned rally set on the 5th of March. He further dismissed allegations that the government will announce a state of emergency.

Gen Chidchai revealed that on the 3rd of March,Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will deliver a speech to inform the general public over the amendment of the constitution and the righteousness of the democratic system.

He believes that the general public will come to a more understanding after the speech of the premier.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

The blockade of farmers' rally trigger fears among the government officers

The daily streams of news concerning the mob of farmers have caused apprehension among the agricultural and cooperatives officials, as they fear that their ministry will be enclosed by the demonstrators. And as a special case, the Permanent-Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Banpot Hongtong (บรรพต หงษ์ทอง), has allowed some of the ministerial officials to return to their residences before the normal closing time.

In the midst of the protests of the agriculturists near the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry since last week, officials have shown concern that their workplace will be enclosed once again. More than 20 rally leaders have gathered in front of the ministry, and at the moment, the vendors, who used to sell their products in front of the ministry on every Wednesday, have halted their businesses.

In the meantime, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan have not come to the ministry since last week. Daily work agendas of the ministry have also been postponed as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 March 2006

[britmaveric]

Democrats cancel March 4 rally

The Democrat Party has decided to abandon a plan to hold a rally on March 4 at the Royal Plaza to explain to the public why it will boycott the April 2 general elections.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat party leader, told party executives during a meeting this morning that he feared the rally would be exploited by powerful political forces and undermine their political position.

The announcement was made by Ong-art Klampaiboon, the party spokesman, at party headquarters.

“Now the stuation is uncertain and we don’t want to fall victim to those who have political power in this country anymore.”

The Democrats yesterday announced that the party would today begin traveling countrywide explaining the opposition alliance’s decision to boycott the snap general election.

Source: ThaiDay 1 March 2006 12:22

Seems to me this is a good opportunity for some of the 15 other minor parties to pick up additional seats created by the vacuum. Major mistake on opposition's part not to participate.

[Siripon]

Yes, I can just see TRT stepping aside to let unknowns pick up seats, it'll really do their credibility good. TRT hustled out a reporter who asked Taksin if the meeting with the unknown parties was a joke.

It's a joke to have an election after only one year, The Democrats, Chart Thai are short of cash, there's no way it's a fair election. It can't be emphasized enough that Chart Thai haven't joined this election even though this party is always hungry to join the government, how TRT would have loved them to join the election, giving it more legitimacy!

The stories of them being offered 50 seats with plenty of cash are all too believable.

If Thaksin has nothing to hide why doesn't he have a debate on TV with The Opposition leaders? But of course last time he refused, not the Thai way!!

[penzman]

It's a joke to call an election within thirty some days...

[meom]

It's a joke to call an election within thirty some days...

Maybe somebody can post a link cause I've read today that thaksin has offered to postpone elections upto 120 days or something as a gesture to the opposition which was rejected by them.

[lukamar]

It's a joke to have an election after only one year, The Democrats, Chart Thai are short of cash, there's no way it's a fair election.

The government of a democracy has the right to call an election any time they want. They could call an election the day parliament convenes for the first time after an election. There is no precedent here in the timing. Possibly the opposition does not have the backing they like to claim or possibly they have been so preoccupied with mudslinging that they forgot to do the things that they should have been doing - raising campaign funds and organizing for an election.

If the opposition parties do not have enough money to run an election and got caught with their pants down, they have had a year to replenish their campaign funds. Or is the lack of organization and competence in running their parties, Dr. Thaksin's fault as well.

It's a joke to call an election within thirty some days...

That's allowed under Thai Electoral Law. The government, in any democracy, is not obligated to call an election with timing that is optimal for the opposition. They call an election with timing optimal for the government.

Edited March 1, 2006 by lukamar

[penzman]

Not only for oppsiotion parties is this not fair as voters who will not be in their hometown come election day only have until this Saturday (Mar 4th) to register properly.

[britmaveric]

Not only for oppsiotion parties is this not fair as voters who will not be in their hometown come election day only have until this Saturday (Mar 4th) to register properly.

Perhaps this should be a reform then, but from what the law is now - its legitmate!!

[lukamar]

Not only for oppsiotion parties is this not fair as voters who will not be in their hometown come election day only have until this Saturday (Mar 4th) to register properly.

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

People 'must vote' in polls or face losing their rights

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA -BP

Despite the decision by the main opposition parties to boycott the upcoming April 2 election, members of the public must cast their votes on that day or face losing their democratic rights, the People's Network for Elections (P-net) warned yesterday. The opposition boycott had no bearing on the public's duty to cast their ballots on election day, P-net secretary-general Varin Thiamcharas said.

He said the fact that leading opposition parties had agreed not to field any candidates on April 2 was ''irrelevant'' and that people would still have to visit polling stations to cast their votes or risk losing rights to participate in political life, including the gathering of signatures in the form of a petition to press for the impeachment of politicians.

Mr Varin said people who did not want to vote for anyone ought to tick the ''no-vote'' box.

''The opposition has the right to boycott the election by not fielding candidates. However, it must not encourage people not to exercise their voting rights as a failure to vote would lead to voters losing their political rights,'' Mr Varin said.

Those venting their displeasure with political parties or candidates contesting the election can tick the no-vote box on the ballot paper.

''This will show that they don't accept the political parties contesting the race'' and that they had no faith in the political system, Mr Varin said.

However, Mr Varin warned the public that a refusal to vote would reflect badly on voters since they would be seen as failing to carry out their political duty as a citizen.

The people would then lose their political rights as stated in the law, Mr Varin said.

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

We know you are only worried about the estimated 200-300,000 farmers walking from Issan that will arrive in BKK to support the TRT in 20 days getting to vote.

Farmers coming to help PM

NILA SINGKHIRI & CHEEWIN SATTHA -BP

Caravans of farmers and grassroots people from the North and Northeast regions will today begin a gruelling 20-day foot trip to Bangkok to lend moral support to embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is under mounting opposition pressure to step down. Attharit Singlor, chairman of the Network for Northeastern Farmer Groups, said farmers in the Northeast wanted Mr Thaksin to remain as the national leader to solve problems plaguing the country.

He claimed that an estimated 300,000-400,000 members of the network and the Assembly of Small-Scale Farmers of the Northeast were expected to join the trip. Farmers from five provinces in the lower Northeast _ Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani and Amnat Charoen _ yesterday gathered in front of Ubon Ratchathani provincial hall, where a forum was held to urge people to show their support for Mr Thaksin.

Farmers' leaders took turns to praise Mr Thaksin for translating his populist policies, which included the conversion of assets of rural communities into capital, the village fund, and the one-million-cow distribution project, into action.

Their journey to Bangkok was expected to take 20 days.

[britmaveric]

estimated 300,000-400,000 members of the network and the Assembly of Small-Scale Farmers of the Northeast were expected to join the trip.

Uh well that will shut the opposition up if that materializes!!!

[lukamar]

Uh well that will shut the opposition up if that materializes!!!

It would do that; but there is an enormous potential for things to go bad very fast if the two sides were allowed to square off. That would have implications I would hate to speculate but I'm sure a all out riot or bloodbath would be part of it. No matter what side you are on in the election you can not possibly want a physical clash of radical political thinking anywhere. That will indeed only lead to Martial Law and a good excuse to implement it.

I'm hoping that cooler and saner heads will prevail and if there is any decent number coming from outside bangkok that the two groups would be kept a healthy distance apart somehow.

[Ricardo]

It's a joke to call an election within thirty some days...

Maybe somebody can post a link cause I've read today that thaksin has offered to postpone elections upto 120 days or something as a gesture to the opposition which was rejected by them.

At this point, with all the other broken commitments from DL, I doubt that anybody would trust him to keep his word on this. Which is a pity. Because it would be the fair & democratic thing to do.

Resign his personal position, allow in a neutral caretaker-PM such as General Prem, and allow 100 0r 120 days warning of the election.

The TRT-MPs who want to change parties could do so, there would be more time for campaigning by all sides, and a fairer vote would ensue.

Which of course is why it will not happen.

[lukamar]

Resign his personal position, allow in a neutral caretaker-PM such as General Prem, and allow 100 0r 120 days warning of the election.

The TRT-MPs who want to change parties could do so, there would be more time for campaigning by all sides, and a fairer vote would ensue.

The PM does not have to resign. He went to the people with an election call, to let the People decide who should head the government. That's the way it's done in a democracy. It is up to the people that are complaining, the opposition parties, to dislodge him in an election not for him to dislodge himself. We are not talking a US type Republic where the elected officials can impeach the President if he does something they do not like or can elect a government not representative of the majority. There is a vast difference between a Democracy and a Republic, something a lot of posters fail to realize.

A Republic - (1) : a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.

A Democracy - 1 a : government by the people; especially : rule of the majority b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

MP's have had a year to jump ship, resign, change parties or whatever. They know what side their bread is buttered on and that's why they are where they are, still in TRT. Timing of an election in a democracy is set by the governing power, in this case the TRT. They are not bound by the Elections Commission to have more time until an election and they are not bound to make the timing of an election benefit the opposition. Seldom if ever is the calling of an election to the benefit of the opposition, in Thailand or anywhere else. If the opposition does not contest any seats then TRT and the 15 other parties will form the government and the new opposition.

What happened is TS did something, by calling an election, that none of the big 3 opposition parties or their leaders expected, he called their bluff. The big 3 were caught with their pants down, no money, no platform and no organization outside Bangkok and they did not react well to the situation. Now they can't stop the boycott or they will completely loose face and look the fools. If they don't run any candidates they will be a non entity for 4 years or longer.

Possibly the best thing for Thai politics is if the 15 alternative parties actually win some ridings and bring in some new blood and thinking to parliament, because the current confrontational manner of everyone isn't good in the least.

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party has called off its planned speech at King Rama 5th Equestrian Statue on Saturday

The Democrat Party has called off its planned speech at the King Rama 5th Equestrian Statue on March 4th, while the Chart Thai party has affirmed that the election on April 2nd will proceed.

Chart Thai Leader Banharn Silpa_acha (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) spoke of the upcoming April 2nd election and said that it will proceed according to the original schedule. He said whether the new administration will last its term after the election was a question he could not answer. Personally he viewed that the government should proceed with amendment of the Constitution in troublesome areas after the election. Mr. Banharn further said that the prime minister should excercise caution in his speeches at tomorrow's address at Sanam Luang.

In the meantime Democrat Party Spokesperson Ong_art Khlarmphaiboon (องค์อาจ คล้ามไพบูลย์) disclosed that the party is calling off its address on March 4th at King Rama 5th Equestrian Statue venue, as it did not want to fall victim to the political unrest. However the addresses in other provinces will proceed as planned.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 March 2006

[Plus]

The PM does not have to resign. He went to the people with an election call, to let the People decide who should head the government. That's the way it's done in a democracy.

The protesters point is that Taksin is not qualified to stand an election, and has not been qualified ever since he put the money/stocks away in British Virgin Islands and took part in managing Shin sale, even if through nominees.

This issue cannot be resolved through elections - it's apples and oranges. One does not address the another. No one is against the elections, by-elections, snap elections or whatever once the Shin Corp sale issue has been cleared.

We are not talking a US type Republic where the elected officials can impeach the President if he does something they do not like

On the contrary, MPs CAN impeach Taksin, there should be at least 200 to start the notion. Where did you get your information from?

A Republic - (1) : a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.

That seems like Thailand - people vote MPs in, MPs vote on the Prime Minister. The only major difference is that in TRT MPs must follow the party line and are not answerable to their constituents, sadly.

A Democracy - 1 a : government by the people; especially : rule of the majority b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.

People don't vote the PM in, and they have no say in forming the government. Some ministers are not elected MPs. Is Thailand a republic or a democracy according to your definitions then?

MP's have had a year to jump ship, resign, change parties or whatever.

What do you mean? They can't jump ship, resign, or change parties without losing their MP status and disqualifying themselves from future elections. You surely have heard of a man called Sanoh Thientong and his faction. The called TRT a jail because they coulnd't leave it.

They know what side their bread is buttered on and that's why they are where they are, still in TRT.

Snoh has finally given up and resigned, even if he can't stand in the upcoming elections for any other party. Some of his faction members resigned, too, and then yesterday pleaded with Taksin to take them back.

Timing of an election in a democracy is set by the governing power, in this case the TRT. They are not bound by the Elections Commission...

It's actually the Election Commission that sets the date, Taksin can request a particular date, but the ultimate decision is up to EC, it happened just last year that EC didn't accept the proposed date.

I wonder why are you so misinformed even on basic issues, Lukamar. What's the value in your speculations if they are based on completely wrong information?

[Jai Dee]

City police prepared to deal with major rallies this weekend.

Metropolitan police Chief Lieutenant-general Wiroj Chandransi (วิโรจน์ จันทรังษี) called a meeting of all related police offers to prepare for the major rallies at Sanam Luang ground.

Lieutenant-general Wiroj invited all related officials for a meeting on February 26-27, to conclude the police’s operations and prepare for the major public gathering organized by the Thai Rak Thai party on March 3 as well as the rally organized by the People’s Alliance for Democracy on March 5 at Sanam Luang arena.

He revealed that the police have formulated safety plans for the gatherings on both days, but he cannot disclose details of the plans. In addition, he said that the police have followed the movements of protestors closely to adjust the safety measures according to changing situations.

The Metropolitan police Chief also warned the people joining the rallies on both days to exercise their judgment and gather peacefully under legal framework to prevent escalating violence that can cause damages to the country.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 March 2006

[bulmercke]

PAD to monitor Thaksin’s rally today - ThaiDay -

By David Ogan 2 March 2006 22:18

The People Alliance’s for Democracy will carefully listen to Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at his own rally today in Sanam Luang before deciding on how best to proceed with calling for his ouster.

Suriyasai Katasila, a founding member of the PAD, yesterday maintained that the alliance of anti-Thaksin civic groups and activists was committed to seeing Thaksin out of office by Sunday and promised to use only nonviolent means.

“We remain firm in our commitment in our public but peaceful demonstrations until Thaksin resigns,” said Suriyasai. “However, all members of the PAD will meet and decide how we will make good on our ultimatum for Thaksin to resign before Sunday.”

The PAD halted its own protests on Monday after two-days of mass demonstrations at Sanam Luang were attended by an estimated 100,000 people

Thaksin yesterday vowed to personally address a crowd expected to be in the hundreds of thousands to explain why he dissolved Parliament last week and refuses to resign.

“I will pour my heart out at the rally,” Thaksin said.

Suriyasai, however, said that Thaksin’s refusal to step down will only escalate the conflict, creating a rift in Thai society and increasing the chances for violence.

“Thaksin’s methods will drag broad sectors in society into more profound political conflicts,” said Suriyasai, “that will generate hostility and hatred amongst the people even though the problem resides with Thaksin alone.”

“This is a very dangerous point for society.”

A leading member of the TRT yesterday denied rumors that Thaksin will use the forum to announce a plan to redissolve Parliament within six months if TRT is reelected in the April 2 snap poll.

“The news coming out is very confusing because no one can determine how long amendments to the Constitution will take,” said Promin Lertsuridej, TRT’s deputy secretary-general. “I confirm that TRT will expedite the process to amend the Constitution immediately after the election.”

Promin also said Thaksin will make good on his promise to pour his heart out during today’s rally and would explain at length how TRT will push ahead with political reform.

“The rally tomorrow will mark the first rally of the party’s political campaign.”

Suriyasai also dismissed rumors that Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, leader of the thousands-strong Dharma Army of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, planned to besiege Government House or Thaksin’s residence.

“Anything Chamlong may have said is only his opinion, all PAD leaders will meet and make a joint decision.”

[Jai Dee]

PM will not use rally to campaign for votes.

Leading members of Thai Rak Thai party insisted that the Prime Minister’s speech this evening is not aimed at campaigning for votes, adding that no violence will occur.

Secretary-general of the Thai Rak Thai party Suriya Jeungroongruengkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) said that the party still hopes that the opposition parties will register for the election and let the people decide on the current political crisis. He added that the two sides can talk if there are problems, adding that the Prime Minister has softened his stance to accommodate the opposition.

As for the public speech held this evening, Mr. Suriya said that the premier will explain issues questioned by the public, but will not speak in a provocative manner to prevent confrontation, as all Thai people want peace.

Meanwhile, deputy leader of the Thai Rak Thai party, Khunying Sudarat Keyurapan (สุดารัตน์ เกยุราพันธุ์) insisted that the premier will not use the rally this evening to campaign for votes, but he will open his heart and talk sincerely about many issues, as the premier has been under attack for the past few months, but did not have the opportunity to clarify himself.

She insisted that there will not be confrontation between the premier’s supporters and protestors, adding that no violence will occur. As for the party’s policies in this election, she said that the policies will be made public early next week.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Police have prepared safety measures for this evening’s rally.

Police have prepared safety measures for this evening’s rally organized by the Thai Rak Thai party, adding that the situation will be assessed on a daily basis.

Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, Lieutenant-general Nawin Singhapalin (นาวิน สิงหะผลิน) said after a meeting that the police have prepared plans to provide safety and keep order during the rallies today and this Sunday. He said that the situation will be assessed everyday, as it can change all the time, adding that the plans will be adjusted accordingly.

Lieutenant-general Nawin said that the police expect that a large crowd of people will attend this evening’s rally. He said that there have been no reports that the anti-government crowd or third-party will cause chaos in the rally. As for the Prime Minister’s safety, he said that a special defense force has been provided.

In addition, Lieutenant-general Nawin asked the people who are not planning to attend the rally to avoid coming near Sanamluang areas, to prevent traffic problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[chownah]

My wife came back from her early morning rounds and commented that her sister (who lives by the highway) commented that there were alot of people going south on the highway this morning and that they were going to attend the pro Toxin rally. I asked her how she knew which rally they were going to see, maybe it was the anti Toxin rally.

Anyway if this is true and this is happening from all over Thailand then there is going to be alot of people attending one or both of the rallies this weekend so....Bangkok, ready or not, here we come!!!

[penzman]

“I will pour my heart out at the rally,” Thaksin said.

Yeah... like you did on Thaksin's Super Lucky Taxi Driver Lottery Night?

Guaranteed blunders.

[Jai Dee]

Just in case you missed this in The Nation this morning:

PM Thaksin to address his supporters at mass rally

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's supporters will converge in Bangkok Friday to lend support to the prime minister's re-election campaign as opponents continue to demand his resignation.

Thaksin will address a mass rally later Friday where he is to announce his political platform and defend himself against charges by opponents, which include corruption and abuse of power, said Prommin Lertsuridej, the prime minister's secretary.

"However, one thing I can assure you is that he will not announce his resignation," Prommin said.

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak has prepared for providing security measures for TRT's today talk and the demonstration on March 5th

The Ministry of Interior has prepared the security and traffic controlling measures in Sanam Luang this evening where Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will give his speech. The measures will also be implemented during the demonstration on March 5th.

Following the meeting with the interior officials today, the Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana, said that this conference was held in an attempt to provide convenience and peace during today’s address in Sanam Luang and the upcoming demonstration this Sunday (March 5th). However, he believes that the premier’s address today will go smoothly.

The Interior Minister also said that the topic of preventing any interference from the third hand was also discussed during the meeting.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Dr. Thaksin declines news claiming that he will announce to resign fro his post during TRT's address

The Prime Minister and Thai Rak Thai Party leader, Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra, has declined the news claiming that he will make an announcement to resign from his post during his address in Sanam Luang this evening.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaksin said that there are many rumors about his resignation at the moment, and he would like the people to use their discretion when they listen to these reports. Meanwhile, he has asked the news reporters to help filter the news and not to publicize any unreliable news.

This evening, the Prime Minister plans to clarify the issues concerning the parliamentary dissolution rumor and the plan to amend the constitution within 180 days after the general election.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai and Mahachon leaders believe no violence will take place at the speech of Prime Minister this evening

Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) and Mahachon Party leader Sanan Khajornprasart (สนั่น ขจรประศาสน์) believe that the grand address of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra this evening will not set off violence.

Prior to the meeting with Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva (อภิสิทธิ์ เวชชาชีวะ), Maj. Gen. Sanan, and other core party members at Siam City Hotel, Mr. Banharn said the meeting was aimed at showing a clear stance of each party towards the current political situation. The meeting was held after the three opposition parties have made a firm decision not to send their candidates to run in the general election on April 2nd.

Maj. Gen. Sanan said he believes no violence will take place since related officials have been instructed to provide security and contain any possible violence.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006

[chownah]

Has ASTV started their live coverage of today's rally? They are going to cover it, aren't they?

[Jai Dee]

TRT Secretary-General says TRT evening address will not stir violence

Thai Rak Thai Party Secretary-General Suriya Jungrungreangkit (สุริยะ จึงรุ่งเรืองกิจ) has anticipated that his party’s address this evening in Sanam Luang will not instigate violence.

He said the address by Thai Rak Thai Party Leader Thaksin Shinawatra will be carried out peacefully as this is the general election period. He said the speech will clarify the Thai Rak Thai Party’s policies and the public inquiries. He reaffirmed that the party members will not say any stirring comments to cause more conflicts. He is also confident that the general public is waiting to hear the premier’s clarification speech.

As for Thailand’s image during its political instability, a news reporter has also asked Mr. Suriya about the country’s current image. Mr. Suriya said that foreign countries are confused with Thailand’s political situation as certain parties do not field their members to run in the general election. Nevertheless, Dr. Thaksin is still waiting to negotiate with the Opposition to dissolve their conflicts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 March 2006