Gaybutton Posted September 17, 2008 Posted September 17, 2008 Anti-Govt Protesters Refuse Time for New PM to Prove Himself BANGKOK, Sept 17 (TNA) Anti-government protesters gathered under the banner of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrating in the capital for nearly four months reasserted Wednesday they will not allow newly-appointed Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat a grace period to prove himself, according to a key PAD core leader. Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang told journalists that it is useless for Mr. Somchai, appointed prime minister by elected House members early Wednesday, to prove himself with his work as his past deeds were reason enough for PAD to reject him now. But if Mr. Somchai, brother-in-law of ousted fugitive prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wants the PAD to accept him, then he should try to bring back Mr. Thaksin to Thailand to face graft and corruption charges in court, Gen. Chamlong said. Mr. Thaksin's diplomatic passport must also be seized, the PAD core leader said. The ex-premier, his wife Pojaman and their three children are now living in Britain. The couple was reportedly seeking political asylum from the British government. Several corrupt practices were seen in the previous government in which Mr. Somchai was deputy prime minister and education minister, such as supporting the Phnom Penh government to successfully list the Preah Vihear ancient temple as a World Heritage site, being a proxy of Mr. Thaksin and on a decision to lease air-conditioned buses for commuters in Bangkok which was a corrupt contract, Gen. Chamlong said. PAD core leaders will meet with students rallying against the government before deciding their next move after Mr. Somchai was appointed prime minister. (TNA) Quote
Gaybutton Posted September 17, 2008 Author Posted September 17, 2008 When the hurley burley's done. When the battle's lost and won. - Shakespeare: Macbeth - The following appears in the BANGKOK POST: _____ PAD Snubs Somchai's Call for Reconciliation Acting prime minister and People Power party (PPP) deputy leader Somchai Wongsawat said at a press conference after 298 out of 466 MPs voted him the new premier on Wednesday that he planned to work and complete his four-year tenure. The new cabinet has yet to be determined, Mr Somchai said. The caretaker prime minister said he did not feel let down because disqualified premier and PPP leader Samak Sundaravej could not attend the House meeting to vote for him on time. Mr Somchai said he still respects the former premier, and he will ask him for advices because of his experience. He said deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra did not call him to congratulate him for becoming the 26th premier. Mr Somchai is his younger brother-in-law. Top priorities at present include the flood disaster in many provinces across Thailand and the economic problems caused by Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy, according to the PPP deputy leader. Concerning the People’s Alliance Democracy (PAD)’s relentless anti-government demonstration, Mr Somchai said now is the time for Thai people to reconcile and unite to bring peace back to the country. On the PAD’s side, its key members, Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang and Mr Somsak Kosaisuk, held a press conference on Wednesday, reiterating the group’s stance to oust the PPP-led government. According to the group, even though the parliament has elected a new prime minister, it would not end the crises, adding that the parliament cannot solve the national problems. The PAD claimed that Mr Somchai is not only Mr Thaksin’s nominee, but he is involved with many corruption activities. The group said the newly appointed premier is also related to one of the election commissioners and is also one of the cabinet members who voted for Thailand to give up Preah Vihear temple to Cambodia. The PAD further criticised Mr Somchai, saying his intention is to amend the charter to do away with his wrongdoings. Quote
