Gaybutton Posted October 6, 2008 Posted October 6, 2008 The following appears in THE NATION: _____ Peace Efforts Collapse By The Nation Published on October 6, 2008 Chamlong Said Truce Talks Canceled; Protesters Continue Seizing Government House More protesters poured into Government House yesterday as fledging attempts to end the political crisis crumbled with the arrest of anti-government leader Chamlong Srimuang. Chamlong, the most important People's Alliance for Democracy leader alongside Sondhi Limthongkul, sent a message to the PAD after his arrest that the movement shall cancel any planned talk with the government. "After his arrest he called us," said Suriyasai Katasila, another PAD core member. "He said there was no need to negotiate with the government now. He said the talks are no longer necessary and all protesters must remain within Government House." Political observers also warned that Thai politics is likely to become more destabilising following the arrest of Chamlong, who was detained while casting his vote in the Bangkok gubernatorial election in Dusit district. Former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun said Chamlong's arrest will heighten the political tension in the country. Anand, however, declined to speculate what will happen next. Somkiat Pongpaiboon, another PAD's leader, yesterday called for more anti-government protesters nationwide to rally in Bangkok and a march to Don Muang to ask for fair treatment for Chamlong and Chaiwat. Conspicuously, Chamlong appeared to set his own trap when he showed up in the early morning at a poll station in Bangkok's Dusit District to cast his vote. It was a strangely careless move, especially considering the fact that another key PAD leader, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, was arrested outside Government House on Friday. In no time after his public appearance, the police arrested Chamlong, who did not show any resistance. He was allowed to cast his vote and then reportedly taken to the Border Patrol Police headquarters in Pathum Thani. Speculation that Chamlong "intended" to be arrest after Chaiwat, his comrade in arms, was nabbed on Friday was rife yesterday. News of Chamlong's arrest sent more PAD supporters to Government House yesterday, clogging the compound and nearby areas. Totally, nine PAD's leaders including Chamlong, Sondhi and Chaiwat have faced treason charges after they led anti-government protesters to take over the Government House. Now Sondhi serves as the ultimate leader of the PAD. The latest developments have complicated efforts to strike a reconciliation deal between the government and the PAD. Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the deputy prime minister, was on the verge of reaching a truce with the PAD when his negotiation was torpedoed by Chaiwat's arrest. Kraisak Choonhavan, a PAD's sympathiser, said Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat must bear the responsibility or explain to the society over the arrest of the PAD's leaders, who are appealing the court over their arrest warrants. He added that the protesters are likely to rally even stronger to exert more pressure against the government, a situation that might lead to violence. Sondhi Limthongkul, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Chamlong sacrificed himself so that the people could win in their fight for political reform. Sondhi said Chamlong called him and asked him to remain a leader of the fight. Sondhi said other PAD leaders - Somsak Kosaisuk, Pipop Thongchai and Somkiart Pongpaibool - did not ask Chamlong any question during the call before his arrest. "They share the same opinion with Chamlong that there is no war without people who sacrifice," Sondhi said. __________ And this: _____ Chamlong's Arrest not Politically Motivated: Police By The Nation Published on October 6, 2008 Police denied yesterday they had detained Maj General Chamlong Srimuang on the order of anyone, saying the People's Alliance for Democracy leader wanted police to arrest him to comply with the justice system. Deputy Bangkok Police chief Pol Maj General Surapol Thuanthong, also deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Police, told a press conference police arrested Chamlong on a treason charge according to an arrest warrant approved by the Criminal Court, number 2521/2551. Chamlong was exercising his voting right when police greeted him and explained he had to be detained. Chamlong cooperated and was taken to Pathum Thani. Deputy Bangkok Police Chief Pol Maj General Damri Chotset interrogated him and explained the charges to be pressed against him. Police will today seek a court order to further detain Chamlong . He said Chamlong informed the PAD rally on Saturday night he would go to the poll and if police found him they would arrest him. "It is a good trend that the suspect wishes to fight the charges that have been pressed against him since May 25,'' Damri said. Police said if Chamlong believed the arrest warrant was not fair he could file a complaint with the court, taking recourse in Article 30 of the Criminal Law. Chamlong would be taken to Bangkok Remand Prison, the same centre in which another PAD leader, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, who was arrested on Friday, is being held. Chamlong's wife Col Siriluk visited him in detention . Nattaporn Toprayoon, a lawyer for the PAD, sought police permission to visit Chamlong and be present during his interrogation. He said he would file a complaint with the Criminal Court calling for the withdrawal of the arrest warrant on treason charges against Chamlong and Chaiwat Sinsuwong. He said neither suspect would seek bail. Chamlong said he denied all charges. He urged PAD protesters to continue their sit-in protest in greater numbers and not to visit him since he was far from the Government House. PAD leaders called on protesters from the provinces to join the rally today at the Government House. Quote
