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Samak to resign? Dissolving the House? Thai News from Thailand

Army, PAD and Police want Samak to resign

The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) with 20,000 plus PAD protesters surrounded the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, PM Samak is under extreme pressure to resign as Prime Minister. The protesters started gathering at about 10am on Friday. The PAD set up a stage in front of Government House for protests.

The protesters broke through the police barriers and later regrouped outside Government House before the PAD leaders took to the makeshift stage to declare victory over the government.

Police had shields and pushed and shoved each other briefly, 4 police officers, 2 of whom were women, sustained minor injuries.

Police and security made little effort to stop protesters from surrounding the government house, even though there were rumors that they might resort to using tear gas and plastic bullets.

The protesters by wearing yellow shirts aknowledged their loyalty to the Monarchy.

Protesters started marching and pushing their way past the police barriers on Ratchadamnoen in Bangkok, surrounded Government House at 3.30pm. Shortly after PAD leader Major-General Chamlong Srimuang declared the victory in front of Government House.

PM Samak was in meeting in the afternoon with Army Chief General Anupong, Police Chief Patcharawat and Lt. General Prayuth, commander of the Army. Samak, military and police officials discussed the urgency of the Emergency Decree and the Internal Security Act, they ended meeting by telling PM Samak to make his own decision about resigning.

In meeting with Police and Military yesterday afternoon, Mr Samak mentioned that a good way to get back at the protesters was to not deploy any mobile toilets.

Mr Samak was said to be angry at the police’s failure to stop the protesters from surrounding the Government house.

Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the PAD, said he would stay with the protesters surrounding Government House until Samak resigned “because he is acting as a nominee for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.” Chamlong said.

The PAD might possibly stay there for days.

Police estimated the protesters at 22,000, some PAD said they could be as many as 100,000. The PAD held a protest against Thaksin in front of Government House in 2006, which eventually led to the 2006 coup which ousted Thaksin.

Sources say there will soon be a solution to end this turmoil in the next few days.

Thaksin and leaders of the PPP have also said that Samak should step down to pave the way for Thaksins brother-in-law, who is Education Minister Somchai Wongswat to be Prime Minister.

Sources say People Power Parties puppet master, Thaksin wants Yongyuth, deputy leader Newin, Khunying and Sora-at to monitor the situation in case Samak decides to resign.

Sources said that Army Chief General Anupong told PM Samak to think about dissolving the House to end the political turmoil in Bangkok, Thailand. “Clearing the decks would allow the people to make a new decision at a fresh general election.”

The source also said Mr Samak would keep out any influences from X-PM Thaksin. “Part of the reason Gen Anupong doesn’t want Mr Samak to resign is because he fears that his replacement will not be as compromising with the military. The new prime minister would only be a yes-man to Mr Thaksin,” the source said.

The source said General Anupong ordered army units to remain on standby and stay neutral to stay in their barracks. “The PAD movement today is an historic event and a great credit to the country. In the face of such a phenomenon, the government will have to get out within a few days,” he said.
Samak was very annoyed with the police, who failed to prevent the PAD from surrounding the heart of his administration.

A source close to Mr Samak said the PM will try to move the Defense Ministry into a temporary office in Bangkok.

Mr Samak was reportedly angry at the police’s failure to hold back the protesters in Bangkok.

Police Chief General Patcharawat said police on the front line were told to avoid clashes with the protesters at all costs. “I’m pleased no one was hurt,” Police Chief General Patcharawat said.

Former PM Chavalit proposed setting up an intermittent government, as to end the political issues and possible violence. Options available are dissolving House of Parliament for a snap election or for Samak to resign. “To solve the problem, an interim national government must be formed. This will provide a way out for the country,” Chavalit said.

Chavalit said the intermittent government should consist of representatives of diverse groups in the population of Thailand for the benefit of all Thai People.

Samak to resign? Dissolving the House? Thai News from Thailand

Army, PAD and Police want Samak to resign

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