PM visits North to follow up government projects
PM visits North to follow up government projects
SUKHOTHAI, Nov 21 (TNA) — Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) early Saturday protested against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva while he was visiting the people and following up his government’s programmes to boost the incomes of farmers in lower northern Thailand.
Accompanied by several senior government officials, Mr Abhisit arrived at Sukhothai Historical Park by a helicopter as more than one thousand police officers provided security.
According to their itineraries, Mr Abhisit and his delegation will visit the lower northern provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phichit to inspect progress on the government-sponsored ‘Strong Thai’ program, rice-price guarantees by the government and to deliver his government’s policy to private rice millers.
Mr Abhisit told journalists before departing from Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in Bangkok that he was not concerned about travelling to the three provinces although the UDD ‘Red Shirt’ protesters plan to mount major rallies against him when he visit Chiang Mai, the political stronghold of fugitive, ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, next Sunday to attend national seminar of chambers of commerce from around the country.
Several community radio stations in Chiang Mai have reportedly warned that attempts to assassinate Mr. Abhisit in a bombing may take place when he visits the province on that day.
The prime minister said he is not worried and that the authorities will take action against those who violate the law, especially one particular local radio broadcaster for whom an arrest warrant has been issued.
Police to arrest UDD leader
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Police will ask the court to approve an arrest warrant for red-shirt core member Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul after he made a threatening comment to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Petchawat earlier said on a community radio station that Mr Abhisit could be killed in a car bomb attack during his visit to Chiang Mai to attend the provincial chamber of commerce meeting on Nov 29. The anti-government group later defended Mr Petchawat, saying he was only joking and there was no assassination plan against the premier.
The police will submit the evidence to the provincial court to seek an arrest warrant for Mr Petchawat on Monday, Chiang Mai deputy governor Phairoj Sangphuwong said on Sunday.
“This is a state criminal case that does not require a prosecutor, as officials can file charges against the guilty party,” Mr Phairoj said. “However it would be difficult to shut down the community radio station since the province has no authority and there are no clear regulations on this.”
Mr Petchawat has more than 10 pending cases against him, the deputy governor said.
During Mr Abhisit’s visit to Chiang Mai next weekend, officials from all districts of Chiang Mai and the Interior Ministry had asked people not to join the red-shirt rally following the news on potential violence.