Attacking Thaksin, respect for the monarchy and ruling out a new coup

Songkhla pro-Prem rally: Ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s speeches have seen a mobilisation of red shirt UDD supporters nationwide. Now The Nation (31 March 2009: “Songkhla people vow to come to Prem’s rescue”) reports on a yellow-clad mobilisation supporting Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanond in Songkhla. The demonstrators attacked Thaksin and the UDD’s claims that is will promote further demonstrations at Prem’s army residence.

Police and red shirts: Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police threatened disciplinary action against “police officers who publicly displayed their support for anti-government protesters…” (The Nation, 31 March 2009: “Officers supporting red shirts to face action”). Police Major-General Suporn Phansua  said that “officers had the right to show their political preference when they were not in uniform and outside of working hours.” He added that: “It’s very improper for them to join [a political protest] in uniform…”.

This seems a response to reports that: “Many policemen recently participated in the protest outside Government House and queued up to receive red T-shirts, a symbol of the anti-government rally. Natthawut Saikua, a co-leader of the red-shirted protesters, said that as many as 1,000 shirts and 500 headbands had been distributed to police officers sympathising with the movement. He said the organisers also received requests for red shirts from soldiers guarding Government House.”

Kasit attacks Thaksin: Democrat Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya has lashed out at Thaksin for the latter’s claim that Kasit took money from him (The Nation, 31 March 2009: “Thaksin is a childish, cowardly demon: Kasit“. The Bangkok Post also has a report.). Kasit stated that the “former PM should not be distorting information to damage his reputation. Calling Thaksin demonic, Kasit said he was ready to challenge the former PM at any time, any place and in any language to set the record straight.”

Kasit actually does admit that he received money from Thaksin, but says these were donations “… to help Thais abroad and gave some to the local staff members. I never used this money for myself…”. He added, “Is Thakin a human or a demon? Why does he want his donations back?”

In one of his speeches, Thaksin also mentioned the threat to revoke his Thai passport. Kasit is reported on this also: “With regard to Thaksin’s promise to return his passport, Kasit said he welcomed the decision and would appreciate it if Thaksin also returned his identity card and had his Thai nationality revoked.”

Anupong, a new coup and the monarchy: The Nation (1 April 2009: “Army chief rules out any question of coup”) reports on comments by Army chief and member of the 2006 coup junta General Anupong Paochinda. While army leaders always deny coup rumours, there is almost always a reason for such rumours related to political struggle. In this case, Anupong “rejected claims by retired General Saiyud Kerdphol, chairman of Poll Watch, that a group of military officers had received funding from Thaksin to stage a coup. Anupong said that while the Army was under his leadership it would not stage any coups. In a move to dismiss Thaksin’s allegation, Anupong said the military would not take any sides and not get involved in politics.”

Anupong also called for an end to assaults on privy councilors. Anupong said “privy councillors were advisers and worked for His Majesty the King.” He added that: “Any Thai person who reveres the monarch should not criticise the privy councillors…”.

Advertisement