National Intelligence Agency and politics of the monarchy

The Nation (31 July 2009: : “Petition damned as divisive ploy”) reports that the National Intelligence Agency has warned the Democrat Party-led government that the red shirts will cause chaos from Monday.

“Yesterday, national police chief General Patcharawat Wongsuwan and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) chief Adul Kowattana briefed Prime Minister Abhisit about the movement for amnesty. Adul said in reality, fewer than 1 million people had signed the petition, because the process of authenticating names, backgrounds and profiles was far too complicated, while some had changed their minds. The NIA believes the red shirts will probably start creating political chaos from next Monday – the day Abhisit turns 45.

Abhisit said: “I don’t think we can stop the red shirts from rallying or submitting a petition. They can allow them to do that, but I’m concerned they’re trying to bring the monarchy into politics. They’re free to attack me, but they should not touch the monarchy…”.

The Nation seems convinced that chaos will ensue and reports that the military are on alert.