Pracha looks after number one

MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Puea Pandin leader Pol Gen Pracha Promnok raised several eyebrows yesterday when he cast a vote for himself, instead of abstaining as is the custom. Journalists in a press room monitoring the vote gasped in collective awe when the former police chief uttered ''Pracha Promnok'' during the roll call.

Candidates nominated for the prime ministerial post and the House Speaker traditionally abstain.

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and House Speaker Chai Chidchob yesterday both abstained from voting.

It was speculated that Pol Gen Pracha decided to vote for himself because he was unsure he would receive adequate support _ as proved to be the case.

Hours before the crucial vote, both candidates could still not be sure of the outcome. But the Democrat party seemed to have a psychological upper hand.

Four small parties and a faction earlier held a press conference to voice support for Mr Abhisit. And members of Friends of Newin, a breakaway faction from the dissolved People Power party, were seated in a strategic position, surrounded by Democrat MPs during the vote.

Appointed Senator Prasarn Maruekpitak disagreed with Pol Gen Pracha's breaking from the traditional practice.

His view was echoed by former senator Chirmsak Pinthong.

''We should let others say whether or not we are fitted for the post. We do not say it ourselves,'' Mr Chirmsak said.

From www.bangkokpost.com

MPs held in safe hotels before vote

Democrat allies told not to use telephones

PRADIT RUANGDIT

The Democrat party-led alliance kept MPs in safe places yesterday to make sure they were not lured away to the rival camp led by the Puea Thai party ahead of today's vote in parliament for prime minister.

Reports of huge sums of money being spent to stop Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva becoming the next government leader prompted the party's allies to gather their members in well-guarded places yesterday.

Nonetheless, Puea Thai executives expressed confidence their choice for prime minister, Puea Pandin leader Pracha Promnok, would beat Mr Abhisit by about 10 votes.

A breakaway faction from the dissolved People Power party led by Buri Ram politician Newin Chidchob and four former government coalition parties - Chart Thai Pattana (the re-formed Chart Thai), Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Puea Pandin and Phum Jai Thai (the re-formed Matchimathipataya party) - have reaffirmed their support for Mr Abhisit.

A source from the Friends of Newin camp said rooms in the Pullman Hotel at Soi Rang Nam were arranged for its members to stay the night ahead of the extraordinary House session to choose a new prime minister today.

Its members were not permitted to carry mobile phones or use telephones, and were to travel together in the same vehicle to attend the House meeting to further limit their chances of coming into contact with "money politics", the source said.

A Puea Pandin source, at the same time, said 17 Puea Pandin party members were put in a safe place at a hotel under the care of party spokesman Chaiyos Jiramethakarn yesterday.

The source added influential Puea Pandin chief adviser Vatana Asavahame, a fugitive convicted of corruption in the Klong Dan scandal, had also given assurances to Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban that he supported Mr Abhisit as prime minister.

A Chart Thai Pattana source said its members were also lodged at a hotel in the Lan Luang area for the night before the vote today.

Suwat Liptapanlop, a key figure in Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, and party secretary-general Pradit Phataraprasit were each looking after four MPs.

Pol Gen Pracha had met former police chief Pol Gen Pao Sarasin to seek advice on the political situation, a close associate said.

Acting Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul, the Ruam Jai Thai deputy leader, confirmed that all nine members of the party will raise their hands in support of Mr Abhisit.

Mr Suthep did not believe the pre-recorded video speech by Thaksin Shinawatra on Saturday would change the resolve of the four parties and the Newin camp who had decided to support Mr Abhisit.

"I am confident the Friends of Newin group are firm in their decision. They have made up their mind. What Mr Thaksin said was just about his own concerns," Mr Suthep said.

In the speech, Thaksin warned that politicians who "betrayed" people would face the consequences.

Mr Abhisit said if he is elected prime minister he will tackle problems facing the country head on, with the economy as his priority.

He would need a talented team to help him run the country.

He denied suggestions the military had played a hand in pushing him as prime minister.

"I have risen through democratic procedures, and never take short cuts. I am not in a position to set up a party of my own. I am only an MP who has the support of my colleagues," Mr Abhisit said.

However, Puea Pandin deputy leader Prapat Wisetjinda was confident that Pol Gen Pracha will be elected prime minister.

He predicted Pol Gen Pracha will beat Mr Abhisit by about 10 votes.

From www.bangkokpost.com

Thaksin bends to keep hopes alive

THE WORD: Supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra listen to his pre-recorded video speech during a rally at the national stadium.

PHONE-IN CANCELLED AFTER ALLIES THREATEN TO WITHDRAW SUPPORT
AEKARACH SATTABURUTH and WASSANA NANUAM

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra last night bowed to pressure from his political allies and cancelled his live phone-in speech to supporters at Suphachalasai National Stadium.

Veera Musikhapong, organiser of the Truth Today rally, said the phone-in was dropped at the request of Pracharaj leader Sanoh Thienthong and Puea Pandin leader Pracha Promnok.

Mr Sanoh warned that the phone-in address should not take place if Puea Thai, formed to accommodate the disbanded People Power party, wanted Mr Sanoh to lobby MPs to form a national government under the leadership of Pol Gen Pracha.

After it became clear Thaksin would not address the meeting, Mr Sanoh announced he would go ahead to lobby MPs to vote for Pol Gen Pracha.

The former prime minister nevertheless last night addressed tens of thousands of his supporters who packed the 40,000-seat stadium in a pre-recorded video message.

In the message recorded in Bali, Thaksin called on those who were interfering in the formation of the government to step aside.

"They should step back. They must admit the outcome [of the fight]. Those in power must stop interfering," he said.

He said a "silent coup" had been undertaken, with the justice system abused to get rid of the PPP despite its poll victory. The country would be the loser if the voice of the majority was not respected.

Thaksin said he had been the target of three assassination attempts and was the victim of constant intimidation.

He also voiced concerns about the economic problems facing the country, which he said were difficult to solve because of the political turmoil and divisiveness. He also warned politicians who "betrayed" the people that there would be consequences.

"The people know what you think, but they do not talk. They will show you on election day," he said. "If they betray people, their entire family will lose. No matter who they field [in the elections] they will not win."

Thaksin's comments were believed to be directed at MPs who had deserted him to support the Democrat party attempt to set up a coalition government.

Tens of thousands of Thaksin supporters started pouring into Suphachalasai national stadium in the morning, bringing traffic on Rama I to a standstill.

Puea Thai MPs and leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) turned out in force.

Crowds cheered as party members criticised the Democrat party's efforts to form a new government and accused the military of exerting pressure to disband the People Power party.

Behind the stage hung a large banner reading "Against the Hidden Coup, Defend Democracy". Banners condemning Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) hung around the stadium.

The rally-goers were also urged to join a sign-up campaign accusing the PAD of terrorism. Organisers plan to submit the petition to the United Nations.

Mr Veera said Thaksin had consulted him about the phone-in. He advised the former prime minister to cancel the live speech if it would help Puea Thai win the nomination of the prime minister.

Mr Veera also warned Mr Sanoh and Pol Gen Pracha to keep their promise, otherwise they would be confronted by "red-shirt" people.

The House will convene a special session tomorrow to select a new prime minister. Mr Veera said if people wanted to drop by parliament to show support for people they like, that was their right.

A small commotion broke out at 3pm when an explosion was heard outside the stadium. Police found evidence of a explosion under the skytrain opposite the national stadium.

From www.bangkokpost.com

Thaksin phone-in cancelled

Thaksin supporters

BangkokPost.com

Tens of thousands of supporters packed into the old national stadium in downtown Bangkok were disappointed on Saturday when a scheduled live speech by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was cancelled at the last minute.

Originally, Thaksin's address was to include both the recorded message and a live telephone conversation with Mr Veera, and last about an hour.

According UDD leader and political talk show host Veera Musikhapong, Pracharaj party leader Sanoh Thienthong and Puea Pandin party leader Pracha Promnok earlier phoned Thaksin, asking him not to phone-in live at the rally as it could affect the establishment of the new government.

But in a speech recorded previously and shown to the crowed in jam-packed Supachalasai stadium on Saturday evening, Thaksin told the army to stop "interfering" in Thai politics, and he urged unity to solve political problems.

Once again, he blamed the military and the judiciary for unseating him and for keeping him away from the country.

"At the moment the army is interfering," Thaksin said in the pre-recorded speech. "Those people who interfere in forming the government must stop and withdraw."

Speakers told the enthusiastic, red-clad crowd of around 25,000 that army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda had interfered in trying to unseat Thaksin supporters and install a Democrat party-led coalition as the government this week.

Thaksin interjected a call for unity into his otherwise partisan speech.

"All parties must join hands, look to the future and work to solve the country's problems," said.

The ex-premier criticised his former close aide Newin Chidchob, leader of the Friends of Newin faction, for undermining the Puea Thai party by siding with the Democrats to set up the next government.

Referring to his present life, Mr Thaksin said he is like a cornered dog and he had already survived two attempted assassinations.

He also opposed the idea that the army could be involved in forming the next administration.

Mr Thaksin condemned the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) for laying siege to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in the beginning of December.

He expressed concern over the economy and the rising unemployment in the country.

He had promised to name names, but instead merely repeated and updated his old charges that the army was meddling in Thai politics.

The recorded message marked the second public address by the former premier since he fled his pending court cases in August. The first was to a similar stadium rally last month.

He has since been sentenced in absentia to two years in jail on corruption charges and refuses to confirm where he is living since he was forced to leave Britain in November when his visa was revoked.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup following months of protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who took to the streets again this year, accusing the government of acting as his proxy.

After six months of demonstrations that culminated in a blockade of Bangkok's airports that left 350,000 travellers stranded, the PAD finally stood down on Dec 3 when a court ruling forced premier Somchai Wongsawat from power and dissolved his People Power Party (PPP).

The PAD threatened on Friday to return to street demonstrations if Thaksin supporters, regrouped under the newly formed Puea Thai (For Thais) party, form the next government.

Thaksin's loyal supporters in their trademark red shirts, many from the North and Northeast, headed to Bangkok's Supachalasai stadium, the former Sanam Keela in Phatumwan district.

Thaksin's address came as lawmakers prepare to vote for a new prime minister on Monday in a special parliamentary session that looks likely to elect a Democrat-led coalition and oust his allies from power.

The PPP's ruling coalition has unravelled since the court decision, with some of the party's former members defecting to the opposition Democrats along with four smaller parties.

The rally cheered as speakers on Saturday spoke for Puea Thai and criticised what they alleged was political interference by army chief General Anupong Paojinda, who has admitted "advising" lawmakers on how to best resolve the crisis.

The Democrat party claims to have the support of 260 of the 438 lawmakers for Monday's vote, leaving their leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as the current frontrunner to take the premiership.

But Puea Thai have refused to admit defeat, saying they can still muster the support to form a governing coalition. (with reports by AFP)

Earlier report:

Tens of thousands of supporters packed into the old national stadium in downtown Bangkok were disappointed on Saturday when a scheduled speech by fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was cancelled at the last minute.

The former premier, living in exile to escape corruption charges, was to

phone in to the rally at the stadium Saturday evening, after his allies

in government were forced out by a court ruling that has splintered

their coalition.

He was expected to use his speech to accuse the army of meddling in Thai politics. Instead, in a pre-recorded address, he urged unity.

He criticised "political interference" by certain groups and people, but did not name them.

Instead, he said, "all parties must join hands, look to the future and work to solve the country's problems."

Rally organiser Veera Musikhapong claimed that authorities "blocked" the live speech, which has been anticipated for several weeks. The estimated 25,000 supporters who packed the stadium were obviously disappointed.

Originally, Thaksin's address was to include both the recorded message and a live telephone conversation with Mr Veera, and last about an hour.

The recorded message marked the second public address by the former premier since he fled his pending court cases in August. The first was to a similar stadium rally last month.

He has since been sentenced in absentia to two years in jail on corruption charges and refuses to confirm where he is living since he was forced to leave Britain in November when his visa was revoked.

Thaksin was ousted in a 2006 coup following months of protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) who took to the streets again this year, accusing the government of acting as his proxy.

After six months of demonstrations that culminated in a blockade of Bangkok's airports that left 350,000 travellers stranded, the PAD finally stood down on Dec 3 when a court ruling forced premier Somchai Wongsawat from power and dissolved his People Power Party (PPP).

The PAD threatened on Friday to return to street demonstrations if Thaksin supporters, regrouped under the newly formed Puea Thai (For Thais) party, form the next government.

Thaksin's loyal supporters in their trademark red shirts, many

from the North and Northeast headed to Bangkok's Supachalasai stadium, the former Sanam Keela in Phatumwan district.

Thaksin's address comes as lawmakers prepare to vote for a new prime minister on Monday in a special parliamentary session that looks likely to elect a Democrat-led coalition and oust his allies from power.

The PPP's ruling coalition has unravelled since the court decision, with some of the party's former members defecting to the opposition Democrats along with four smaller parties.

The rally cheered as speakers on Saturday spoke for Puea Thai and criticised what they alleged was political interference by army chief General Anupong Paojinda, who has admitted "advising" lawmakers on how to best resolve the crisis.

The Democrat party claims to have the support of 260 of the 438 lawmakers for Monday's vote, leaving their leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as the current frontrunner to take the premiership.

But Puea Thai have refused to admit defeat, saying they can still muster the support to form a governing coalition.

Potjaman back

By Post Reporters

The former wife of convicted ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned unexpectedly to Thailand on Friday night in a move linked to concerns about the formation of a new government as the momentum shifts in favour of the opposition Democrat party.

She was registered as Potjaman Damapong and arrived at Suvarnabhumi airport from Hong Kong on Thai Airways International flight TG607 at 10.30pm. She was immediately whisked away by the chief of the Immigration Bureau, Pol Lt-Gen Chatchawan Suksomchit, to avoid the media.

About 30 members of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship in red shirts and supporters of the disbanded People Power party (PPP) were seen at the airport waiting to greet her.

Acting Deputy Commerce Minister Songkram Kitlertpairoj confirmed Khunying Potjaman's return but refused to say where she would go from the airport.

Khunying Potjaman divorced Thaksin in Hong Kong on Nov 14 in what many believe was for political or business reasons. She no longer faces arrest.

Khunying Potjaman has to fight a tax evasion conviction in the Appeals Court. On Nov 21, her lawyer filed an appeal after the Criminal Court on July 31 found her, her step-brother Bannapot Damapong and her secretary Karnchanapa Honghern guilty of conspiring to evade tax in the transfer of 4.5 million shares in Shinawatra Computer and Communications, now Shin Corp, worth 738 million baht.

The court ruled the transaction did not take place in the stock market and was faked to avoid tax. The court ruled they intentionally avoided paying 546 million baht in tax for the shares transfer.

The Supreme Court on Oct 21 sentenced Thaksin to two years in jail for abuse of authority in the Ratchadaphisek land case, but acquitted Khunying Potjaman who purchased the plot.

Political sources said the real motive behind her return were the problems in forming a new administration, as a key faction led by Newin Chidchob appeared not to support a new prime minister backed by Thaksin and Puea Thai, the new party he supports.

The opposition Democrat party could lead the new coalition government if it is backed by rebel groups once loyal to Thaksin.

Democrat chief adviser and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai said Friday that some ex-PPP MPs with whom he was acquainted wanted to switch their support to the Democrats.

But he ruled out any possibility of him being prime minister in the next government. His party adhered to its rule that gave the prime minister's seat to its leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, he said.

Any chance of the Democrat party leading the next government would depend on support from other political parties, Mr Chuan said.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban has reportedly secured 243 House votes to support the Democrats forming the core of the next government. The figure is made up of 166 Democrats, 25 MPs from the PPP's Friends of Newin group, 10 from the PPP's Sora-at Klinprathum faction, 10 from Matchimathipataya, 23 from Puea Pandin and nine from Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana.

In the meantime Puea Thai, the new home for MPs from the PPP, Chart Thai and Pracharaj parties will have only 203 votes.

The Democrats say they will not change the portfolios of its potential coalition partners if they are satisfied with their cabinet seats in the PPP-led government, according to the sources.

The Newin group, Puea Pandin and other parties want to see an end to the political crisis, they added.

But Pracharaj leader Sanoh Thienthong said coalition parties in the PPP-led government would not support a candidate from the PPP or the Democrats as premier.

A government comprising either rival parties would not end the nation's problems, so an MP from among the five former coalition partners should become the next prime minister, Mr Sanoh said. He claimed many MPs from the disbanded PPP supported that position.

Mr Sanoh declined to comment on a report that Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Gen Chettha Thanajaro and he were candidates for prime minister.

Representatives of the former coalition parties had only discussed their cooperation in the upcoming constituency by-election, Mr Sanoh said.

Chuwit Pitakpornpanlop, an Ubon Ratchathani MP from the Friends of Newin group, said MPs in the faction would oppose a prime ministerial candidate from Puea Thai for fear of renewed disorder.

Puea Thai is expected to meet tomorrow to select its new executive board and leader. The party leader should be Yingluck Shinawatra who will be appointed to retain her elder brother Thaksin's influence over the party.

Pracha Prasopdee, a Samut Prakan MP from the disbanded PPP, said if an agreeable government could not be achieved, he would propose a House dissolution.

---

Earlier report:

By BangokPost.com

Khunying Potjaman, the ex-wife of fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra, returned to Thailand Friday night and was whisked away from the airport in a van as political circles buzzed with speculation over the timing of her trip.

Rumours of her return have been going around for at least two weeks. Many believe that the couple divorced for convenience, since most of Thaksin's frozen assets are in his ex-wife's name.

Khunying Potjaman could start legal action to try to regain the 72 billion baht in frozen assets. Some believe she may also take a hand in the troubles of the ruling People Power party, now known as Puea Thai, and the efforts to name a new prime minister.

Parliament is due to meet on Monday to nominate and elect a new prime minister.

She arrived on a Thai Airways flight from Hong Kong, with her son and daughter. "She was on flight TG607. She travelled under her former last name "Damapong," an airline official said.

Former members of the People Power Party, the political party affiliated with Thaksin that ruled in coalition until its forced disbandment on Tuesday, were at Suvarnabhumi airport to greet Khunying Potjaman along with her son Pantongtae and daughter Pinthongta as they left through a private exit.

She will face legal action for her flight from justice last August, but authorities said she was not under an arrest warrant.

Khunying Potjaman was convicted on July 31 of evading billions of baht in taxes and sentenced to three years in prison. She appealed that case, was released on bail and left the country the same day.

She was declared innocent in the Ratchadaphisek land-sale case at the Supreme Court a month later. Judges found Thaksin guilty of influence peddling and he remains at large as a fugitive. The couple were divorced in Hong Kong on Nov 14.

From : www.bangkokpost.com

Democrats take over

The Democrat Party and defectors from the government coalition have gained a majority in the House and will form a government with Abhisit Vejjajiva as prime minister, the party claimed on Saturday.

Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban said the influential Friends of Newin faction from the Northeast had agreed to join the coalition.

The defection of Buri Ram politician Newin tips the political scales and creates new possible scenarios.

Sakda Khongpetch, leader of the Isan Pattana faction that has remained loyal to Thaksin, said that the House could be dissolved and a new election called "as a tool to punish the (Newin) group".

Mr Newin made a dramatic announcement that he was abandoning fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawtra, who still is the icon of the former Thai Rak Thai (now Puea Thai) governing party.

"Time is up for a person with power to return to the country by holding the people hostage," he said.

He also refused to answer the phone calls of Khunying Potjaman, the ex-wife of Thaksin Shinawatra. "It's too late," he said.

Thaksin's ex-wife and long time political helper reportedly tried to mount a last-ditch effort to convince Mr Newin to keep his 37-MP faction in the ranks of Puea Thai - the new iteration of Thai Rak Thai and People Power party.

In the end she failed, although political insiders said her surprise arrival from Hong Kong on Friday evening delayed discussions into the early hours of Saturday.

Other defectors from the dysfunctional government - effectively dissolved last Tuesday by the Constitution Court - include members of the former Chart Thai and Matchimatipataya, as well as Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana and Puea Pandin.

The defections of the minor parties give the Democrats theoretical control of the 500-seat House of Representatives, and the right to try to name a prime minister when the House meets on Monday.

There is no guarantee of this, however. Control of the House is unclear, because the Constitution Court's decision to dissolve three parties and ban 109 politicians created more than 25 vacancies.

Mr Suthep and defectors held a press conference on Saturday evening.

The Democrats' main fund-raiser said the party will establish a new government and promote Mr Abhisit as the new prime minister.

In apparent reaction and disarray, the pro-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) called off its plans to rally in front of the parliament on Sunday and Monday, in order to see who will be the next prime minister.

Veera Musikapong, leader of the "red-shirt group," said on Saturday the UDD will still hold the mobile political talk show known as Kwam Jing Wan Nee (Truth Today) next Saturday at Supachalasai Stadium, the former national stadium in downtown Bangkok.

He said the UDD will not accept the government that is formed unconstitutionally, but it was unclear what he meant by that.

Another UDD leader Jatuporn Phrompan insisted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make his phone-in address next Saturday.
(BangkokPost.com)

HM slightly ill, cancels speech

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn represent His Majesty the King in receiving people who gathered yesterday to wish him well on the eve of his 81st birthday at the Dusitdalai Pavilion. The picture was taken from the television broadcast.



Crown Prince, Princess receive well-wishers
His Majesty the King was unable to give his much-awaited traditional annual birthday address to
the public yesterday because of minor ailments.

It was the first time the King has missed his traditional public address on the eve of his birthday.

The King assigned His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to represent him in receiving a gathering of cabinet ministers, dignitaries, high-ranking government officials and members of the public, who went to the Dusitdalai Pavilion inside the Chitralada Palace to wish the King well on the eve of his 81st birthday today.

The Crown Prince was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and members of the royal family.

Acting Prime Minister Chaovarat Charnveerakul conveyed to His Majesty the best wishes of those attending the ceremony.

The Crown Prince said His Majesty the King was not present because he was a little unwell and assigned the Princess to explain his condition.

The Crown Prince said the King expressed his appreciation and thanks for the best wishes and loyalty shown by his subjects.

In return, the King expressed his best wishes to the people, the Crown Prince said.

"His Majesty wishes everyone happiness, prosperity, physical and inner strength and wisdom so they can perform their duty to the best of their ability for the good of the country and the people," said the Crown Prince.

The Princess then explained the King's condition.

She said when she visited the King on Wednesday at the Chitralada Palace, the King was well and could eat properly.

But yesterday, the King suffered an inflamed throat with a lot of phlegm and had difficulty eating, the Princess said.

The King was given a saline solution and medication.

His Majesty felt uncomfortable and exhausted, but did not have a fever and wanted to rest, the Princess said. The condition was not serious, but the King was too tired to get up.

Doctors will later issue a detailed explanation of the King's illness, the Princess said.

On Oct 13 last year, the King was admitted to Siriraj hospital after experiencing weakness on the right side of his body due to insufficient blood flow to the left cerebral cortex of the brain.

He was discharged from the hospital on Nov 7 last year after spending 25 days recuperating.

People who waited to see the King at the palace yesterday expressed concern for his health after learning that he was not well.

They wished the King a speedy recovery from the illness.

Many regretted missing the opportunity to hear the monarch's long-awaited birthday address.

Duangporn Jindakham, 40, came from Narathiwat province on Tuesday to join the King's birthday celebrations in Bangkok.

She came to the Chitralada Palace at noon to see the King but later learned he had not arrived. Other well-wishers waiting in the compound of the palace did not shout "Long Live the King" when the royal motorcade passed by, as they usually do.

Ms Duangporn said she was concerned to learn about the King's ill health and wished him a speedy recovery from his ailment.

"I saw His Majesty looking exhausted during the royal cremation ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana.

"So I wanted to come here to wish him well," she said.

Rujana Kaenthirat, a well-wisher from Sakon Nakhon province, said when the royal motorcade passed by, he did not see Their Majesties the King and the Queen in the car.

He said: "I wish His Majesty a quick recovery.

"I learned that the King is very tired physically and mentally because there are a lot of problems [facing the country]."

Namkhang sae Bae, 55, from Phutthamonthon Sai 4 road in Thon Buri, said she came to the palace on the eve of the King's birthday every year and it was unfortunate the King was not present this year because of ill health.

According to the Royal Household Bureau, people can sign messages to wish the King well on his birthday today at the Sala Saha Thai Samakhom pavilion inside the Grand Palace.

King mildly ill

Bangkok Post breaking news team

His Majesty the King is "mildly" sick and cannot deliver his annual birthday-eve speech.

The monarch traditionally grants a royal audience on the eve of his Dec 5 birthday. This year, the nation was looking forward to hearing advice on the political crisis which has literally brought the nation to a halt at times.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn said on national radio that the speech will not be delivered.

Also on the broadcast, given in lieu of the traditional audience by the king, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn explained the problem.

"His Majesty the King is mildly sick," she said. His Majesty "has a blockage in his throat and has poor appetite." (BangkokPost.com, AFP)

Governments warn citizens against visits to Thailand

ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT, AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK AND CHATRUDEE THEPARAT

Many countries have issued travel advisories to their citizens who are planning to visit Thailand following the storming of Suvarnabhumi airport.

Among them, China has advised its citizens to review travel plans to Thailand.

Singaporeans have been urged to postpone non-essential travel here.

The Australian embassy has highlighted caution in its advisory and advised its citizens to avoid protest areas..

The US embassy has also warned Americans to stay away from Suvarnabhumi airport.

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union has expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating political situation in Thailand, in particular with the siege of Suvarnabhumi airport, where air traffic has ground to a halt and thousands of passengers have been stranded or rerouted.

It reiterates that any anti-constitutional attempt to interfere in the democratic process would harm EU-Thailand relations.

The closure of Suvarnabhumi by the People's Alliance for Democracy since Tuesday has cost Thai Airways International (THAI) and Airports of Thailand (AoT) Co more than 500 million baht a day, with over 400 flights cancelled.

THAI operates 140 flights on average and serves over 30,000 passengers daily through the airport.

Its cargo service normally generates about 63 million baht a day for the airline.

The carrier is working to find accommodation for stranded passengers and provide them with meals and alternative transportation.

Since the airport's closure on Tuesday night, THAI has catered some 6,000 meals and paid for rooms at nearby hotels. The costs have yet to be calculated, said THAI vice president Parndit Chanaphai.

Transport Minister Santi Promphat has ordered the AoT to sue the PAD for the damage.

The Civil Court yesterday called an emergency session to look into a complaint filed by the AoT against 13 PAD leaders for directing the siege. The AoT accused Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang and 12 other PAD leaders of spearheading the move.

The AoT asked the court to order the PAD to leave Suvarnabhumi at once.

The court agreed to begin an emergency inquiry at 5.30pm yesterday.

Passengers were also stranded at other regional airports as no aircraft arrived from Bangkok to pick them up, except a special THAI flight from Suvarnabhumi which arrived at Hat Yai airport to collect Haj pilgrims heading for Saudi Arabia.

About 5,000 passengers are stuck at Phuket airport and about 800 at Samui.

According to Aeronautical Radio of Thailand Co, some arriving international flights were rerouted to Don Mueang and U-tapao airports as well as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

PAD demonstrators also ensured no air traffic controllers remained at work.

The government approved an urgent budget of 10 million baht to help stranded travellers..

Immigration police have been asked to exempt fines for those whose visas have expired while stranded.

From bangkokpost.com

PAD, Somchai say no to Anupong's compromise

Stranded passengers take a rest near airline check-in counters at Suvarnabhumi airport. Alldepartures were cancelled yesterday and most airlines redirected arriving flights. SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL

Protesters settle in at airport, PM won't quit

POST REPORTERS

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and the People's Alliance for Democracy yesterday rejected a call by army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda for compromise with a new election and an end to anti-government protests in the wake of Suvarnabhumi airport's shutdown.

The airport was closed from Tuesday for security reasons after PAD demonstrators stormed its passenger terminal.

Core PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul said the anti-government group would stay there for a few days to bring down the government of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

But the Civil Court last night ordered them to leave after a request by Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT), which controls all international airports in the country.

Plans to end the PAD rally at the airport will be high on the agenda at a cabinet meeting to be held in Chiang Mai today.

Hours before Mr Somchai returned from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru to Chiang Mai, Gen Anupong advised that he dissolve the House and urged the PAD to vacate Suvarnabhumi.

The call was made at a meeting of a panel monitoring the political situation with high-level government officials, academics and security officials chaired by the army leader.

But the prime minister last night rejected it, saying he would neither order a dissolution of the House nor resign from his post.

"This government has legitimacy. It came through the election process by voters across the country," he said in an address to the nation and stressed the need for him to stay in power to protect democracy and maintain the rule of law.

He demanded the PAD leave Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, along with Government House as the seizures were damaging the country.

A government source said Mr Somchai had consulted other coalition parties immediately after arriving in Chiang Mai and all of them agreed with the prime minister's stance.

PAD core member Pibhop Dhongchai said the PAD remained firm in its stand that Mr Somchai must step down unconditionally. According to the PAD, negotiations would be made possible only by Mr Somchai's departure.

Upset by the army chief's proposal, members of the People Power party (PPP) threatened to petition Mr Somchai, also the defence minister, to sack Gen Anupong from his post.

Acting PPP spokesman Kudep Saikrachang lashed out at the army chief's proposal, saying it was "silly, naive, irrational and improper."

He said that Gen Anupong should have taken action against the PAD demonstrators who had clearly violated the law by storming the airport.

But the prime minister refused to take action against the army chief, despite speculation that he was not satisfied with Gen Anupong due to his failure to keep control of the country.

An army source said Mr Somchai and Gen Anupong would talk by phone today to patch up their differences.

In a press conference, Gen Anupong said those attending the meeting agreed that both the coalition government and the PAD shared a prominent role in getting the political unrest resolved.

"We are not pressuring the government, but suggesting a solution. The people should get a chance to decide the future in fresh elections," he said.

He stressed that he was not staging a coup as he believed it would not end the political unrest.

He also shrugged off speculation that the suggestion could cost him his job.

"The government still has full power. If I was afraid of being sacked, I would not have made this suggestion. I would have staged a coup and I would have the full authority. I chose not to because it will not solve the problem," he said.

A source close to the meeting said certain representatives from the private sector suggested use of "necessary" force to take back Suvarnabhumi airport.

Their proposal was opposed by Gen Anupong who also disagreed with Mr Somchai's resignation out of fear that he would be seen to be taking sides with the PAD.

After meeting for two hours, the army chief concluded that a House dissolution was the best option, said the source. Other military leaders held back from expressing their opinions.

Going all the way

By physically shutting down Suvarnabhumi airport, the People's Alliance for Democracy has upped the stakes in Thailand's ongoing political polarisation. It has demonstrated the extent to which it will resort to mob violence to achieve its aims. ANALYSIS By Thitinan Pongsudhirak

The PAD is bent on creating the conditions of ungovernability and then to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on grounds that Thailand is ungovernable.

Its tactics have warped into a blatant street campaign of intimidation and fear, of coercion and force.

That the PAD has come this far in its thuggish ways is attributable to its powerful backing, without which its relative impunity in the face of flagrant violations of the law can hardly be explained.

The PAD's latest antic at Suvarnabhumi airport will likely narrow its support base, especially in Bangkok as the capital reels from the longer-term impact of the airport closure to business confidence, but its remaining columns will still be deep in their resolve to get their way.

What the PAD wants has not changed. After an unsuccessful bid under the guise of the so-called "new politics," it first demanded the ouster of former prime minister Samak Sundaravej earlier this year, and it is now after Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

To reach its endgame, the PAD has to clear the slate of government, led by the People Power party. As a result, the PAD has bayed for blood, openly inviting a military coup in order to bring up an interim arrangement.

This would allow the PAD to either rewrite the current constitution or come up with an entirely new charter. Its ultimate objective is to fashion the rules of the democratic game to guarantee elite representation in the elected parliament through partial appointments.

Its logic is simple. A one-man, one-vote democratic system will indefinitely return the same parliamentary faces with a similar populist policy agenda that has appealed to the vast majority of the electorate in the Northeast and North, who voted for deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his disbanded Thai Rak Thai party for six years and for Mr Samak and Mr Somchai and PPP more recently.

Unsurprisingly, the PAD has openly shown disdain for these rural constituencies as faceless and gullible vote-sellers who should not be counted on equal terms with the PAD's urban minority in Thailand's electorate.

But the PAD faces a daunting uphill task in resetting the political environment and realising its anti-democratic agenda.

Somehow it would have to dislodge the PPP and perhaps its successor Puea Thai party from elected power, and to keep them out.

The PAD would then have to force an interim period during which its cadres would assert themselves in charter alterations. In an age when democratic rule is an emerging norm of the international community, when information is more widely accessible due to new technologies, any anti-democratic movement will be hard-pressed to get away with elite dominance.

Yet the PAD has shown that it is willing to go all the way.

It is willing to hold Thailand captive by disrupting airport operations, and to even cause an international embarrassment as Thailand gears up for its chairmanship of the Asean and East Asia summits in Chiang Mai next month.

Only its backers can pull the plug on the PAD but they may now be too insecure and paranoid to go back.

The longer this crisis goes on, the more exposed and compromised the PAD's backers have become.

And the PAD is continually dragging them down to the cut-and-thrust of Thai politics to their own detriment.

While the stakes are high, with wide and deep longer-term damages, it is not too late for the PAD's backers to rein in this rabid and reckless movement or to pull its plug altogether.

The ultimate danger for the PAD on the one hand and for Thailand on the other is not from the government, army or police - but from the red shirts banded under the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship.

Capable of a corresponding sort of mob violence, these UDD red shirts have decidedly displayed patience, order and restraint in their recent mass rallies, in deliberate contrast to the PAD's open incitement of violence and gross distortions of information. Widespread civil strife would be the outcome in the event the UDD turns on the PAD in full force.

A House dissolution, as proposed by army chief General Anupong Paojinda, is a release valve from such a UDD-PAD clash.

Although it would not resolve Thailand's urban-rural structural crisis in the long term, a new slate through new elections would buy time for the various protagonists to come to their senses and for Thai voters to have a say after a year of turmoil and volatility.

It is an option which Prime Minister Somchai should not dismiss out of hand for self-righteous reasons, especially if he is confident of his party's - and successor party's - winning policy platform.

The same goes for the People's Alliance for Democracy - if it still claims to stand for the Thai people.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak is Director of the Institute of Security and International Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.

From bangkokpost.com

Second airport closed

Anti-government protesters have blockaded and shut down Don Mueang airport, closing off all international air links to and from Bangkok.

Supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) started massing at the old Don Mueang airport late Wednesday, aiming to prevent ministers from flying to Chiang Mai in the north to meet Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

Services at the airport were cancelled at about midnight.

"I authorised Don Mueang's director-general to close the airport from midnight. It is closed indefinitely until normalcy is restored," Saererat Prasutanond, president of operator Airports of Thailand, told Thai television.

"The two airports that serve Bangkok are completely closed."

Don Mueang director Flying Officer Anirut Thanomkulbutra had earlier told AFP that the airport would reopen on Thursday evening.

"Protesters have blocked the entrance to the terminal," Anirut said.

Thai anti-government protesters wave national flags at the departure terminal of Bangkok's international airport.

Don Mueang operates a handful of domestic flights, and was the only airport left serving the capital after protesters swarmed the main Suvarnabhumi Airport late Tuesday, forcing the airport director to suspend flights.

A police official said about 3,000 PAD supporters were gathered outside Don Mueang airport, but no passengers were inside when the airport was surrounded as the last flight had landed hours before.

Protest leaders earlier said that they aimed to force the closure of Don Mueang to prevent ministers from flying to the northern city of Chiang Mai to meet with Mr Somchai.

The prime minister returned from a summit in Peru, landing in Chiang Mai on Wednesday evening, soon after the powerful army chief urged the premier to call new elections to end six months of turmoil in the kingdom.

Mr Somchai refused, and called a cabinet meeting.

The premier had been holding cabinet meetings in a disused terminal at Don Mueang after protesters occupied his official Government House office in central Bangkok in late August.

But on Monday, PAD supporters besieged his temporary office as well, as they upped their bid to topple the government, which they accuse of running the country on behalf of oustedrom B and exiled premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

About 3,000 tourists were stranded at Suvarnabhumi as PAD supporters massed outside late Tuesday, but most were evacuated leaving Wednesday afternoon.

Protesters swiftly dug in inside the gleaming steel-and-glass terminal, setting up makeshift food stalls and tents in the airport. (AFP)

From Bangkokpost.com

STATE OF EMERGENCY

(BangkokPost.com)

The government has declared a state of emergency around the two occupied Bangkok airports and police have been ordered to clear out PAD protesters so flights can resume.
LATE NEWS: Authorities have officially declared Suvarnabhumi airport closed until Saturday at 6pm at the earliest.

Agriculture Minister Somsak Prisananantakul told reporters the special Cabinet meeting held in Chiang Mai declared emergency laws will apply in and around both the closed Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Meanwhile, growing numbers of tourists, business executives and government officials are stranded by the severed transportation links between Thailand and the rest of the world. Foreign Minister Sompong Amornwiwat was reported stranded in Germany where he was on a private visit on Thursday.

Some flights have continued through provincial airports but the main bulk of the 75 flights per hour through Suvarnabhumi have been cancelled.

The emergency decree orders the police to restore order and gives the military the right to help to "restore order, allow the suspension of civil liberties, ban public gatherings of more than five people and bar the media from reporting news that causes panic."

The military thus can clear out and reopen both airports, which were attacked, occupied and closed by the People's Alliance for Democracy on Tuesday night and Wednesday respectively.

Caution

It should be remembered we have been here before, and a state of emergency has no guarantee of results.

Ex-premier Samak Sundaravej declared a state of emergency last Sept 2 after early morning clashes between pro-government protesters and PAD backers in Bangkok. Police and the army refused to act, and Mr Somchai eventually lifted the state of emergency when he took office.

"This time it will be different because the police will be the ones responsible," said government spokesman Nattawuth Saikuea.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat presided over Thursday's special cabinet meeting in his home town, Chiang Mai. PAD protesters have also seized and occupied both Government House and a backup government headquarters at Don Mueang in Bangkok.

If there is bloodshed when the police try to clear out the airports, the military might have to step in. That could mean a de facto coup, even though the Royal Thai Army does not want to take power.

"The government is in a corner," said Panitan Wattanayagorn, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University. "If the police cannot do a clean job (of clearin the airports), I’m quite certain they will step in."

Army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda has refused to use his forces against protesters, but also has only "suggested" the government step down. Both Mr Somchai and PAD leaders have effectively ignored the increasinly ineffective army commander.

If the army is forced to take over, Gen Anupong will start from a position of weakness, with respect from neither of the two sides in the conflict and seen as weak and vacillating by the majority who have favoured neither the government nor the PAD.

The emergency decree was reportedly backed in advance by some 200 members of the coalition government, who urged the embattled premier to "exercise stringent legal measures" against the protesters at the airports and at Government House.

Ekapot Parnyaem, a Chart Thai MP representing Pathum Thani province, urged that the government "carry out the order within 24 hours".

He also called on MPs to "mobilise not less than 20,000 people to oppose a power seizure," a sign that there will be public disturbances in case of a military coup.

Ironically, Gen Anupong agreed. He said tht a military coup would not end political turmoil, but might increase it.

Prime Minister Somchai on Thursday denied rumours that some military commanders would be stripped of their posts and that a coup is in the making.

Military personnel should remain in their barracks and officers should not move or put their forces on alert, said government spokesman Natthawut Saikua, who said the public should not be worried or confused by coup rumours. (with reports by TNA and news agencies)

PAD shuts Suvarnabhumi

PAD protesters jam the entry to the passenger terminal at Suvarnabhumi last night before storming inside, forcing the closure of the airport to outgoing flights. Airlines were making their own decisions on flight arrivals. PAWAT LAOPAISARNTAKSIN

Thousands stranded as outbound flights cancelled

POST REPORTERS

Suvarnabhumi airport and the travel plans of thousands of tourists were in turmoil last night after PAD supporters stormed the terminal, forcing authorities to shut down most operations.

Outbound flights were suspended from 9pm and the terminal building was closed when People's Alliance for Democracy breached a thin line of police officers, Suvarnabhumi director Serirat Prasutanond said.

Inbound flights were still being allowed to land at the airport last night. Officials said it was up to the airlines whether they would continue to allow flights to land today.

The decision left thousands of passengers stranded inside the terminal. Night time is one of the peak periods for the airport as most flights to European cities take off after dark.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) officials tried in vain to persuade the PAD protesters not to enter the terminal.

A decision to reopen the airport would be decided later after officials assessed the situation, he said.

As reports of PAD supporters heading to Suvarnabhumi reached Samut Prakan governor Kwanchai Wongnitikorn, he contacted army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda to send troops to help police prevent them from storming into the airport's main areas.

The governor told Mr Serirat he had sought help from the army chief. But there was no response from the army, leaving an inadequate police cordon unable to cope with the mass of anti-government protesters.

The PAD demonstrators broke through police lines shortly after 8pm and walked among the passengers with some shouting "Fight! Fight!", frightening many foreign visitors.

Earlier, the PAD had issued a statement that it would shut Suvarnabhumi airport to force Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his coalition government to step down.

The PAD said the shutdown was a "must-do" measure to stop the "puppet government" from functioning.

"The PAD needs to elevate its protest and civil disobedience by shutting down Suvarnabhumi airport. We are issuing an ultimatum through the Thai public and the world community to Somchai Wongsawat and his government. They must step down immediately and without conditions," the statement said.

As thousands of protesters blocked off the airport, passengers were forced to drag their luggage along the lengthy access roads to the terminal, only to find their outbound flights cancelled.

About 400 crowd-control police from Samut Prakan and airport security guards were mobilised to stand guard.

Speaking from Peru, the prime minister said his chartered flight would not land at Suvarnabhumi today but refused to disclose his destination. "I will get off the plane wherever it lands," he said.

Mr Somchai's flight from Peru, due to leave at noon from Lima, was delayed for several hours because of technical problems.

He said he would not cave in to PAD pressure, saying only the people could dictate to him.

He said under the constitution, anyone who attempted to topple the government would be considered insurrectionists.

Mr Somchai lashed out at the PAD's siege of the government's temporary office at Don Mueang airport, saying the group was being irrational and damaging the country.

He said he would call an emergency meeting of security agencies after his return from Peru.

The premier doubted the PAD would allow a new parliamentary session to approve all agreements for Thailand to sign with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) at the Chiang Mai summit next month.

Earlier in the day, the PAD demonstrators briefly rallied outside the Supreme Command headquarters on Chaeng Wattana road following a report that the cabinet would meet there.

The joint parliamentary sitting has been rescheduled for Dec 8-9.

Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Suchart Muenkaew said more checkpoints would be set up in and around Bangkok as more PAD supporters were coming to the capital.

Blow to tourism

By Post Reporters

The tourism sector, already reeling from the global economic downturn, suffered a fresh blow as People's Alliance for Democracy anti-government protesters forced Suvarnabhumi airport to suspend outbound flights.
LATEST: As of Wednesday morning, Suvarnabhumi airport is effectively closed to all passengers. Thai Airways International already has cancelled 24 flights due to leave on Wednesday.

Thousands of travellers faced the prospect of missed flights Tuesday night as protesters blocked the main motorway from the capital to the airport and later stormed the terminal to disrupt operations.

Olarn Chaipravat, the deputy prime minister overseeing economic policy, acknowledged that the PAD protests would undermine the country's image abroad and hurt investor confidence.

"They [PAD] have the right to protest, but they must consider the rights of others. And they should also consider the damage caused to the entire country," he said.

Airline and tourism executives warned that the political tensions would deal another heavy blow to the ailing industry and the country's international image.

PAD rallies in late-August that forced the shutdowns of Krabi, Phuket and Hat Yai airports had already put the country's "Land of Smiles" image in jeopardy.

Arrivals in September plummeted 16.5 per cent from last year, with hotel occupancy rates nosediving to just 46.3 per cent compared with 57.5 per cent in August.

The latest tensions could force many operators into bankruptcy, coming just weeks before the peak of the tourist season over the year-end holidays.

Apichart Sankary, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), said the PAD protest Tuesday would have a massive impact on the industry.

"Don't think that the Thai tourism business will grow next year. It's dying now because of the political problems. In the best case, we might just see flat growth," Mr Apichart said.

Another tourism expert said the attempts by the PAD to close Suvarnabhumi airport reflected the "lawless society" in Thailand.

"Do you know when the country's image is destroyed, it's very difficult to revive it in a short period? What does Thai hospitality look like now, when there are clashes and violence inside the country?" he said.

Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kohsurat said authorities were coordinating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to update overseas tourism offices about the latest developments.

The ministry was also working with the Thai Travel Agents Association and airport operator Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) to assist tourists and advise on alternative travel routes to Suvarnabhumi airport.

Business leaders said multinational companies would likely impose travel restrictions to minimise risk.

Neighbourly warning

(BangkokPost.com)

Neighbouring countries are warning their citizens to stay away from Thailand, just as the main tourist season was starting.

The Philippine government on Wednesday urged its citizens to defer non-essential travel to Thailand because of anti-government demonstrations.

Foreign department spokesman Claro Cristobal said the warning was "in consideration of the Filipino travelers' safety and convenience."

Taiwan, a major source of winter travellers to Thailand, advised Taiwanese who are in Thailand or those who plan to travel there to check with airlines before going to the airport.

At least two Taiwan airlines' flights which were due to return to Taipei Tuesday evening were cancelled.

Singapore said citizens should postpone any travel to Thailand unless they had "a pressing need to travel".

The British had a similar warning on the Foreign Office website: "If you plan to visit Thailand you should consider the present situation when making your decision."

The US did not advise against travel to Thailand but warned: "We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence."

"The Chinese Embassy advises that Chinese citizens planning to visit Thailand should postpone their plans," said a travel advisory posted at the Chinese Embassy.

Japan echoed:

"The damage done is huge," said Chaisak Angsawan, director general of the Department of Aviation.

Suvarnabhumi handles around 370 flights a day, all of which have been cancelled or diverted to other airports.

The only flight out by late afternoon on Wednesday was Flight 809 of Iran Airlines. Demonstrators allowed it to leave as it was taking 416 Thai Muslims to Teheran before flying to Saudi Arabia for the haj.

"It's not fair," said Vanessa Sloan, 31, from Florida, who arrived at the airport on Tuesday night and was supposed to fly on to Chiang Mai on Wednesday.

"We spent the night here after all the check-in staff ran away," she said. "No one is here to help."

Airport director Serirat Prasutanond estimated losses in airport operations at 50 million baht per day in landing fees and the like.

Thai Airways International cancelled all outbound flights. Sixteen international flights in the air were diverted to Don Mueang international airport while three others from the Middle East and Europe landed at Utapao naval base in Chon Buri.

Singapore Airlines cancelled all its Bangkok flights. It said an assessment will be made later about flight operations beyond Wednesday.

According to foreign reports, flights bound for Bangkok from Japan were mostly cancelled or returned to Japan.

"I have been informed by Thai Airways that 3,000 passengers are stranded at the terminal now," airport director Saereerat Prasutanont said.

Police said 8,000 demonstrators, most wearing yellow clothes in a traditional symbol of loyalty to the revered monarchy, had camped out at the three-billion-dollar airport overnight.

Thanit Sorat, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and chairman of logistic group under the FTI, said that sealing off Suvarnabhumi airport had stopped all air cargo operations. He estimated the losses to the business sector at one billion baht per day.

Army helpless

(BangkokPost.com)

The government on Wednesday rejected a "suggestion" by army chief Anupong Paojinda for the prime minister to resign, and the protesters who seized and closed Suvarnabhumi airport on Wednesday similarly declined the general's demand to leave the airport.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, meanwhile, returned to Thailand without incident through Chiang Mai airport. He spend the past week out of the country to attend the Apec summit in Peru, and the PAD was trying to block his return.

"The prime minister should dissolve parliament and call a snap election," Gen Anupong said. "The prime minister should think about the benefit of the country, and so should the PAD," he said.

But he tempered the demand, just as he did a month ago when he also told Prime Minister Somchai Wongbsawat to step down.

"We will not seize power from the government," said the army commander. "We are just making a suggestion and will let the government decide.

In that case, said spokesman Nattawut Saikuar, the government will stay on.

He spoke by telephone to Channel 3 news and said, "The prime minister has said many times that he will not quit or dissolve parliament because he has been democratically elected. That still stands,"

Hours after returning from Peru to Chiang Mai, Mr Somchai, in a 10pm live broadcast to the nation, said what he said when Gen Anupong last demanded his resignation, following the Oct 7 violence around the parliament buildings:

"This government is elected by the people and will perform its duty for the nation and the citizens all the way."

He said the PAD must leave Suvarnabhumi and Government House, which the demonstrators have occupied since Aug 26. He called a cabinet meeting on Thursday in Chiang Mai.

The Bangkok Civil Court ordered the demonstrators to leave the airport on the grounds they have infringed on peoples' rights.

The court granted an injuction sought by the Airports of Thailand. Similar court orders for the PAD to vacate areas in Bangkok.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) gave an equally dismissive shrug to Gen Anupong's demand that they call back their protesters and reopen Suvarnabhumi.

Mr Somchai must resign, PAD leader told cheering supporters inside the airport terminal.

The government "must quit first before we sit down and talk," he said.

PAD ideologue Suriyasai Katasila said flatly that the group would stay at the airport until it could discuss the matter among members, and rejected the general's demand.

Gen Anupong's strong stance against a coup gave him no leverage in trying to handle the situation, and he has time after time been reduced to little more than another helpless spectator.

Late last month, he attempted to intimidate Mr Somchai into quitting by appearing with other service commanders, the supreme commander and the national police chief on an evening TV news programme, but Mr Somchai simply ignored the demands to quit.

'I'll be back'

Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra threw down the gauntlet on Monday: He will return to politics and become prime minister again.

He told the Arabian Business magazine in Abu Dhabi:

“The country is going down deeply. The confidence is not there. The trust amongst foreign community is not there. The poor people in rural areas are in difficulty.

“With me at the helm I can bring confidence quickly back to Thailand. We have to find a mechanism under which I can go back, that is why I must tell you that I will go back into politics.”

Thaksin also criticised the British government for lifting his visa, effectively making him a wanted criminal on the run.

"England must understand better, but unfortunately they are now busy with their own problems," he alleged. "So they forgot about democratic values."

The UK cancelled the visas of Thaksin and his wife Khunying Potjaman earlier this month after he was convicted of corruption, and continued to speak out on Thai politics from his British haven. The couple has since divorced.

The magazine's web site said that the full text of its exclusive interview with Thaksin would be published on Sunday,

Thaksin gave no hint in the published portion of the interview when he might attempt to return to Thailand.

But he is clear that he has officially decided to get back into the political ring.

"A lot depends on the power of the people," he said.

"If they feel they are in hardship and they need me to help them, I will go back," he said.

"If the king feels I can be beneficial I will go back and he may grant me a royal pardon. If they don’t need me and the king feels I can make no difference then I will stay here and do business."

Parliament paralysed

(BangkokPost.com)

Protests on Monday forced parliament to cancel its planned joint session, and left anarchy on the streets from Government House all the way to the old Don Mueang airport.

The People's Alliance for Democracy declared victory, but failed to gain its objective. Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat resolved to stay in office, and the military showed no sign it intended to seize power.

More than 5,000 protesters led by PAD leaders Sondhi Limthongkul, Piphob Thongchi and Somkiat Pongpaiboon were still gathered in front of the parliament building on Monday evening. Traffic lanes were closed around the venue, as more protesters were expected to join the mass rally.

The protesters also cut off electricity to the parliament building and the Chart Thai party headquarters.

"May victory be with the people," PAD leader Somkiat Pongpaiboon chanted.

But from the Apec summit in Peru, Mr Somchai said he no intention of resigning, because the government emerged from democratic elections.

If the government has to be forced out, it should be done by the parliamentary election or the general public in a ballot, he said.

He said the global economic crisis was more important than the protests.

"The situation in Thailand at the moment is small - only a single location in Bangkok, and it has not significantly destroyed the country's economic foundation," claimed the prime minister.

"We have to talk and try for reconciliation," he told a reporter from the Reuters news agency.

An estimated 18,000 flag-waving demonstrators split up throughout the capital. They hijacked buses, fanned out in running protests through the central part of the city, and even wound up outside the new government offices at Don Mueang.

House speaker Chai Chidchob called for calm and announced the postponement of a joint parliamentary session which was supposed to consider legislation needed for the Asean summit to be held in Chiang Mai beginning in December.

"I ask for all sides to stop the movement now. If you love the king, please return home," he said on parliament radio.

He was forced to call off the scheduled parliament sitting because elected MPs and senators could not enter the building. Police did not confront the protesters as they did last Oct 7, when a tear-gas assault killed one person.

The yellow-clad PAD protesters marched through the Ratanakosin district, waving Thai flags and holding aloft portraits of His Majesty the King.

Monks joined the protest, which supposedly was aimed at toppling the government. Black-clad volunteer PAD security guards wielding homemade batons protected the crowd.

Prime Minister No. 26

BangkokPost.com

Deputy leader of People Power party (PPP) Somchai Wongsawat was elected prime minister by parliament as expected on Wednesday morning with a solid 298 votes from PPP and the coalition.
He is the 26th prime minister in moder Thai history.
The opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, nominated as a token candidate to oppose the government, received 163 votes from his Democrat party members. There were five MPs who abstained from voting.
After the House speaker adjourned the meeting, Mr Somchai later greeted Mr Abhisit and thanked core members of the coalition parties, such as Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa and Pracharaj party leader Sanoh Thienthong, for giving him support.
Mr Somchai, brother-in-law to ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, will take office once he is endorsed by His Majesty the King.
Prior to the vote, Mr Somchai expressed confidence that he would be voted as the prime minister.
"There is no rebellion in the party," he told reporters upon arriving at parliament. "My family fully supports me to work to the best of my ability."
Mr Abhisit, meanwhile, called on the new prime minister to hold talks with anti-government protesters and step out of Mr Thaksin's shadow.
"The new prime minister must clearly show how he is going to ease the situation. He must work to erase any doubts," Mr Abhisit said.
Shortly after the vote, core leaders of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Chamlong Srimuang and Somsak Kosaisuk held a news conference, saying that the group does not accept Mr Somchai because he is a nominee of Mr Thaksin.
Earlier report:
By Bangkok Post Reporters
Deputy leader of the People Power party (PPP) Somchai Wongsawat is poised to become prime minister after securing backing from a rebel faction and the five coalition partners on Tuesday.
Boonchong Wongtrairat, a member of the rebel faction associated with Newin Chidchob, said all 73 MPs in the faction have agreed to comply with the party's resolution to nominate Mr Somchai for the post of prime minister.
The group was earlier opposed to the nomination of Mr Somchai, a brotherin-law of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on grounds that the family ties would intensify political tensions.
PPP MPs backing Mr Somchai threatened on Monday to call for a House dissolution if the PPP failed to make him the government leader.
Following the Newin faction's change of heart, the PPP and its five coalition partners last night announced they would support Mr Somchai.
The House of Representatives will meet Wednesday to select the prime minister to succeed Samak Sundaravej, who was disqualified by the Constitution Court for receiving payments for hosting television cooking shows.
Mr Banchong said his faction has reversed its stand because of Mr Somchai's pledge to address its concerns about the continuing political strife.
"He insists he can solve what we 73 MPs are worried about. He also pledges to uphold democracy and achieve reconciliation," said Mr Banchong.
But he said the group is demanding Mr Somchai say in parliament how he will ease political confrontation, create national reconciliation, uphold constitutional democracy with the monarch as head of state and enforce the law.
Supachai Phisu, a PPP MP for Nakhon Phanom and a member of the faction, gave an assurance that the Wednesday voting will not end in chaos like it did on Sept 12, when coalition parties boycotted the House meeting, scuppering the planned reinstatement of Mr Samak, who later gave up his bid to regain the post.
A source in the PPP said the faction's support for Mr Somchai followed negotiations between Mr Newin, Mr Somchai, his wife Yaowapa, and Pongthep Thepkanchana, Mr Thaksin's spokesman.
Through Mr Somchai's coordination, Mr Newin managed to secure a pledge from leaders of coalition partners that they would work with the PPP instead of leaving it to deal with problems alone, as it did with Mr Samak, the source said.
Mr Newin also received assurances, also through Mr Somchai, from army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda that there would not be a military coup to topple Mr Somchai if he was elected as prime minister, the source said.
According to the source, Mr Newin was not sure that his group would enjoy support from Mr Somchai as it did from Mr Samak.
However, the group is likely to retain its four cabinet seats — deputy interior minister, deputy agriculture minister, deputy education minister and deputy transport minister.
It was reported that his group would lobby for the appointment of Lt-Gen Udomchai Ongkhasingh, a former Third Army chief, to be deputy defence minister. Other factions were said to support Gen Ruengroj Mahasaranont, deputy leader and former supreme commander, for the job.
Mr Somchai said he was ready for public scrutiny.
"I cannot deny my family ties, but what matters is how I behave. From where I stand, I cannot escape scrutiny," he said.
Mr Somchai said he was not thinking about "taking back" Government House from the People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators.
Democrat MP Alongkorn Polabutr called on the PPP to review its planned nomination of Mr Somchai, saying it would be a political timebomb due to his close ties with Mr Thaksin.
The PAD reiterated its rejection of Mr Somchai and any other member of the PPP as prime minister.
PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said that with Mr Somchai as the government leader, the political turmoil would continue.
Earlier report:
(BangkokPost.com)
Leaders of six coalition parties held a Tuesday night dinner and news conference to announce they will back acting premier and deputy People Power party leader Somchai Wongsawat as prime minister when parliament meets on Wednesday.
Mr Somchai, caretaker prime minister, thanked the leaders and MPs of the coalition parties for supporting him.
"The six parties will form the government together, and will vote for the prime minister tomorrow (Wednesday)," Mr Somchai, brother-in-law of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said at the news conference.
All five coalition leaders were present: Chart Thai party leader Banharn Silpa-archa, its deputy leader Somsak Prissananantakul, Pracharaj chief adviser Sanan Kachornprasart, Pracharaj deputy leader Uraiwan Thienthong, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chetta Thanajaro, its deputy leader Prapas Limprapan, Matchimathipataya party leader Anongwan Thepsuthin, its secretary-general Banyin Tangpakorn, Puea Pandin leader Suvit Khunkitti, its deputy leader Ranongrak Suwanchawee and its spokesman Chaiyos Jiramethakorn.
Mr Banharn, whose party members did not show up at the parliament for the vote last week, said his party will support the nominee of the party with the majority vote (which is People Power party) as new prime minister.
Earlier in the day, PPP MPs agreed to back Mr Somchai as the leader of the government, averting what many media analysts claimed was the threat that parliament would be dissolved for a snap election.
Asked how the government would proceed with cases against fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Mr Somchai replied that the government will rely on the judicial process to handle the cases. Mr Somchai is married to Mr Thaksin's sister.
"The government has no responsibility to protect anyone," he said. "Everything will go according to judicial procedures. The government will ensure that everything follows the rule of law."
If elected, Mr Somchai will serve as Thailand's 26th prime minister.