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