PAD delays rally to Jan 25
**Clash with govt averted, PM to meet group bosses **
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[li]Published: 4/12/2010 at 12:00 AM[/li][li]Newspaper section: News[/li][/ul]
The People’s Alliance for Democracy has called off a major rally planned for next Saturday after the government organised a meeting between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and its leaders.
Chamlong: Still on friendly terms with PM
The yellow shirt movement announced yesterday that it will postpone the gathering to Jan 25.
The rally will oppose the amendment of Section 190 of the constitution, which requires strict parliamentary screening of all international treaties or agreements that could affect the nation’s economic and social affairs.
The PAD fears changes could make it easier for the government to seal a deal with Cambodia to end the Preah Vihear temple conflict that places Thailand at a disadvantage. It fears the government would cede Thai territory.
The alliance says it is postponing the rally because this month is a joyful occasion for the public to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday and it does not want to spoil the celebrations.
But sources say the real reason is that the PAD and the government are trying to avoid a showdown and representatives from both sides are arranging a meeting between Mr Abhisit and the alliance’s five core leaders so that they can talk through their differences.
The PAD’s five leaders are Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, Somsak Kosaisuk, Pibhop Dhongchai and Somkiat Pongpaibul.
Mr Abhisit said yesterday that the government had managed to organise a meeting with the PAD.
“It will be good if we have a chance to discuss and exchange information, but I’ve never made an appointment with someone in particular,” he said responding to Mr Sondhi’s claim that Mr Abhisit called Maj Gen Chamlong to make an appointment but the latter had not responded to the request.
Sources said the government facilitator was Panich Vikitsreth, a Democrat Party MP and former vice-minister for foreign affairs.
PAD coordinators were those with close ties with the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect as well as Senator Kamnoon Sitthisamarn, sources said.
They also said facilitators held a discussion with Samana Photirak, leader of the Santi Asoke sect, of which Maj Gen Chamlong is an adherent. Santi Asoke followers, known for their high discipline, formed the backbone of the PAD protests against ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.
Santi Asoke has a branch called the Sisa Asoke Buddhist community in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket province, bordering Cambodia.
The PAD claims there is new proof that Thailand has lost territory to Cambodia and it wants the government to pay heed to this information, the source said. The proof can be seen from the backyard of the Santi Asoke branch in Kantharalak, it is claimed.
The prime minister and PAD leaders have agreed to meet to discuss the new information after the King’s birthday celebrations. The meeting is expected to take place by Dec 15.
“We are still on friendly terms,” a source quoted Maj Gen Chamlong as saying in reference to the prime minister.
Some believe the government feels a need to defuse the conflict with the PAD in case it obstructs the government’s work. Dealing with the anti-government red shirt movement has already posed too much of a headache.
Mr Sondhi said the rally would be held on Jan 25 when parliament convenes and a cabinet meeting takes place. It would be perfect timing to put pressure on the government to bow to its demands, he said.
PAD leaders reiterated its demands that the government must withdraw from the World Heritage Convention and revoke three Joint Boundary Commission memorandums and other documents signed with Cambodia.bron:Bangkokpost.