[Tlc] T-protests

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Forwarded from Al Valentine.
Thanks,
justin


"One way out" <http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=131297>
Former deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who resigned from the cabinet for ordering police attacks on PAD demonstrations on Tuesday, now says a military-led coup d'etat is the only way to resolve the political strife.
In an exclusive interview with the Bangkok Post on Thursday, Gen Chavalit said the answer lies with army chief Gen Anupong Paojinda, who has repeatedly ruled out a coup.


Gen Chavalit said Gen Anupong should immediately return power after staging a coup to allow an interim government to be installed and tackle the political turmoil.


"There is no other way out. A House dissolution cannot solve the problem. The problem can be solved by three institutions - the monarchy, which remains politically neutral, the military, which appears to be not interested in intervening, and the government, which stays above the problem.


"So I see [the answer in] a putsch. After the military steps in, power should immediately be returned to the people and an interim government can be formed in which every party takes part.


"Tell him [Gen Anupong] not to be afraid. After he does it [stage a coup], he should pull out and let the people take it from there," he said.


Gen Chavalit, who resigned from his cabinet post after Tuesday's clashes between police and anti-government protesters, also suggested there was no need to abolish the entire constitution after a coup.


Certain articles of the constitution should be suspended to allow for the appointment of a prime minister and cabinet members who represent all sectors of society, he said.


Citing his talks with Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, a core member of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), Gen Chavalit said the PAD had expected to end its siege of Government House on Oct 9 if insurrection charges against its nine core leaders were revoked.
He said Oct 11 had been planned for a big event he did not elaborate on.


The plan, however, was foiled when he quit the government.


Gen Chavalit said PAD leaders were aware they could not prolong their protest because the state funeral for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana was to be held next month.


"From our talks [with Maj-Gen Chamlong], the PAD said it would end the protest. But some demonstrators would move to Ban Phitsanulok where they would set up a people's council to scrutinise the government.


"Maj-Gen Chamlong understands we will have an important event and the PAD cannot stay where they are. Our agreement was that it must be cleared up by Oct 23," he said.


Gen Chavalit doubted Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat would be able to resume a dialogue with the PAD to end the stalemate, especially when casualties occurred in Tuesday's clashes.


PAD core leader and media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul was not easy to negotiate with, he said.


Also, the Administrative Court has issued an injunction ordering the government and police to observe international practices on crowd control.


Gen Chavalit said he and Maj-Gen Chamlong did not plot the latter's arrest on Oct 5 or the violent clash on Tuesday.


He said he stepped down immediately to show responsibility for the casualties and the failed policy to resolve the political conflict.


Gen Chavalit noted that Interior Minister Kowit Wattana should have also resigned to show accountability.


"He did not budge, so I had to step down. It is a sacrifice for Mr Somchai and his administration to stay on."


According to Gen Chavalit, the prime minister did not object to his resignation.


The former deputy prime minister said he was against dispersing the PAD protesters by force and suggested Mr Somchai make his policy statement at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center instead. But his suggestion was obviously rejected.

______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu