Key leaders announce the PAD's revival

Demand PM prove no sly deals with Thaksin

AMPA SANTIMATANEDOL

Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) announced the group's revival yesterday, calling on Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to review his role and prove he has not made any secret deal with his ousted predecessor.

PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk was more blunt, demanding the prime minister's resignation.

All key members, Mr Somsak, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, Sondhi Limthongkul, Pibhop Dhongchai, Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang and coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, attended a two-hour meeting at Baan Phra Athit.

They said afterwards that the military-installed government was progressing too slowly in overthrowing the old power structure and in backing up the four reasons that were given to justify the Sept 19 coup.

In a written statement, the PAD leaders said that people were wondering if the interim government had made a secret deal with deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

These doubts were fuelled by the fact that the government had not been cooperating with the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC), its attempt to illegally assist former iTV staff, and the fact it allowed several cabinet members to further their personal interests through collaboration with the old power clique under the Thaksin regime.

While other PAD leaders only demanded that Gen Surayud review his role as the prime minister, Mr Somsak directly called for his resignation.''If he resigns, it will be considered a dignified action,'' said Mr Somsak.

If the prime minister did not review his role, Thai politics would approach a dead end, Mr Somkiat said.

''If the prime minister wants to remain in office, he must promise a clear stance by the government on political reform and a crackdown on corruption.

''This is because the prime minister has changed a great deal lately,'' Mr Somkiat said.

Media publisher Sondhi Limthongkul said the PAD had not planned mass rallies against the Surayud government , but would do so if the public calls for demonstrations became more strident.

The PAD had closely monitored the the performance of the government and the CNS, he said. Its alliances in several provinces, particularly in Songkhla and Nakhon Ratchasima, were encouraging the PAD to lead mass rallies, said Mr Sondhi.

''We're monitoring the situation,'' he said. ''We can't just do whatever we want, though.''

The PAD leaders demanded the Surayud cabinet take action against civil servants who had failed to cooperate with the ASC in its investigations into alleged corruption during the tenure of the deposed government.

Mr Suriyasai said they wanted the government to take serious action against corruption, to be more active in political and media reform, and to quickly take legal action against those who had offended the monarchy.

Mr Sondhi suggested the ASC's term be extended for another one or two years.

Maj-Gen Chamlong criticised the signature-gathering campaign led by the anti-coup Saturday Voice group to oust Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. He said it would only cause chaos.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Wednesday April 11, 2007