Opposition using rent-a-mob, says minister

By Post Reporters

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas claimed he has obtained information that protesters from the provinces have been paid to join anti-government and anti-coup rallies in Bangkok.

Jatuporn Prompan, a cofounder of People’s Television says PTV did not hire, and demanded that the minister produce proof of his allegation.

Gen Boonrawd said steps would be taken against these people if they were found to have been paid to stage rallies, although he declined to elaborate.

He said he has received information about the hiring of people from the provinces to join rallies at Sanam Luang.

The Council for National Security (CNS) has coordinated with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to deal with demonstrators. Venues would be arranged if those demonstrators acted within the scope of the law, he said.

He said the government has not tried to prevent its opponents from holding rallies in Bangkok.

Several groups wanted to use Sanam Luang to launch activities, but he did not know which group would be allowed by the BMA to use the venue.

The operators of PTV earlier announced that they would press ahead with a rally against the government and the CNS tomorrow at Sanam Luang.

City police chief Pol Lt-Gen Adisorn Nonsi said measures have been prepared to deal with demonstrations.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, a group of supporters of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda yesterday gathered at the Thao Suranaree monument to denounce anti-coup groups over their moves to petition His Majesty the King to remove Gen Prem from his post.

Anti-coup activists have accused Gen Prem of meddling in politics.

In Songkhla, around 1,000 people joined a rally to give Gen Prem moral support.

Meanwhile, Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva warned anti-coup demonstrators not to make verbal attacks on Gen Prem. He said the Privy Council president position should not be dragged into a political game. He urged all sides to act within the scope of the law.

On planned demonstrations against the government and the CNS, he said everyone had the right to express his or her views. People were free to expose alleged irregularities or wrongdoings but they must be held responsible for their remarks, he added.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Saturday April 07, 2007