Mentors Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has scrapped a planned visit to Chiang Mai after the Thai Chambers of Commerce withdrew its invitation for him to attend its annual meeting. After learning of the chambers' change of heart, Mr Abhisit said the trip was not his call and he would comply with its wishes. "It is the TCC's call," Mr Abhisit said. "As a matter of fact I am confident that it is safe to go. But there are some concerns about protesters from authorities and participants. When protesters make clear they want to cause trouble, I will do as advised by the TCC." About 800 leading businessmen will gather in the northern city today for a three-day convention. The invitation for Mr Abhisit to attend the convention on Sunday turned into a security alert after red shirt supporters made threats against his life on a community radio programme last week. Concerns about his safety were heightened when police seized 16 firearms and 6,000 home-made bombs at the house of Narong Boonjongcharoen in Chiang Mai's Chom Thong district. Provincial investigator Pol Col Songkrit Ontakrai said Mr Narong was a United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship security guard. Mr Narong denied any affiliations with the red shirt group. Until yesterday the TCC had insisted the meeting would go ahead and Mr Abhisit would be invited to the forum. But the invitation was withdrawn after chamber chairman Dusit Nontanakorn talked with key members. "We do not want to be a part of conflicts that might cause danger to the prime minister and participants at the forum, and affect local residents," Mr Dusit said. The TCC will officially advise Mr Abhisit by letter today. He said it would not be necessary for the government to spend money on security for the prime minister and the participants. Earlier this week when Mr Abhisit said he would go ahead with the Chiang Mai visit, the government discussed plans to enforce the Internal Security Act there to counter the UDD's threat to hold a rally. That drew protests from Chiang Mai tourism operators who feared the tough security law would scare away tourists and damage their businesses. Mr Dusit said there was no need for a video conference with the prime minister as he would be informed of the meeting's conclusions at a later date. "The TCC's stance is that we do not want to see a rift," he said. "Reconciliation is the key if we want to move forward. Moreover, it is hoped the meeting will promote tourism in the province." Mr Abhisit downplayed criticism the cancellation of his visit suggested his mobility was being restricted. "No, I don't think so," he said. "Let this be clear. We must not allow ourselves to be intimidated and our jobs and responsibilities compromised. "If it was a government function, I would stick to it. But this event is organised by the private sector so I have to heed their concerns." Meanwhile, about 100 red shirt supporters yesterday rallied outside the Muang police station in Chiang Mai to protest against attempts to seek warrants for the arrest of two of their leaders. They demanded the transfer of Police Region 5 Bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Somkid Boonthanom, Chiang Mai police chief Pol Maj Gen Sommai Kongwisaisuk, and Muang police station chief Pol Col Yutthachai Puaprasert. They also protested against police who had tried to arrest Phetchawat Wattanongsirikul who was accused of making death threats against Mr Abhisit on a community radio station. The Chiang Mai provincial court refused to issue an arrest warrant for the radio host and leader of the "Rak Chiang Mai 51" group. http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/28156/abhisit-cancels-chiang-mai-trip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian2 Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 Heart like a pea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 << Concerns about his safety were heightened when police seized 16 firearms and 6,000 home-made bombs at the house of Narong Boonjongcharoen in Chiang Mai's Chom Thong district. >> Clearly intended only for self-defence. << They also protested against police who had tried to arrest Phetchawat Wattanongsirikul who was accused of making death threats against Mr Abhisit on a community radio station. >> Good to see the Red Shirts standing up for freedom of speech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentors Posted November 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 Heart like a pea. he will miss a fine expensive dinner. What a pity! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julian2 Posted November 27, 2009 Report Share Posted November 27, 2009 No doubt he wouldn't bring his appetite anyway. 6000 bombs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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