ID :
31399
Fri, 11/21/2008 - 09:25
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/31399
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PM Somchai off to Peru, assigns Deputy PM Olarn to helm
BANGKOK, Nov 21 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat late Thursday assigned Olarn Chaipravat, one of his deputies, to take charge of government on his behalf for a week, amid fears that violence might occur with anti-government protesters while he is on an overseas trip in Peru.
Mr. Somchai, who left for the South American nation to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit until next Wednesday, said he had instructed the deputy premier to see to it that law and order are maintained, while possible violence and untoward incidents will be promptly prevented and contained.
A grenade attack on demonstrators occupying the premier's offices killed one person and wounded 24 Thursday, prompting the core PAD leaders to call for a new march against the government.
The premier raised his concern amid speculation that unrest might take place again at Parliament and nearby areas, given the plans by the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to carry out a renewed anti-government, anti-charter amendment protest there on Sunday.
On October 7 police fired tear gas at demonstrators trying to disrupt Parliament, sparking street clashes that left two people dead and nearly 500 injured.
Legislators in both the House of Representatives and the Senate are scheduled to attend a joint meeting of Pafrliament on Monday, fanning fears that the PAD-led protesters might again lay siege to the premises only to risk repeating last month's deadly incident.
Expressing his disapproval of damaging events recurring at Parliament next week, Mr. Somchai said he believed Mr. Olarn could maintain control of the situation with the help of the police, the military and other security personnel. (TNA)
Mr. Somchai, who left for the South American nation to attend an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit until next Wednesday, said he had instructed the deputy premier to see to it that law and order are maintained, while possible violence and untoward incidents will be promptly prevented and contained.
A grenade attack on demonstrators occupying the premier's offices killed one person and wounded 24 Thursday, prompting the core PAD leaders to call for a new march against the government.
The premier raised his concern amid speculation that unrest might take place again at Parliament and nearby areas, given the plans by the People Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to carry out a renewed anti-government, anti-charter amendment protest there on Sunday.
On October 7 police fired tear gas at demonstrators trying to disrupt Parliament, sparking street clashes that left two people dead and nearly 500 injured.
Legislators in both the House of Representatives and the Senate are scheduled to attend a joint meeting of Pafrliament on Monday, fanning fears that the PAD-led protesters might again lay siege to the premises only to risk repeating last month's deadly incident.
Expressing his disapproval of damaging events recurring at Parliament next week, Mr. Somchai said he believed Mr. Olarn could maintain control of the situation with the help of the police, the military and other security personnel. (TNA)
