The Hindu : International : Protesters seek Thaksin's resignation

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Mar 15, 2006

International

International

Protesters seek Thaksin's resignation

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: An estimated crowd of over 50,000 protesters sought to blockade the Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday, as the ongoing 'people power' campaign against Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra entered a critical phase.

Mr. Thaksin, however, was not in town as he was touring rural areas as part of his election campaign. The Thai authorities, including Mr. Thaksin, indicated their readiness to declare a state of emergency, at least in Bangkok, should the protest turn violent. Until nightfall, there were no reports of any violence, even as the anti-Thaksin rally attracted a motley crowd of protestors -- political and student activists, trade union officials and workers, anti-globalisation and human rights campaigners as also significant sections of the media.

The protesters had camped overnight near the palace of the revered constitutional monarch before marching towards the Government’s House during the day.

Chamlong Srimuang, Mr. Thaksin's erstwhile political mentor and his prime critic now, advised the protesters to remain peaceful so as to deny the Government any excuse to change the terms of the current 'people power' standoff.

The stated aim of the protestors is to blockade the building until their main demand -- the Prime Minister’s resignation -- is met.

At the centre of the latest standoff is a long list of accusations against Mr. Thaksin. These range from alleged abuse of power and corruption to charges of assaults on human rights and free expression. The protesters have also made clear their expectation that the King might intervene to sort out the crisis.

Chris Baker, an expert on Thai politics, told The Hindu, in response to a question, that Mr. "Thaksin has conducted himself as Prime Minister in a way which is somehow presidential in style." So, Mr. Baker said, "it is quite difficult in one country to have both a monarch as head of state and someone who is conducting himself in a presidential style."

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