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Thai crisis deepens

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: With pro-democracy rallies becoming more frequent, Thailand's military junta, the Council for National Security (CNS), has affirmed that the situation is under control. However, a spokesman for deposed Prime Minister Thaskin Shinawatra said in Bangkok on Thursday he might not return home from self-imposed exile, due to concerns about his security. Mr. Thaksin was planning to directly defend himself in the cases being filed by the CNS in relation to the freezing of his assets. Last September, Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who later anointed himself the CNS chief, toppled Mr. Thaksin. The former leader's spokesman said Gen. Sonthi had now refused to guarantee Mr. Thaksin's safety in the event of his return. Earlier, CNS-appointed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, indicated that Mr. Thaksin was free to return home. The latest phase has been sparked by the recent ruling of a CNS-appointed court that Mr. Thaksin and his associates be banished from politics for five years.

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