Desperation grips Thaksin as political noose tightens
By ThaiDay
Thousands of demonstrators pour out of Sanam Luang and begin their march to Democracy Monument, demanding that Thaksin resign by Sunday.
Amid escalating political tension and mounting calls for his resignation, embattled Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared to be driven close to despair last night after his efforts to accommodate opposition demands for political reforms were rejected.
A statement signed by Thaksin pledging constitutional amendments to usher in political reforms, in addition to promises by the caretaker government to postpone the April 2 general election to give parties more time to prepare, were largely ignored by the opposition alliance, which remains determined to boycott the poll.
The Opposition’s unyielding stance prompted angry reactions from the Thai Rak Thai leadership last night. “The [caretaker] prime minister has given in on everything. What more do they want?” said TRT deputy leader and Caretaker Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.
And in a direct broadside at opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Khunying Sudarat said: “Does he just want to tear up the Constitution? Is he a Democrat with blood-stained hands?”
Abhisit and his two opposition allies – Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa and Mahachon leader Maj-Gen Sanan Kachornprasart – roundly rejected Thaksin’s latest plea for cooperation to break the current political impasse, saying that Thaksin’s fickleness made him untrustworthy.
The political stalemate last night came after yet another day of high drama and political posturing by both sides. However, Thaksin visibly softened his stand by offering to go and meet Abhisit either at the latter’s residence or the Democrat Party headquarters to negotiate a solution to the political crisis.
Thaksin’s reconciliatory approach was in stark contrast to his defiant stance Monday when he dismissed the opposition alliance’s proposal to sign a joint-declaration on political reforms.
Instead, Thaksin went ahead with meeting leaders of several small parties Monday to try to strike another deal whereby they would make public pledges on constitutional amendments while election campaigning, which they would later honor in the post-election Parliament.
The caretaker prime minister’s sudden change of heart came after the three opposition parties announced they would boycott the election.
“Just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll be happy to do it. If Khun Abhisit wants it, I can go to see him at his residence or at his party headquarters,” Thaksin told reporters.
Meanwhile, a group of senators is attempting to gather 60 signatures from their peers calling on Thaksin to quit.
If successful, the petition will be handed to Thaksin in person Friday.
Senators said they were fearful that the growing anti-Thaksin sentiment could result in violence if the prime minister did not step down.
The move was led by Col Somkid Sreesangkom, senator from Udon Thani province, and around 10 other senators.
“Senators are very concerned about the present situation. We believe that our action will help improve the situation,” said Somkid.
“People are now spilling onto the streets to oust the prime minister,” said Bangkok Senator Seree Suwanpanont. “That’s why we are pleading with him to resign.”
While Pathum Thani Senator Nipattha Amornratmetha said: “The prime minister should resign for the country’s sake.”
Ubon Ratchathani Senator Nirun Phitakwatchara said Thaksin has no choice but to resign.
“If the prime minister does not resign then the situation may become violent.”
By ThaiDay
Thousands of demonstrators pour out of Sanam Luang and begin their march to Democracy Monument, demanding that Thaksin resign by Sunday.
Amid escalating political tension and mounting calls for his resignation, embattled Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra appeared to be driven close to despair last night after his efforts to accommodate opposition demands for political reforms were rejected.
A statement signed by Thaksin pledging constitutional amendments to usher in political reforms, in addition to promises by the caretaker government to postpone the April 2 general election to give parties more time to prepare, were largely ignored by the opposition alliance, which remains determined to boycott the poll.
The Opposition’s unyielding stance prompted angry reactions from the Thai Rak Thai leadership last night. “The [caretaker] prime minister has given in on everything. What more do they want?” said TRT deputy leader and Caretaker Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan.
And in a direct broadside at opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, Khunying Sudarat said: “Does he just want to tear up the Constitution? Is he a Democrat with blood-stained hands?”
Abhisit and his two opposition allies – Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa and Mahachon leader Maj-Gen Sanan Kachornprasart – roundly rejected Thaksin’s latest plea for cooperation to break the current political impasse, saying that Thaksin’s fickleness made him untrustworthy.
The political stalemate last night came after yet another day of high drama and political posturing by both sides. However, Thaksin visibly softened his stand by offering to go and meet Abhisit either at the latter’s residence or the Democrat Party headquarters to negotiate a solution to the political crisis.
Thaksin’s reconciliatory approach was in stark contrast to his defiant stance Monday when he dismissed the opposition alliance’s proposal to sign a joint-declaration on political reforms.
Instead, Thaksin went ahead with meeting leaders of several small parties Monday to try to strike another deal whereby they would make public pledges on constitutional amendments while election campaigning, which they would later honor in the post-election Parliament.
The caretaker prime minister’s sudden change of heart came after the three opposition parties announced they would boycott the election.
“Just tell me what you want me to do and I’ll be happy to do it. If Khun Abhisit wants it, I can go to see him at his residence or at his party headquarters,” Thaksin told reporters.
Meanwhile, a group of senators is attempting to gather 60 signatures from their peers calling on Thaksin to quit.
If successful, the petition will be handed to Thaksin in person Friday.
Senators said they were fearful that the growing anti-Thaksin sentiment could result in violence if the prime minister did not step down.
The move was led by Col Somkid Sreesangkom, senator from Udon Thani province, and around 10 other senators.
“Senators are very concerned about the present situation. We believe that our action will help improve the situation,” said Somkid.
“People are now spilling onto the streets to oust the prime minister,” said Bangkok Senator Seree Suwanpanont. “That’s why we are pleading with him to resign.”
While Pathum Thani Senator Nipattha Amornratmetha said: “The prime minister should resign for the country’s sake.”
Ubon Ratchathani Senator Nirun Phitakwatchara said Thaksin has no choice but to resign.
“If the prime minister does not resign then the situation may become violent.”
