Govt must block plans for red-shirt 'welcome' for Thaksin
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The ruling Pheu Thai Party should try to block a red-shirt leader from mobilising the crowds in the Northeast to act as a shield for the homecoming of fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a Democrat MP said yesterday.
“Thai society would be in disarray should mob rule prevail over the rule of law,” Thepthai Senpong said in reference to Kwanchai Praipana’s pledge to ensure a safe passage for Thaksin by mobilising millions of red shirts.
He said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit were both obliged to uphold the law.
Kwanchai urged Thaksin to return through the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai following the Songkran celebrations in Vientiane in April. He said he would mobilise some 10 million Isaan people to welcome and protect Thaksin.
Democrat Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut said he was sceptical that Kwanchai would actually carry out such a mobilisation.
Chavanond said should Thaksin decide to return home, he would first encounter the immigration police, who could detain and treat him as a fugitive.
“Thaksin should finally decide to comply with the judicial process so that the political conflict can end,” he said.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Natthawut Saikua said Thaksin could decide for himself about the timing for his homecoming.
Although supporters and well-wishers, including Kwanchai, might be calling for Thaksin’s return, this is nothing new and the final decision will rest with Thaksin, he said.
He said in his personal view, Thaksin should be allowed to return – but the timing would hinge on prevailing circumstances such as the political situation.
He said he detected no activity to mobilise the crowds as claimed by Kwanchai.
Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said Thaksin’s homecoming should take place in a dignified manner and not through a border checkpoint, as suggested by Kwanchai.
Surapong said he was unaware of Thaksin’s plans because he had not had a meeting or a talk with him for a while.
