Chalerm claims he lunched with Boonlert to 'reminisce'
Play
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Pitak Siam leader Boonlert Kaewprasit lunched together yesterday in what was dubbed a "walk down memory lane" rather than a politically influenced event.
Also present at the luncheon were national police chief General Adul Sangsingkaew and Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Kamronwit Thoopkrachang, both of whom will be in charge of controlling the crowds on Sunday in a rally organised by Boonlert.
Upon arrival at the Royal Turf Club, Chalerm was welcomed by a group of multicoloured shirts led by Tul Sitthisomwong, who tried to present the deputy PM with a roast duck. However, Chalerm, who is fondly referred to as Ped (duck) Lerm because of his talkative nature, refused to accept the bird.
Boonlert, meanwhile, said that even though he had known Chalerm for a long time, he was surprised by the lunch invitation. However, he dismissed speculation that Chalerm was treating him to a meal to get him to cancel the rally, saying the deputy PM knew him far too well to make such a request.
He also ruled out alleged links between his upcoming rally and the so-called five-step plan to undermine the government.
“My plan only has two steps – if a million people show up on Sunday then there will be one more day of rallying to demand this government’s exit,” he said.
However, he said, if the rally sees a low turnout, then he would stop opposing the government because of the lack of popular support.
After the lunch was over, Chalerm told the press that he and Boonlert only reminisced about the “good old days”. After all, he said, he and Boonlert’s younger brother, who is a police officer, were of the same age and their sons were good friends.
As for the rally, he said he had instructed Kamronwit to ensure peace and had been told that some 300 policemen would be deployed at the site. He added that both the police and organisers agreed that the rally should proceed peacefully without any disturbances from a “third hand”.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the government would not interfere in any peaceful rallies organised under constitutional provisions.
“People have the right to public assembly under democratic rule,” she said, adding that she and her government were ready to factor in the views of all sides.
Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said all questions about the rally should be addressed to Boonlert, who is the organiser, instead of seeking a reaction from the Army. Prayuth said he would not voice any opinions about the political rally and all sides should play by the rules and avoid attacking one another or involving the armed forces.
