08-22-2006, 01:39 PM
Violence erupted at Central World Plaza between pro- and anti-Thaksin supporters yesterday after a visit by the caretaker PM to open an education fair. Among those injured was anti-Thaksin protesters Vasuporn Boonmee, who received a gash to the neck.
Thaksin critics assaulted in latest clashes
By David Ogan
22 August 2006
Confrontations between pro- and anti-Thaksin elements escalated into full-scale violence yesterday in what was the third hostile encounter between the two sides in three days.
The mayhem, which grimly overshadowed the brisk scuffle at Siam Paragon on Saturday and Sunday’s confrontation at the Ratchapat Chandrakasem Institute, erupted as Thaksin presided over the opening of an education fair at the newly opened Central World Plaza.
Sporadic brawls broke out in different parts of the shopping mall after Thaksin left in the afternoon. It took hundreds of police officers, who were anticipating trouble, nearly an hour to restore order. Five anti-Thaksin protesters were hospitalized.
Senior figures in the caretaker government accused the anti-Thaksin People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) of provoking the violence, adding that members of the public should make their opinions known at the ballot box on October 15.
However, PAD leaders said members of the public had a constitutional right to peacefully express their disapproval of the government, and accused Thaksin supporters and security forces of instigating the violence.
Political observers expressed concern about the recent upsurge in violence between the two camps and predicted that hostilities would continue if Thaksin remains in office.
As Thaksin tried to speak at the opening of Digital TK Park on the eighth floor of Central World Plaza yesterday, he was greeted with calls of “Thaksin get out!”
Thaksin supporters responded with their trademark call of “Thaksin fight on!”
Similar incidents were repeated on several floors of the plaza and outside in the parking lot.
In one incident, a young man kicked an elderly anti-Thaksin demonstrator to the ground. Police rapidly intervened but made no arrests.
Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, the deputy TRT leader, said she was dismayed at what she had seen.
“From what I have observed during recent tours of several regions around the country, it appears the anti-Thaksin groups were [intent on disrupting society],” she said.
“I want to ask all sides not to do anything that will provoke the other side to react.”
Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva also expressed concern over the recent escalation in violence by both pro- and anti-Thaksin demonstrators.
“The right to express political opinions belongs to everyone,” he said. “However, this should be done within limits and not [be] violent.”
Abhisit went on to criticize Government Spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee and other ministers for accusing certain elements of masterminding the anti-Thaksin protests.
Suriyasai Katasila, a founding member of PAD, yesterday denied allegations the alliance had orchestrated the anti-Thaksin protests over the weekend.
Suriyasai also said claims that anti-Thaksin elements were plotting to assassinate the prime minister were bogus.
“The government aims to tarnish PAD’s credibility,” Suriyasai said.
“[The accusation that the People’s Alliance for Democracy is behind the violence] is untrue. PAD’s core premise is in opposing Thaksin through peaceful means in accordance with the Constitution,” he said.
“We have organized mass demonstrations attended by more than 100,000 people where not a single violent incident occurred,” he said.
“It is Thaksin himself who has created enemies all around the country.”
Pol Lt Gen Achirawit Suphannaphaysat, the national police spokesman, denied his officers had used excessive force when dealing with anti-Thaksin protesters.
“It is the job of the police to protect the leader of the country, no matter what party he belongs to,” he said.
Academics have also expressed concern about the recent clashes, adding that members of the public have a legal right under the Constitution to peacefully express their views.
“The political crisis was a result of Thaksin’s actions. [He] incited public distrust,” said Thavee Surarithikul, Dean of Political Science at Sukhothai Thammathiraj University.
“The expression of their disapproval of a political leader is a freedom they may exercise at any time. It is protected under the framework of the law,” he said.
“It is Thaksin himself who must stop all activities that incite violent confrontations,” Thavee said.