Ministers discuss anti-govt rally at Government House

BANGKOK, October 8 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Police General Pracha Promnog early Tuesday held talks with senior security officers on an anti-government rally in front of the Government House attacking the government on submitting a charter amendment for royal endorsement. Those attending the urgent meeting include Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri, Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak, and Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Police Lieutenant General Kamronwit Thoopkrachang. The Bangkok police chief told journalists later that situation is still under control and it is still unnecessary for the government to impose the Internal Security Law. He said police are considering to appoint a representative to negotiate with core leaders of the so-called People’s Army Against Thaksin Regime, whose members are holding a rally in front of the Government House. The group shifted their gathering from Lumpini Park in central Bangkok on Monday. Meanwhile, members of the People’s Army Against Thaksin Regime continued attacking Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on the government’s performances, especially on submitting the controversial amendment of the Constitution for royal endorsement. The charter change was approved by parliament members on September 28. Major opposition Democrat Party and a group of senators believe the charter amendment breaches the constitution and have urged the Constitution Court to interpret whether the amendment violates the constitution. The Court has yet to make the ruling on their request. Retired Admiral Chai Suwannaphap, one of the core leaders of the People’s Army Against Thaksin Regime, said his members would continue holding the rally because the prime minister did not listen to objection from the public. He said if the government wants his group to end the protest, it must send an authorised representative to negotiate with his group members. The rally has blocked part of a road in front of the Government House, causing heavy traffic jam in the area. Security inside the prime minister’s office has been beef up. (TNA)