PM knows sources of voice clip

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PM knows sources of voice clip

  • Published: 27/08/2009 at 01:57 PM
  • Online news: Politics

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday he knew that those who emailed the audio clip that sounded like his voice ordering officials to use force against the red-shirt protesters during the Songkran riots in April were connected to politicians and companies with links to a former prime minister.

Mr Abhisit said listened to the clip on Wednesday night and it was clear to him that it had been edited.  He said he was ready to prove this fact to the public.

It was the work of those who had an ill intention to instigate unrest and cause misunderstanding, he said.

The prime minister insisted that his policy in dealing with public gatherings is based on the law and the principle of rights and freedom of the people.

"I can't hardly believe that there were people who had resorted to dirty means to create disorder and violence in the country.  I will take legal action against whoever is involved," Mr Abhisit said.

Mr Abhisit said he had obtained a clue that those who did this were in some way connected to politicians and companies with links to a former prime minister.  He, however, did not say outright that the former prime minister was Thaksin Shinawatra.

Asked whether those involved would be arrested, the prime minister said it would be good if this could be done because this should not happen to anyone.

Mr Abhisit discussed this matter with police cheif Patcharawat Wongsuwan at parliament.

Pol Gen Patcharawat said the prime minister had assigned him to investigate this matter.  He said he would have to listen to the clip and believed it would take some time before facts could be established.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, said the clip was clearly edited.  Asked what if the opposition asked that the clip be played in parliament, Suthep said it was House Speaker Chai Chidchob who would make a decision.

Deputy Interior Minister Thavorn Senniam said he was with the prime minister during the Songkran riots all the time but never heard him give such an order.

Chuan Leekpai, the Democrat Party advisory chairman, said he could guarantee that Mr Abhisit had not ordered use of force as alleged.  It was the work of some people who wanted to create a condition to discredit the prime minister and the government, he said.

     

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  • RicefieldRadio

    Discussion 4 : 28/08/2009 at 08:40 AM4

    If you can give a SOE order when nothing much was going on in Bangkok except the blocking of a few roads on a holiday weekend when many were out of town (there was NO riot until the order was given). Then why couldn't the PM make some flippant remark that was recorded.

    It was a time of high tension, the PM looked the fool the day before with the cancellation of ASEAN all over world TV. I'd probably say something similar, you'd probably say something similar and He'd probably say something similar. Don't believe me what did you say last time a taxi cut you off? Probably wasn't "have a nice day".

    My feeling is he's covering up because if he did say it he would have to resign. You don't have every Democrat in Thailand crawl out from under a rock to deny something like this because it makes you look like you are covering something up. All you have to say is "it wasn't or it was me". It's deflect the flack time that's all.

  • This guised

    Discussion 3 : 27/08/2009 at 06:14 PM3

    Prove it, beyond reasonable doubt. Or else, or else, or else... Some fools will always believe anyone with money. Whether his name starts with an A, or with a T, as long as they have the money to hold on to the power to hold on to the money.

  • kasper

    Discussion 2 : 27/08/2009 at 02:53 PM2

    Now the different sides can discuss for the next 6 months whether it is Abhisit or not on the tape. personally I hope it is, and it would have been the correct order to give.
    Anyway, back to the point. Outside Thailand there are some people who are experts at checking if a tape is false or not. I know Thailand refuses any help from the outside world no matter what, but it could be an easy solution to a simple problem. At least it is better than the rather childish thai solution, which will no doubt be:
    I didn't say that!
    Yes you did!
    No I didn't
    yes you did!
    No I didn't
    etc......

  • Cartoon

    Discussion 1 : 27/08/2009 at 02:40 PM1

    Thaksin also had been edited....
    See Thaksin's confession press scoop on cnn and Maew Rap (Thaksin Rap) - Original, on you tube!

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