PM calls off Chiang Mai trip

Published: 26/11/2009 at 06:37 PM
Online news: Breakingnews

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has decided not to go to Chiang Mai on Nov 29 as advised by the Thai Chambers of Commerce.

He said on Thursday that The Thai Chambers of Commerce had advised him not to go for fear of his safety, following an assessment of the situation.

"I will follow the advice. Although I am sure I would be safe, there may still be problems with the protesters, who have clearly shown their intention of wanting to cause trouble, if I go," Mr Abhisit said.

The prime minister said it would not be necessary for him to speak through a video conference to the opening of Thai Chambers of Commerce meeting on Nov 29 but that he would listen to all proposals to be made.

"In fact, the government will not give in to threats to an extent that it cannot perform its duty. But, for many reasons including the good atmosphere, the Bangkok rally having been called off, and the desire of all people to celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday, I don't want to mar this fine atmosphere," Mr Abhisit said.

A Government House source said the prime minister will tomorrow go to Songkhla to visit flood-hit areas.

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Carl

Discussion 10 : 27/11/2009 at 10:37 AM10
Hey Bob.I agree with you 100% on the tourism issue.Been here in chiang mai four times now and a blind man can see the numbers are way down.I think people that can afford it now are going to other destinations.
Takki's Shadow

Discussion 9 : 27/11/2009 at 02:42 AM9
I would like for Abhisit to go and prove that Chiang Mai is not under the Red's control (because it isn't), but Takki's thugs can still cause enough trouble to take lives and ruin Chiang Mai for the Thai and foreign travelers that enjoy this beautiful city.

I'm sure the army could have provided security for the PM, but Takki would have gladly sent 100-200 reds in to get mowed down by security just to get some political leverage. Think about it.
ricefieldradio

Discussion 8 : 26/11/2009 at 11:21 PM8
Maybe BangkokDan said it best on twitter - It took Abhisit nearly a year to realize that the north is not his territory and will never be.
OMG

Discussion 7 : 26/11/2009 at 09:05 PM7
It's funny to know that Abhisit decide to go to Songkhla (Prem's area) instead of going to Chiang Mai. What a move!
allan

Discussion 6 : 26/11/2009 at 08:32 PM6
So many hero's. I suggest these people should volunteer to act as body guard for the PM
Bahoo Luang

Discussion 5 : 26/11/2009 at 07:47 PM5
How brave!!!! Why not split the country up back into the liege states of the 1700s since it seems politics hasn't progressed much further since that era. The premier has defined 'no-go' zones in the country he presides over. What fun!
Why?

Discussion 4 : 26/11/2009 at 07:41 PM4
There a lot of work to be done and it will never be done if PM do not want to upset the Red or Yellow or in this case fine atmosphere.

Are you there to do the job or to please people?
Kevin

Discussion 3 : 26/11/2009 at 07:36 PM3
"In fact, the government will not give in to threats"

Sorry Mr. Abhisit, but you just did!
Concerned!

Discussion 2 : 26/11/2009 at 07:32 PM2
I think this is NOT a wise decision. It is obvious Thailand is divided (generally) into North - North East and then Central - South.
PM Abhisit needs to do his best to unify the country and visiting ALL the Regions is a wise and strategic thing to do. I am very surprised his advisers have not encouraging this visit including round table talks with all the players...
bob

Discussion 1 : 26/11/2009 at 07:31 PM1
If Prime Minister Abhisit does not visit Chiang Mai then his term as being Prime Minister is finished. This is giving the red Shirted Taxsin Sinawatra thugs and warriors a victory. It shows two explicit situations.
a- first the military or police are incapable of ensuring his safety after death threats from the red shirted mobsters.
b- He has been defeated by a bunch of thugs controlled by Lt Kernel criminal, ex_deposed, fugitive Taksin Shinawatra these include his secret financiers his family of Tyrants, fraudsters and embezzlers’.
Where on this planet is a Prime Minister not allowed visiting the citizens of his country? Nowhere unless it is a banana republic.
The fault rests solely on his shoulders for inactions against these thugs. They should all be behind bars for insurrection and treason.
As far as comments made that it will affect tourism is an understatement of unimaginable proportions. The tourism business is finished.
The figure produced by various tourist bodies is an exaggeration of vast proportions. They state a figure of 71% but in actual fact it is between 21 and 35% occupancy. With the high end figure of 35% related to low and middle class hotels with price ranges between 1200/2800bht a night for room and board. These people who produce these fictional figures are trying to connives and keep themselves in a job. Just look at the empty malls and shopping precincts. Lies, lies and more lies. That is the name of the game.

PM calls off Chiang Mai trip