PM cancels trip to Chiang Mai

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday that he has decided to call off his planned trip to Chiang Mai this weekend advised by the Thai Chambers of Commerce.

He said on Thursday evening 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 advise. 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," he told reporters.

Mr Abhisit 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 given 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 do not want to mar this fine atmosphere," he said.

Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon suggested earlier today that the prime minister cancel his planned visit. He said Mr Abhisit would not lose face if he cancels because the decision would prevent possibility of violence. 

“I, along with the interior minister and other cabinet members, do not want the premier to visit Chiang Mai for the time being,” Gen Prawit said.

In Chiang Mai, about 100 red-shirt supporters, backed by vehicles equipped loudspeakers, closed off the Chiang Mai Provincial Police Station and demanded police explain why they were seeking an arrest warrant for pro-Thaksin Rak Chiang Mai 51 leader Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul.

Mr Petchawat said on a community radio station last week that Mr Abhisit could be killed by a car bomb during his visit to Chiang Mai this weekend.

The protesters were led by Mr Petchawat and another anti-government core member Surachai Danwattananusorn.

Speaking through the loudspeakers, Mr Petchawat and Mr Surachai criticised Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Prime Minister's Office Minister Sathit Wongnongtoey and the government.

The protesters called on Provincial Police Region 5 commissioner Somkid Boonthanom and Chiang Mai Police chief Sommai Kongvisaisuk to explain  why the police wanted to arrest Mr Petchawat after the court rejected the police request for an arrest warrant.

The protesters accused the police of following orders from certain politicians. The also demanded the two senior police officers be transferred out within seven days.

The protesters vowed to lay siege to the police station until they received a good explanation.

Meanwhile, the US consulate-general in Chiang Mai posted a warning on its website advising Americans in Chiang Mai and those planning to visit the province to keep away from areas where the red-shirts plan to protest against Mr Abhisit on Sunday.

“The planned demonstration against Mr Abhisit could become violent and the police and military forces might be used to keep the situation under control,” the advisory said.

The consul-general advised all US citizens staying in Chiang Mai or planning to visit the province or other cities in the North to register their names with the US consulate in Chiang Mai for assistance in case of emergency.

In Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said he will next week propose that the cabinet consider the revocation of the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the capital after the red-shirts cancelled their planned prolonged anti-government rally, which had been due to start this weekend.

The cabinet would make the final decision, he said.

On Tuesday, the cabinet decided to place all of Bangkok under the ISA from Saturday until Dec 14.

Asked why the government could not lift the ISA immediately, Mr Suthep said he did not trust the words of the UDD leaders, whose standpoint tends to change all the time.

"It is true that the red-shirts announced the cancellation of the protest. But they tend to change a lot," he said. "We do not want any damage to occur at the moment."