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Published on March 13, 2008

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) will kick off its anti-government movement on March 28 at Thammasat University to protest what it calls the government's attempt to revive a "police state" and interference in the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) and the justice system.

A political confrontation is expected as a group formed by People Power Party MPs will launch a protest against the PAD on the same day. Pracha Prasobdi, chairman of the Joint Public-Democracy Protection Group, will introduce his newly established group to the public.

Pracha said the Saturday People against Dictatorship and People who Love Thaksin Group would join him and gather at the Democracy Monument, but could move to Phra Arthit Road if the gathering caused traffic congestion on Rajdamnoen Road.

The PAD issued its third recent statement, saying its previous warnings for the government not to interfere in the justice system had failed. The government is becoming defiant and arrogant and is abusing its power, it said.

The government transferred Pol Maj-General Songtham Allapat, who was in charge of the investigation of the electoral-fraud case against House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat, from his post as Chiang Rai provincial police chief on February 29. A high-ranking policeman who is close to Yongyuth will soon replace Songtham, the statement said.

Buri Ram provincial deputy police chief Pol Colonel Sangworn Poopaichitkul, who is also the Buri Ram Provincial Election Commission member, was transferred to an inactive post. A police officer who is close to the Chidchob family has replaced Sangworn, it said.

Police who are close to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra will be transferred to positions newly created to the structure of the National Police Commission in order to revive a "police state", which will take the country back to a dark age in which human rights will be severely violated. The lives of political rivals in the Thaksin camp would be in danger, the statement alleged.

The AEC and the Office of Attorney-General and the Election Commission have been interfered with in favour of Thaksin, his family and cronies who are facing criminal and graft charges, it added.

The PAD will introduce five panels, which are tasked with checking the abuse of power by state agencies.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung yesterday showed his anger with the PAD, saying it should have set up a political party and contested the election.

"I curse any group that hires people to create political turmoil," he said.

He said there would be no plan to step up security at Thammasat University, saying he would be happy if a huge crowd turn ups.

Pracha said he was ready to quit his MP post to fully devote himself to the fight for democracy. He will have people file complaints with police stations across the capital if the PAD does anything libellous.

The Nation