30 days to check PAD's impeachment petition

Supported by 31,881 signatures, the petition claims the senators and MPs acted unconstitutionally. It said the MPs breached Article 122 of the charter by trying to help fellow MPs being investigated for electoral fraud that could lead to the disbanding of their party, while the senators who supported the constitution amendment were trying to change the current structure of the Senate, which includes appointed senators.

A group led by PAD leaders Somsak Sosaisuk, Phiphob Thongchai and Suriyasai Katasila handed the petition to Senate Speaker Prasobsuk Boondej, who later told reporters that the Election Commission and Central Registration Office would check the authenticity of the names and signatures to verify whether the impeachment motion is valid. The process is expected to take 30 days. At least 30,000 names are required to launch an impeachment motion.

Suriyasai said it was up to the protesters whether the PAD continued its protest and they would be asked to decide soon.

Asked if the possibility of the PAD prolonging its protest was meant to encourage another coup, Suriyasai said the military did not ask for the PAD's permission to stage the last coup in September 2006

He said some senators tried to convince the PAD to withdraw its impeachment petition but Somsak told them the issue was not up for negotiation.

Suriyasai said he wanted to see Jakrapob Penkair, who resigned as PM's Office Minister yesterday, prosecuted for lese majeste. He also denied that the PAD protest had disrupted traffic around Rajdamnoen Avenue, adding that many food vendors there were doing good business and not complaining.