'Harassed' PAD snarls up traffic

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) co-leader Chamlong Srimuang said there was a fear the demonstrators could be harmed.

After removing barriers on a road close to the PAD stage from 6am to 9am for pupils to get to school, Chamlong said the road would not be reopened from 3pm to 6pm.

He said allowing free-flowing traffic had given an opportunity to those who wanted to cause trouble for the PAD's supporters. Surrounding roads, including Rajdamnoen Avenue, will be closed "permanently".

Hard-pressed commuters had demanded police clear the road blocks from the area as the PAD protest violated the law and was causing heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.

A government source said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej had yesterday apologised to the coalition parties in the Cabinet meeting for his warning to disperse the PAD rally.

Samak said he did not consult the coalition partners because the matter had become urgent as the PAD planned to move to Government House.

Samak insisted he would not impose an emergency decree to move the rally from the area, the source said. He believes the PAD will quit soon as it lacks public support.

Meanwhile, Supreme Com-mander General Boonsrang Niumpradit played down a concern that the government might declare an emergency situation to disperse the PAD.

"The citing of the emergency law may do more harm than good to the country," Boonsrang said, arguing there were many options to deal with the PAD.