Minister cancels Khon Kaen press conference to avoid Protesters

Anongwan was due to join a press conference on an irrigation project. Alerted to a PAD protest, she suddenly cancelled her plans and headed to Kalasin instead.

"It appears the Cabinet is unlikely to rule the country, as ministers are now frightened about repeating Chalerm's history," said Somphob Bunnag, a leader of Khon Kaen's PAD.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party (PPP) condemned the PAD for "besieging" Chalerm to prevent him from performing his official duties in Phuket yesterday.

PPP spokesman Kudeb Saikrajang read a party statement accusing the PAD of resorting to civil disobedience by using force to oust the minister.

He expressed regret for the public's lost opportunities resulting from the possible consequences of what happened. The group may expand civil disobedience to other areas, because it saw the method was successful in pressuring Chalerm. All parties should move against the PAD, and the Democrat Party should state its stance on the matter.

The PPP has analysed the situation and believes the PAD's actions will not disrupt the political scene very much, because the PPP will strictly stick to parliamentary procedures and not bow out from external political pressure, Kudeb said.

The PPP knows who is behind the protest but refuses to elaborate until it has enough evidence, he said.

Democrat spokesman Ong-art Klampaiboon denied his party was responsible for the rally against Chalerm and suggested the government take legal action against the plotters of the protest.

Those who leaked reports that a Democrat MP whose name begins with the Thai letter sor was the one behind Tuesday's protest in Krabi were engaged in mudslinging, he said.

"If the government believes that, then it should get police to press charges," Ong-art said.

He also attacked the government for threatening to withhold development funds from southern provinces.

"The fund allocation must be in accordance with fiscal-budget rules and regulations and not influenced by any province protesting against the government or any minister," he said.