Law and order must stop mob violence

Political violence has begun to take a clearer shape. This is a troubling sign. The clashes have been between supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and anti-Thaksin protesters under the umbrella of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). Most of the clashes have taken place in provincial areas throughout the country, where the PAD has been spreading its anti-Thaksin rallies. In a tit-for-tat strategy, the Thaksin supporters have also regrouped in an effort to destroy PAD's provincial networks.

 It is sad to say that the pro-Thaksin supporters are more inclined to act first with physical violence. They use rotten eggs and other projectiles, slingshots as well as assorted sharp weapons to hurt their opponents. The PAD rallies on the other hand are peaceful, although their verbal attacks against Thaksin and members of the Samak government are mostly libellous. Constitutionally, PAD's members have a right to hold peaceful assemblies to express their opinions, although we do not agree with their numerous unreasonable demands.

In Bangkok, the PAD has been holding its rallies at Makkhawan bridge, while the pro-Thaksin supporters are using Sanam Luang as their venue. Fortunately, a clash in Bangkok has so far been avoided.

But the situation in the provincial areas is quite worrisome and has resulted in casualties. It is a classic proxy fight for political gain in Bangkok as Thai politics is entering a crucial episode with the corruption cases against Thaksin going to court.

On Thursday, the clashes took place in Buri Ram and Udon Thani, both in the Northeast and both political strongholds for the People Power Party. Some 500 members of the anti-PAD group made their presence felt by holding a rally near the PAD's stage at an open space in front of the railway station. Sophon Petchsawang, a former Buri Ram MP, arranged the PAD rally.

Members of the anti-PAD group wore masks to cover their faces. They threw projectiles at the police before attacking the PAD's stage and destroying all microphones and amplifiers. They also threw rotten eggs and fired slingshots at riot police. Some 500 police officers were on hand to provide security in the area. The PAD had to cancel the rally following the clash. The police were only able to apprehend 12 of the Thaksin supporters

In Udon Thani, the situation was also very serious. Pro-Thaksin supporters attacked the PAD rally at a playground in the province. Almost 20 people were injured in the violent incident. There were similar violent incidents in other provinces where the PAD held rallies.

It is strange that instead of trying to contain the violence or bringing those responsible for instigating it to justice, Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung blamed all of the problems on the PAD. If the PAD did not stage its rallies, there would not have been any violence, he said. The PAD members should have run for office if they wanted to solve the country's problems instead of causing trouble by staging rallies, he added.

As the interior minister, and thus responsible for ensuring law and order, Chalerm must refrain from expressing his political opinions concerning this case. He must make sure that the police investigate all violent incidents and bring those responsible for all the trouble to justice. The police have all the video clips on hand, so it should be quite easy to go after the culprits. If Chalerm or the police fail to take a firm stand in guarding law and order, the clashes will spread out beyond anybody's control. By that time, it might be too late.