Allies, Army

The People Power Party's key coalition partners called for an urgent meeting last night, while Army Chief Anupong Paochinda rejected Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's plan to declare a state of emergency.

Although the coalition allies reportedly reaffirmed their support for Samak, for the moment, they covered all possible solutions at the meeting, including a proposal for him either to resign or dissolve the House of Representatives.

There were reports that Anupong also made those suggestions in a private meeting with Samak, a source said. But this could not be confirmed.

The Anupong-Samak meeting supposedly took place after the premier, who is also defence minister, met the Army's top brass at a Defence Council meeting at the Armed Forces' headquarters. The meeting lasted for more than two hours.

The Army chief yesterday also ruled out chances of a coup, saying it was not a good solution.

The coalition partners held the emergency meeting at Chart Thai leader Banharn Silapa-archa's residence late last night, during which they discussed a proposal for Samak to resign, instead of dissolving the House,  sources said. Banharn said that after a heated debate, the coalition partners agreed to continue supporting Samak. However, they all agreed to ask Samak to convene an emergency parliamentary debate on Sunday.

Deputy Prime Minister and senior Chart Thai member Sanan Kachornprasart was said to have "coordinated" this emergency meeting.

Samak had earlier said that he did not rule out the use of the controversial Emergency Act, saying he wanted to wait until after today's opening ceremony for a government-sponsored national-unity event to be presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with the Army, Samak rhetorically asked the PAD: "Where do you people think you're going with all of this? Are you Thai?"

Trying hard to put himself in a positive light but unable to contain his anger, Samak told reporters some security officials wanted him to declare a state of emergency but that he wanted to wait until after today's event before considering the matter.

Yet Samak vowed not to quit. He also cancelled a state visit to Japan scheduled for next week.