Samak mulls emergency act decision

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej 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 event to be presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Meanwhile, Samak's People Power Party (PPP) yesterday set up a war room at Siam City Hotel, with PM's secretary-general Thirapol Noplumpa and Newin Chidchob as key figures.

The ruling party plans to bring in a large number of supporters from the provinces to Sanam Luang to help shore up the government being battered by the People's Alliance for Democracy.

If the situation worsened, the government will also consider dissolving Parliament, said PPP sources.

Samak said the government had relocated the event, organised to boost national unity, from Government House to Suan Amporn.

Samak's statement contradicted that of Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, who told reporters separately that neither a coup nor a declaration of a state of emergency would solve the current crisis.

Anupong, trying to play it safe, as any move could prove to be costly politically, called on all parties to reconcile their differences.

The two men took part in a Defence Council meeting along with other military top brass and senior security officers. It lasted for more than two hours.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Samak rhetorically asked the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD): "Where do you people think you're going with all of this? Are you Thai?"

The embattled premier was visibly upset and shouted out his answers to waiting reporters.

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

The statement was the first time that Samak had hinted at possibly changing his mind. Up until yesterday's meeting, Samak consistently ruled out the use of force against the PAD and its tens of thousands of street protesters, who have shown great willingness to clash with authorities if need be.