His Majesty grants samak an audience

Prime Minister Samak Sunda-ravej was granted an audience with His Majesty the King yesterday to report on the rising political tension.

Earlier in the day, Samak apparently tried to end rumours about the reason behind his meeting with the King by insisting that he would not quit because of the People's Alliance for Democracy protests.

"I will not back down and will not resign as demanded by the protesters. I will continue my duties for the sake of the country. I am appointed prime minister by law, so if I have to quit, I will quit according to the law, not because of threats from protests," Samak said.

A source close to Samak said the premier's strategy at the moment was to pass the budget for 2009 fiscal year before he took up any consideration of whether to resign from his post.

Earlier in the day, Samak said without giving further details that if his government adopted a soft approach in dealing with protesters, it would be criticised for being weak and if it took a strict approach it would also be criticised.

Adding to the growing concern that Samak may be retreating from his earlier plea that force would not be used to quell the PAD protests, a rival group is gathering in Sanam Luang where, according to deputy government spokesman Nattawut Sai-gua, up to 100,000 pro-government demonstrators are expected to arrive by today.

As of last night, only several thousands of pro-government Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) supporters were present at Sanam Luang.

Prior to departing Bangkok for the Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin late on Friday for an audience with the King, Samak attended the opening ceremony of the "116 days from Mother's Day to Father's Day to Build Unity" event.

Samak reiterated his stance of not giving in to PAD demands to more than 7,200 leaders of tambon administrative organisations who took part in the ceremony, saying he had became PM in accordance with the law and would only leave if the law required him to do so.

Samak entered into a cat-and-mouse game with the media. Herds of reporters were waiting for him at the airport, where he got off the plane at the opposite end of the airfield where journalists were waiting for him.

Another group of reporters was waiting for him at the Peninsula Hotel, where he was scheduled to meet with coalition partners including Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silpa-archa before a parliamentary meeting today.

Banharn earlier said he stood by the embattled prime minister.

Other participants included People Power deputy party leaders Surapong Suebwonglee and Somchai Wongsa-wat, Chart Thai's deputy Somsak Prissananuntakul and chief adviser Sanan Kachornprasart, Matchima Thipataya leader Anongwan Thepsu-thin and Puea Pandin Party spokesman Chaiyos Chiramethakorn joined the coalition parties. At press time last night, Samak had yet to arrive at the hotel.