PEACE EFFORTS COLLAPSE

More protesters poured into Government House yesterday as fledging attempts to end the political crisis crumbled with the arrest of anti-government leader Chamlong Srimuang.

Chamlong, the most important People's Alliance for Democracy leader alongside Sondhi Limthongkul, sent a message to the PAD after his arrest that the movement shall cancel any planned talks with the government.

"After his arrest he called us," said Suriyasai Katasila, another PAD core member. "He said there was no need to negotiate with the government now. He said talks are no longer necessary and all protesters must remain within Government House."

Political observers warned that Thai politics is likely to become more destabilising following the arrest of Chamlong, who was detained while casting his vote in the Bangkok gubernatorial election in Dusit district.

Former prime minister Anand Panyarachun said Chamlong's arrest will heighten political tensions in the country.

Somkiat Pongpaiboon, another PAD leader, yesterday called for more anti-government protesters nationwide to rally in Bangkok and a march to Don Mueang to ask for fair treatment for Chamlong and Chaiwat.

Conspicuously, Chamlong appeared to set his own trap when he showed up early morning at a poll station in Bangkok's Dusit district to cast his vote. It was a strangely careless move, especially considering the fact that another key PAD leader, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, was arrested outside Government House on Friday.

In no time of his public appearance, the police arrested Chamlong, who did not show any resistance. He was allowed to cast his vote and then reportedly taken to the Border Patrol Police headquarters in Pathum Thani.

Speculation that Chamlong "intended" to be arrested after Chaiwat, his comrade-in-arms, was nabbed on Friday was rife yesterday. News of Chamlong's arrest sent more PAD supporters to Government House yesterday, clogging the compound and nearby areas.

Totally, nine of the PAD's leaders, including Chamlong, Sondhi and Chaiwat, face treason charges after they led anti-government protesters to take over the Government House. Now Sondhi serves as the topmost leader of the PAD.

The latest developments have complicated efforts to strike a reconciliation deal between the government and the PAD. General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, the deputy prime minister, was on the verge of reaching a truce with the PAD when his negotiation was torpedoed by Chaiwat's arrest.

Kraisak Choonhavan, a PAD sympathiser, said Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat must bear the responsibility or explain to the society about the arrest of the PAD leaders, who are appealing in court against their arrest warrants.