Chamlong's arrest intriguing and ominous

While Apirak's victory was expected, concern has been expressed that Chamlong's detention may spark violence on the streets. His arrest comes at a time when the People's Alliance for Democracy's protest at the Government House has lost momentum. But this could be revived following the arrest.

Matichon criticised the government in its editorial yesterday, saying the arrest of Chamlong and Chaiwat Sinsuwong, two key members of the PAD, could shatter the hopes of a peaceful end to the conflict between the government and the PAD protesters. Negotiations had begun and were being spearheaded by General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.

Matichon said that in spite of the agreement Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has made with legislators to amend Article 291, the arrest of the two protest leaders would worsen the political tension. "The situation outside the House could lead to crisis," the paper said.

"These incidents cannot be understood except that the government is playing two cards. The government says it will try to use a friendly approach to reach a compromise deal with the PAD. At the same time, it pours oil into the fire."

The paper said that Somchai and Chavalit could not deny that they were aware of the pending arrests of Chamlong and Chaiwat.

The Somchai government's hypocritical strategy has thus created a more difficult situation.

At the same time, the PAD's leaders have chosen a hardcore approach with their continuing occupation of the Government House compound.

The effort to bring about reconciliation between the government and the PAD, which was earlier taking shape, is now coming to an end. From now on, it will be difficult to guess how the conflict will end.

An article that appeared on page 3 of Thai Rath said that Apirak's gubernatorial victory pales alongside the news of Chamlong's arrest over the weekend. The paper quoted General Panlop Pinmanee, a former PAD leader, who said on a TV programme over the weekend that Chamlong intentionally went out to vote to get himself arrested, knowing that the PAD protest had lost momentum recently and that his detention would mobilise more protesters.

The paper asked if the government knew of these consequences, why did it go ahead and order Chamlong's arrest, knowing that the protest could intensify the conflict?

If the government acted as if it wanted to send a hardline signal, then it was a very stupid idea. The heightening of the conflict has happened at a time when there was hope of light at the end of the tunnel.

One plan to end the political conflict was the formation of a four-party committee to amend Article 291 of the Constitution. But the effort seemed to run out of steam due to "a mysterious person who let air out of the tyres".

"The effort was on-going, but who tried to sabotage it?" the paper asked.

The Thai Rath article ended with a comment on the country's image in the eyes of foreigners. But the foreign press did not look closely into the government's motives. It quoted an international news item that said the arrest was carried out because the PAD leaders were accused of treason.