Somchai cool in crisis but situation calls for more

He said the consequences had been predictable since Saturday when Chamlong Srimuang, a core leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, announced he would leave Government House to vote in the Bangkok governor election the following day. This led to Chamlong's arrest on Sunday, as expected, and the PAD predictably used the move as the reason to take its mass protest to Parliament.

All of yesterday's events proved Veera was right. It was a tragic day indeed. But when fingers were pointed here and there to find who should take responsibility for the death and injuries yesterday, it seemed the coolest person in the crisis situation was Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.

He looked stern when entering Parliament. After giving a quick delivery of the government's policies, he was among the 300-odd MPs locked up in the building, before managing to climb out over the fence.

He looked cool when he announced in the evening that he would continue with his work and would not dissolve Parliament, despite mounting pressure from the anti-government protesters to do so.

Surprisingly, he said a state of emergency would not be declared, even though many expect yesterday's events to lead to more violent incidents. Remember that former PM Samak Sundaravej announced a state of emergency after just one person was killed in a clash between pro- and anti-government protesters.

Nobody knows what is going on in Somchai's head. Certainly, many people hoped he would announce the cancellation of the diplomatic passport issued to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, his brother-in-law, now that Thaksin is seeking political asylum in the UK.

Many also hoped that he would dissolve the House and pave the way for a new election. Then, the PAD would have no further reason to remain in Government House or continue with their protests.

More protests after an election would also be unacceptable. A peaceful solution is urgently needed, to free the Kingdom from having been held hostage for years.

In wars, there is a common tactic: a retreat for victory is not a defeat. Perhaps, the situation was too chaotic for Somchai to think about such a simple solution.