PPP tense after Somchai's royal audience

Repoters and People Power Party MPs were scrambling Monday night to try to verify claims that Prime Minister Wongsawat might have decided to dissolve Parliament.

A grim-looking Somchai was tightlipped upon his return from a royal audience with HM the King in Hua Hin, saying only that he gave the monarch "a normal report on government work like all other prime ministers used to do".

When asked if HM the King gave him any advice or encouragement, Somchai said: "I'm afraid I can't talk about that."

On a bad day politically for his government, Somchai was also asked how he would proceed with government work now.

"As long as I'm in this position, I have to keep working. I just can't stay idle," he said.

When asked if he felt like giving up, he replied: "Can't do that."

He looked tense and absent-minded during the brief talks with reporters.

Cabinet secretary Surachai Pooprasert was summoned by Somchai on the prime minister's arrival at the temporary Don Muang office shortly after 8.30 pm. Surachai was seen again after 10 pm but told reporters Somchai summoned him on government budget.

PPP insiders said a flurry of phone calls ensued among the ruling party's MPs after the royal audience. "Members of each faction were checking with the more senior MPs and the word House dissolution was one everyone's lips," a source said.

Somchai's status became very shaky following the clashes last week between protesters of the People's Alliance for Democracy and the police. Two protesters were killed and hundreds were injured.

Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by HRH Princess Chulabhorn Valayalaksana, attended the funeral of one of the victims, Angkana Radubpanyawoot, Monday evening. The queen described her as a good girl who had good intention to protect the country and monarchy.

The big blow for Somchai came earlier in the day when results of a primary scientific probe were announced showing Angkana and other victims suffered from impact of China-made tear gas fired by police.

The police earlier claimed the victims might have been killed or wounded by explosives they or fellow protesters were carrying.

Both Somchai and the police have later said they regretted the casualties, but stopped short of apologizing for the bloodshed.

Somchai left the Don Muang office around 11 pm.