Politics stays in the background as PM, Anupong attend rehearsal

Embattled Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday had an awkward moment with General Anupong Paochinda, the powerful army chief, who publicly called for the premier's resignation last Thursday.

At yesterday's rehearsal for HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana's cremation ceremony, the two met for the first time since Anupong and other top military commanders jointly went on a live TV programme to ask Somchai to take responsibility for the bloody October 7 crackdown on protesters.

Two protesters were killed and hundreds injured during the police crackdown.

Anupong, who is in charge of the military's preparation for a major procession during the upcoming funeral rites, was seen greeting the premier upon the latter's arrival at Sanam Luang.

During a rehearsal break, Anupong was sitting three empty chairs away from the premier in the same row of seats before the latter moved closer to the army chief with only one unoccupied chair separating them.

Somchai smiled forcefully while Anupong appeared grim during the break.

Earlier, the premier said he would neither resign nor dissolve the House of Representatives, even though the army chief publicly said on TV last Thursday that no government could survive after spilling blood on the street as society could not accept it.

Anupong said after yesterday's rehearsal that he did not have any political discussions with the premier, while Somchai later said there was only a general conversation.

Chusak Sirinil, the PM's secretary-general, said the premier would stay on, while Chaturon Chaisaeng, a banned executive of the former Thai Rak Thai party, said the premier should not resign due to pressures outside Parliament.

Chaturon said every party concerned should follow the Constitution and avoid the use of force and violence.

Chuan Leekpai, a former premier and chairman of the opposition Democrat Party's advisory board, said the Somchai government will continue to stay in power until it faces a dead-end.

ACM Ittiporn Supawong, the air force commander-in-chief, said all branches of the armed forces are united and stand behind the people