Hand-clappers catch up with PM in Chiang Mai

Somchai briefly encountered supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy twice on his way to an international mathematics competition at the Chiang Mai Phukham Hotel.

As his van was passing the entrance of Chiang Mai University, five protesters turned up, waved their "hand-clappers" and booed the prime minister.

Soon after, seven other protesters riding on the back of a pick-up truck turned up. They booed the prime minister and waved their hand-clappers before quickly speeding off.

The first group of protesters dispersed immediately to avoid confrontation with government supporters, who were wearing red shirts.

The government supporters had lined up along the route of the prime minister's convoy to prevent protesters from jeering him but some protesters still managed to occupy vantage spots near the university.

On reaching the hotel, the prime minister was welcomed by some 200 supporters led by Phetchawat Wattanpongsirikul, a leading member of the Chiang Mai Lovers 2008, who had waited for the PM's arrival.

After gracing the opening ceremony of the maths competition, the prime minister travelled to Lamphun's Ban Thi district to lead the opening ceremony of the Alpine Golf Course. He returned to Chiang Mai Airport for his flight to Bangkok in the evening.

Earlier in the day, Somchai received a warm welcome at the Chiang Mai Zoo where he chaired the opening ceremony of an aquarium at 9.30am. He was accompanied by his daughter, Chayapha Wongsawat.

At the zoo, he was received by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin, local politicians and local businessmen, as well as his brother-in-law, Phayup Shinawatra, a younger brother of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Police tightened security inside the zoo. Bomb-sniffing dogs were seen inspecting the zoo before the arrival of the prime minister.

After the opening ceremony, Somchai spent about an hour touring the aquarium.

From the zoo, he proceeded to the Mae Chaem district where he met the chairman of corn farmers in Chiang Mai, Sanguan Nipuka. Somchai promised him that the Cabinet would discuss this week measures to shore up corn prices.

Before leaving the zoo, Somchai left his van to greet children and their parents who visited the zoo.