PAD shuns appeal for peace talks

"Negotiations are not a way out of the turmoil because righteousness is irreconcilable with political evil," co-leader Pipop Thongchai said yesterday.

The PAD will not join the academic conference hosted by King Prajadhipok's Institute to jump-start the process towards rapprochement, he said.

If the PAD had thought that discussions could overcome the differences, then it would have been talking to rogue politicians a long time ago, he said.

The PAD remains firm on its dual objectives - opposing the rewrite of the 2007 Constitution and bringing about "new politics" by forcing the collapse of the current government - he said.

Academics should review their call for reconciliation, as the political rifts will not end if the government is allowed to get away with inflicting violence and bloodshed on protesters.

PAD co-leader Chamlong Srimuang said safety reasons had required the closing of roads surrounding the rally site inside Government House.

The PAD realises the inconvenience the measure would cause to motorists but is obliged to provide protection to the crowds, he said.

PAD co-leader Somsak Kosaisuk voiced suspicion over the police's shooting of PAD guard Somchai Sriprachan to death on October 23.

Although police claim it was an extrajudicial killing during a drug raid, Somchai had no record of involvement in the illicit drug trade, Somsak said.

Young PAD leader Wasant Wanit said he would today petition the Army to take action against attempts to smear the monarchy. He plans to submit evidence on websites carrying offensive messages.

The PAD plans to lead a march tomorrow from Withayu Road to The Emporium shopping complex on Sukhumvit Road, in order to raise awareness of the October 7 brutal crackdown.

It will stop in front of the British Embassy to rally for the extradition of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra from London to serve out his two-year jail term.