Senators urge action to prevent violence

They expressed concern that today's gathering of ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra's supporters, in which several thousands are expected to join, would further worsen the rift.

The Senate committee on human rights, freedom and consumer protection met yesterday to discuss the political conflict. Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, the panel's chairman, said its members agreed that the refusal by both sides to listen to each other was a cause for concern.

Somchai said the government had to ensure that police would be able to prevent possible violence and that if the problem were beyond their capability, soldiers should be brought in.

Senator Prasan Maruekapitak said society was dangerously split and the rift could grow into a civil war. "Both sides do not believe in the state's authority and have set up their own forces to protect their supporters," he said.

Prasan expressed concern that Thaksin's address to his supporters at today's gathering was likely to lead to violence.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on Thaksin to admit to his faults and accept the Supreme Court's ruling, which gave him two years in jail for involvement in the Ratchadaphisek land scandal.

"If he really thinks of the country first, Thaksin should speak the truth. He should ask his supporters to accept the court verdict, otherwise he will be viewed as always thinking of his self-interest," said Abhisit, who is also the Democrat Party leader.

Thaksin's spokesman, Pongthep Thepkanchana, said that as a Thai citizen, Thaksin had the right and freedom to make his comments.

"If he really phones in, I think [Thaksin] will speak as a Thai who loves his country. I don't think there will be any problems as a result," he said.

In a related development, Wanchai Wattanasap, director of the Centre for Peace and Governance at King Prajadhipok's Institute, called on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat at his temporary office at Don Mueang Airport yesterday.

Wanchai gave the prime minister a T-shirt with the message "Stop Violence", as part of a campaign aimed at ending violence in society.

After the meeting, which lasted about 30 minutes, Somchai said he supported the idea of reducing political conflict and holding talks in order to restore peace.

Wanchai said the premier had agreed to join a forum in which mediators from the institute would meet leaders of each group involved in the conflict, as part of an effort to settle the differences.