Thaksin threats could worsen situation, opposition warns

The opposition yesterday warned of a worsening political conflict and violence after ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra threatened to name his political enemies, whom he had accused of pushing him into a corner.

Sathit Wongnongtoei, the chief opposition whip, said the opposition whips had agreed that Thaksin would make more obvious political moves after the royal funeral of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana on November 16.

He said pro-Thaksin politicians' efficiency in mobilising supporters, as evidenced by the recent "Truth Today" gathering which featured Thaksin's phone-in address to his supporters, could aggravate the crisis and the threat of violence.

After his British visa was revoked, Thaksin had said he would "name names" in response to his political enemies' moves against him.

Sathit said yesterday the opposition was worried about the possible negative impact of Thaksin's campaign on Thailand's reputation.

"We believe that this government intends to keep the country at a disadvantage as far as Thaksin is concerned," he said.

"It appears the government of Somchai Wongsawat is not trying to protect the country, particularly the justice system," said Sathit, who is also a Democrat Party executive.

He called on the prime minister to choose the country over his brother-in-law and to exercise his powers in preventing further damage to the country.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the opposition and Democrat Party leader, yesterday called on Thaksin not to create further conditions for conflict. He also urged the government to be decisive for the benefit of the country.

However, Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, a staunch Thaksin supporter, said yesterday that the ex-PM's latest move was justified.

"He has been unfairly accused all the time, so it's normal for him to get back at them. I would do the same thing," he said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday rejected as groundless suspicion that his government was sympathising with Thaksin and his supporters.

Somchai stressed that he was not privy to Thaksin's moves as he was focusing his attention on his work.

"People have lots of problems these days: economic problems and flooding," he said.

Former coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said yesterday that he was waiting for Thaksin to disclose the names of his political enemies. However, he was sure he was not among them.

"I have no fear of his revenge because I'm not his enemy," he said.

Sonthi, then the Army commander-in-chief, led the September 2006 coup that overthrew Thaksin's government while the ousted PM was in New York attending the United Nations assembly.

The retired general said he did not think the current political confrontation would lead to a civil war. He said that judging from the fact that most participants of the November 1 gathering left immediately after Thaksin's speech, he did not think they shared the same political ideology as Thaksin's.

In a related development, Vice Admiral Pajun Tamprateep, head of the Office of the Statesman Foundation, yesterday dismissed speculation that Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda was one of the political enemies Thaksin threatened to expose.

"Ban Si Sao has nothing do with it. We do not pay attention to what Thaksin said," he said, referring to Prem's official residence.

Pajun said Thaksin could do whatever he wanted and it remained to be seen whom he referred to. He said Prem was aware of the report but did not make any comment.