Is the govt making moves to thank the PAD?

The things that concern the PAD most are the charges. Apparently, they tried to negotiate the dropping of charges with the Somchai Wongsawat government before the protest ended, but were turned down.

So now, the PAD are facing three cases related to wrongdoing at Government House.

First, the Secretariat of the Prime Minister filed a complaint with the Civil Court against PAD leaders for besieging Government House and blocking roads nearby last August.

Second, the Office of Permanent Secretary filed a report with Dusit police against the PAD for damaging state property and personal belongings of state officials worth Bt18 million, but have yet to turn it into an official complaint.

Third, the Secretariat of the Prime Minister filed a complaint with Dusit police against the PAD for invading Government House. The police is nearing a conclusion of the case and sending it to the attorney-general's office.

However, signs show that the current government might end up letting PAD go scot free.

The Secretariat of the Prime Minister decided to drop litigation against the PAD for encroaching on Government House, since it was deemed unnecessary since the PAD ended its protests after the Somchai government was forced out.

If the court allows the withdrawal of charges, the PAD may feel relieved that it would not be facing any cases in court, just the ones left in the hands of the police.

A high-ranking government official said that they had done their job of filing complaints and were now waiting for further instructions from the powers that be.

"Property was damaged and it would be a bit strange if the government does not take any action," the official said.

The official voiced concerns that there were signs of the government appearing to favour the PAD. For instance, the government spent as little as possible on the restoration of Government House so the public could be made to believe that the damages caused by the PAD were insignificant.

Perhaps, by helping the PAD escape charges, the government is trying to show its gratitude.