WORLD> Asia-Pacific
|
WORLD> Asia-Pacific
|
|
Thai leader dismisses talk of military coup
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-07 15:57 Samak lamented that the protesters have ignored a state of emergency that he imposed last week. Demonstrators have pitched their tents and set up stages and portable toilets on the once manicured grounds of his office compound — and they show no sign of budging despite torrential rain for two consecutive days. "After declaring the state of emergency, I thought everyone would be scared and disperse. But no one cares," he said. He reiterated his refusal to step down. Emergency rule empowers the army to use force to restore order, but the army chief has refused to evict protesters from Government House, prompting speculation of a rift between Samak and the military. "Speculation about the army deserting me is stupid and groundless," he said. "They are siding with me and support a gentle approach for not using force with those who have seized the government's office." Samak has proposed to hold a referendum on his seven-month rule, a move that critics call a stalling tactic since any vote is unlikely to be held for several months. The standoff stems from a campaign by the People's Alliance for Democracy to oust Samak and his government, accusing it of corruption and violating the constitution. A loose-knit group of royalists, wealthy and middle-class urban residents, and union activists, the alliance accuses Samak of being a stooge of Thaksin, who was prime minister for six years before being deposed. Thaksin, a former telecommunications tycoon, recently fled to Britain to escape corruption charges. Living conditions at the 13-day standoff at Government House were worsening, with thousands camped in mud and enveloped by the stench of urine after two days of heavy rain. The deadlock has virtually paralyzed government work and raised fears of an economic downturn, especially in the crucial tourism industry. |
