Junta unhappy with the verdict

By Wassana Nanuam and Yuwadee Tunyasiri

The military junta was hoping to see the end of both major political parties, and now is seen as siding with the Democrats - and opponents are exploiting that.

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Council for National Security chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin is unhappy with the Constitution Tribunal's ruling acquitting the Democrats, according to a CNS source.

The source said Gen Sonthi was concerned that the CNS might be seen as taking sides with the Democrats, who backed the military coup last September.

He wanted both parties dissolved to open up a new page in politics.

The tribunal on Wednesday ordered Thai Rak Thai dissolved and banned all 111 party executive members from politics for five years.

The Democrats, however, were acquitted on all four charges.

Gen Sonthi yesterday said he had no concerns about political developments and trusted the public and politicians would understand and respect the verdicts.

He would clear the air by having a meeting with former key Thai Rak Thai members, including deputy leader Gen Thammarak Isarangkura na Ayudhaya, who was found guilty by the tribunal of illegally paying small parties to contest last year's April 2 elections.

He said the situation had not warranted the CNS scrapping its announcements Nos.15 and 27, which prohibit activities by political parties and ban executive members of a dissolved party from politics.

Gen Sonthi's comments came after he and Defence Minister Gen Boonrawd Somtas visited Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont at his Lat Krabang residence in the morning to assess the movements of Thai Rak Thai supporters.

Former acting Thai Rak Thai leader Chaturon Chaisaeng, in a speech given shortly after the ruling, urged party members to act. He branded the ruling unfair and said the coup makers dictated the outcome of the election fraud cases.

Lt-Gen Prayut Chan-ocha, commander of the First Region Army, called on Mr Chaturon to accept the ruling and stop encouraging activity which might lead to violent confrontation.

"Gen Sonthi earlier said he could not pressure the tribunal. Both parties earlier agreed to accept the judgements. [Mr Chaturon's] response is inappropriate," Lt-Gen Prayut said.

Security remained tight for the third day yesterday as People's Television (PTV) and Saturday Voice against Dictatorship held an anti-coup rally near the Royal Plaza.

Metropolitan police chief Adisorn Nonsee said checkpoints were set up throughout Bangkok.

The houses of the nine tribunal judges, embassies, Government House and other key spots would be patrolled around-the-clock.

A police source said investigators were keeping an eye on taxi drivers and motorcycle taxi drivers, many of whom were staunch supporters of Thai Rak Thai.

Around 3,000 demonstrators gathered near the Suan Misakawan intersection on Phitsanulok road, closely watched by 500 security officers.

All PTV executives turned up, including Veera Musikapong, Jakrapob Penkair and Natthawut Saikua.

Mr Veera, on stage, said the landmark rulings were made at the order of phu yai, adding that Gen Sonthi knew the content in advance

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- By BangkokPost Agenciest