Thailand stands firm: Government won’t walk down protest alley

The Thai government dismissed threats of street protests against its policies, asserting it will not yield to pressure from any faction.

Somkid Chueakong, the PM’s Deputy Secretary-General for political affairs, stated there is no need to prepare for any anti-government demonstrations. Instead, he urged critics to submit petitions outlining their demands.

“This government understands people’s needs. We won’t restrict people’s freedom of expression.

“We need to discuss our issues in a reasonable manner. We’re not worried about any protests, so we’re not making any special preparations.”

These comments were in response to protest threats from Sondhi Limthongkul and Jatuporn Prompan, former leaders of the now-defunct People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), respectively.

Sondhi, known for leading PAD’s protests against the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, accused Thaksin of corruption and undermining the monarchy. On his YouTube programme aired last Monday, he mentioned considering a mass protest against the government led by Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn.

Mass protest

In the programme, he stated he would wait until the first quarter of next year before deciding on his move. If evidence of graft or misconduct by officials in Paetongtarn’s administration, especially in strategic areas like the joint claims area between Thailand and Cambodia, emerges, he will call for a mass protest.

Paetongtarn responded last week, urging Sondhi to discuss his issues with the government before resorting to protests.

Somkid noted yesterday, October 6, that Sondhi has yet to reach out to the government but added they are ready for talks.

Somkid also addressed Jatuporn’s criticism of the government for planning to allow 99-year land leases to foreigners, an idea recently discussed by Thaksin at a forum outlining his vision for the country.

“There is no such plan. This is only an idea.”

Under the proposal, Thai landowners wishing to lease their land to foreigners would need to transfer the title deed to the Treasury Department for supervision. During the lease, the landowner would receive full payment from the lessee, but the land would be treated as state property held by the department, reported Bangkok Post.

Domino effect

Lavaron Sangsnit, Permanent Secretary for the Finance Ministry, previously said that if the plan moves forward, several laws will need revision, including Treasury Department regulations limiting leases to 30 years.

Speaking at a forum on Saturday, which coincided with his 59th birthday, Jatuporn criticised several government projects, including the Land Bridge megaproject, casino entertainment complexes, and the proposed land lease extension for foreigners.

“What will ignite demonstrations are the actions and policies of the government, not me or Sondhi. If people take to the streets, that’s because of the government’s policies.

“I will stand in the way of any efforts to sell off the nation. These projects do not serve the country’s best interests.”

Echoing Somkid, Phayap Pankate, a former Pheu Thai MP and former UDD co-leader, said people are tired of demonstrations and any attempts to pressure the government using illegitimate means.

“Everyone wants the government to quickly tackle economic problems affecting the people. However, protest leaders should sympathise with the people and give the government some time to try and solve their problems.”