Chalerm avoids mob in Phuket

PHUKET: To avoid a welcoming party of about 1,000 protesters waiting for him at Phuket International Airport last night, controversial Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung diverted his plane to land in Krabi.

After he landed there at 8:15 pm, K. Chalerm checked into the Krabi Meritime Resort.

He reportedly checked out of the hotel at 3 am today.

Chalerm is due to deliver his new policies to Phuket Governor Niran Kalayanamit and the heads of provincial government offices at Provincial Hall at 2 pm today.

He was also due this morning to inspect land plots on Koh Racha. Chalerm was accused by Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuegsuban of using his position to influence the acquisition of the land by his colleagues.

K. Chalerm was also expected to inspect land plots in Phuket for which SorPorKor titles have been revoked and the land reclaimed by the government.