BANGKOK, April 17 (NNN-TNA) – In his determination to resolve Thailand’s ongoing political turbulence and to suppress terrorism in the country, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has appointed Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda as head of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES).
In his TV address late Friday, Mr Abhisit said Gen Anupong will immediately replace Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as director of CRES. He said the change is needed as demonstrators against the government from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has worsened because ‘terrorists’ have infiltrated the protesters, now occupying Ratchaprasong intersection, Bangkok’s prime business district.
The abrupt change came after police on Friday failed in their attempt to arrest UDD leaders at the SC Park Hotel.
The leaders outstanding arrest warrants were issued earlier for the bloody clashes between government troops and UDD demonstrators at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue last Saturday.
Mr Abhisit said the change of command was also necessary as the CRES will be restructured as his government would move forward to resolve the political turbulence now prevailing in the country and to also eliminate the terrorism problem.
The restructuring of the CRES will effectively assist the government in dealing with the terrorist threat directly, he said.
Warrants for the arrest of 24 UDD leaders have been issued but so far no one has appeared before the authorities.
UDD key leader Jatuporn Prompan said all 24 Red Shirt leaders and supporters will surrender to the CRES on May 15.
In his TV address late Friday, Mr Abhisit said Gen Anupong will immediately replace Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban as director of CRES. He said the change is needed as demonstrators against the government from the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has worsened because ‘terrorists’ have infiltrated the protesters, now occupying Ratchaprasong intersection, Bangkok’s prime business district.
The abrupt change came after police on Friday failed in their attempt to arrest UDD leaders at the SC Park Hotel.
The leaders outstanding arrest warrants were issued earlier for the bloody clashes between government troops and UDD demonstrators at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Avenue last Saturday.
Mr Abhisit said the change of command was also necessary as the CRES will be restructured as his government would move forward to resolve the political turbulence now prevailing in the country and to also eliminate the terrorism problem.
The restructuring of the CRES will effectively assist the government in dealing with the terrorist threat directly, he said.
Warrants for the arrest of 24 UDD leaders have been issued but so far no one has appeared before the authorities.
UDD key leader Jatuporn Prompan said all 24 Red Shirt leaders and supporters will surrender to the CRES on May 15.
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