Chiang Mai, One Day After Thai Rak Thai's Dissolution

Prachatai: One day after the disbanding of Thai Rak Thai Party, its stronghold province, Chiang Mai, remains surprisingly clam. Despite the chit-chat extensively heard in public places concerning the court verdict, no signs of violent action or protest could be detected.

 

Provincial authority call meeting and watchful on events

 

The Governor of Chiang Mai, Mr. Wichai Srikwan, called a meeting among security agencies including heads of state departments and state enterprises and all district chiefs to assess the situation in the province in the aftermath of the court's ruling made last night.

 

According to Deputy Provincial Governor, Mr. Kongekwilart Rajiwattanapong, the situation in Chiang Mai remains relatively clam and there have been no uprising from any political groups. He believes residents in Chiang Mai are reasonable enough to come to term with the verdict made by the Constitutional Tribunal for the dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party and they all want peace to prevail.

 

However, all security concerned agencies are on alert as to any movements or mobilization since Chiang Mai has been known as a stronghold for the disbanded party and all group travels from Chiang Mai are closely monitored.

  

Thai Rak Thai's disbanding "expected", CMU academics

 

A lecturer from the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, Chiang Mai University, Assoc Prof Thanet Charoenmuang, in his interview given to MCOT Chiang Mai http://www.mcotcm.com/news/uploads/1530_310550.wma said the verdict for disbanding Thai Rak Thai was made in a special circumstance. The party has been targeted since the coup took place. As a result, coupled with the party dissolution, its executive members are also banned from conducting political activities for five years.

 

In his opinion, it is premature to expect that Democrat Party's leader, Mr. Apisit Vejajiva, could become the next Prime Minister. Previously, the party has not played active roles and given their (weak) constituency in the North and Northeast, the party has much to improve.

 

Assoc Prof Thanet Charoenmuang continues by suggesting that the Council for National Security (CNS) should revoke its ordinances that ban political assembly and association in order that efforts can be made to promote people's participation in politics. He believes that given the rational mind of Thai people, all political activities can be conducted peacefully.

 

 

"Just and fair verdict", CMU student union's leader

According to an interview given to Nation News Network (http://breakingnews.nationchannel.com/read.php?newsid=261812&lang=T), CMU's student union's leader, Mr. Chaicharn Junsenithorn praised the Constitutional Tribunal for this just and fair verdict to dissolve Thai Rak Thai. According to him, the majority of the students agree with the ruling as it has been made on the merit of prudent and accurate judiciary system. Therefore, it should be accepted by all parties and this verdict can help solve political entanglement that has been lingering for a long time.

         

Being watchful on the emerging events, the students have no plans to either act in support or oppose this ruling. In light of the situation, what is warranted for is unity and reconciliation in order that accumulated problems can all be solved. Making any political moves now is inappropriate.

         

It is time that all accumulated problems are solved once and for all. From now on, everyone should get united to move the country forward. The ailing economy needs prompt collaboration from all concerned parties. Since the economic problems have the far-reaching impacts on Thai people as a whole, in his opinion, it should be the first priority for any solutions.

 

Street views on the verdict

 

In today's Chiang Mai, words are exchanged gushily on the order for the disbanding of the Thai Rak Thai, even though no violence or protest has happened. Prachatai got the chance to talk with village folk and some white-collar workers in the province.

 

Mr. Kam Yarangfan, a truck driver from Tambon Umong, Muang district, Lampoon, told us that last night, many of his neighbors were glued to the live broadcast, some stayed until the end; some did not. In the morning, he overheard such talking again in the truck parking lot. Personally, he feels upset and thinks people in the Northeast should feel the same since the political party they belong to can no longer exist.

 

"Politically, I have no idea what to do further and will not subscribe to any party. I will just wait for the next election and choose the best among the candidates" said Mr. Kam.

 

Mr. Worasit Yodthongkhao, staff in an office behind Payap University, said that he could not understand from the verdict read out in the broadcast. He got to understand the issue when he heard from other people and read newspaper this morning. He always thought, the verdict could be that either both parties were to be disbanded, or acquitted. He does not feel right to share much on this, but what he can say is this event makes him feel sympathetic toward people.

 

"I am not that politically active, but I do sympathize with those Thai Rak Thai supporters" said Mr. Worasit.

 

Mr. Pongsakorn Mangmoon, a student and a part-timer for a blood test lab on Mahidol road told us that there was much exchange on this issue at the dormitory where he stayed. Personally, he feels that this ruling will outrage the Thai Rak Thai, but whether or not there will be violent protest, he has no idea. Anyway, he believes that Chiang Mai people are smart enough to avoid instigating any violence.

 

"Even hired, no one will want to risk their lives (in the violent protest)" said Mr. Pongsakorn.

 

Translated by Pipob Udomittipong

Source: 
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