August 30, 2008
Bangkok - Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej flew to Prachuap Kiri Khan province, meeting with HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej regarding escalating protests at the Government House.
People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators yesterday clashed with police both at the Makawan Bridge and Government House.
Some policemen and protesters were injured and sent to hospital.
The PAD protesters called for the resignation of Samak and his government, saying the government tried to protect the ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s benefits and their own benefits.
"He reported to the king on the current situation and he will return to Bangkok today," the government official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The government was also criticized by the PAD for failing to follow HM the King’s warning about the country’s excessive spending.
PM Samak was set to meet with Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at a previously scheduled event on national reconciliation, according to AFP.
Army chief Gen Anupong Paochinda who holds the trump card has so far confirmed there would be no coup.
Many parties hope the situation will be better after the premier’s meeting with King Bhumibol. However, the PAD group believed Samak would not step down. Rather, he would turn to dissolve the parliament.
