A FORMER MP warned the government to be careful and not underestimate a warning by former yellow shirt movement leader and media proprietor Sonthi Limthongkul that he will again rouse street demonstrations when the time is ripe and wanted to discuss some key issues with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, TV Channel 7 said this morning (Nov. 27).
Mr. Thepthai Senapong, a former Democrat MP, said the issues raised by Sonthi include a Thai-Cambodian MoU on profit-sharing undersea natural resources development project signed in the time of former prime minister/now de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra and his former Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen and Thaksin’s six-month stay at Police Hospital instead of being in jail because of “critical illnesses.”
Another issue is the controversy over the State Railway of Thailand reclaiming 5,083-rai land plots in Khao Kradong area of Buriram city district. The rail agency had accused the Land Department of having wrongfully issued title deeds to those occupying these plots, with the Supreme Court ruling in its favour, but the Land Department refused to revoke the titles and the railway agency is now again appealing to the court.
The fourth issue is over the decades-long controversy over the Alpine Golf and Sports Club in Pathum Thani. The over 900-rai land plot had been bequeathed to Wat Thammikaram Worawihan temple by Mrs. Nuam Chamnarnsakda with it being stated in her will that the land be used for the temple’s benefit. However the large land plot was later sold to this golf club and became linked to the Shinawatra family.
Since Sonthi’s threat to launch mass demonstrations core leaders of the Pheu Thai Party and Thaksin’s followers, including Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumthan Wechayachai, came out to say that he could just keep talking because these are the same old issues and that he was obsessed with the past.
Mr. Nattawut Saikua, adviser to the Prime Minister, said a large number of demonstrators would not show up, only some from conservative and orange (People’s Party) groups joining in.
Thepthai said while Thaksin’s followers have discredited Sonthi it should not be forgotten that he was among those who led demonstrations that successfully ousted the Thaksin government.
When Sonthi announced that he intended to launch the last rally of his life, he may attract a large number of people who still believe and have faith in him, he pointed out.
He also warned the government to not be complacent and not abuse power or challenge people’s power because if there is a new issue that the people get emotional about they will protest in the streets.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Former MP Thepthai Senapong, right, and former yellow shirt movement leader and media proprietor Sonthi Limthongkul, left. Photo: TV Channel 7
Insert: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath
Front Page: Sonthi Limthongkul. Photo: Thai Rath
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