PM can expect protests
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will be greeted by protests from five groups of people suffering from the policies of both central and local government, during his trip here to preside over today's formal opening of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's 24th annual conference.
Lt-General Staporn Thonglao, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 3, said yesterday that some 200 police from various units including investigation, Special Branch and special operations would be stationed at the meeting venue, the Sima Thani Hotel, around the clock. Both uniform and plainclothes police as well as bomb scanners will be deployed to hotels accommodating the participants. The five groups that want to voice their complaints to the premier will be led by the Confederation of Thais Opposing Foreign Retailers, which is demanding that the government find a way to stop Tesco Lotus from opening stores, as well as pass several laws to protect small retailers. Contract staff at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital are demanding to be given permanent status and have their salaries adjusted accordingly. Town residents are demanding that the premier suspend the Bt3.7-billion tap-water pipeline project, claiming that it is not worth constructing and is lining the pockets of local politicians. Tapioca growers are demanding a guaranteed price of Bt1.50 per kilogram, while a group of people is demanding the government to drop its policy of operating salt farms, citing the environmental problems they cause. Since the seminar informally kicked off on Friday, everything has been going smoothly, said Maj-General Amnaj Unmart-ngarm, commander of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police. the nation, nakhon ratchasima
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