People Power MPs up in arms over Thaksin

People Power Party members yesterday vented their anger at Prime Minister Samak Sunda-ravej for failing to protect the reputation of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Almost 200 party MPs and election candidates signed a letter urging Samak to clarify why police needed to circulate arrest warrants throughout the country with pictures of Thaksin and wife Pojaman.

They said the move was "disturbing" to many Thaksin supporters throughout the country.

About 40 MPs and party members from all regions met yesterday at the party headquarters.

Among those present were Yasothon MP Peeraphan Phalusuk, Chiang Mai MP Suraphong Tovichakchaikul, Bangkok MP Anusorn Panthong and Samut Prakan MP Natee Sutinphuak, an actor better known as Krung Sriwilai.

Peeraphan told a press conference after the meeting that their reaction reflected the general sentiment of people in their constituencies.

Suraphong said that almost 200 MPs and party members have signed the written request.

It will be presented to Samak tomorrow and they expect Samak to clarify the matter in person during a party meeting on Tuesday.

The group claimed many Thaksin supporters were disturbed and unhappy about the development. They agreed that Thaksin was treated unfairly as he has not |been convicted of any wrong-|doing, according to Peeraphan.

They also argued that Thaksin, as a former national leader who had contributed to the country, did not deserve to be treated as a criminal.

The opposition, however, criticised the prime minister for failing to respond publicly about Thaksin's attack on the country's justice system.

Deputy secretary-general of the Democrat Party Theptai Senpong yesterday lashed out at Samak for not making a public statement denouncing Thaksin's allegations about the judiciary. He said Thaksin's comments tainted the monarchy and Samak's silence cast doubt on his loyalty to the crown.

Theptai added that perhaps Samak was happy Thaksin is now no longer in Thailand because he had a more free hand at running things.

Meanwhile, deputy chair of the Senate foreign committee MR Preeyananthana Rangsit yesterday described Thaksin as "ungrateful". He said Thaksin has tainted the Kingdom's image in a statement defending his decision to skip bail.

Preeyananthana, an appointed senator, said none of Thailand's past leaders in exile had ever criticised the country like Thaksin did.

The senator defended the judiciary saying it was Thaksin who tried and failed to interfere with the process. He is a "sore loser".

The committee would meet with Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag to discuss Thaksin's extradition.