PM visits North to follow up government projects

SUKHOTHAI, Nov 21 (TNA) — Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) early Saturday protested against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva while he was visiting the people and following up his government’s programmes to boost the incomes of farmers in lower northern Thailand.

Accompanied by several senior government officials, Mr Abhisit arrived at Sukhothai Historical Park by a helicopter as more than one thousand police officers provided security.

According to their itineraries, Mr Abhisit and his delegation will visit the lower northern provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok  and Phichit to inspect progress on the government-sponsored ‘Strong Thai’ program, rice-price guarantees by the government and to deliver his government’s policy to private rice millers.

Mr Abhisit told journalists before departing from Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in Bangkok that he was not concerned about traveling to the three provinces although the UDD ‘Red Shirt’ protesters plan to mount major rallies against him when he visit Chiang Mai, the political stronghold of fugitive, ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, next Sunday to attend national seminar of chambers of commerce from around the country.

Several community radio stations in Chiang Mai have reportedly warned that attempts to assassinate Mr. Abhisit in a bombing may take place when he visits the province on that day.

The prime minister said he is not worried and that the authorities will take action against those who violate the law, especially one particular local radio broadcaster for whom an arrest warrant has been issued. (TNA)