Thai activists face charges for closing airports (Roundup)

Jul 5, 2009, 8:42 GMT

   Bangkok - Thai police summoned leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), including current Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, to face charges related to the closure of Bangkok's two international airports last year, reports said Sunday.

   On July 1, police issued charges against some 25 PAD leaders for forcing the closures of Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang on November 26 to December 3, and summoned them to face authorities on July 16.

   Among those charged was current Thai Foreign Minister Kasit, a former PAD member who led the protest at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

   Kasit, who is now in Qatar, said he would report to police on July 16 but would continue performing his duties as foreign minister, the state-run Thai News Agency reported.

   The PAD activists face various charges including terrorism and obstructing aviation.

   The airports closure caused billions of dollars in damages to the country's tourism and export sectors, and led to the eventual downfall of the government under former Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, the brother-in-law of fugitive politician Thaksin Shinawatra.

   Thailand's current government, under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, has been criticized for not bringing the PAD leaders to justice and for seemingly condoning their destructive acts by appointing Kasit as foreign minister.

   Others facing charges include media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul, protest strategist Chamlong Srimuang and Somsak Kosaisuk, the leader of the newly set up New Politics Party.

   The PAD, wearing yellow shirts to demonstrate their loyalty to King Bhumibol Adulyadej, were dedicated to the overthrow of the previous government which they deemed a proxy for Thaksin, a billionaire former telecommunications tycoon who was prime minister between 2001-06 before he was toppled by a coup.