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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/08/politics/politics_30085437.php
PM forced to flee Parliament in a helicopter
By The Nation
Published on October 8, 2008
With the People's Alliance for Democracy laying siege to Parliament House, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his MP daughter Chinnicha fled yesterday by climbing over a back fence after government policies were read out publicly.
The PM's group went through Building 3 of Parliament down the stairs to the ground floor. They then scaled the fence into the grounds of Vimarnmek Palace.
However, they could not find an exit out of the compound due to the protesters' blockade, and were forced to clamber back into Parliament and take a police helicopter to Supreme Command Headquarters for a meeting with military chiefs.
Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa, his son, MP Varawut, Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet and some other MPs followed Somchai but dispersed after being blocked.
To escape the midday heat, Banharn dived into his air-conditioned van, which drove in circles around the buildings.
About 3pm, police told MPs, senators and reporters to get into vans for safety as protesters tried to attack the helicopter for fear more legislators would be whisked out of the compound.
Some MPs later climbed over the fence to relax in the Vimarnmek palace grounds.
Just before 5pm, police cleared the way for MPs and Parliament officers to get out in a police bus and personal vehicles. Officers fired tear gas at protesters blocking the front gates of Parliament on Rajvithee Road, forcing them to disperse.
The government's policy declaration - originally due to last three days - was finished in two hours with fewer than 10 MPs taking part in the debate, despite the blockade, a boycott by the opposition, and the fact protesters cut off power to the building.
The parliamentary session had been delayed for over an hour as the 311 MPs and senators in attendance failed to make a quorum.
But Parliament President Chai Chidchob allowed time for coalition whips to round up more members, and 320 MPs finally joined the session.
The Democrat Party's 164 MPs refused to participate in the hearing, saying the government only cared about its power and neglected the people and those injured.
In a statement, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Democrats would not be part of any process to legitimise the Somchai government.
Abhisit would no longer help the four-party discussion to find political solutions for the country unless the government investigated the order for police to suppress the rally earlier in the day. The Democrats, instead, visited victims of the morning clash with police.
The PAD had attempted to prevent the new administration from presenting its policies to Parliament, which would stopped it from starting its work.
Tomorrow was the deadline for the government to complete a public reading of its policies. The 2007 Constitution stipulates that new governments must do this within 15 days from being sworn in.
PAD protesters cut the power to Parliament, which forced staff to use a standby generator, which could only produce power for six hours.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/nationphoto/showsection.php?pageid=1&id=1
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/10/08/politics/politics_30085437.php
PM forced to flee Parliament in a helicopter
By The Nation
Published on October 8, 2008
With the People's Alliance for Democracy laying siege to Parliament House, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his MP daughter Chinnicha fled yesterday by climbing over a back fence after government policies were read out publicly.
The PM's group went through Building 3 of Parliament down the stairs to the ground floor. They then scaled the fence into the grounds of Vimarnmek Palace.
However, they could not find an exit out of the compound due to the protesters' blockade, and were forced to clamber back into Parliament and take a police helicopter to Supreme Command Headquarters for a meeting with military chiefs.
Chart Thai Party leader Banharn Silapa-archa, his son, MP Varawut, Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet and some other MPs followed Somchai but dispersed after being blocked.
To escape the midday heat, Banharn dived into his air-conditioned van, which drove in circles around the buildings.
About 3pm, police told MPs, senators and reporters to get into vans for safety as protesters tried to attack the helicopter for fear more legislators would be whisked out of the compound.
Some MPs later climbed over the fence to relax in the Vimarnmek palace grounds.
Just before 5pm, police cleared the way for MPs and Parliament officers to get out in a police bus and personal vehicles. Officers fired tear gas at protesters blocking the front gates of Parliament on Rajvithee Road, forcing them to disperse.
The government's policy declaration - originally due to last three days - was finished in two hours with fewer than 10 MPs taking part in the debate, despite the blockade, a boycott by the opposition, and the fact protesters cut off power to the building.
The parliamentary session had been delayed for over an hour as the 311 MPs and senators in attendance failed to make a quorum.
But Parliament President Chai Chidchob allowed time for coalition whips to round up more members, and 320 MPs finally joined the session.
The Democrat Party's 164 MPs refused to participate in the hearing, saying the government only cared about its power and neglected the people and those injured.
In a statement, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said the Democrats would not be part of any process to legitimise the Somchai government.
Abhisit would no longer help the four-party discussion to find political solutions for the country unless the government investigated the order for police to suppress the rally earlier in the day. The Democrats, instead, visited victims of the morning clash with police.
The PAD had attempted to prevent the new administration from presenting its policies to Parliament, which would stopped it from starting its work.
Tomorrow was the deadline for the government to complete a public reading of its policies. The 2007 Constitution stipulates that new governments must do this within 15 days from being sworn in.
PAD protesters cut the power to Parliament, which forced staff to use a standby generator, which could only produce power for six hours.
