Prime Minister Cancels Chiang Mai Trip
Thailand’s prime minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has cancelled his proposed trip to the northern city of Chiang Mai where he was scheduled to speak at a meeting of the Thai Chamber of Commerce this Sunday, November 29. Anti-government red shirt groups had planned a major protest against the Thai leader and a broadcaster on a community radio station had issued threats that Abhisit would be killed if he visited Chiang Mai. On the advice of ministers and the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Abhisit has called off the visit. Chiang Mai and the north and north-east of Thailand are areas where deposed prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, still has a very large support base.
The decision by Abhisit comes in the wake of the red shirts postponing their proposed rally in Bangkok. With the forthcoming celebrations for the king’s birthday, the majority of Thai people will be pleased and relieved that the country can now join together and, temporarily at least, put the political disputes to one side.
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