WASSANA NANUAM
The arrest of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) key figure Chaiwat Sinsuwong is widely seen an attempt to undermine Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh.
Lt-Gen Pirat Sawamiwat, Gen Chavalit's close aide, said the arrest was made despite an agreement from police not to do so.
Pol Maj-Gen Kharonwit Thoopkrajang, deputy chief of Metropolitan Police Division 1, had agreed not to make any arrests while the talks to resolve the political stalemate were ongoing.
"We asked for seven to eight days. An agreement was reached, yet a PAD leader was arrested and Gen Chavalit had no idea about this," he said.
Gen Chavalit had planned to meet Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD leader, and address supporters on stage.
Maj-Gen Chamlong also raised concerns about the implications of Mr Chaiwat's arrest and said it could be a plot to discredit Gen Chavalit.
Maj-Gen Chamlong said that the arrest, made while the talks were still in progress, was a slap in the face for Gen Chavalit and was the work of the government.
"It is possible some people in the government want to instigate a conflict and frustrate Gen Chavalit's progress," he said.
Maj-Gen Chamlong said while the arrest would have an impact on the dialogue, PAD would not use it to stir up unrest.
PAD member Chirmsak Pinthong said that the timing was significant as Mr Chaiwat and other PAD members are waiting for an Appeals Court ruling on their appeal against the arrest warrants they face.
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