Date – September 8, 2010

Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, a core leader of the Daeng Siam (Red Siam) group, has voiced his opposition to the national conciliation plan, saying that it would be “stupid” for the opposition Puea Thai Party to accept it.

Mr. Somyos said in an interview given at the Puea Thai Party office that his group disagrees with the government’s national reconciliation plan because there is no “atmosphere of harmony”, which he said can be generated by lifting the emergency decree and allowing bail for political prisoners.

“Today, one red-shirt member dies each day. This is an atmosphere that lacks the rights and freedom, while paranoia is constant. The proposal made by the Democrat Party all favors itself. It would be very stupid if Puea Thai agreed or accepted that because it would mean that the party admitted its mistakes as well as the claims on attempts to overthrow the monarchy and arson of the nation’s properties,” said the red-shirt leader.

In response to the comment that Puea Thai was the party that proposed the reconciliation first, Mr. Somyos said any political party will have to fight for power.

He also said that it is possible that there is a “special signal” that encourages the reconciliation.