Thai PM cancels regional visit

PHOTO

Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva cancels an appearance in Chiang Mai amid security concerns. [Reuters]

Karen Percy, South-East Asia Correspondent

Last Updated: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:47:00 +1100

Thailand's Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, has called off a planned visit to the northern city of Chiang Mai this weekend for security reasons.

He received threats from protesters linked to violence in Bangkok earlier this year.

Police in Chiang Mai arrested a man after finding 6,000 improvised explosive devices and some guns at his home.

Investigators say he is member of the red-shirted protest group which last week made death threats against the Prime Minister.

Advised

Mr Abhisit was to have addressed a business gathering on Sunday, but was advised against visiting the city.

The red-shirts are allied with the country's convicted former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives in exile.

The movement had planned a prolonged protest campaign in Bangkok this weekend.

But the action has been delayed to ensure peaceful birthday celebrations for the beloved King Bhumipol Adulyadej, who turns 82 next week.