Thai anti-government protest leader arrested

Chamlong Srimuang, one of the key leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy, was arrested on Sunday morning in Bangkok as he went to a polling place to cast his vote in the city's gubernatorial election.

"Let me cast my vote first," Chamlong reportedly told officers, and he was allowed to enter the polling booth, after which he was taken to jail.

Another key PAD leader, Chaiwat Sinsuwong, was arrested on Friday.

They and seven other PAD leaders, including media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, face charges of insurrection, conspiracy, illegal assembly and refusing orders to disperse (treason).

At Government House, PAD demonstrators remained unmoved, vowed to continue their rally, and say planned talks with the government have been broken off.

However, deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Monday that talks with PAD were continuing.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has said he wants PAD to vacate Government House by November.

PAD has occupied the government's administrative center since August 26. They are protesting the ruling People's Power Party's links to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the PPP's moves to amend the Constitution so the exiled Thaksin might escape corruption charges. Premier Somchai, who was voted into power last month, is the brother in law of Thaksin.

Political pundits say Chamlong intended to be arrested, in move to show solidarity with Chaiwat and intensify PAD's resolve. Chamlong, 73, is a former army general and is the leader of the activist Santi Asoke Buddhist sect.