Thailand: Srimuang not indicted for leading rally against the listing of Thai Beverage

The Pposecutors decided on March 24 not to indict Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang for leading a rally against the listing of an alcoholic drinks company. An advocacy group said the rally provoked conflict and blocked traffic.

The charge against Maj-Gen Chamlong was filed by Thephanom Siriwittaya, who represented the Public Interest Protection Assembly, for leading a rally against the listing of Thai Beverage, on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in mid-2005, Bangkok Post reported on 25 March.

He said the mass demonstration to put pressure on the listing decision caused social disorder and disruption of traffic flow.

The prosecution, however, deemed the charge to be unsubstantiated and decided not to indict Maj-Gen Chamlong on the ground that traffic police had allowed the rally to take place. In light of the pressure, the Securities and Exchange Commission delayed its consideration of the listing application pending the passing of a law aimed at controlling alcohol consumption.

However, ThaiBev is considering listing overseas, in Singapore.The demonstrators stated the listing would send the wrong signal to society, that the government endorsed drinking alcohol. Nevertheless, ThaiBev insisted on the need for the listing, which would finance the company amid growing competition in the alcoholic drinks market.

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