The Sensible Discussion Thread – Thai Turmoil –

[Bandung_Dero]

For anyone not familiar with DAAD here is a bit of background. Like PAD they are not a political party but the pro government equivalent. Hopefully not as destructive.

Pro-govt Networks Begin Moves Against PAD
UPDATE : 30 November 2008
Pro-government networks in provinces has begun their moves against the current protest of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Core leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictators in Sisaket province tpday gathered at the office of Rasee Sarai District Office to air opposition against the blockades at Don Muang and Suwannaphumi Airports.

Group’ core leader Thongbai Saichompoo said the Army should join hand with the government to help rebuild the country’s security

Thongbai also stated PAD’s Coordinator , Suriyasai Katasila should not be considered a resident of Rasisarai district anymore as his move has caused damage to the image of the district.

Meanwhile, police officers has stepped up security at the branch of Santi Asoke sectarian in Khanthararak district after a group of government supporters there reportedly prepared to besiege its area due to opposition against its support on the PAD’s anti government campaigns.

At the same time, core leader of DAAD’s in Ubonratchathani province Theerapat Watcharapol affirmed he will not lead government supporters in the province to join the anti PAD’s rally in Bangkok.

Therraphat however revealed he and other government supporters would stage rally at Ubonratchathani City Hall to express their disapproval against the PAD’s current protest. Meanwhile, PAD’s supporters from several provinces still steam into Bangkok to join

from: http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/toc/ViewD ... ID=1010911

[UdonExpat]

From the Bangkok Post:

An estimated 4,000 men and women in red rallied at the traditional parade and political grounds on the Chao Phraya River banks in support of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and a government that has been chased out of Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

[UdonExpat]

The PM spent last night in Udon after his merit making in Nakhon Phanom. I don't know where he stayed, but I'd expect there would be a lot of red shirted supporters in the area.

[dbriggins]

My concern is that the current rural/urban divide could turn violent, as it did in Cambodia in the 70's. Years of urban elite ruling the country, constantly looking down on the rural poor provided the underlying rage that fueled the killing fields of Pol Pot. All it takes is a leader to direct the anger and pent-up sense of inequality, and 'yellowshirts' could well be stained red. It's become all too obvious to the rural classes that they are the cannon fodder for the Bangkok elite, and they are becoming sick of it.

I don't think this could happen tomorrow, but if PAD gets their way and rolls back decades of slow but steady movement towards democracy, then I think the country would explode into a violent and prolonged disintegration.

Many years ago I had a front seat as political individual-makers brought up a young Police Colonel to be Prime Minister. I'm not sure if what is happening now is what they had in mind, but it was a radical change in Thai politics. What impressed me then, and makes me look at what is happening now with fresh eyes, is the idea that political parties don't matter in Thai politics, as what 'group' you belong to. (Pak vs. Puak) Thaksin was of a group that didn't belong to the ruling group. The ruling group had been in power for decades (regardless of what political party was in power), and Thaksin upset the apple cart. His 'group' is still in power for the time being, and what we are watching now has more to do with graduating classes than political ideology.

[UdonExpat]

Fear is in the air.

My wife worried the other day because she thought my shirt was too red. I don't see many people wearing the previously popular yellow shirts that symbolized support for an individual but have been usurped by PAD.

The professional commentators are voicing rising concerns about increasing violence, and the acts of violence are increasing. A radio station in Udon continues to incite people, as does ASTV and other media

I think I will put together a rapid departure suitcase for a quick trip to Laos, should it become necessary. Always keep enough petrol in the car, passports, photos, $ and baht, clothes, etc. Even though borders are often difficult to negotiate in times of civil war, it's wise to be prepared.

I don't like the thought of leaving my home, but until the Thai people figure out how to resolve their differences through dialogue it may be necessary to depart.

[Kaiheitai]

Thai stocks open 1.47 per cent higher


Thai shares gained 5.89 points or 1.47 per cent when the market was open for trading Monday morning.

The composite index of the Stock Exchange of Thailand rose to 407.73 at 10:07 am with a trading value of Bt1.259 billion.

The blue-chip SET50 rose 5.40 points or 1.93 per cent to 285.23.

The Nation

So what do the business elites know that we don't?

[Tony Croweater]

According to the Thai Rath website, Thaksin is currently in Koh Kong in Cambodia, and hovering somewhere near the border. Apparently a number of ex-TRT and current PPP execs have been to visit him already.

http://www.thairath.com/offline.php?sec ... ent=113454

[Bandung_Dero]

Here's democracy at it's best ---- according to PAD.

PAD - Bangkok Protesters Aim to ‘Re-educate’ Rural Thais

Bloomberg; By Daniel Ten Kate;Last Updated: November 30, 2008 21:42 EST

Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- As the world waits for Thailand to end a week-long occupation of Bangkok’s main airports, the anti-government protesters who seized them say their efforts to transform the country are only just beginning.

If they win what they have dubbed their “final battle,” Bangkok-based People’s Alliance for Democracy members say they will start a campaign to tell “the truth” to the country’s rural majority, which has elected parties linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra four times since 2001.

“Rural people have good hearts but they don’t know the truth like we do in Bangkok,” said Noppakoon Lagum, 37, a surgeon helping to occupy the main international airport. “It is our duty to re-educate them.”

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has stayed among his supporters in the northern areas of Thailand, fearing a coup if he returns to the capital. Security forces haven’t enforced an order to clear demonstrators from the airports, where they vow to stay until the prime minister quits.

About 10,000 government supporters massed yesterday near Somchai’s Bangkok offices, which People’s Alliance members have occupied for three months, raising fears of a violent street clash. The pro-government side has threatened mass protests if the military removes Somchai. Thaksin, his brother-in-law, was ousted in a coup in 2006.

‘Coup in Disguise’

The People’s Alliance for Democracy, composed mostly of the Bangkok middle class, royalists and civil servants, accuses Somchai of being a proxy of Thaksin. The group has rejected calls for fresh elections and wants a new political system that dilutes votes from poor farmers, who comprise Thaksin’s political base.

Some government supporters have threatened to surround the Constitutional Court tomorrow, when judges will rule on whether to dissolve the ruling People Power Party and two coalition partners for vote buying. A guilty verdict would force Somchai and dozens of party executives to step down, and may prompt protesters to leave the airports.

“This is a coordinated effort to overthrow the government, though it is made to look like justice being done,” said Veera Musikapong, a pro-government leader. “This is a coup in disguise.”

Non-executive members of the parties set to be disbanded, which account for more than half of the 480 lawmakers in Parliament, may then join a new party created to receive pro- Thaksin politicians.

Could Defuse Crisis

If the parties are dissolved, lawmakers would need to hold a parliamentary session to pick a new prime minister, while anti- government protesters may look to install an appointed government.

“Things should get better if the court verdict turns out that way,” Suriyasai Katasila, one of the PAD leaders, told the Channel 9 television station late yesterday. “If that happens, it may help defuse the political crisis,” Suriyasai said.

“The PAD wants an interim administration of some kind, but there are no constitutional provisions for that,” said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute for Strategic and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. “They would have to have constitutional clauses suspended by the courts unless the army seizes power.”

A year ago, the People Power Party won the first election since Thaksin was ousted, taking 75 percent of seats in the northeast, the country’s poorest region. Thaksin, a billionaire- turned-politician, won rural votes by slashing health-care costs, handing out low-cost loans and propping up crop prices.

‘Blinded’ by Media

Protesters at Suvarnabhumi Airport, dressed in yellow to show loyalty to head of state an individual Adulyadej, accuse Thaksin of corruption and undermining the monarchy. The world’s longest reigning monarch, highly revered after 62 years on the throne, is set to give a speech on the eve of his Dec. 5 birthday that may provide a breakthrough.

Those opposing Thaksin are confident that his rural backers could be converted if they could access an independent television station like the satellite channel operated by protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

“Rural people are blinded by corrupt media and need to listen to ASTV,” said Thanapol Buranasombati, a protester, referring to Sondhi’s station that broadcasts the rallies around the clock. “When the poor farmers know the truth about what is happening they will side with us.”

The opposition Democrat party won only four of 135 seats in the northeast during the last election, while taking 27 of 36 seats in Bangkok. Some anti-government protesters at the airport said they wouldn’t need to seize the airports and change the political system if the Democrats could win enough votes to form a government.

“We don’t need to convince all northeasterners to join us, just maybe 50 percent,” said Patcharaporn Vijitpanon, 58, who has joined the protests for months. “If we do that then we can have a new election and the Democrat party can win.”

-Bloomberg

[Khun Paul]

Hello chaps!
as for sensible it has occasionally got mis-directed but the pints made are valid, i would like to draw your attention to a comment made by an English lady being interviewed in Bangkok in her hotel room waiting to get home to England .
I quote " Do these children know what damage they are doing" a comment which just about sums up the whole debacle, even 6talking to Thais on a daily basis you get the feeling that the behavious of everyone is to be expected, it will sort it self out but when and how remains the question.
i would also like to post this comment made by another old Thai, who stated " before Thaskin came to power nothing like this had ever happened before, sure we had demonstrations and a coup or two but nothing on this scale this has done more damge to Thailand than anything else I can remember " this chap is in his 60's.

I do really feel fo the mr and mrs Average Thai who are suffering or will suffer as a result of actions by a few, I just hope that Thailand will recover but I think it wqwill take some time, we must be patient and not overly critical but put our best faces forward and weather the storm as it were.

[Bandung_Dero]

I haven’t been into Udon for some time, can someone tell me if there is any activity at our new ‘INTERNATIONAL’ Airport.

If all is quite I ask why?

[Kaiheitai]

My suggestion to ending the political crisis: if Sondhi really is ready to die for his cause instead of sacrificing a bunch of old grannies and kids he should just man up and go out SEPPUKU style like good ol' Japanese nationalist Yukio Mishima, and Chamlong can deliver the final blow.... thats real nationalism Sohndi is just a




viva la republica Thai?

sorry just had to post this one on the proper thread :-"

[Laan Yaa Mo]

Agreed, but expect Sondhi to be one of the first to get out if...if...if the authorities are somehow persuaded to do their job whilst Sondhi and Chamlong permit their human shields to sacrifice for the good old cause in their honour.

However, a monarchy is far superior for Thailand than a republic.

[Aardvark]

We are trying to get answere's from Thai Airways now but it looks like everyone is waiting for the Kings B/Day speach before they commit. I too want to know why they cant fly us to Singapore and then on to Udon. I'm sure they could fill seats with Thai's returning home from Singers. 1 week today and we have no idea what will happen

[Kaiheitai]

I'm coming in one week from Taiwan, thinkin of changing to Cambodia and busin it in.... options are pretty much shi'at at this stage...

[UdonExpat]

Just how sensible is it to try to sensibly discuss the nonsensical?

[laphanphon]

Just how sensible is it to try to sensibly discuss the nonsensical?

now that makes sense =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

[Kaiheitai]

Thailand ruling party dissolved
Somchai Wongsawat (file)
On Monday, Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he would not resign

Thailand's constitutional court has dissolved the governing People Power Party (PPP) saying there had been vote fraud during the last election.

The party's leaders, including Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, were also banned from politics for five years.

But, under the constitution most of its MPs can keep their seats under another party name, and should be able to form another government, correspondents say.

Earlier, an anti-government protester was killed at a Bangkok airport.

Ok, we saw it coming now how will it play out

[Tony Croweater]

Either way, looks like the s..t will really hit the fan now.

Stay out of strife and take care you guys in Udon.

[Tony Croweater]

PS: Nirmal Gosch of the Straits Times is running a blow-by-blow blog from the streets of Bangkok.

http://blogs.straitstimes.com/2008/12/2 ... urt-mobbed

[Kaiheitai]

Ok scrap my seppuku idea, lets just get Tony Jaa, feed him some yaa baa, and turn him loose on the yellow SOBs at Swampy