Pro and Anti-Government Rally Thread

[george]

Violence feared at Sanam Luang rally

BANGKOK: -- Security officers met today to discuss concerns and review preparations for maintaining peace and order in situations of possible violence during a major rally Sunday aimed at ousting caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra due to be held at Bangkok's Sanam Luang, said caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Chitchai Vanasatidya.

Pol Gen Chitchai, also caretaker justice minister, said the concerned security officers held the meeting after senior members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) pledged earlier on the day that their plan to demonstrate would be carried out even though Mr. Thaksin dissolved the House of Representatives Friday and called for a snap election for April 2.

During a press conference here Saturday morning, PAD senior members demanded that Mr. Thaksin leave political arena immediately and charged that he lacked legitimacy to rule.

Police have been instructed to provide the utmost security to persons attending the Sunday's rally, while protesting leaders must also see that members of their groups keep order to prevent violence from occurring, said Pol. Gen. Chitchai, adding that he had received intelligence reports that third parties would mix in with demonstrators and plan to create trouble.

When asked about a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office saying that a third party would try to create trouble, aiming to topple the caretaker government and whether there is any chance to punish such instigators, Pol. Gen. Chitchai said they would definitely be taken legal action if arrested, but added that no one had been arrested so far.

He said he was optimistic that the number of people attending the Sunday's rally, the third of its kind in one month, would be less than those held earlier this month because people now understood that they have to cast their votes on April 2.

The House dissolution is a way out under the constitution which many people have asked for earlier, Gen. Chidchai said, and now they are demanding something else when they are not satisfied.

--TNA 2006-02-26

Police believe rally will be peaceful

Public urged to report acts of provocation

Ready for action

Chamlong Srimuang and other core members of the People's Alliance for Democracy emerge from a meeting room at the October 14 memorial building on Ratchadamnoen Avenue. The group reaffirmed its plan to move ahead with the anti-Thaksin Shinawatra demonstration at Sanam Luang today. — Apichart Jinakul

BANGKOK: -- The city police chief believes today's anti-Thaksin rally at Sanam Luang will not turn violent, but urged members of the public to alert police to any acts of provocation or instigating unrest. Pol Lt-Gen Viroj Chantharangsri, metropolitan police chief, yesterday called a meeting with senior city police to discuss security measures at Sanam Luang. He said police had to assess the situation and the number of demonstrators at the site of the rally before launching security measures, which will be designed to suit the situation. The security plan could be adjusted if necessary, he said.

The metropolitan police will monitor the situation around the clock and coordinate with intelligence agencies to maintain peace and order at the rally. He believed the demonstrators would not let the rally spin out of control.

The city police chief said people should look out for incidents that may lead to chaos and report them to the police.

As a precaution, the police will set up several checkpoints in the city to search for weapons and alcohol.

Justice Minister Chidchai Wannasathit said on Friday that police would strictly search rally-goers. The sale of alcohol will be banned around Sanam Luang.

Pol Gen Chidchai denied that the checkpoints were being put up to block people from the mass gathering. He also dismissed speculation that a State of Emergency decree would be invoked. He said the government had not organised a counter-protest and he believed people were wise enough to refuse to join the rally if someone paid them to go.

--Bangkok Post 2006-02-26

[bulmercke]

Police Gen. Chitchai: "He said he was optimistic that the number of people attending the Sunday's rally, the third of its kind in one month, would be less than those held earlier this month because people now understood that they have to cast their votes on April 2."

This is total and utter Bull Sxxx.

How can he possibly come out with something like this?

[chownah]

Police Gen. Chitchai: "He said he was optimistic that the number of people attending the Sunday's rally, the third of its kind in one month, would be less than those held earlier this month because people now understood that they have to cast their votes on April 2."

This is total and utter Bull Sxxx.

How can he possibly come out with something like this?

Maybe he says this because it is actually his opinion. Maybe it is wishful thinking. Maybe he is right. Time will tell. I'm sure that when they count how many people attended you will dispute the number...maybe I'm wrong. Time will tell.

[bulmercke]

3:40 pm: ASTV broadcasts feeds from Sanam Luang, displaying that people carrying umbrellas bracing blazing sun to gather in front of the stage.

Sounds like today's protest is goin' to be a 'walk in the park' compared to previous protests held there!

Thaksin keeps close eye on Sanam Luang

By ThaiDay 26 February 2006 15:08

Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is this afternoon holed up at his party’s headquarters near Petchaburi Rd, to begin what political observers say will be a long vigil through the night to assess the mood at the anti-government rally at Sanam Luang.

Thaksin arrived at Thai Rak Thai headquarters after having a private lunch at the Dusit Thani Hotel.

Soon after his arrival here, senior party leaders including deputy party leader Caretaker Agriculture Minister Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan and Deputy Caretaker Prime Minister Pol General Chidchai Wannasathit arrived at the offices.

Other senior party leaders were expected to arrive soon afterwards.

Political observers expect that party officials will follow the events at Sanam Luang as they unfold moment by moment and will decide on appropriate action to counter the protestors.

Dharma Army first to arrive at rally

By ThaiDay 26 February 2006 12:42

The Santi Asoke sect were the first to arrive at Sanam Luang, preparing for a possible marathon protest.

The “Dharma Army” of the Santi Asoke sect were gearing up this morning for a possible marathon protest at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang, with thousands of its members ready to demand the resignation of Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Wearing straw hats and dark blue outfits, the first few hundred members of the Buddhist sect arrived around 10am in a convoy of trucks and buses, where they began unloading piles of luggage, from blankets and mats to cooking-gas tanks and sleeping bags.

They said they were here for the duration and vowed to stay for “as long as it takes” to oust the embattled premier.

“We want Thaksin out because everything he has done shows he does not respect the people and it’s time for him to go,” said Somsak, a man in his 40s from Ubon Ratchanthani, a province in the country’s impoverished Northeast.

“[Thaksin] says since he took power we aren’t poor. He should just open his eyes and look around. He claims to serve the poor but they’re the ones he is hurting.”

Santi Asoke has chastised Thaksin for what it says has been immoral behavior throughout his five years in power. The Dharma Army has been bolstered by last week’s decision by Thaksin’s mentor Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang to join the protest, which he says could attract more than 100,000.

His followers think the number may even be greater.

“There could be 200,000, even more than that,” said another Santi Asoke member. “And there are millions more at home who want Thaksin to go.”

About 400 police had were already in place to oversee the arrival of the protestors. The mood was relaxed yesterday morning.

Like at recent anti-Thaksin protests, the police were unarmed, and more were due to arrive later

“There should be at least 4,000 policemen,” said one officer, “but we don’t expect any trouble.”

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[aaaaaa]

what's Thailand Population - 64 mlns ?

and what percentage of those participants make of this number?

so, is it whatever this rally trying to achive realy a desire of all people (after all democracy supposed to be that) or rahter only of those whom opposition managed to gather ?

[marshbags]

Police Gen. Chitchai: "He said he was optimistic that the number of people attending the Sunday's rally, the third of its kind in one month, would be less than those held earlier this month because people now understood that they have to cast their votes on April 2."

This is total and utter Bull Sxxx.

How can he possibly come out with something like this?

Maybe he says this because it is actually his opinion. Maybe it is wishful thinking. Maybe he is right. Time will tell. I'm sure that when they count how many people attended you will dispute the number...maybe I'm wrong. Time will tell.

I think wishful thinking is on the mark on all his observations, chownah.

I might be beginning to repeat my take on the situation, but...........................

Police Gen Chitchai and his counterparts still do not get it.

Poeple do neither understand why or want an election, and are making it clear, they want the Kamoy in chiefs resignation, nothing more and nothing less.

It is a way out for them ( government and in particular the Kamoy. ), not the people who are demonstrating.

Just what parts of the constitution are capable of fullfilling there wishes after all the bending and twisting has been taken into account, General ?

It,s the same old story Pu yai telling the people" what they think they need, " not what they think they want.

In code " do as i say because i know better." kind of brainwashing i reckon is the term.

Not anymore Gen. who ever you are....................................

marshbags

Edited February 26, 2006 by marshbags

[bulmercke]

Police Gen. Chitchai: "He said he was optimistic that the number of people attending the Sunday's rally, the third of its kind in one month, would be less than those held earlier this month because people now understood that they have to cast their votes on April 2."

This is total and utter Bull Sxxx.

How can he possibly come out with something like this?

Maybe he says this because it is actually his opinion. Maybe it is wishful thinking. Maybe he is right. Time will tell. I'm sure that when they count how many people attended you will dispute the number...maybe I'm wrong. Time will tell.

I think wishful thinking is on the mark on all his observations, chownah.

I might be beginning to repeat my take on the situation, but...........................

Police Gen Chitchai and his counterparts still do not get it.

Poeple do neither understand why or want an election, and are making it clear, they want the Kamoy in chiefs resignation, nothing more and nothing less.

It is a way out for them ( government and in particular the Kamoy. ), not the people who are demonstrating.

Just what parts of the constitution are capable of fullfilling there wishes after all the bending and twisting has been taken into account, General ?

It,s the same old story Pu yai telling the people" what they think they need, " not what they think they want.

In code " do as i say because i know better." kind of brainwashing i reckon is the term.

Not anymore Gen. who ever you are....................................

marshbags

marshbags: "It,s the same old story Pu yai telling the people" what they think they need, " not what they think they want."

Arnold Shwarzeneger said something similar a while back, when he said that ninety-five per cent of the American people needed to be told what to think and do - or words to that effect.

"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for

people we despise, we don't believe in it at all."

-Noam Chomsky

Something Thaksin obviously hasn't learnt!

MORE BREAKING NEWS

4:05 pm: ASTV reports live from Sanam Luang that a man comes to a tent where Chamlong is resting and hurls abusive words against the former Palang Dharma leader. The man is quickly whisked away by police.

The satellite channel says a press room with fax and Internet connections has been set up to facilitate foreign reporters at the rally site.

4:12 pm: ASTV reports that FM92.25 community radio station and Thaiinside.com Web site have been closed down by the government.

4:15 pm: Somsak Prissanananthakul, a Chat Thai deputy leader, confirms that the three smaller parties will call on Thaksin to invoke Article 313 of the Constitution to set up an independent non-partisan committee to reform politics or else the parties will boycott the election. He says members of the committee must be acceptable to the public and must be appointed by His Majesty the King.

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[seonai]

Hi Bulmercke,

Are you going to keep giving us updates? Hope so, thanks.

[baht&sold]

what's Thailand Population - 64 mlns ?

and what percentage of those participants make of this number?

so, is it whatever this rally trying to achive realy a desire of all people (after all democracy supposed to be that) or rahter only of those whom opposition managed to gather ?

The corrected question might be:

What % of the population primarily get their info from state controlled television- VS those whom have access to independent newspapers daily (or have ASTV via satellite or Adsl on the farm?)

Independent Television (ITV owned by...) is currently showing "home sweet home" , similar are all the other reg channels, showing soaps, cartoons etc, with just the odd very brief reference to politics unfolding, from a restrictive point of view of course (3 anchors fired recently for breeching policy afterall).

You might think since this is potentially the largest rally in recent history, every TV station, radio and media would be all over it?

I have many reservations on all sides but I'm just a guest here. I can however hope for a continued peaceful demo (lots of mom's n pops in the live ASTV feed) and a resolution which allows transparency, involvement and ultimately stability. It's democracy growing pains folks, warts n all.

[bulmercke]

Anti-Thaksin protesters at Sanam Luang this afternoon eagerly awaiting the speakers.

Anti-Thaksin protest gathers

Thousands have gathered this afternoon at the Royal Grounds in Bangkok to join a mass demonstration calling for the immediate resignation of Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Protest leader Chamlong Srimuang vowed to continue the anti-Thaksin rally until the premier steps down, despite Thaksin's decision on Friday to dissolve parliament and call a snap election for April 2.

"It's like giving society a pill for stomache pain when it has a toothache," Chamlong said of the dissolution on Saturday.

Chamlong, 70, arrived mid-day Sunday at "Sanam Luang" - the Royal Grounds where more than one Thai government has been buried by mass protests in Thailand's recent history of political upheavals - accompanied by 1,000 followers of his Santi Asoke Buddhist sect.

"We've come to force Thaksin's resignation," said Virat, a Santi Asoke member who declined to give his last name. "Thaksin has lost his credibility and moral integrity because of corruption and lack of transparency in office."

He said they would stay at Sanam Luang as long as the protest leaders, who include Chamlong and media mogul Sondhi Limthongkul, requested their presence.

By early afternoon some 10,000 people had already gathered at Sanam Luang, but organizers expect the demonstration to swell to more than 100,000 before the night ends. - (dpa)

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[marshbags]

MORE BREAKING NEWS... courtesy of bulmercke

4:05 pm: ASTV reports live from Sanam Luang that a man comes to a tent where Chamlong is resting and hurls abusive words against the former Palang Dharma leader. The man is quickly whisked away by police.

The satellite channel says a press room with fax and Internet connections has been set up to facilitate foreign reporters at the rally site.

4:12 pm: ASTV reports that FM92.25 community radio station and Thaiinside.com Web site have been closed down by the government.

4:15 pm: Somsak Prissanananthakul, a Chat Thai deputy leader, confirms that the three smaller parties will call on Thaksin to invoke Article 313 of the Constitution to set up an independent non-partisan committee to reform politics or else the parties will boycott the election. He says members of the committee must be acceptable to the public and must be appointed by His Majesty the King.

..........................................................................

............................ended

The press facility sounds good providing they are allowed to report independently.

Also it should influence the powers that be not to encourage trouble and to control the situation so it remains safe for the demonstrators. ( hopefully )

Invoking Article 313 sounds a good idea and is what a lot of people wanted, providing it is independant ( and not influenced by the goverment indirectly via a third party ) and again as stated must be sponsored by his Majesty the King.

Does not give the Kamoy a get out clause and he is still fully investigated on all related issues.

I,m sure they include this anyway.

What exactly does Article 313 bring into the equation, if different from what is already known, should anyone know please

Your doing a good job keeping us up to date by the way, bulmercke.

Only while you can of course.

It is much appreciated by all members i,m sure.

marshbags

Edited February 26, 2006 by marshbags

[bulmercke]

BREAKING NEWS

Alliance wary of potential troublemakers

By ThaiDay 26 February 2006 16:39

The People’s Alliance for Democracy is closely monitoring a group of suspicious individuals gathering at the Agriculture Ministry, it fears may intend to disrupt this evening’s anti-government rally.

Suriyasai Katasila, a founding member of PAD told reporters that the alliance has received reports that a large group of farmers has assembled at the Agriculture Ministry and along Rama VIII Road.

“They are not part of the PAD,” Suriyasai said.

“I understand they are from the provinces... and are standing by awaiting orders to do something.”

He said the alliance of civic groups and anti-Thaksin activists were looking into who the people are.

“We are checking who they are.”

Suriyasai’s announcement came just hours after he criticized Deputy Caretaker Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasathit for trying to scare potential protesters by warning of outside parties who would disrupt the rally by using violence.

“Khun Chidchai is deploying evil tactics,” Suriyasai said of Chidchai’s morning comments. “If the government itself does not interfere then there will be no trouble.”

Suriyasai said previous anti-Thaksin protests had been peaceful and if tonight’s rally turned violent, the government would be at fault.

“The PAD insists on peaceful demonstrations and they were peaceful the last two times.”

THIS DOESN'T SOUND TOO GOOD!

BREAKING NEWS

4:50 pm: Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Mahachon Party leader Sanan Kachornprasat hold a press conference to announce that the two parties call on Thaksin to set up an independent committee to amend the Constitution. They will boycott the election if Thaksin doesn't give in to the demand.

The Chat Thai sends representatives to observe the press conference but the Chat Thai will make a formal announcement about the party's stand at 7 pm.

5:00 pm: The first speaker, a lecturer from Rangsit University, goes up on the stage to attack Thaksin.

BREAKING NEWS

5:45 pm: A helicopter flies over Sanam Luang, Suwit Watnu, a spokesman, tells the crowds to stay calm.

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[bulmercke]

BREAKING NEWS

5:50 pm: A spokesman announces that PAD's leading members will go up on the stage at 6:30 pm.

Marathon rally gets underway

By ThaiDay 26 February 2006 18:14

Tens of thousands of people flocked to Sanam Luang in the blistering afternoon heat today to attend Thailand’s biggest rally in 14 years, which protestors hope will lead to Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s removal from power.

Dressed in yellow T-shirts and headbands, and waving national flags, the crowds of protestors braved the heat to show their support for an anti-Thaksin alliance formed to eject the under-fire premier from politics for alleged corruption and abuses of power.

“How can he lead this country while being corrupt?” asked one protestor. “His time is up, It’s time for him to go.”

The crowd that had gathered in the afternoon was significantly larger than the two previous anti-Thaksin rallies, reflecting not only the discontent among the urban middle classes but growing dissatisfaction outside the capital.

Busloads of people from across the country arrived to show their support for the campaign, along with tens of thousands of members of the Santi Asoke sect.

Banners were being paraded around the grounds, accusing Thaksin of being a dictator, a cheat and a liar.

“Square-faced dictator – get out,” read one, alongside a sign saying “get out Thaksin, you damned demon.”

Another read: “Better to be poor with honor than be rich with shame.”

The streets surrounding the park were lined with a constant stream of protestors, who carried yellow banners and national flags. Organizers predicted many more would follow after the sun sets.

As with other rallies, live music was played with lyrics adapted to show the crowd’s ill-feeling towards their prime minister.

A verse in a poem read by one speaker drew rapturous applause from the crowd. It claimed a mangy street dog would do a better job at being prime minister than Thaksin “because it doesn’t know how to hide assets.”

Fearful of a repeat of the bloody scenes that led to the removal of the military dictatorship of Gen Suchinda Krayprayoon, those that took to the stage appealed for a peaceful demonstration.

“Violence will not help our cause,” said one speaker.

Rally attracts a who’s who of the discontented

By ThaiDay 26 February 2006 18:09

Protesters who are now gathering in Sanam Luang to demand the unconditional ouster of Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra come from a broad spectrum of social backgrounds, from well-to-do urbanites to humble disciples of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect.

The Dharma Army, led by Thaksin’s former mentor, Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, will be there in full force. Chamlong announced on February 19 that Thaksin no longer has the legitimacy to govern the country and that he would lead the Dharma Army to at Sanum Luang.

Then there is a combination of civic groups and activists like the group protesting against the Thai-Malaysian pipeline project, the Alliance of Lower Northern People, the Udon Thani Environmental Preservation Group, the committee of relatives of those who died during the Black May violence and the network of Esarn-Tai for Democracy. The biggest group at the rally will, of course, be the People’s Alliance for Democracy, popularly known as PAD. The roster of rally participants under the PAD umbrella includes:

Activist groups:

Assembly of the Poor

Network on Farmers’ Debt Problems

NGO-Coordinating Committee on Development

Northern Farmers’ Federation

National Artists’ Federation

Alliance for Counsumer Rights and its 27 networks

Slum for Democracy Network

FTA Watch group

People’sChannel.org

Campaign for Popular Democracy

Committee on Media Reform

Thai Action Committee for Democracy in Burma

Reconciliation Commission for Thai Laborers

HIV-Infected People’s Group

Parents’ Network for Educational Reform

Southern Forest Network

Khon Kaen People’s Group for Democracy

Thailand People’s Network Against Corruption

Rayong People’s Network

Surin People’s network

Thailand People’s Network Against Corruption

Esarn People’s Network

Network to protect the Water Supply and Electricity for the Nation and Democracy

Pathum Thani Network

Network of Artists for Democracy

Nakhon Sawan People’s Network

Youth Training Program for Social Development

Thai Labor Campaign

Woman’s Power for the Nation Club

Business Alliance for Democracy

Thai Volunteer Service

Foundation of Heroic Democratic People

FM 92.25

Labor Coordinator

Tonkla Institute

Democracy Confederation

Satun Santi Tham Group

Korat Network for Democracy

Trang’s People’s Alliance for Democracy

Patalung People’s Confederation

Southern Artists’ Alliance

Phupha-Talay

Koh Samet Presevation Group

Environmental Network of Ban Chang

Enviromental Protection Group of Trat

People’s Federation for the Environment

October People’s Group

Labor Unions:

Metropolitan Electricity Authority

TOT Plc

CAT Telecom Plc

Metropolitan Waterworks Authority

Port Authority of Thailand

EGAT Plc

Public Warehouse Organization

Provincial Electricity Authority

Fish Marketing Organization

Government Pharmaceutical Organization

Government Savings Bank

Krung Thai Bank

Thai Airways

Tanning Organization

Marketing Organization for Farmers

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Forest Industry Organization of Thailand

Liquor Distillery Organization

Civil Aviation Training Center

Sports Authority of Thailand

PTT Plc

Expressway & Rapid Transit Authority

Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc

Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand

Thailand Post

Government Pawn Brokers’ Organization

Lampang Labor Federation

Students:

The Students Federation of Thailand

Academic Network for Democracy

Songkhla Students Alliance for Democracy

Khon Kaen Academic Group for Society

Chiang Mai University Student Club

Narasuan University

Khon Kaen University

Ramkhamhaeng University

Chulalongkorn University

Thammasat University

Mahasarakam University

Loei Ratchaphat University

Ubon Ratchathani University

Burapha University

Lanna Indy Media

Academics:

Chai-anan Samudavanija

Pramote Nakhonsap

Rangsan Thanapornpan

Amara Pongsapich

Somkiart Pongpaibul

Thanes Charoenmuang

Prasart Meetam

Lecturers from Suranaree University of Technology

Lecturers from Thammasat University’s law faculty

Lecturers from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open

Lecturers from Silpakorn University

Lecturers from Reconciliation Network for Political Reform

BREAKING NEWS

6:18 pm: Chamlong walks among the demonstrators to greet them.

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[seonai]

Brilliant reporting Bulmercke thanks

[bulmercke]

BREAKING NEWS

6:25 pm: Pian Yongnoo, president of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority Union, tells the crowds not to vote for Democrat Party for declining to boycott the election.

BREAKING NEWS

Commandos called in as security across capital is enhanced

By ThaiDay 26 February 2006 17:54

Security has been stepped up around the city with extra guards placed at government buildings and elite commandos assigned to protect embattled Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as fears of violence resulting from today’s protests persist.

Police Commandos from the Crime Suppression Division have been closely guarding Thaksin and key government buildings since early this morning.

Over 180 commandos are currently guarding Government House where police have also locked all the gates but one, and are closely vetting visitors.

Commandos have also reportedly been stationed at Thaksin’s private residence at Soi Charansanitwongse 69.

Over 4,700 metropolitan police officers are working to provide security and control traffic in and around the protest site at Sanam Luang. Riot police and other officers are also waiting in the wings in case of any trouble following warnings from the authorities that pro- and anti-Thaksin protestors may clash this evening.

Security is tight all around the protest site and police checks of vehicles and protestors for weapons have been noticeably increased compared to the February 4 and 11 protests at the Royal Plaza.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Yongyut Tiyapairat said today that 100 national park security officers had also been brought in from outside the capital to provide added security for the ministry’s offices.

BREAKING NEWS

6:50 pm: The number of demonstrators is estimated at over 50,000, occupying about half of 68-rai area of Sanam Luang.

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[bulmercke]

BREAKING NEWS

7:00 pm: Sonthi Limthongkul arrives at Sanam Luang. He goes straight to pay respect to Santi Asoke leader Phra Phothirak. Photirak tells Sondhi that the anti-Thaksin coalition has to fight peacefully to remove an immoral leader.

7:15 pm: Leading members of the People's Alliance for Democracy appear on the stage.

7:22 pm: Chaiwat Sinsuwong goes up on the stage to attack Thaksin.

Members of the Santi-Asoke sect enroute to Sanam Luang earlier today.

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[bulmercke]

BREAKING NEWS - BANGKOK POST

Sanam Luang rally attracts huge crowd

Tens of thousands of demonstrators staged a peaceful anti-government rally at Bangkok's Sanam Luang Sunday afternoon, demanding the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

It is the third mass rally in less than a month, and all have been peaceful.

The demonstration came two days after the premier's decision last Friday to dissolve parliament and hold snap elections on April 2.

Opposition parties threatened to boycott the election unless Mr Thaksin agrees to a formula of political reform, including amending the constitution.

Leading several thousand members of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect, known as the Dharma Army of former Maj-Gen and ex-Bangkok governor Chamlong Srimuang vowed to continue the anti-Thaksin rally until the premier steps down.

Protesters kicked pictures of Mr Thaksin. Others held up anti-Thaksin banners, a typical one reading "Thaksin is the worst prime minister we've ever had". A two-metre effigy of the premier was erected nearby.

"We've come to force Thaksin's resignation," said Virat, a Santi Asoke member who declined to give his last name. "Thaksin has lost his credibility and moral integrity because of corruption and lack of transparency in office."

Maj-Gen Chamlong said it was necessary to continue the anti-Thaksin rally until the premier steps down, because the election is the wrong step.

"It's like giving society a pill for stomach pain when it has a toothache," Chamlong said of the dissolution.

BREAKING NEWS

7:43 pm: Chingchai Mongkoltham, leader of the New Aspiration Party, goes up on stage to criticise Thaksin. He says there is no reason for Thaksin to dissolve the House.

Analysis: Thai PM's huge gamble - BBC NEWS

By Kate McGeown

BBC News, Bangkok

"Me or Them" ran the headline of Thai newspaper The Nation on Saturday. The choice could not get much starker.

Thaksin hopes to silence his critics by going to the people

After weeks of mounting protests demanding his resignation, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has thrown down the gauntlet at the feet of his opponents by dissolving parliament and setting a snap election for early April.

It may seem a risky move, but the flamboyant Thai leader is widely expected to win because of his huge support among the rural poor.

While his decision to "return power to the people" is partly an indication of the strength of the campaign against him, it is also a sign of how sure he is that he can win.

In the words of Ammar Siamwalla, honorary adviser to the Thailand Development Institute: "The prime minister has opted to dissolve the House because he knows he's coming back."

Some analysts say the anti-Thaksin movement, the People's Alliance for Democracy, has been substantially weakened by Friday's decision, because Mr Thaksin has used its central argument, democracy, against it.

"This is a very astute move. Thaksin said he wanted the dispute to be resolved democratically by the people, and it's very hard to argue against that," said Giles Ungpakorn, a political commentator at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University.

Unsatisfied

But the protesters are undeterred, insisting that a snap election does not answer their concerns of corruption and abuse of power.

Mr Thaksin's critics have vowed to continue to hold mass rallies calling for his resignation, including one this Sunday.

The prime minister's opponents have been rallying against him

"The root cause of problem is Thaksin himself," said Suriyasai Katasila, a spokesman for the movement. "He must quit unconditionally."

The campaign against Mr Thaksin has been growing steadily since last summer, when media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul began openly accusing him of mismanagement and cronyism.

Thousands of people from the urban middle classes turned up to Mr Sondhi's mobile talk shows, having lost faith in Mr Thaksin's ability to combat corruption and allow free speech.

Supporters of Mr Sondhi have now been joined by a variety of other groups, including a vocal student movement and some former political allies of Mr Thaksin.

Under the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) banner, they have been holding regular rallies in Bangkok calling for the prime minister's resignation, with some of the demonstrations attracting as many as 50,000 people.

Sell-off and sell-out?

In the past few weeks the anti-Thaksin movement has gathered momentum, with attention focusing on his family's recent $1.9bn sale of the huge telecoms conglomerate Shin Corp.

Critics were furious that the already wealthy Shinawatra family avoided paying tax on the sale.

The best thing is to ask the people

Suranand Vejjajiva,

Thai Rak Thai spokesman

They also accused Mr Thaksin and his relatives of betraying Thailand's interests by selling to Temasek, a Singaporean company.

This week there has been a series of further blows to the prime minister, with his former mentor Chamlong Srimuang joining the anti-government movement, followed by several members of his own party, Thai Rak Thai.

By Friday the prime minister had had enough.

"Let me return the power to you, so that the public will decide again," he said in a televised address, after asking King Bhumibol for permission to dissolve parliament.

"I will respect the decision of the public, not just one group of people," he said.

Suranand Vejjajiva, a Thai Rak Thai spokesman, explained the decision to call an election just a year after the last poll: "We know there are a lot of questions about the prime minister, and we've tried to answer them, but it seems the opposition and rally organisers feel this is not enough."

"They are still calling for Thaksin to resign, and this is not reasonable because we were elected with a majority," he said. "So the best thing is to ask the people."

'Whitewash'

The ball is now squarely in the anti-Thaksin movement's court - and the prime minister's detractors are showing little sign of altering their stance in the light of Friday's announcement.

Thaksin has strong backing among the rural poor

"Everything is unchanged. We had already expected the house dissolution," Mr Thaksin's former mentor and recent turncoat Chamlong Srimuang is quoted as saying.

"The parliament dissolution is only a trick that allows [Mr Thaksin] to whitewash his problems and return to power," added PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila.

Pasuk Pongpaijitr, the co-author of a book called Thaksin: The Business of Politics in Thailand, explained that for the protesters, nothing but the departure of the prime minister would do.

"These people have made the decision that someone else needs to come in and take charge," she said.

"They want a process of constitutional reform to take place, and they know that if Mr Thaksin stays, that won't happen."

But commentator Giles Ungpakorn believes that the PAD now urgently needs to expand its remit from the single demand of getting rid of Mr Thaksin.

"When it comes to an election, this group's choices are very limited," he said, adding that many protesters could well end up supporting the Democrat Party, which in some respects has similar policies and problems to Thai Rak Thai.

He added that if Mr Thaksin won the election, it would be difficult for people to continue calling on him to quit.

Politicians across the spectrum are now preparing for the elections on 2 April, and the campaigning has already begun.

But the first test of the wisdom of Mr Thaksin's actions will come much sooner.

A mass rally is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Bangkok, and analysts are eagerly watching to see whether the decision to call snap elections has taken the heat off Mr Thaksin or fanned the flames even further.

BREAKING NEWS

8:00 pm: A spokesman announces to the demonstrators that small protests are held in many provinces around the country, including 2,000 in Surat Thani's downtown and 2,000 at the Kaen Nakhon Lake in Khon Kaen.

The spokesman also asks for donations to finance the rally.

8:05 pm: A spokesman says Chamlong will go up on stage to speak before 9 pm.

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[h90]

here in my company 100 % want to get rid of him, but noone goes to the rally

what's Thailand Population - 64 mlns ?

and what percentage of those participants make of this number?

so, is it whatever this rally trying to achive realy a desire of all people (after all democracy supposed to be that) or rahter only of those whom opposition managed to gather ?

[penzman]

There's a truck on fire...

[bulmercke]

8:16 pm: Uaychai Watha, a leading teacher, goes up on the stage to criticise Thaksin's over the government's plan to transfer government schools to be under supervision of local administrative organisations.

h90......just about to take a shower, change my shirt and get on down there......mind you NOW live coverage of a fire....truck burning.....graphic pictures. (Channel 7) 8.24pm.

BREAKING NEWS

8:19 pm: Banharn holds a live press conference on Channel 7 denying he negotiates for financial support from Thaksin.

8:20 pm: A power generator of Channel 9's mobile broadcast unit catches fire

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[Disco]

bulmercke, excellent coverage thanks for all the info, much appreciated

[bulmercke]

BREAKING NEWS

8:30 pm: Uaychai announces on the stage that some 200,000 teachers will boycott election by not serving as officials at polling stations.

Uaychais says teachers will strike from March 1 if Thaksin fails to resign within three days.

Signing off guys.....

Up-dates of what's going on can be found here:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/26...es_20001597.php

Edited February 26, 2006 by bulmercke

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Chitchai is confident no chaos would take place during the demonstration this evening

Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai Wanasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) expressed confidence that no chaos will take place during the rally at Sanam Luang this evening.

He said the movement will proceed in a peaceful manner since the officials have been instructed to provide full security for the people who join the protest.

Gen. Chitchai revealed that the officials have found weapons and dangerous tools from some of the protestors and those items have been confiscated to prevent violence.

However, he has warned the people to use their consideration and to remain within the rules and regulations.

He said the incident would not escalate into a turmoil like the Black May incident 10 years ago.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 Febuary 2006

[Ricardo]

Brief reports with pictures, on Thai TV, show a burnt-out electricity-generation truck, at the rally.

[h90]

bulmercke please let us know tomorrow your impressions there...

BREAKING NEWS

8:30 pm: Uaychai announces on the stage that some 200,000 teachers will boycott election by not serving as officials at polling stations.

Uaychais says teachers will strike from March 1 if Thaksin fails to resign within three days.

Signing off guys.....

Up-dates of what's going on can be found here:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/02/26...es_20001597.php

[Jai Dee]

Latest Update

8:37 pm: Crowds cheer when the announcer introduces Chamlong. Chamlong says he is happy to see a lot of people who love the country gather at Sanam Luang.

Chamlong asks the crowds if some of them participate in the pro-democracy rally in May 1992.

Chamlong tells the crowds that they have not to worry of violence because new military and police leaders are new-generation leaders and will never use force against the people.

Chamlong says someone planted a bomb at Santi Asoke headquarters to intimidate members of the Dharma Army so that they would not join the rally.

Chamlong says the people will win in forcing Thaksin to step down if a lot of them are patient and stay put at the rally.

8:48 pm: Social critic Sulak Sivalak goes up on stage. The crowds roar with laughter when he asks them to have mercy for Thaksin "like we have mercy for our dog".

He says Thaksin should be thankful for making it possible for people to be united and gather in so high number.

9:00 pm: Senator Karun Saingam addresses the crowds. He says about 800 people in Buri Ram is watching the rally from satellite broadcast at a garage.

Karun says Thaksin abuses his absolute control of the House of Representatives and Senate to issue laws to permit him to sell national concessions of Shin Corp to Singapore.

The crowds roar with cheer when Karun urges the people to retaliate against Thaksin by not paying taxes because Thaksin has failed to pay taxes for his income worth Bt73 billion from the sale of Shin Corp.

Demonstrators cheer when he tells the people that Thaksin's assets will have to be seized and used as national budget.

9:15 pm: Suwit Watnoo, a spokesman, announces that about 100,000 people are now gathering at Sanam Luang.

Two announcers say the number of people in provinces watching the rally from satellite broadcast have grown up. For example, some 1,000 gather in Trang and some 3,000 in Songkhla.

9:18 pm: Crowds roar with cheers when media tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul goes up on the stage to address the people.

[Jai Dee]

Latest Update

9:26 pm: The crowds roar with boo against Thaksin when Sondhi tells them that Thaksin pressured Thammasat University not to allow Sondhi to hold talk shows in the university.

He says the number of people gather at the Muang Thai Rai Sapda at Lumpini Park has been increasing because people are dissatisified with the government's attempt to harass Sondhi's audience.

9:42 pm: Sondhi says Thaksin became frightened after seeing the number of people his protesters increased. Sondhi says Thaksin dissolved the House of Representatives to escape liability over his alleged wrongdoing.

Sondhi says the number of protesters will grow until Sanam Lung is burst when more people from provinces will join the rally on Monday.

9:48 pm: The people cheer when Sondhi gives them a wai to thank them for joining the rally. Sondhi leaves the stage.

9:57 pm: ASTV reports that some 10 border patrol policemen are deployed to keep law and order at the iTV station head office at the Shinawatra 2 building.

[mittheimp]

If this rally stays peaceful at least it shows people can oppose the government without real fear of too much intimidation and threat of violence. This is of course not because of Thaksin but generally the progress Thailand has made as a democratic country - institutions must be sufficiently independent of the government to allow this to happen. Such rallies in countries of similar development level would probably be suppressed more violently! Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Venezuela for example.

Of course the fear is that Thaksin is trying to repeal this progress.

Thaksin ok bai!

[Jai Dee]

Latest Update:

10:11 pm: Rally organisers are counting donated money. Money from two of three boxes are counted for Bt136,000. Counting is still being made.

10:15 pm: Somsak Kosaisuk, a state enterprise union leader, blames Thaksin for violence in the deep South by sending Thai soldiers to join the US-led multinational forces in Iraq. He says the problem in the deep South will be solved only after Thaksin leaves office.

10:20 pm: Somsak says the people have the mission to bring down Thaksin because none of independent organisations does its job in checking wrongdoing against the prime minister.

10:23 pm: Demonstrators raise their hands when Somsak ask if they think Thaksin should leave office.

"Get out, Get out," the people chant after Somsak shout "Thaksin, Thaksin".

10:26 pm: Doctor Weng Tojitrakarn goes up on stage. He attacks Thaksin for giving several national assets to foreigners, including satellite obit, and potash mining and Internet broadband connection.

Weng, chairman of the Federation for Democracy, says Thaskin has lied by promising to amend the 11 acts, which are denounced as tools for giving up Thailand to foreign investors. He says Thaksin has never kept the promise.

10:44 pm: A student activist from Thaksin University in Songkhla says Thaksin should listen to the people's voice by leaving office.

10:58 pm: Some senators appear on the stage. They include Kraisak Chonhavan, Maleerat Kaewka, Chirmsak Pinthong, Somboon Thongburan, Nirand Pithakwatchara, Winyu Uralkul, Pichet Pattanachote, and Karun Saingam.

[Orion76]

10:26 pm: Doctor Weng Tojitrakarn goes up on stage. He attacks Thaksin for giving several national assets to foreigners, including satellite obit, and potash mining and Internet broadband connection.

Weng, chairman of the Federation for Democracy, says Thaskin has lied by promising to amend the 11 acts, which are denounced as tools for giving up Thailand to foreign investors. He says Thaksin has never kept the promise.

Yes let's go back to national pride over economic development, foreign investment is bad mmmmkay?