deepskyfreak

Abhist was presented with a political problem.Once he sent in the Army on April 10th with live ammo, it turned into a violent struggle. He should have used water cannon and offered a political compromise. It's going to be a long time before we get back to the Land of Smiles.He should resign.

Revisionist history at its finest. Lets look at reality.

I my opinion, Abhisit was simply not able to move in police water tankers to disperse the mad crowd and their hatred-spreading leaders. Police forces basically reneged against their own duty to bring back a peaceful situation. Almost every single action of the police was done either half-hearted or by looking away. Thaksin is a police colonel, don't forget that (even though he just received the rank as a present when he became prime minister, prior to that he was a police captain).

Remember the botched attempt to arrest red shirt leaders at the hotel where they savely abseiled under the eyes of press and police. The police staged a little bit of action without hurting anyone and the culprits escaped. The whole world laughed.

Think of being a prime minister and trying to control an ever increasingly violent movement getting armed (not slingshots but Kattiya's gunmen) and you don't have the police fully on your side.

When Abhisit became prime minister, he tried right from the beginning to be a prime minister for all of Thailand. But the history of his party's way up to lead the country was a history of confusion and irregularities. He did the best job possible. Nobody could have done better with that uphill battle against corruption and a revenge-seeking billionaire paying farmers and militants to stir up trouble to bring about a collapse of Thailand.

Just wait and see. I can promise you (bangkokjohn), if Thaksin or just his supporters and friends come back into power (that is certain), you will not be happy with their governance for a very long time. Just remember the years of Thaksin's, Chavalit's, Somchai's, Samak's rule.

Many members of my family (mostly provincial well-educated middle-class Thais) supported Thaksin in the early days of his rule. It did not take them long to realize the true intend of his dictate - get richer and rule the nation for 30 years. Their decision to dump him as their favorite was not based on money or tax-burden. They saw their freedom of speech and opinion being hijacked to the point where they had to be careful in their jobs as teachers, government officials or else, what they said and to whom.

Get out now, this is only the beginning.

Sad but I think you are right, as soon as my family can safely get to the Visa office for England (and when it opens again) we are outta here. This isn't going to be over any time soon, if the six years i have lived here have taught me anything, it's that nothing happens quickly here, things like this just go on and on.

Unfortunatly this is going to spread nation wide, not to the extent we see now, but there are going to be clashes and unrest for a long time to come.

I have the same bad feeling. Both sides lack respect for each other, do not trust each other. The farmers and the poor see their chance to seek revenge for being cheated so many years, the middle class and westernized urban people see the fruits of their own work being destroyed. And the elite on both sides are just waiting like vultures for a last juicy chunk of meat from the slowly rotting corpse of a nation that was once known for its smiles.

There is only one way out: impartial judiciary and impartial executive powers. Whoever is in charge at the steering wheel of the government, the law must apply equally to all. That's where Thailand malfunctioned. Think it through - it is the reason and solution. Nothing else. The judges failed to provide equality before the law. And police failed to investigate unbiased.

I don't work in Thailand right now but, it is my home since 18 years. I was close to tears yesterday watching in horror the killing and looting. I always critizised politics and society, education and law enforcement. I never realized until now, how much I love that country...

You are all entitled to you views but really people, the city is burning and empty of all business.

The government killed over a dozn people in the temple-women and children.

It is going to get worse.

You were calling for war?

Well now you have it and the city is being destroyed.

The army should have NEVER moved on the people like this.

It was stupid.

You like the results so far?

Wait until it burns for weeks.

Call in the UN.

To do what?? Send 5000 Indian, Nigerian and Ukrainian soldiers with their either lazy or corrupted commanders to patrol the streets of BKK? LOL

The troops would love it... Soi Cowboy and Patpong and off-days in Pattaya. Get real.

19th May is surely a BLACK DAY in history of Thailand.

Those who claimed themselves to be the patriots put a scare on the face of their loyalty for country.

Why leaders surrender. To save more loss of life or property OR just to save their own lives and carrier in politics.

While they can do it earlier through given Road Map

THIS IS A QUESTION OF THE DAY!

LONG LIVE THAILAND AND THE KING

May 19, 1992 - May 19, 2010 = Maydays exactly on the same date.

unfortunate coincidence...

Dear Thaksin,

There is no pit in hel_l low enough for you. Your role in the suffering of Thailand will be a permanent stain on Thai history. A human travesty.

I do understand what Thaksin has done for his part in this mess

And also that the intervention of the current government was to save the day back then when the Military coup came.

But we still must see that the current gov is still classifiable as a dictatorship

take Thaksin away and there would still be a mutiny, at least later if not yet, because Thai people don't want another dictatorship and want democracy.

Unfortunately i have to agree with a famous Thai monk who has been part of a tv campaign to make Thai people understand and find peace with each other;

he says it is only when our hearts change that corruption will be gone.

That each person should start with himself.

As long as people have corrupt hearts then corruption will be reflected in the face of society

The intent of the heart of the majority is what makes a nation corrupt or not.

Instead of arguing about different views, people should just focus on trying to behave well themselves - it is only by example that we can teach others to follow the lead.

The current government is not a dictatorship. That is ludicrous and a false comment. Your post makes me question if either you or the "Thai people" you speak for understand how a democracy works.

80% of Thais have not been educated properly about democracy, how to apply it and its origin and history. Poltical discussions in colleges are a NO until they reach levels beyond bachelor. They are not taught (in High Schools) the different political systems that exist and existed, nor do they discuss the impact of those systems on society. So how can you assume that Thais want real democracy??

My child is in Matayom 5 and my partner has a PHD from Thailand (law related). I believe I do know the extend to which Thais understand and are able to apply democracy.

Oh and, integrity and peaceful behavior according to the teachings of Buddhism has nothing to do with this understanding for applied democracy.

I tuned into BBC for a change, usually watching Thai news on various channels (to get different viewpoints or have a good laugh with ASTV). Gosh, BBC is so beyond it, even though their reporters are in the middle of it.

The farang interview partners they drag along are worse than some posters on Thaivisa. The tragedy is that half of the world watches this crap and believes it.

BBC should switch to reporting from volcanic eruptions and space shuttle launches only... can't do anything wrong with those subjects.

What was wrong with the BBC report you saw?

I am just on again and watch it right now. What a change to the news a couple hours ago. The first time they clearly pointed out to the looters and armed rioters. And the interview with a Thai academic (Thai ambassador to US) was also a first, rather than interviewing some farang resident who does not know anything about Thailand.

My apology to BBC - that one (just ended a minute ago) was so much closer to reality.

I tuned into BBC for a change, usually watching Thai news on various channels (to get different viewpoints or have a good laugh with ASTV). Gosh, BBC is so beyond it, even though their reporters are in the middle of it.

The farang interview partners they drag along are worse than some posters on Thaivisa. The tragedy is that half of the world watches this crap and believes it.

BBC should switch to reporting from volcanic eruptions and space shuttle launches only... can't do anything wrong with those subjects.

WHAT DID I MISS???

Klong Toey MRT Station

Kasikorn Soi Ngamduplee, Siam City Bank, Siam Centre

Central World

Siam Square/Siam Theatre

Diamond Condominium (Behind CW)

Platinum Fashion Mall

Bangkok Bank, Tesco Rama IV

Ch.3/Maleenont Building Rama IV

Thai SET

Tesco OnNut

Century Park Hotel

7-Eleven shop, Din Daeng

Manhattan Plaza (Plenchit BTS)

Bkk Bank, Asoke

Krueng Thai Bank, Asoke

Bkk Bank, Phrakanog

Bkk Bank, Victory Monument

Metropolitan Electricity office Klong Toei

Govt Savings Bank in Dindaeng

20 Telephone booths in Din Daeng

Office of Narcotics Control Board at Dindaeng

Office Building Din Daeng ( 12 year old )

Chang Mai Construction Company

BKK Bank, Chiang Mai

Khon Kaen City Hall

Udorn Thani City Hall

Ubon Ratchananee City Hall

Nonthaburi City Hall

Mukdaharn City Hall

Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall

IT Seer Rangsit

Seacon Square

Lad Prao Big C

Center One Mall Victory Monument

7/11, Victory Monument

Kasikorn Bank, Victory Monument

Government Saving Bank (Mitr-maitree Road)

Bkk Bank, Hua Lumpong

7/11 Lang Suan... not gone up in smoke, but looted beyond recognition, as many, many other shops all over.

Please post this video for the world to see.

Thank you.

Interesting, he said, he's going to take responsibility all by himself (for the reds to burn down the whole country)... How much does a 500,000 square meter department store, a couple of banks, a TV station and business losses for a few hundred thousand people cost?

Hm, 500 Baht might just not be enough...

He should get a life employment cleaning toilets in the new Central World and then charge "customers" 500 Baht each to use the loo... That'll compensate for some damage as guest frequency would be high for sure. I would be one of the first to thoroughly use it... Oh, nasty thoughts...

Please post this video for the world to see.

Thank you.

Interesting, he said, he's going to take responsibility all by himself (for the reds to burn down the whole country)... How much does a 500,000 square meter department store, a couple of banks, a TV station and business losses for a few hundred thousand people cost?

Hm, 500 Baht might just not be enough...

He should get a life employment cleaning toilets in the new Central World and then charge "customers" 500 Baht each to use the loo... That'll compensate for some damage as guest frequency would be high for sure. I would be one of the first to thoroughly use it... Oh, nasty thoughts...

Please post this video for the world to see.

Thank you.

Interesting, he said, he's going to take responsibility all by himself (for the reds to burn down the whole country)... How much does a 500,000 square meter department store, a couple of banks, a TV station and business losses for a few hundred thousand people cost?

Hm, 500 Baht might just not be enough...

He should get a life employment cleaning toilets in the new Central World and then charge "customers" 500 Baht each to use the loo... That'll compensate for some damage as guest frequency would be high for sure. I would be one of the first to thoroughly use it... Oh, nasty thoughts...

Please post this video for the world to see.

Thank you.

Interesting, he said, he's going to take responsibility all by himself (for the reds to burn down the whole country)... How much does a 500,000 square meter department store, a couple of banks, a TV station and business losses for a few hundred thousand people cost?

Hm, 500 Baht might just not be enough...

He should get a life employment cleaning toilets in the new Central World and then charge "customers" 500 Baht each to use the loo... That'll compensate for some damage as guest frequency would be high for sure. I would be one of the first to thoroughly use it... Oh, nasty thoughts...

One thing that I haven't seen mentioned here is that before the crackdown there were predictions of a bloodbath in Rachaprasong, there were 3 or 4 deaths of red shirts guards, a journalist and injured soldiers. I'm not sure of the total tally from the crackdown, but no bloodbath thank goodness.

@markmackinnon

Medics around me say 7 dead 10 injured inside Wat Patum temple, which was supposed to be sanctuary. I'd guess 1500 to 2000 terrified ppl

There might still be quite a few people unaccounted for. Looters trapped in burning "treasure troves", armed thugs shot but not yet removed, accidents during turmoils, probably even heart attacks of elderly people scared for their lives.

Families are crying over the loss...

Children are crying because of the noise...

Shop owners are crying over the destruction...

People are crying because of lost jobs and ruined futures...

Tourists are crying out of fear...

A whole nation is crying...

People who have come to their senses are shaking heads...

Questions remain unanswered, will never be answered, never, not in a hundred years. But the pictures will remain, forever in our minds.

To all those who have not yet come to their senses: Was that worth it?

TAN saying Central World has been destroyed by fire. Thank you Thaksin, thank you so very very much.

I think they're exaggerating just a bit to using the word 'destroyed'. They'd need heavy tank fire to destroy it. Might take a while to repair fire damage in some shops and open up again

"destroyed" seems to fit...

Smoke rises at Central World shopping mall that was ransacked and set on fire during clashes in central Bangkok May 19, 2010

DP 25, fire causes enourmous heat damage to the structure. So, even though the framework of steel and concrete might survive, it would be far too damaged to reuse it and repair is often more expensive than new construction.

But hey... didn't the looters do a favor to the much-hated construction and engineering elite (Banharn is one) in this country. So many new stores, wow. There will be some yummy contracts waiting for friends of friends (and friends of fire)

don't forget ( and don't forgive ) these names ?

Jatuporn Prompan

Nutthawut Saikua

Weng Tojirakarn

Jeng Dokjik

Korkeaw Pikuntong

Wiputalang

Nisit Sinthuprai

Plus one:_

Thaksin S.

some more :

Veera Musigapong

Payah

Arisman

Chavalith Yongchaiyuth alias "Big Jiu"

The captains of the red pirate armada have left their boats - now the crews are looting alone.

Someone please go and sink their ships...

No, honestly, the signs for this tragedy have been around for years. In Sep 2009 I published an article (in German) in which I basically warned of anarchy and loss of control. The situation has deteriorated not just due to the protest leaders action. Thailand's social security system is very weak, rising unemployment and desparation have fuelled the conflict as much as Thaksin's money.

Blame also the judiciary for being biased (since its very existance in Thailand's democratic system).

Every year the revered monarch has told the newly appointed judges to fulfill their duties with integrity and honesty following the LAW. Well, make yourself a picture what happened...

Thaksin should have been removed by the legislative, not the army. That was the biggest mistake ever.

Anupong and his comrades know that and will not remove Abhisit but, there will be elections very soon for sure. The legal process must stabilize, corruption must be contained to a minimum level so that trust can be established again among ALL Thais.

I hold the corrupt judiciary responsible for the deterioration of Thailand's situation over the last years. That's why Europe or the US function well - there law is executed accordingly (of course, there are flaws within an acceptable range). Thailand has none of that. You have money, you can evade the law.

Thaksin's sentence was actually a positive step forward but, the failed action against the yellow protest leaders for their silly airport-sit-in just crushed the flower of hope for an integer legislative.

There I see one big reason for the abyss we see now in Thailand. Right now the only way out is executive power.

I always laugh when some posters in this forum critizise Thailand's ruling elite. As if there was no elite in any other country. The redshirt leaders are just as elite as their opposition.

Thailand will not be better off without an elite, that is irrational. Thailand will be better off with police and judges acting according to the law.

I hope those institutions wake up. If not, the destruction will drag on until one side will be strong enough to establish a dictatorship like Cambodia, Iran or Burma. And there will still be an elite folks.

Great post, spot on !!

Khob Khun Maak...

A link to some critical Thai-tourism related brainfodder for the German-speaking community in this forum. Sorry to all the English-speakers. I have not had time yet to translate my stuff... I hope to do so soooooooooon

Visit My Website

The red shirts do not want an unconditional ceasefire. They will only make more impossible demands. Why is the foreign media supporting the red side. Why are they ignoring that the reds have arms as well?

'...For years now, the media has ceased to report the facts. From the US Fox news, as one example, the politically slanted British press, who dither between whichever political party is in favour at the time, right down to the heavily censored news from China, who allow you to know only what they want you to know; lies and sensationalism sell newspapers...and to heck with the truth.

We are all fortunate to live in the time of the first Internet, mobile phones, cheap international air travel and Mcdonalds...Well maybe crap fast-food is not a good example, but you get the point.

The downside is, we also live in unprecedented times of terrorism, intrusive airport body scans, metal detectors in schools and an ever-growing totalitarian society, in the West at least. Without spouting Conspiracy Theory, we are most definitely entering a New World Order and things will never be the same again.

The world's media are also lazy and don't research their subject enough, which has become blindingly obvious during the Bangkok problems. The inaccuracies in some of the British press are not only unforgiveable, but add fuel to the fire of misunderstanding of what is behind the Bangkok turmoil.

There are many people on this forum who talk rubbish, slavishly echoing what their Red-shirt supporting Isaan wife says, don't like the rule of law, or themselves are a brain cell or two lost to too many beer Changs. They are entitled to their opinion on a forum, however, the general public are entitled to unbiased, factual and honest reporting from the world's media, but sadly, those days are long gone'.

©2010theMagician

I notice that all the Thai medias are basis one way or another, either on reds side, or the yellow side, or on the side of government. this is understandible as their are a lot of emotion, a lot of believe, a lot of politics behind.

absolutely no excuse that international medias do crap on the Bangkok riot ! one reason though - sentimental journalism ! they tell their audience what they want to see and what they sympathise ( but not the complete story ).

this is unacceptable, but there are lot of big agencies are performing well on this !

IMHO

International correspondents rely on their Thai partners to explain and translate. With very few exceptions they do not speak Thai beyond the ability to order a fried rice or a drink. Bias starts there.

Foreigners bubbling their wife's opinions are often not much better educated than their partners. The ladies' English knowledge limited to "no good" and "we Isan peolpe no like"

Being out in Nakhorn Nowhere they might read the Bangkok Post but, the Post or Nation are papers edited by Bangkokians. They, of course, do not know real life in Isan. "Farang Khi Nok" knows real life, in Isan, Nakhorn Nowhere, Soi Haeng Raeng.

Hey but, this forum is OPEN. Democratic. Free. Fun. Informative.

We do not want it limited.

I shake my head every time reading the crap so many farangs write here (being a farang myself). But, that is the essence of a free forum.

The media is a different issue.

They also have a certain responsibility towards a conflict - they should never report in a way which stirs up more emotions or pours more fuel into the fire. Unfortunately they do. Same in Thailand, same everywhere.

Neither media, opinions, lectures, protests, forums, speeches, politics are the glue of a functioning society. It is law. Thailand has law. It is simply not implemented correctly and followed.

Forgiveness is good, but Thailand's long history of amnesties and forgiveness has a problem: The influential players of all conflict weigh their chances for forgiveness and amnesty well before they act. As long as they proof right, their rogue behavior will not change.

I fail to understand why the Thai government have not done everything possible to have an international arrest warrant put out by Interpol for the arrest of Thaksin and the red leaders who have recently fled Thailand. Can anyone help me out here? Why has this not been done? Is it a complex legal procedure?

It's quite simple - YOU don't understand how Thai society functions!

That avoidance of conflict, to do no harm, harmony, understanding and universal love

are the very core of Buddhist teaching and widespread practice, woven deeply into the

social fabric of this society!

They will keep the step, by step approach, so far the government has done rather well

to avoid massive bloodshed!

Oh is that how it works? Is that why Thai society is so conflict free? and monks join the riots? Wow, that's real "universal love" !

I think you are the one that do not understand my society at all. "avoidance of conflict, to do no harm, harmony, understanding and universal love " has only existed in my society to prevent masses from taking actions and keep them controlled. Every time there is a real conflict, for how little it is, you see the real nature of Thai, even if just a quarrel among neighbors.

And regarding Buddhism, in Thailand anyone can be monk for just a few days. Rules are not enforced even inside a temple, that's why so many monks get arrested for various crimes almost weekly if not daily. My son can be monk tomorrow and for just 3 days, with no rules of admittance or any commitment to any religious principle.

Amazed how arrogant farangs want to teach about Thai society.

I don't think that anyone understands how Thai society functions at this point. There is the business as usual group, and the people that do as they are told group, there are traditions, but as pointed out in other post here today, Thai society and it's values are changing. If not a political revolution, then certainly a cultural one. Thailand is changing... I pray it keep the good bits.

I'd like to jump back to the initial (still unanswered?) question...

Thailand's Supreme Court HAS issued several arrest warrants and they have been forwarded to foreign governments/executive institutions. Whether there is an Interpol warrant, I do not know.

Thaksin is moving around on various non-Thai passports, travels in private jets, invests a lot of money into the fragile economies of those countries protecting him and so forth.

Just look how long it took to arrest rapist movie maker Roman Polanski.... alsmost 30 years arrest warrants issued by the US (!) have been out there and Polanski freely traveled all over Europe and else.

Or Osama Bin Laden: The first Interpol arrest warrant was issued long before the planes crashed into WTC and Pentagon. It was issued by Libya for Bin Ladens involvement in the murder of two Germans (correct me if I am wrong).

Thaksin was sentenced to 2 years and not for rape or murder but corruption. The circumstances are probably not clear enough for western states to risk getting into legal or other trouble for arresting this crook.

Thailand's judiciary is also fighting an uphill battle against other authorities involved and needed in to legal and logistical battle against Thaksin. Legislative and ececutive powers in Thailand are unfortunately far from being free from bias.

Thailand extradition agreements (existing and non-existing) with many countries pose another legal hurdle for the arrest of Thaksin. Who wants to arrest this man, knowing that the legal battle would be just as complicated as can be. Thaksin would certainly involve international courts and dozens of high profile lawyers. The arresting authority might also fear repercussions from Thaksin's extended criminal arm.

Again, just look at all those corrupt and violent fugitive leaders of Africa living happily in the US, France or elsewhere.

You know, this time on, the whole tactical game by govt and reds has gone a teeny weeny bit out of control. Govt didn't expect that much resistance and reds (+Takksi) didn't expect their mob to go that mad. And to give the meal some spice, a couple of influential guys threw in their own force.

As we heard it earlier from CRES, and I do believe that: A couple of red leaders with some 100m Baht stacked in their bank accounts, yummy - that is worth a fight. Some have already purchased their new SUVs. Hmm, maybe too early. The stakes are high, indeed. End game for money politics. And the poor folks from Isan are used as blindfolded gunfodder again. Thailand will never change. I have not seen any improvement ever since I moved here in 92.

To be sure theres some serious money and no doubt further promises being thrown at both sides leaders. The regular people and that includes the army infantry many who are little more than adults of course are the main pawns in a far bigger picture. Recent events have moved the timetable forward and the urgency I think can be felt just by the mere absence of the obvious.

I would have to say though change will come, you cannot stop progress and once people get educated they start to ask questions and dont do what they are ordered to so blindly. The tighter the fist gets closed the more will slip through those same fingers, this isnt the 60s or 80s or even 5 years ago, this is now and as sure as there is fish sauce Thailand has already been changed, for better or worse I wouldnt like to say but things will not be the same. What is learned cannot be unlearned and even Thailand cannot stop information and technology getting to the people, sooner or later someone is going to have to embrace the change before the sheer resistance of it destroys all that it is good about the country. It is however unlikely to come anytime soon and i hope for clearer skies some time in the future.

You are right, Thailand has changed, of course. And information technology has done a good part of it as did dedicated young teachers and democrats.

I am just frustrated that all the progress that had been achieved during the last years is now destroyed again. In 2009 I was involved in research that took me to the North and Isan for many weeks - I was amazed by the bright understanding of the people for urgent problems connected to environment and water. I saw community projects, interviewed community leaders. Communication between them and BKK was good. And now the same people stand up for the criminal Thaksin and go to BKK and destroy it.

And with it they also destroy the relationship between intellectuals in BKK and folks in Isan. I am just saddened by what is going on. Deeply saddened.

No it didn't benefit him at all. He couldn't get paid. What is the point in having the largest mobile phone company in Thailand if you can't sell it someone, and you are about to have to shell out a ton of money for a 3g network. The other big family that wanted a mobile company had one. Did Singha want one? hel_l no. Red Bull Man? No way. 2bn is in the end of the day a lot of money.

In his business the foreign ownership rules were a pain in the ass, because he could never realise a cash profit and he was going to get squished if he didn't partner up with someone. He is not some family dynasty of mobile phone operators unlike many of the other large families.

Now as for industries that were being slated to be removed from protection. Take your pic. There was a certain bunch of families who apparently he wasn't too keen on since they didn't really back him in his set up of AIS. They didn't like him either because he survived 97 quite well, whilst they and several of their close associates got toasted well and truly.

Add in the fact that he arranged the issuance of the first new license in that industry for decades and you could see that possibly this got the attention of quite a few very powerful people in Bangkok. Some of whom had close family members in the Democrat party and also rather stupidly marched up with Sondhi and his mates the very first time they went into Government house and beat a hasty retreat when they realised that the time wasn't right.

Now this is all simply joining the dots to provide a financial reason why certain people might have wanted Thaksin out. It is all out there in various books and publications. Fortunately I travel a lot, so make a point of picking up books at the airport and have time to try to work out why this is happening to Thailand. Now do we really believe that the real reason for all of this fighting, a coup, legal issues, smashing an admittedly corrupt politicians wealth is all to do with bringing Thailand kicking and screaming into some dawn of clean politics? Clean politics in Thailand? Come on.

Or is it all just about money? I have a policy, that when all confuses me in Thailand, the logical answer is that someone is getting paid. As a policy it is cynical, but it has never failed.

Aye its about time people started doing their own research and look behind the scenes.. The old guard have come up against the new and what they see is not to their taste at all. The usual pawns of the game are the General Thai public. At the same time the stakes have never been higher and so the tactics of both sides play out in front of the world.

On one side you have the current self appointed Government stressing that the "terrorists" cannot be reasoned with and showing various pictures supporting the terrible Reds actions and claiming they are holding the country to ransom.

On the other side you have claims of unjustified force where its sticks stones and handmade weaponry against the might of a modern army with plenty of pictures etc to support it.

Somewhere in all this there lurks the privateers undoubtedly on both sides.

When the yellows blockaded the Airport what was the response of the then government and why wernt similar measure taken as now ? Who had the ability to arrange such a thing even

The city is filled with smoke as is this website full of smoke filled posts and Propaganda on both sides... Somewhere behind all of this are the puppeteers quietly making the calls and pulling the strings.

When all seems in panic and chaos ask yourself WHO really has the most to gain and to lose here ? ( other than the normal Thai people )Look to the history of this country that they don't and will not teach in school, ask why the education system is so controlled and who benefits from it being this way....

Ask the question why in a modern and global world there has been a positive progressive attitude towards protectionism and closing the country down towards foreign investment. Internet site censorship and draconian measures reinstated when most other Asian countries are opening up Thailand is firmly closing itself off.What benefit is this to the general populous of Thailand ? Why would some wish to push their country backwards when all others in the region are surging forward isnt that just crazy ? surely a country that had such a healthy reputation at the beginning of this decade would have continued to build on its success and want to continue to be one of the leaders of the Asian economies.Who could possibly want to change all that and why ? what is there to be lost or gained by doing so ?

Look further than the current TV coverage and do your homework, if you truly care for Thailand in any way you need to research what is at stake and what not only the motives are but what the prize and goal ultimately is.

Wake up there is a whole lot that isnt said or reported but its there if you care to do your homework.

You know, this time on, the whole tactical game by govt and reds has gone a teeny weeny bit out of control. Govt didn't expect that much resistance and reds (+Takksi) didn't expect their mob to go that mad. And to give the meal some spice, a couple of influential guys threw in their own force.

As we heard it earlier from CRES, and I do believe that: A couple of red leaders with some 100m Baht stacked in their bank accounts, yummy - that is worth a fight. Some have already purchased their new SUVs. Hmm, maybe too early. The stakes are high, indeed. End game for money politics. And the poor folks from Isan are used as blindfolded gunfodder again. Thailand will never change. I have not seen any improvement ever since I moved here in 92.

The Red leaders say they want to talk. For the sake of avoiding more lives lost the army should withdraw to allow talks to start immediately. Amnesty for both sides is necessary.

well finally someone agrees with me on a general amnesty for all.

the reds have to be inside the system not outside. its what bush understood about the sunni tribes in iraq, and its why democracy exists there now.

if iraq could do it, so can thailand.

Democracy in Iraq? Thailand follow Iraq? Are you serious?

How about for a change, have a look what facts CNN presents on this document. The Red Shirt leaders always say: how can the Thai Army shoot at people who are unarmed? This will once and for all open your eyes about the Red Shirts.

An ireport is far from a CNN presents. Its the same as youtube. Just thought you should know the differance.

Sorry, I didn't know, but the page shows on top the CNN logo. Whatever, have a look at the pictures. They can't be fake. Have you seen the size of the machete? And the number of rifles and guns and pistols they have? Just amazing!

There are a couple of million illegal firearms out there in Thailand. It is enough when only few hundred thugs join the UDD in BKK to create this mess. But UDD invited them, thinking they could attract people by showing strength and power.

It surprises me that courts have not declared UDD an illegal institution yet? Why that? They clearly stepped across a thousand lines of what is legal in Thailand.

I did not (and do not) support the yellow shirts either but their protests were at least fairly civilized. I was at their rally sites a couple of times - no violence, no thugs half naked and drunk, no rifles, no fires. Their speeches were loud and narrow-minded too, but, they never threatened war, death and destruction or hunting down members of the PPP-government.

Swedes are not known for their endowment...

Actually, we are.

But that is neither here nor there.

Thought I would bring over some facts from the article:

Mr. Henrik Christian Koch (41) - German decendant name.

What they found in his room:

Girlfriend, Miss Paweena Srimueng (22)

1.5g of Ya-Ice, 10.5g of cocaine, 1 Ya-Ba pill, 1 Ya-E pill, and 0.5g of Ya-K

a variety of sex toys, Bt500,000 in cash and a .38 calibre pistol with 9 rounds

That is a lot of blow. At 3.5k per G, the street value of the cocaine alone is 36 million. (His income would be lower, but still...)

Not sure what Ya-Ice is. If normal Ice, the street value at 3k per G his 1.5kg is worth 4.5 million baht.

My bet: 30+ years in prison for him.

Hey - "Bangkok Hilton" hasn't been published in Swedish language yet

Look at this and make up your own minds, this is the true intellect of the people the Government has to deal with. what are the red excuses for this? Photshop? fake red? DISGUSTING !!!

Does the kid even understands the conflict? NO! His red parents just put him there.

Looks like the kid knows the seriousness of his young desperate life... Look here.

http://twitpic.com/1ojv9w