Thai Junta Chief Calls For Emergency Rule In Bangkok

[Jai Dee]

Political paralysis looms for military-ruled Thailand

Military-ruled Thailand is bracing for political paralysis as crises loom over a new constitution and the fate of its main parties ahead of elections later this year, analysts said.

The army installed government was initially welcomed when the military ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra in a September coup, with the public hopeful for stability after months of street protests demanding his ouster.

But the good feelings have faded as the government has come under increasing criticism over a number of policy miscues, including its economic management and an escalating insurgency in the kingdom's Muslim-majority south.

Anti-junta protests have become more frequent and allies of Thaksin -- who has remained in self-exile abroad since the putsch -- plan to rally against the government on Friday, with experts warning of bigger demonstrations ahead.

"We are in a transitional period for Thai politics," said political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn.

"The political situation here in the next few months is very fragile and quite unstable," he said, citing uncertainty over Thailand's two biggest political parties and the new constitution, drafted by a junta appointed committee.

The Constitutional Court is set to rule on vote fraud charges against Thaksin's political party -- Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) -- and the country's main opposition Democrat Party on May 30.

If found guilty, the parties would be dissolved and the party executives banned from politics for five years, meaning prominent leaders could not run in December polls promised by the junta.

Michael Nelson, politics lecturer at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University, said if an election went ahead after the dissolution of the parties, Thailand would likely be governed by minor political players.

"The entire level of Thai political leadership would be sent to the political wilderness. You would have parties without leadership ... who will be qualified to sit in the cabinet?" Nelson said.

Another potential crisis may come from the draft constitution, which was unveiled last week, as the junta scrapped the 1997 constitution following the September power-grab.

One of the more controversial clauses in the new charter is that the Senate will be appointed, rather than elected as it was under the 1997 constitution.

The new constitution will go before Thailand's first-ever referendum in September, but activists are already calling for its rejection, seeing it as the junta's attempt to curtail the role of the electorate.

Panitan said the constitutional referendum would also be seen as a referendum on the junta and warned that a "no" vote could result in a serious political crisis.

"The upcoming referendum is simply a verdict on the government. So if the referendum does not pass, the prime minister may have to resign," he said, referring to army-backed Premier Surayud Chulanont, a former general.

If the public turns down the new constitution in the referendum, the junta could choose one of Thailand's previous constitutions, make amendments as they see fit and impose it without another referendum. A rejection will likely delay elections.

"We may see serious political chaos in Thailand as well as a strong confrontation between pro- and anti-junta groups," said Ukrist Pathmanand, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn.

But Panitan and Ukrist agreed that the country's economic slump, caused by post-coup political uncertainty, could pose a bigger threat to the junta.

"People are feeling very frustrated with this government, especially business leaders, because of the slowing Thai economy," said Ukrist.

The government projected in March that the Thai economy would expand just 4.0-5.0 percent in 2007, compared with 5.0 percent in 2006, due to a slump in exports and sluggish private investment.

With no economy-boosting measures from the military-backed government, investors are worried that the Bank of Thailand may revise down its growth forecast to below 4.0 percent in 2007.

Thailand's consumer confidence also remains at a five-year low following the ouster of Thaksin, a pro-business tycoon.

"Our economy is not that strong. If something goes wrong, like a spike in oil prices, it may frustrate the public further," Panitan said.

Source: Editorial from the China Post - 23 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

PTV threat to stage rally at Democracy Monument

Maverick broadcaster PTV may move its anti-junta rally on Friday from Sanam Luang to Democracy Monument after claiming the city government was deliberately scheduling parallel events at the park.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is using the ground for April 23 to May 1 concerts honouring His Majesty the King.

PTV organiser Jatuporn Prompan claimed yesterday the rally would go ahead as scheduled but the venue may be reconsidered in light of the concerts.

He said PTV believed the BMA was deliberately disrupting it by scheduling activities to coincide with its weekly rally. PTV said it should have been informed of the schedule clash when it sought permission to use Sanam Luang.

"The BMA is trying to hide its activities to block our rally. The public can see that when PTV plans to rally at Sanam Luang the BMA holds another activity, every time," Jatuporn said. He alleged the city administration would continue to schedule parallel activities every time PTV sought to demonstrate.

Jatuporn said the Democracy Monument was an alternative to Sanam Luang and City Hall.

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said yesterday that room at Sanam Luang was limited but believed PTV could be accommodated. "We gave permission for the concert before PTV sought to use Sanam Luang. The BMA will talk to PTV in the hope that it will understand."

The Bangkok Governor's spokesman Chanin Rungsaeng said many groups have sought to use Sanam Luang.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

[John K]

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said yesterday that room at Sanam Luang was limited but believed PTV could be accommodated. "We gave permission for the concert before PTV sought to use Sanam Luang. The BMA will talk to PTV in the hope that it will understand."

Just like they understood when the PM addressed their concerns and gave them dates.

[Jai Dee]

Metro Police Chief affirms reconciliation in the PTV demonstration

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn Nonsi, says peaceful means will be used against the PTV rally.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn had a meeting with the Royal Thai Army and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to evaluate the PTV demonstration on April 27th. He says the police will closely watch the demonstrators’ movement. He says the PTV will announce its purpose of staging a rally on April 26th. He says the PTV also has questions about the new charter draft and have called for the initially opinion on some articles of the constitution drafts and have call for public voices.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Adisorn says the Buddhist monk gathering in front of the Parliament demands the government to declare Buddhism as the national religion in the charter. The Metro Police will provide security to the demonstration and the general public as well as preventing the intruders or ill-intentioned people from creating disorder.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Sonthi will join Cabinet meeting this week to discuss internal security and classified issues

Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin will join the Cabinet meeting this week. will join in the cabinet meeting this week while the TITV will be one of the cabinet meeting agenda.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will chair the Cabinet meeting together with CNS Chairman Sonthi. The meeting will discuss issues relating to internal security and the mission of the CNS.

Another agenda of this meeting is the T-iTV case. The Prime Minister's Office Minister, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan, will propose the case to the Cabinet meeting. The Cabinet will consider whether T-iTV will operate as a public or fee television station.

Meanwhile, Gen. Surayud will propose the Public Hearing enactment and will discuss the Petrochemical and Energy Industry plan. At the same time, the Ministry of Justice will propose the memorandum of an understanding on the exchange of financial information. The Labour Ministry will discuss the issuance of ministerial regulations of students’ work shifts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 April 2007

[Mid]

Political paralysis looms for military-ruled Thailand

JHC ,

<deleted> have we got now ???????

[Jai Dee]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

[hammered]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

[blaze]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

Was there a PTV rally last night? Was this reported in any other media?

Edited April 24, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

Was there a PTV rally last night?

Thats not the point. Wouldnt any group want to distance itself from an act of violence that it benefited from? That would seem reasonable. Some singers and dancers have been abused at least by a gang of thugs. The result of this is that PTV can hold their rally at Sanam Luang. Surely at least a comment disassocciating themselves from this act should be made with a call for anyone who knows who the thugs were to come forward.

[blaze]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

Was there a PTV rally last night?

Thats not the point. Wouldnt any group want to distance itself from an act of violence that it benefited from? That would seem reasonable. Some singers and dancers have been abused at least by a gang of thugs. The result of this is that PTV can hold their rally at Sanam Luang. Surely at least a comment disassocciating themselves from this act should be made with a call for anyone who knows who the thugs were to come forward.

Yes, I would think so- but on what basis do we assume that these thugs were supporters of TRT/PTV? Simply because they called themselves 'Thai patriots'? (Im confident that the junta has its share of patriots). That it benefited PTV may be completely coincidental. In fact these kind of acts hurt organizers of demos more than they help them. I would like to know a lot more before jumping to any conclusions (not you Hammered, but there are some who I am willing to bet will say these were goons hired by Thaksin personally- when in fact they might have been simply expressing their opinions about the quality of the music- or more scarily, reacting to a performance that they saw as damaging- to the junta).

I don't know and will reserve judgement till I know more.

But yes, the PTV has to dissociate itself from this kind of thing- and quick. If they ever expect to be allowed to hold legal rallies. Because with this kind of reporting- which again comes precipitously close to little more than rumor (how do the reporters KNOW this even occurred- were they even there? And if so why wasn't this front page news- it IS significant) will cause the PTV to lose any shreds of credibility that it has.

Edited April 24, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

Was there a PTV rally last night?

Thats not the point. Wouldnt any group want to distance itself from an act of violence that it benefited from? That would seem reasonable. Some singers and dancers have been abused at least by a gang of thugs. The result of this is that PTV can hold their rally at Sanam Luang. Surely at least a comment disassocciating themselves from this act should be made with a call for anyone who knows who the thugs were to come forward.

Yes, I would think so- but on what basis do we assume that these thugs were supporters of TRT/PTV? Simply because they called themselves 'Thai patriots'? (Im confident that the junta has its share of patriots). That it benefited PTV may be completely coincidental. In fact these kind of acts hurt organizers of demos more than they help them. I would like to know a lot more before jumping to any conclusions (not you Hammered, but there are some who I am willing to bet will say these were goons hired by Thaksin personally- when in fact they might have been simply expressing their opinions about the quality of the music- or more scarily, reacting to a performance that they saw as damaging- to the junta).

I don't know and will reserve judgement till I know more.

But yes, the PTV has to dissociate itself from this kind of thing- and quick. If they ever expect to be allowed to hold legal rallies. Because with this kind of reporting- which again comes precipitously close to little more than rumor (how do the reporters KNOW this even occurred- were they even there? And if so why wasn't this front page news- it IS significant) will cause the PTV to lose any shreds of credibility that it has.

Personally I havent got a clue who the thugs were linked to or sympathise with, and thanks for comment. It is just about condemning an act on a seemingly innocent troupe of performers. If you benefit from something bad, even if you were not involved in the bad thing, to condemn that act goes a long way. To not condemn shows arrogance or lack of feeling at best. Maybe they will make a comment. It is early days on this incident although I have a feeling we will not hear much more on it. Anyway we will probably have more opportunities to judge PTV and their intentions over the coming months as well as the intentions of a myriad of other groups for and against just about everything.

[blaze]

PTV allowed to rally at Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration agreed on Tuesday to allow PTV satellite TV operator to organise an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Friday.

BMA Governor Apirak Kosayothin announced the approval after a meeting with senior metropolitan police officers.

Apirak said the BMA agreed to cancel its concert Friday night to allow the PTV to use Sanam Luang for its demonstration.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

Was there a PTV rally last night?

Thats not the point. Wouldnt any group want to distance itself from an act of violence that it benefited from? That would seem reasonable. Some singers and dancers have been abused at least by a gang of thugs. The result of this is that PTV can hold their rally at Sanam Luang. Surely at least a comment disassocciating themselves from this act should be made with a call for anyone who knows who the thugs were to come forward.

Yes, I would think so- but on what basis do we assume that these thugs were supporters of TRT/PTV? Simply because they called themselves 'Thai patriots'? (Im confident that the junta has its share of patriots). That it benefited PTV may be completely coincidental. In fact these kind of acts hurt organizers of demos more than they help them. I would like to know a lot more before jumping to any conclusions (not you Hammered, but there are some who I am willing to bet will say these were goons hired by Thaksin personally- when in fact they might have been simply expressing their opinions about the quality of the music- or more scarily, reacting to a performance that they saw as damaging- to the junta).

I don't know and will reserve judgement till I know more.

But yes, the PTV has to dissociate itself from this kind of thing- and quick. If they ever expect to be allowed to hold legal rallies. Because with this kind of reporting- which again comes precipitously close to little more than rumor (how do the reporters KNOW this even occurred- were they even there? And if so why wasn't this front page news- it IS significant) will cause the PTV to lose any shreds of credibility that it has.

Personally I havent got a clue who the thugs were linked to or sympathise with, and thanks for comment. It is just about condemning an act on a seemingly innocent troupe of performers. If you benefit from something bad, even if you were not involved in the bad thing, to condemn that act goes a long way. To not condemn shows arrogance or lack of feeling at best. Maybe they will make a comment. It is early days on this incident although I have a feeling we will not hear much more on it. Anyway we will probably have more opportunities to judge PTV and their intentions over the coming months as well as the intentions of a myriad of other groups for and against just about everything.

At times like these, so much hinges on the press. Until this year, I had very high opinions of the English press in Bangkok. But that was because until this year, never have I seen a time when accuracy and veracity and good old fashioned investigative reporting has been so vital- and in such pitifully short supply.

So often it seems like stories are concocted around the water cooler. Sources un-named- rumors reported as news- opinion as fact- oh well- we have to make do with what we have- and hope the hel_l that someday the historians will be able to make some sense of all this.

Edited April 24, 2007 by blaze

[sriracha john]

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is using the ground for April 23 to May 1 concerts honouring His Majesty the King.

He said the approval was aimed at preventing more violence, like what happened Monday night.

A group of people, who called themselves Thai patriots, gathered in front of the concert stage Monday night and pelted objects at dancers and singers, prompting the concert to be stopped sooner than scheduled.

Source: The Nation - 24 April 2007

A totally reprehensible act indeed. Also a worrying devlopment. Lets hope it is roundly condemned especially by PTV who it seemed to benefit. A statement that we would hand over our followers to the relevent authorites if they did this would be start.

Was there a PTV rally last night?

Thats not the point. Wouldnt any group want to distance itself from an act of violence that it benefited from? That would seem reasonable. Some singers and dancers have been abused at least by a gang of thugs. The result of this is that PTV can hold their rally at Sanam Luang. Surely at least a comment disassocciating themselves from this act should be made with a call for anyone who knows who the thugs were to come forward.

Yes, I would think so- but on what basis do we assume that these thugs were supporters of TRT/PTV? Simply because they called themselves 'Thai patriots'? (Im confident that the junta has its share of patriots). That it benefited PTV may be completely coincidental. In fact these kind of acts hurt organizers of demos more than they help them. I would like to know a lot more before jumping to any conclusions (not you Hammered, but there are some who I am willing to bet will say these were goons hired by Thaksin personally- when in fact they might have been simply expressing their opinions about the quality of the music- or more scarily, reacting to a performance that they saw as damaging- to the junta).

I don't know and will reserve judgement till I know more.

But yes, the PTV has to dissociate itself from this kind of thing- and quick. If they ever expect to be allowed to hold legal rallies. Because with this kind of reporting- which again comes precipitously close to little more than rumor (how do the reporters KNOW this even occurred- were they even there? And if so why wasn't this front page news- it IS significant) will cause the PTV to lose any shreds of credibility that it has.

Personally I havent got a clue who the thugs were linked to or sympathise with, and thanks for comment. It is just about condemning an act on a seemingly innocent troupe of performers. If you benefit from something bad, even if you were not involved in the bad thing, to condemn that act goes a long way. To not condemn shows arrogance or lack of feeling at best. Maybe they will make a comment. It is early days on this incident although I have a feeling we will not hear much more on it. Anyway we will probably have more opportunities to judge PTV and their intentions over the coming months as well as the intentions of a myriad of other groups for and against just about everything.

At times like these, so much hinges on the press. Until this year, I had very high opinions of the English press in Bangkok. But that was because until this year, never have I seen a time when accuracy and veracity and good old fashioned investigative reporting has been so vital- and in such pitifully short supply.

So often it seems like stories are concocted around the water cooler. Sources un-named- rumors reported as news- opinion as fact- oh well- we have to make do with what we have- and hope the hel_l that someday the historians will be able to make some sense of all this.

Sorry to have come onto this thread late (the same article was on another thread)....

but anyway, the most reprehensible part of the thuggery and concert termination in my opinion was that the concert was given, in the first place, in order to honor........ (as per the first quote in this post)

[Plus]

Media reporting has always been that way - what gets in the press is a bite sized bullet-proof face saving version of the truth.

It is reliable within its own limits, like a blind man describing the elephant - he does not lie and what he observes is true but it's far from the whole picture.

You should know media limits and how things work here.

Take the New Year bomb at the Major Ratchayotin Cinema - at first they didn't report the name of the restaurant but now they allow to mention McDonalds in passing. Why? I can only guess.

Or a more recent case - on Sunday Nation front page there were photos from a supercar rally - Ferraris and Lamborginis and so on. What the Nation didn't report at all was that the picture of a burning car on the second page was actually one fo the cars from the front page rally after having a high speed collision.

They didn't report it on Sunday but printed a letter explaining this on Tuesday. Why? I can only guess.

[John K]

At least outward appearance it was PTV / TRT / Thaksin being a bit of a bully to get the site they wanted. I can’t say for sure but it is inside predictable parameters. To go and assault performers while performing is very low. Thaksin has gone much lower and it still is a bit hard to comprehend that he could find new lows beyond what I could consider and it has been 7 months.

I don’t know if you caught the phrase the police with deal with PTV. I don’ exactly know what that means but one can only guess at this point.

[Jai Dee]

CNS ready to implement Emergency Decree if protests turn violent

The Council for National Security (CNS) is prepared to declare a state of emergency should protests on April 27 turn violent.

The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security, Col Sansern Kaewkamnert (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด), voiced his confidence that an upcoming protest by PTV television network employees scheduled for April 27 would not turn violent. Col Sansern affirmed that the CNS would be ready for unexpected events, and is prepared to implement the Emergency Decree should the need arise.

The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security revealed that security precautions would be the responbility of police officers, and that Army troops would not step in unless necessary.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

[John K]

I don’t know what thread it is in but the PTV / TRT was supporting a national religion. In today’s Bangkok post the Junta also supports it. What a great way to take the wind out of the sails of the PTV / TRT. I am truly curious as to if and how they will respond or completely drop the topic.

[hammered]

I don’t know what thread it is in but the PTV / TRT was supporting a national religion. In today’s Bangkok post the Junta also supports it. What a great way to take the wind out of the sails of the PTV / TRT. I am truly curious as to if and how they will respond or completely drop the topic.

It is nice to see The Junta and PTV agree on something. It is a shame it had to be on such a reactionary issue. Well the chances of the constitution being passed have just gone up as have the chances of the south deteriorating further. I wonder what the so-called leftists will make of all this?

Mind you, The UK with state religion tends to have a far more secular minded population than the US with no state religion, so maybe it is a case of be careful what you wish for.

[blaze]

I don’t know what thread it is in but the PTV / TRT was supporting a national religion. In today’s Bangkok post the Junta also supports it. What a great way to take the wind out of the sails of the PTV / TRT. I am truly curious as to if and how they will respond or completely drop the topic.

I wonder what the so-called leftists will make of all this?

I don't know if that crack is intended to bait- but I'll bite (though leftist is a pretty relative term).

"If a stipulation in the charter to this effect leads to peace in the country, then it is better that it is included. Those who say there is no need for such a stipulation don't take the issue that seriously," said Gen Sonthi.

I think that to include this clause as a response to a single temporal issue is a mistake- but hey- this constitution isn't going to be around for long- so why not?

[John K]

I can see your point blaze and hammered, it does tend to give the animals one less leg of legitimacy in Thailand. I can almost see that this is both reactive and proactive at the same time. I am sure it would have never been brought up if it was not for the fighting in the south.

[hammered]

I don’t know what thread it is in but the PTV / TRT was supporting a national religion. In today’s Bangkok post the Junta also supports it. What a great way to take the wind out of the sails of the PTV / TRT. I am truly curious as to if and how they will respond or completely drop the topic.

I wonder what the so-called leftists will make of all this?

I don't know if that crack is intended to bait- but I'll bite (though leftist is a pretty relative term).

"If a stipulation in the charter to this effect leads to peace in the country, then it is better that it is included. Those who say there is no need for such a stipulation don't take the issue that seriously," said Gen Sonthi.

I think that to include this clause as a response to a single temporal issue is a mistake- but hey- this constitution isn't going to be around for long- so why not?

Just to clarify. The question as with most of my questions like that was not aimed at anybody on this board unless of course they are Thai "lefitsts". It was a general lets see how the so called Thai left react to this. Personally I am a bit disappointed in anybody supposedly on the left of Thai politics to date. They either seem to excuse one regime or the other rather than come up with original stuff, but maybe it is still early days in the development of a left wing in Thai politics. Then again maybe this is their opportunity to make a principled stand on an issue on which the other protagonists suddenly find themselves in a greement. We will see.

[Jai Dee]

CNS Chairman says security units will be prepared for PTV demonstration

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has the authority to decide whether the People’s Television (PTV) group will be able to use Sanam Luang as a stage for demonstration.

Gen. Sonthi says the security units will take care of the order during the PTV demonstration after the BMA has allowed the demonstrators to express their ideas in Sanam Luang. He says once the decision has been made, the security units will have to be prepared and find ways to deal with unforeseen situations.

Gen. Sonthi says the BMA will be the agency that will determine whether small mobs are able to stage their protests in the future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM affirms to keep peace and prevent chaos

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont affirms he will resort to peaceful means to prevent chaos in the country.

In an attempt to prevent possible turbulence in the month of May, the Cabinet acknowledges the matter and is seeking solution. The premier says negotiation is considered as the first solution for problems and help avoiding the confrontations.

As for the enactment of Buddhist as the national religion, the premier says the matter can be compromised, affirming the government gives chance to people for amending the draft of new Constitution.

In regard to the PTV movements, the government primarily concern security during PTV’s rally to prevent negative consequences.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

[hammered]

CNS Chairman says security units will be prepared for PTV demonstration

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, says the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has the authority to decide whether the People’s Television (PTV) group will be able to use Sanam Luang as a stage for demonstration.

Gen. Sonthi says the security units will take care of the order during the PTV demonstration after the BMA has allowed the demonstrators to express their ideas in Sanam Luang. He says once the decision has been made, the security units will have to be prepared and find ways to deal with unforeseen situations.

Gen. Sonthi says the BMA will be the agency that will determine whether small mobs are able to stage their protests in the future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 April 2007

You always seem to get these announcements by the authorities before rallies. It happened back in the PAD days too. Talk of security, states of emergency, third forces etc. I have always felt they were designed to keep numbers low by scaring people. From what I know it worked well on the PAD and does too with PTV. I hope this is what it is about as violence is really not needed.

[blaze]

I don’t know what thread it is in but the PTV / TRT was supporting a national religion. In today’s Bangkok post the Junta also supports it. What a great way to take the wind out of the sails of the PTV / TRT. I am truly curious as to if and how they will respond or completely drop the topic.

I wonder what the so-called leftists will make of all this?

I don't know if that crack is intended to bait- but I'll bite (though leftist is a pretty relative term).

"If a stipulation in the charter to this effect leads to peace in the country, then it is better that it is included. Those who say there is no need for such a stipulation don't take the issue that seriously," said Gen Sonthi.

I think that to include this clause as a response to a single temporal issue is a mistake- but hey- this constitution isn't going to be around for long- so why not?

Just to clarify. The question as with most of my questions like that was not aimed at anybody on this board unless of course they are Thai "lefitsts". It was a general lets see how the so called Thai left react to this. Personally I am a bit disappointed in anybody supposedly on the left of Thai politics to date. They either seem to excuse one regime or the other rather than come up with original stuff, but maybe it is still early days in the development of a left wing in Thai politics. Then again maybe this is their opportunity to make a principled stand on an issue on which the other protagonists suddenly find themselves in a greement. We will see.

Agree with the disappointment about the Thail left (is there such a thing- aside from a couple of lone academics?- or is it that, as in many countries with big money contolling the media, they are simply ignored.)

But on the question of a state religion- I think that it would be of little interest to the left. Or to the fiscal conservatives (those whose god is money and more of it).

Who it would, I expect, be of interest to, is the Moslems in the south. Not the beheaders- but the average rubber-tapper. I can not see how this will make them feel any more 'welcome' in the Kingdom. At best they will be guest/citizens- enjoying the protection of the state. Will they be satisfied with that?

I would like to envision a state with Buddhism as its established faith, a place where policies are guided by and enforced with the humanism, compassion and wisdom advocated by the Buddah. (And not one where ministries are created for the purpose of contolling the blessing of amulets, say, for instance...)

[John K]

Mods, this is getting very confusing, should not this thread be closed and referred to Sonthi warns of crisis in May?

[Plus]

I thought there was another thread about this topic, but since I can't easily find it....

I don't see a problem with declaring Buddhism a state religion. The reality is 90% of Thais consider themselves buddhists, the King is officially a protector of Buddhism (and all other religions, too), Buddhism has never been confined to private life of Thais and until recently wats have been centers of all social life.

Why then the representative government should excude that aspect of Thai society altogether and become secular? Who would it represent?

The government intrudes in people's personal lives in many ways - controlling what people drink and what people wear, what can they read on the Internet and at what time teenagers can play computer games, yet when people ASK the government to take care of their religion, it suddenly becomes libertarian.

So, as a principle, I don't see a problem with defining relations between religion and the government in Constitution.

How exactly this relationship should be defined is too early to say. Other religions have not been severy prosecuted so far, there's no case for worry yet.

>>>>>>>>

Look at the case of a street justice when Erawan shrine was destroyed. In society's eyes justice has been served, in secular law's eyes it was directly opposite. The question is - why secular law should be imposed on Thais when they clearly don't want it? They need the law they all agree to follow.

>>>>>>>

I don't know about lefties but the Nation has been running editorials and opinion pieces against state religion for quite a while now.

[John K]

Plus I thought I saw it in the Buddhism forum when I did a search today.

[Plus]

I just checked the Buddhist forum, it's there alright, though as a political news issue there's no reason it can't be discussed here.