Thai Junta Chief Calls For Emergency Rule In Bangkok

[blaze]

I would interpret Saturday Voice's Wiputhalaeng's request to Mr. T as indicative of the fact that Thaksin DOES finance the group. The usual 180 degree turn by Thaksin is being used here.

Saturday Voice... That name rang a bell.

Saturday, voice...

Thaksin's voice, Saturdays, his morning radio show.

They miss that?

So if I ask you for money, the mere act of my requesting would show that prior to my request, you had already given me money? Interesting logic.

But the Saturday Voice thing--- hmmm. Maybe you're on to something there.

On the money thing. it depends how you read it (in English).

He called for the public and Mr T to both now provide money, or he called on the public to now provide money as Mr. T already did. The sentence in English can actually be read both ways looking at it again. I guess we should go for the actual Thai original to clarify this. No point having a diference of meaning over what is already an interpretation.

Uh...huh. Hammered, I think you are sufficiently familiar with the English language to understand that statement as written. If you are saying the statement is a misquote- or the result of poor translation- then - I would have to rely on trusted translators to even know that there has in fact been a coup in this country.

Regardless- the appeal to Thaksin does look suspect. At best impolitic- at worst- as you guys have suggested, that Saturdayvoice is a front group for the Thaksin. Though I personally would need more evidence to cement the link. Poor old Takky- with friends like Noppy and this bunch- who needs enemies?!

[blaze]

I would interpret Saturday Voice's Wiputhalaeng's request to Mr. T as indicative of the fact that Thaksin DOES finance the group. The usual 180 degree turn by Thaksin is being used here.

Saturday Voice... That name rang a bell.

Saturday, voice...

Thaksin's voice, Saturdays, his morning radio show.

They miss that?

So if I ask you for money, the mere act of my requesting would show that prior to my request, you had already given me money? Interesting logic.

But the Saturday Voice thing--- hmmm. Maybe you're on to something there.

On the money thing. it depends how you read it (in English).

He called for the public and Mr T to both now provide money, or he called on the public to now provide money as Mr. T already did. The sentence in English can actually be read both ways looking at it again. I guess we should go for the actual Thai original to clarify this. No point having a diference of meaning over what is already an interpretation.

Uh...huh. Hammered, I think you are sufficiently familiar with the English language to understand that statement as written. If you are saying the statement is a misquote- or the result of poor translation- then - I would have to rely on trusted translators to even know that there has in fact been a coup in this country.

Regardless- the appeal to Thaksin does look suspect. At best impolitic- at worst- as you guys have suggested, that Saturdayvoice is a front group for the Thaksin. Though I personally would need more evidence to cement the link. Poor old Takky- with friends like Noppy and this bunch- who needs enemies?!

Whoops, my apologies, in rereading it, I can see how one could actually make the assumption that you and Tony have made about the statement.

[hammered]

I would interpret Saturday Voice's Wiputhalaeng's request to Mr. T as indicative of the fact that Thaksin DOES finance the group. The usual 180 degree turn by Thaksin is being used here.

Saturday Voice... That name rang a bell.

Saturday, voice...

Thaksin's voice, Saturdays, his morning radio show.

They miss that?

So if I ask you for money, the mere act of my requesting would show that prior to my request, you had already given me money? Interesting logic.

But the Saturday Voice thing--- hmmm. Maybe you're on to something there.

On the money thing. it depends how you read it (in English).

He called for the public and Mr T to both now provide money, or he called on the public to now provide money as Mr. T already did. The sentence in English can actually be read both ways looking at it again. I guess we should go for the actual Thai original to clarify this. No point having a diference of meaning over what is already an interpretation.

Uh...huh. Hammered, I think you are sufficiently familiar with the English language to understand that statement as written. If you are saying the statement is a misquote- or the result of poor translation- then - I would have to rely on trusted translators to even know that there has in fact been a coup in this country.

Regardless- the appeal to Thaksin does look suspect. At best impolitic- at worst- as you guys have suggested, that Saturdayvoice is a front group for the Thaksin. Though I personally would need more evidence to cement the link. Poor old Takky- with friends like Noppy and this bunch- who needs enemies?!

Whoops, my apologies, in rereading it, I can see how one could actually make the assumption that you and Tony have made about the statement.

No worries. When I first saw another interpretation of the sentence I had to go back. I was surprised when initially reading it as an admission that Mr. T had funded them thinking surely they couldnt have admitted that. Anyway the Thai will no doubt shed some light and I would guess my initial reading of the meaning was wrong just becasue of my initial surprise. However, anything is possible and some of the factions supposedly trying to help Mr. T are certainly not as slick and PR savvy as the old TRT machine used to be.

[blaze]

I would interpret Saturday Voice's Wiputhalaeng's request to Mr. T as indicative of the fact that Thaksin DOES finance the group. The usual 180 degree turn by Thaksin is being used here.

Saturday Voice... That name rang a bell.

Saturday, voice...

Thaksin's voice, Saturdays, his morning radio show.

They miss that?

So if I ask you for money, the mere act of my requesting would show that prior to my request, you had already given me money? Interesting logic.

But the Saturday Voice thing--- hmmm. Maybe you're on to something there.

On the money thing. it depends how you read it (in English).

He called for the public and Mr T to both now provide money, or he called on the public to now provide money as Mr. T already did. The sentence in English can actually be read both ways looking at it again. I guess we should go for the actual Thai original to clarify this. No point having a diference of meaning over what is already an interpretation.

Uh...huh. Hammered, I think you are sufficiently familiar with the English language to understand that statement as written. If you are saying the statement is a misquote- or the result of poor translation- then - I would have to rely on trusted translators to even know that there has in fact been a coup in this country.

Regardless- the appeal to Thaksin does look suspect. At best impolitic- at worst- as you guys have suggested, that Saturdayvoice is a front group for the Thaksin. Though I personally would need more evidence to cement the link. Poor old Takky- with friends like Noppy and this bunch- who needs enemies?!

Whoops, my apologies, in rereading it, I can see how one could actually make the assumption that you and Tony have made about the statement.

No worries. When I first saw another interpretation of the sentence I had to go back. I was surprised when initially reading it as an admission that Mr. T had funded them thinking surely they couldnt have admitted that. Anyway the Thai will no doubt shed some light and I would guess my initial reading of the meaning was wrong just becasue of my initial surprise. However, anything is possible and some of the factions supposedly trying to help Mr. T are certainly not as slick and PR savvy as the old TRT machine used to be.

I think we got 'er now. From today's Nation, an article called "Saturday Group Keeps up heat on Prem":

"Commenting on claims that his group received financial backing from the ousted government, he said he wanted to invite the public, including ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra and the military, to contribute funds "to advance

democracy'."

Somehow, that little phrase 'and the military' seems to have gotten lost in the Post report submitted by John.

By the way, "he' here, refers to the same Wiputhalaeng as the Post report.

According to this article, the key guy in Saturdayvoice is Nopporn Namchiangtai. Does anybody know anything about him? In the hard copy of the paper, either he or W provided a rather academic and 'big picture' analysis of why they are after Prem- they sounded to me like.... socialists!!!! (run for the hills!)

Edited April 5, 2007 by blaze

[John K]

Keep rally peaceful, PTV told

Acting national Police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej told PTV executives yesterday to keep their rally on Sunday peaceful and within the law, because a "third party" might be seeking to use them to create turmoil.

Seripisut met with Jatuporn Phrompan and Jakrapob Penkair to tell them not to violate the rights of others or resort to violence during the protest at Sanam Luang, as a show of merit for His Majesty the King. He said he sought cooperation from PTV because he did

not want the country rocked by political sabotage from ill-intentioned elements, like the bombers who hit the capital last New Year's Eve.

He accepted a complaint lodged by PTV against 58 illegal satellite-television stations and said he would look into it.

"Police don't discriminate and act only against PTV. We must be fair with everyone, and PTV seems satisfied with my promise."

Jakrapob said PTV agreed to ensure the upcoming demonstration was orderly because the country was celebrating the King's auspicious year.

"We also don't want to irritate His Majesty, and we agree to rally in peace," he said.

PTV will continue its rallies until its demands are met, he said. First, PTV wants the right to operate a satellite channel like the other 58 stations do.

Seripisut also agreed to allow PTV to join the panel restructuring the satellite-television sector, he said.

PTV has already sought permission from Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to use Sanam Luang.

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said PTV could use the area on condition that it did not use high-powered loudspeakers, build a stage or stay overnight. Only a pickup was allowed.

If PTV does not follow the rules, it will not be allowed to use the grounds again.

Source; The nation.

Can someone please tell me again what the reason for the rallies are? It seems to have been lost in the cloud of conflict.

[hammered]

Keep rally peaceful, PTV told

Acting national Police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej told PTV executives yesterday to keep their rally on Sunday peaceful and within the law, because a "third party" might be seeking to use them to create turmoil.

Seripisut met with Jatuporn Phrompan and Jakrapob Penkair to tell them not to violate the rights of others or resort to violence during the protest at Sanam Luang, as a show of merit for His Majesty the King. He said he sought cooperation from PTV because he did

not want the country rocked by political sabotage from ill-intentioned elements, like the bombers who hit the capital last New Year's Eve.

He accepted a complaint lodged by PTV against 58 illegal satellite-television stations and said he would look into it.

"Police don't discriminate and act only against PTV. We must be fair with everyone, and PTV seems satisfied with my promise."

Jakrapob said PTV agreed to ensure the upcoming demonstration was orderly because the country was celebrating the King's auspicious year.

"We also don't want to irritate His Majesty, and we agree to rally in peace," he said.

PTV will continue its rallies until its demands are met, he said. First, PTV wants the right to operate a satellite channel like the other 58 stations do.

Seripisut also agreed to allow PTV to join the panel restructuring the satellite-television sector, he said.

PTV has already sought permission from Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to use Sanam Luang.

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said PTV could use the area on condition that it did not use high-powered loudspeakers, build a stage or stay overnight. Only a pickup was allowed.

If PTV does not follow the rules, it will not be allowed to use the grounds again.

Source; The nation.

Can someone please tell me again what the reason for the rallies are? It seems to have been lost in the cloud of conflict.

The reason for the PTV rallies is to keep the profile of TRT up. This actually presents big problems for any genuine pro-democracy groups who want to rally for the greater good of democracy, but who dont want to end up just being seen as TRT fronts.

[blaze]

Keep rally peaceful, PTV told

Acting national Police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej told PTV executives yesterday to keep their rally on Sunday peaceful and within the law, because a "third party" might be seeking to use them to create turmoil.

Seripisut met with Jatuporn Phrompan and Jakrapob Penkair to tell them not to violate the rights of others or resort to violence during the protest at Sanam Luang, as a show of merit for His Majesty the King. He said he sought cooperation from PTV because he did

not want the country rocked by political sabotage from ill-intentioned elements, like the bombers who hit the capital last New Year's Eve.

He accepted a complaint lodged by PTV against 58 illegal satellite-television stations and said he would look into it.

"Police don't discriminate and act only against PTV. We must be fair with everyone, and PTV seems satisfied with my promise."

Jakrapob said PTV agreed to ensure the upcoming demonstration was orderly because the country was celebrating the King's auspicious year.

"We also don't want to irritate His Majesty, and we agree to rally in peace," he said.

PTV will continue its rallies until its demands are met, he said. First, PTV wants the right to operate a satellite channel like the other 58 stations do.

Seripisut also agreed to allow PTV to join the panel restructuring the satellite-television sector, he said.

PTV has already sought permission from Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to use Sanam Luang.

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said PTV could use the area on condition that it did not use high-powered loudspeakers, build a stage or stay overnight. Only a pickup was allowed.

If PTV does not follow the rules, it will not be allowed to use the grounds again.

Source; The nation.

Can someone please tell me again what the reason for the rallies are? It seems to have been lost in the cloud of conflict.

...This actually presents big problems for any genuine pro-democracy groups who want to rally for the greater good of democracy, but who dont want to end up just being seen as TRT fronts.

Agree 100%. While the pro-democracy groups might benefit in the short term by coat-tailing on the PTV rallies (more efficient organization, larger audiences etc), in the long term it will probably work against them.

I wish I knew what the pro-democracy stance on the legitimacy of PTV to operate is. I assume but don't know, that these groups support the right of PTV to broadcast (to them, a free speech issue) and in that sense, maybe only that sense, they support the espoused goals of the PTV demonstrations. (but not nescessarily the ideological goals of the PTV people).

But it might be very difficult to demand free speech for a specific group (a requisite for those espousing democracy) without, especially in this climate, being seen as one with that group.

Edited April 6, 2007 by blaze

[hammered]

Keep rally peaceful, PTV told

Acting national Police chief General Seripisut Temiyavej told PTV executives yesterday to keep their rally on Sunday peaceful and within the law, because a "third party" might be seeking to use them to create turmoil.

Seripisut met with Jatuporn Phrompan and Jakrapob Penkair to tell them not to violate the rights of others or resort to violence during the protest at Sanam Luang, as a show of merit for His Majesty the King. He said he sought cooperation from PTV because he did

not want the country rocked by political sabotage from ill-intentioned elements, like the bombers who hit the capital last New Year's Eve.

He accepted a complaint lodged by PTV against 58 illegal satellite-television stations and said he would look into it.

"Police don't discriminate and act only against PTV. We must be fair with everyone, and PTV seems satisfied with my promise."

Jakrapob said PTV agreed to ensure the upcoming demonstration was orderly because the country was celebrating the King's auspicious year.

"We also don't want to irritate His Majesty, and we agree to rally in peace," he said.

PTV will continue its rallies until its demands are met, he said. First, PTV wants the right to operate a satellite channel like the other 58 stations do.

Seripisut also agreed to allow PTV to join the panel restructuring the satellite-television sector, he said.

PTV has already sought permission from Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to use Sanam Luang.

Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said PTV could use the area on condition that it did not use high-powered loudspeakers, build a stage or stay overnight. Only a pickup was allowed.

If PTV does not follow the rules, it will not be allowed to use the grounds again.

Source; The nation.

Can someone please tell me again what the reason for the rallies are? It seems to have been lost in the cloud of conflict.

...This actually presents big problems for any genuine pro-democracy groups who want to rally for the greater good of democracy, but who dont want to end up just being seen as TRT fronts.

Agree 100%. While the pro-democracy groups might benefit in the short term by coat-tailing on the PTV rallies (more efficient organization, larger audiences etc), in the long term it will probably work against them.

I wish I knew what the pro-democracy stance on the legitimacy of PTV to operate is. I assume but don't know, that these groups support the right of PTV to broadcast (to them, a free speech issue) and in that sense, maybe only that sense, they support the espoused goals of the PTV demonstrations. (but not nescessarily the ideological goals of the PTV people).

But it might be very difficult to demand free speech for a specific group (a requisite for those espousing democracy) without, especially in this climate, being seen as one with that group.

We are also not really hearing anything much from the pro-democracy groups right now. All the coverage is linked to PTV. Even the Junta now seem to be willing to let PTV have their rallies although with a few incoveniences. That could be because the controversies may well limit support and crowds have been low anyway. I am sure pro-democracy groups wil support PTV right to assemble but probably need to organize seperately to keep their principles intact in the need to be seen to be white world of politics. In the meantime these who were pre-PTV trying to raise legitimate concerns are pretty much silenced as the power struggle dominates eevrything. Personally I think this is a pity as yes the abuses of the old regime need to be dealt with with and preferably quickly, but we are also entering a new period where a new system will be created and to be honest some debate is needed on this that is not just purely tied into pro and anti TRT positions. Sadly there seems little chance for this to take place right now.

[John K]

See this is where I was getting confused. I was not following in any great detail but I though the rally was because they could not get a broadcast licence or something to that effect.

If it is in actuality just a propaganda tool, then certainly other elements are in play. The ones I can think of is providing more evidence with their loose lips for many of the legal proceedings underway against Thaksin and others.

[hammered]

See this is where I was getting confused. I was not following in any great detail but I though the rally was because they could not get a broadcast licence or something to that effect.

If it is in actuality just a propaganda tool, then certainly other elements are in play. The ones I can think of is providing more evidence with their loose lips for many of the legal proceedings underway against Thaksin and others.

imho it was never about not getting a TV licence. Their first rally was spent almost exclusively attacking the Junta, Gen. Prem and praising the previous government. the only connection with TV is that was probably what they would also broadcast if they got a licence.

[John K]

Yes I see, and I am at a loss as to why a supposedly neutral TV station would want to take sides.

It certainly sounds like Thaksin after June of last year when he stopped trying to hide it was him. By the way where is he hiding, it has been a while.

Sonthi is a smart man and from what I can see clearly smarter than the Leaders of PTV / TRT / Thaksin who are in Thailand. Without Thaksin here to make on the spot real time judgment calls, no doubt they will discover why people who live on farms with animals look at the ground in front of them when walking.

I can’t judge and predict Sonthi as easy as I can Thaksin because I have not seen enough of his personality traits. But so far I think he would be looking at a back door to shut them down if the PM does not want to sign off on it. That back door would be probably finding their propaganda in places where martial law is still in place. If they are soliciting for people to attend rallies in those places, it should be enough to shut them down or more. There are a few examples going on at the moment, namely the “You Tube” issue. Violations of Thai law taking place in Thailand with the perpetrator allegedly acting from a place where it is legal.

[hammered]

Yes I see, and I am at a loss as to why a supposedly neutral TV station would want to take sides.

It certainly sounds like Thaksin after June of last year when he stopped trying to hide it was him. By the way where is he hiding, it has been a while.

Sonthi is a smart man and from what I can see clearly smarter than the Leaders of PTV / TRT / Thaksin who are in Thailand. Without Thaksin here to make on the spot real time judgment calls, no doubt they will discover why people who live on farms with animals look at the ground in front of them when walking.

I can’t judge and predict Sonthi as easy as I can Thaksin because I have not seen enough of his personality traits. But so far I think he would be looking at a back door to shut them down if the PM does not want to sign off on it. That back door would be probably finding their propaganda in places where martial law is still in place. If they are soliciting for people to attend rallies in those places, it should be enough to shut them down or more. There are a few examples going on at the moment, namely the “You Tube” issue. Violations of Thai law taking place in Thailand with the perpetrator allegedly acting from a place where it is legal.

I would think Mr. Thaksin is cringing. The freedom of speech issue PTV wanted to raise is now being tied into things on Youtube that have the potential to lead to mayhem. It is going to be difficult for any Thai politician to call for complete freedom of speech right now without being seen as calling for the right of people to mount attacks on that which should not be attacked.

[John K]

Yes I see, and I am at a loss as to why a supposedly neutral TV station would want to take sides.

It certainly sounds like Thaksin after June of last year when he stopped trying to hide it was him. By the way where is he hiding, it has been a while.

Sonthi is a smart man and from what I can see clearly smarter than the Leaders of PTV / TRT / Thaksin who are in Thailand. Without Thaksin here to make on the spot real time judgment calls, no doubt they will discover why people who live on farms with animals look at the ground in front of them when walking.

I can’t judge and predict Sonthi as easy as I can Thaksin because I have not seen enough of his personality traits. But so far I think he would be looking at a back door to shut them down if the PM does not want to sign off on it. That back door would be probably finding their propaganda in places where martial law is still in place. If they are soliciting for people to attend rallies in those places, it should be enough to shut them down or more. There are a few examples going on at the moment, namely the “You Tube” issue. Violations of Thai law taking place in Thailand with the perpetrator allegedly acting from a place where it is legal.

I would think Mr. Thaksin is cringing. The freedom of speech issue PTV wanted to raise is now being tied into things on Youtube that have the potential to lead to mayhem. It is going to be difficult for any Thai politician to call for complete freedom of speech right now without being seen as calling for the right of people to mount attacks on that which should not be attacked.

Very good call hammered!!! Dead on Target.

[hammered]

Well with the latest PTV demo hosting 1200 people according to an agency report in the Bangkok Post I guess the call for a state of emergency was not needed. 4000 down to 1200 in one week inidicates weakness in support. Maybe the real Democracy groups can now sense that holding their own rallies and making a clear and public break with the PTV events is the way ahead. After all it is shown that PTV cannot attract any significant amount of people infact maybe less than some of the demo groups were organizing on their own before PTV came along.

It also seems the main off stage entertainment was still lampooning and signature gathering against Gen. Prem including by the White Dove group which is linked to Mr. Thaksin. While on stage no new accusations seemed to be announced, and the usual pro-Thaksin rhetoric was still evident from what I have heard. It will be interesting to see where the pro-Thaksin groups go next with their latest tactic floundering.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=117958

The White Dove Groups like of Mr. T and also some of the tensions to say the least beween pro-T anti coup groups and pro-Democracy groups are highlighted in the following article if anyone is interested.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/19...cs_30029636.php

[sriracha john]

Well with the latest PTV demo hosting 1200 people according to an agency report in the Bangkok Post I guess the call for a state of emergency was not needed. 4000 down to 1200 in one week inidicates weakness in support.

Associated Press described the reported attendance as only in the "hundreds"... which further reflects the erosion of paid supporters.

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070408/481/xbk10104081143

When coupled with:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1241000

is Thai Rak Thai having cash flow difficulties?

Edited April 9, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Well with the latest PTV demo hosting 1200 people according to an agency report in the Bangkok Post I guess the call for a state of emergency was not needed. 4000 down to 1200 in one week inidicates weakness in support.

Associated Press described the reported attendance as only in the "hundreds"... which further reflects the erosion of paid supporters.

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070408/481/xbk10104081143

When coupled with:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1241000

is Thai Rak Thai having cash flow difficulties?

Well considering there is a chance they will be wound up by the courts it may be difficult to find anyone willing to fund what may well be a lost cause. I had never thought of this before but are the party's assets at risk if they are wound up?

[Jai Dee]

Pol Lt Gen Adisorn says there are no indications that the PTV's rally violated laws

The Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner indicated that the PTV rally which took place yesterday (April 8) did not violate other people’s right.

Referring to the PTV rally yesterday (April 8), the Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner, Pol Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsri (อดิศรนนทรีย์), has assigned officials to review tapes of the PTV television network's rally, to determine whether the rally did anything deemed to be in violation of the law. He says that authorities are ready to handle any cases of greivance or complaints filed against PTV, and that demonstrators could be prosecuted if necessary.

However, Pol Lt Gen Adisorn said police have not found any points indicating that the PTV rally violated laws.

Pol Lt Gen Adisorn says he has to discuss with Bangkok Governor Apirak Gosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) whether PTV’s use of Sanam Luang without proper authorization would affect future rallies planned by the group.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 April 2007

[Jai Dee]

A woman with a T-shirt reading ‘Thaksin Fight On’ joins the anti-government rally organised by PTV at Sanam Luang yesterday. At the other end of the park, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was officially launching the Songkran festival.

Source: The Nation - 9 April 2007

[John K]

Well with the latest PTV demo hosting 1200 people according to an agency report in the Bangkok Post I guess the call for a state of emergency was not needed. 4000 down to 1200 in one week inidicates weakness in support.

Associated Press described the reported attendance as only in the "hundreds"... which further reflects the erosion of paid supporters.

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070408/481/xbk10104081143

When coupled with:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1241000

is Thai Rak Thai having cash flow difficulties?

It could be much simpler, the petition that may be insulting to HRH my have a bit to do with it, plus the comments that the rallies only look to divide and not unite Thailand, and people who attend my possibly be seen as traitors. Again a bit of from what is endorsed. Perhaps the sheep are not such sheep after all. I guess the die hard or uninformed are there.

[sriracha john]

A woman with a T-shirt reading ‘Thaksin Fight On’ joins the anti-government rally organised by PTV at Sanam Luang yesterday. At the other end of the park, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was officially launching the Songkran festival.

Source: The Nation - 9 April 2007

looks more like she just ate Thaksin...

[sriracha john]

ok, ok... I apologize for the above post...... and I'll try to be more serious in this thread:

Rival PTV, pro-Prem rallies exchange barbs

Satellite-based broadcaster PTV went ahead with its rally at Sanam Luang yesterday only to be condemned by another protest almost 1,000 kilometres away in the southern province of Songkhla. More than 1,000 people calling themselves ''Klong Hae's People'' gathered in Hat Yai district to support Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, a Songkhla native anti-coup groups have accused of masterminding the Sept 19 military coup against the Thaksin administration. They signed a petition supporting Gen Prem and criticised movements which claim the statesman was behind the coup. The targets included PTV and the Saturday Voice group against dictatorship. The Hat Yai rally organisers said they would not let anyone mock Gen Prem. They threatened to continue their weekly rally in Songkhla and to travel to Bangkok if necessary. They lashed out at PTV senior executives Veera Musikapong, Natthawut Saikua and Chatuporn Prompan, branding them ''conceited toads''.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/09Apr2007_news03.php

"conceited toads"... .. :D ... sheesh... it ain't gonna be easy...

Edited April 9, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Well with the latest PTV demo hosting 1200 people according to an agency report in the Bangkok Post I guess the call for a state of emergency was not needed. 4000 down to 1200 in one week inidicates weakness in support.

Associated Press described the reported attendance as only in the "hundreds"... which further reflects the erosion of paid supporters.

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070408/481/xbk10104081143

When coupled with:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1241000

is Thai Rak Thai having cash flow difficulties?

It could be much simpler, the petition that may be insulting to HRH my have a bit to do with it, plus the comments that the rallies only look to divide and not unite Thailand, and people who attend my possibly be seen as traitors. Again a bit of from what is endorsed. Perhaps the sheep are not such sheep after all. I guess the die hard or uninformed are there.

A read of the second older article I linked to reveals intimidation towards anti-coup protestors and spokespeople who were also anti-Thaksin by the pro-Thaksin brigade. It also mentions that official anti-coup demo literature was held back because it also criticised Mr. Thaksin and the organisers didnt want to upset the pro-Thaksin people in the crowd! There was even a suggestion by one group that the literature be burnt (19 Sept group). Now that is not exactly the credentials one would expect from those supposedly campaigning for free speech. The extreme pro-Thaksin group White Dove didnt even join the march to Gen Prem's house because they didnt want anti-Thasin people with them. By now the anti-Thaksin and pro-democracy people are probably staying home either from the quite nasty intimidation they face form the Thaksin brigade or just plain disillusionment.

Article again: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/03/19...cs_30029636.php

Edited April 9, 2007 by hammered

[ColPyat]

Well with the latest PTV demo hosting 1200 people according to an agency report in the Bangkok Post I guess the call for a state of emergency was not needed. 4000 down to 1200 in one week inidicates weakness in support.

I would have guessed the attendance at somewhere around 3000 to 4000 people. It definitely was more than 1200 people. The police also counted around 3000 something.

[sriracha john]

Not that it really matters all that much I suppose, but I guess it'd be interesting to see any sort of corroboration of those figures after seeing much, much smaller numbers reported, eg. The Nation = 1,000; Associated Press = "hundreds"; Bangkok Post = 1,200; AFP = 1,000.

[John K]

Not that it really matters all that much I suppose, but I guess it'd be interesting to see any sort of corroboration of those figures after seeing much, much smaller numbers reported, eg. The Nation = 1,000; Associated Press = "hundreds"; Bangkok Post = 1,200; AFP = 1,000.

I guess it won’t be long before they can fit everyone in the lobby of their new home.

[drummer]

Thais aren't likely to ask for total free speech, not now, and not ever in the forseeable future. There are a few topics that are taboo ...

[Siripon]

Thais aren't likely to ask for total free speech, not now, and not ever in the forseeable future. There are a few topics that are taboo ...

The only taboo topic is criticism of The Royal Family, apart from that everything is discussed, if you can read Thai you would know the government, either Khun Surayud or his ministers; or the CNS, Council Of National Security are reviewed and frequently criticised daily both in the popular press and the qualities.

If you understand Thai then tune into ASTV, Sonthi Limtongkun, railing against the PM for his,(in his view) lethargic approach to Thaksin's misrule.

Discussions on Thai TV refer to every move in present day politics.

[drummer]

Thats not true. For a demonstration, go tell the next monk you see "Kuan dteen!" - in a crowd. See what happens. Besides, the impulse to censor these topics is so strong that it is an active part of Thai foreign policy. I don' see it likely that any Thai calls for total free speech. They don't WANT that.

They do want qualified free speech, though. Politics is one thing that should be free in some areas and heavily censored in others. I don't think anyone, xcept for the primary players, is quite sure where these rallies fall on that spectrum.

My suspicion is that because of the Royal backing, and the apparant alterior motives, that these rallies may very well turn out to be anti-Royal. But, I'm not really sure.

Edited April 9, 2007 by drummer

[hammered]

Thats not true. For a demonstration, go tell the next monk you see "Kuan dteen!" - in a crowd. See what happens. Besides, the impulse to censor these topics is so strong that it is an active part of Thai foreign policy. I don' see it likely that any Thai calls for total free speech. They don't WANT that.

They do want qualified free speech, though. Politics is one thing that should be free in some areas and heavily censored in others. I don't think anyone, xcept for the primary players, is quite sure where these rallies fall on that spectrum.

My suspicion is that because of the Royal backing, and the apparant alterior motives, that these rallies may very well turn out to be anti-Royal. But, I'm not really sure.

It could be argued that there is no such thing as freedom of speech anywhere in the world, so Thailand and its people would not be unique in what you say.

[drummer]

Well, in the US, where "freedom of speech" is stoutly defended more than anywhere else in the world, including Europe, you still cannot say anything you like. You cannot yell fire in a crowded theater. You can advocate directly for the harm of others.

That is the situation I see here, where you apparantlyu have some groups that are Thaksin related agitating so they can get back into power under the umbrella of free speech. It is a great tactic and gets used a lot

Recent example: In the US, the new Congress is trying to get the troops out of Iraq. Bush says, essentially, "If you take the troops out of Iraq, then it will cause the troops to stay in Iraq longer". Sounds funny, sounds stupid, but it works. It muddies the water as to who is doing what, and lets wrongdoers get away with what they want.

If this is the situation, as look looks like it is to me, then the current guys are doing a very good job. Thaksin ought not be able to shout "Fire!"