Bangkok Emergency Rule Looms

[Mid]

Bangkok emergency rule looms

By Post Reporters

Authorities fear chaos will erupt next Wednesday, when the verdicts in the party dissolution cases are handed down. With the prime minister scheduled to be out of the country, the military would control the situation.

The government is ready to declare an emergency decree in Bangkok, anticipating feared chaos. Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said the government has closely examined the situation and concluded that disorder is likely.

Gen Boonrawd expressed confidence that the Council for National Security (CNS) could control the situation during the absence of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who is scheduled to visit China from May 28 to 31.

let me be the first to allude to the fortuitous timeing of the PM's trip ......................................................

[chevykanteve]

Bangkok emergency rule looms

By Post Reporters

Authorities fear chaos will erupt next Wednesday, when the verdicts in the party dissolution cases are handed down. With the prime minister scheduled to be out of the country, the military would control the situation.

The government is ready to declare an emergency decree in Bangkok, anticipating feared chaos. Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtas said the government has closely examined the situation and concluded that disorder is likely.

Gen Boonrawd expressed confidence that the Council for National Security (CNS) could control the situation during the absence of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who is scheduled to visit China from May 28 to 31.

let me be the first to allude to the fortuitous timeing of the PM's trip ......................................................

The exact same thought came to my mind when I first read that article. Here we go again.....!!!!

[aussiestyle1983]

Bring on the first week of June. I'm outa here!

I hope nothing happens, but it's not good for us not knowing what's going on.....................

[colino]

I had an email from uk embassy warning about being in bangkok next week ,30th to 1st they reckon a few big demo's will take place ???

[cmsally]

My schedule dictates I have to be In BKK next Weds-Fri. Should be interesting?

It all depends on the court ruling on the 2 top parties and whether they will be dissolved; so I believe.

[Aussietraveller]

PM has revised his itinerary and now will be in Bangkok next week.

I get the feeling that it is keep you head down time in Bangkok

[peter991]

Austraian Embassy has just issued a revised travel warning tonight for its citizens who will be in BKK :

Demonstrations have been taking place in Bangkok regularly in recent weeks. You should avoid demonstrations, political rallies and concentrations of military personnel. You should monitor the media and follow any instructions issued by local authorities. Around 29 May to 31 May 2007, large demonstrations in connection to a forthcoming Constitutional Court ruling are expected to be held in Bangkok at venues including Royal Plaza and Sanam Luang.

Peter

[astral]

I will watch the news with interest............

[a2396]

Why is it that they are considering banning the political parties?? It does not make sense to me. If there are culprits who have violated the law, as powers that be interpret it, then deal with the individuals. I don't understand why they would want to ban the whole party. Than is like banning the Reublican or Democratic party in USA because some individuals were found guilty of corruption. It would seem to me that banning a whole political party is an invitation to trouble. No wonder there is some "hand wringing" going on.

[Travel2003]

Hope we don't have a repeat of Black May on our hands.

Seriously doubt that.

The country has indeed developed a bit in 20 odd years.

But if it happens, wonder if the very same soldiers will be used as last year.

Remember how they got fed by the people.

Sailor

[Losangels]

If things start to get out of the gov't control in a couple of days, you'll likely see banks and gov't offices closed on May 30th. Don't forget May 31th is a holiday.

[esprit]

The decision is announced on the 30th. Therefore if there are any problems those are most likely to occur the following day 31st. Thus Friday would be a better day to close governement offices etc as it would allow a longer break for cooling off period, and in any event, it makes for a nice long weekend for them.

[soundman]

I won't copy the articles from Bangkok Post to here, (anyone interested can go there to read).

Apparently PM Suryod is cancelling his trip to China.

HM's speech (see article in today's BP) to the court was a little ambiguous. Read between the lines & you'll get the impression that the court is in a no win sitution.

Worth checking out.

www.bangkokpost.co.th

Cheers,

Soundman.

[kmart]

Hope we don't have a repeat of Black May on our hands.

Seriously doubt that.

The country has indeed developed a bit in 20 odd years.

But if it happens, wonder if the very same soldiers will be used as last year.

Remember how they got fed by the people.

Sailor

I hope nothing like that ever happens again too, but I would never bet against it either. A bit like the film "Groundhog Day", events can seem to repeat themselves in Thailand, as they don't seem to ever learn from history, however recent.

[KireB]

When you read all the stories and especially all the warnings, I get the impression that someone is aiming for the self fullfilling prophecy! Just a thought.

[Jingthing]

Hard to tell. Maybe Thai politics is more rational than we give them credit. They plan for and announce their chaotic meltdowns so you can plan your day around it.

[jeebusjones]

When you read all the stories and especially all the warnings, I get the impression that someone is aiming for the self fullfilling prophecy! Just a thought.

Very intriguing observation.

[OxfordWill]

The King's speech is worth reading.

[MrSnrang]

I hope they tell us in advance. Want to plan on not going to school this time...

[george]

The King's speech is worth reading.

Yes, it's worth reading. Did you actually understand what His Majesty really meant in his speach?

I did not.

[A_Traveller]

The King's speech is worth reading.

Yes, it's worth reading. Did you actually understand what His Majesty really meant in his speach?

I did not.

I've heard totally diametric analysis of it from Thai's who are not relying on an unofficial translation.

Regards

Ps I think I know but I'd not wish to place a bet on it {assuming that was legal, of course}

[IMA_FARANG]

Bring on the first week of June. I'm outa here!

I hope nothing happens, but it's not good for us not knowing what's going on.....................

Just the opposite for me. I'm due to arrive in BKK on the 5th of June and be there until the 14th of June.

Well, we shall see what happens. Won't be the first time I've been there during problems, but I'd still rather not go through it again.

[farang prince]

The King's speech is worth reading.

Yes, it's worth reading. Did you actually understand what His Majesty really meant in his speach?

I did not.

George, the way I read it, His Majesty was expressing his deep concern for the stability of the country. It was a very sobering speech in my opinion.