Various groups of anti-government protesters, in and on hundreds of cars and motorcycles, gathered at Bangkok’s the Democracy Monument, in the Ratchaprasong commercial district and on Vibhavadi Rangsit highway this morning (Sunday), in a huge demonstration to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

 

The so-called “car mob” demonstration saw the gathering together of well-known leaders of anti-government and anti-establishment groups, such as Nattawut Saikua, former secretary-general of the now defunct United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) or the Red-Shirt movement, Ratsadon leaders Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak and Anon Nampa, Chatupat Boonpatthararaksa, aka Pai Daodin of the “Thalu Fah” group, Sombat Boon-ngarmanong of Sombat Tour and Piyarat “Toto” Chongthep, leader of the We Volunteer (Wevo) guards.

 

Nattawut, who was released from prison in December, tweeted today saying that the Red-Shirt movement is back in business and demanding the ouster of the prime minister.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/large-anti-government-demonstration-in-bangkok-on-sunday/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-08-02

 

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I saw many pictures with many little motorcycles "demonstrating". Are all those motorcycle riders now political activist? Or is it possible that maybe someone paid them to block the streets?

 

I understand that lots of people are unhappy with Covid and the government. But hiring a mob won't help them with winning friends and supporters.

Mob has always ruled in Thailand. This is going to get worse.

3 minutes ago, Somtamnication said:

Mob has always ruled in Thailand. This is going to get worse.

There is a good example of one in power now !

19 minutes ago, Somtamnication said:

Mob has always ruled in Thailand. This is going to get worse.

It only get's worse if someone pays to make it worse.

41 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

But hiring a mob won't help them with winning friends and supporters.

It worked in the USA!

Why wouldn't it work in Thailand?

Good for them! It's about time the people stood up against the government.  Presumably, because they are all in vehicles, this does not contravene any regulations concerning meetings of 5 or more people.  Very clever ????

 

3 hours ago, webfact said:

 

Nattawut, who was released from prison in December

oh dear ........ nutter - what     ?      

at least they were somewhat responsible this time which is good to see,  anyone spreading COVID19 was only within their vehicles.  

Bangkok: Reports of tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-govt protesters

 

Picture: Daily News

 

Daily News said that tear gas and rubber bullets were reportedly fired in the downtown Bangkok area of Din Daeng.

 

This occurred near the Din Daeng three way intersection. 

 

A "Car Mob" - people in cars and on motorcycles - had been calling for the ouster of PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government over the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Daily News.

 

Picture: Daily News

 

The media spoke of police in full riot gear "reclaiming" a road tunnel in the area. 

 

Pictures showed a large column of officers blocking the road.

 

Most protesters had dispersed by about 9.30 pm as they would face arrest for violating the nighttime curfew. 

 

One road was closed during the disturbances.

 

The same media reported demonstrations in other parts of Thailand principally in Phetchabun in the north east and Yala in the far south. 

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2021-08-02

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

1 hour ago, steven100 said:

oh dear ........ nutter - what     ?      

at least they were somewhat responsible this time which is good to see,  anyone spreading COVID19 was only within their vehicles.  

I'm sure they will be fine if they have been vaccinated with the Sinovac Uncle Tu has been getting for everyone.

The irony of wearing full-face crash helmets....not for safety reasons. but only in a bid to hide their identity ! 

But, good on 'em.....certainly braver than me !

Taking the Covid-situation, and timely care for others, into consideration, it seems like very bad timing for a demonstration.

6 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I saw many pictures with many little motorcycles "demonstrating". Are all those motorcycle riders now political activist? Or is it possible that maybe someone paid them to block the streets?

 

I understand that lots of people are unhappy with Covid and the government. But hiring a mob won't help them with winning friends and supporters.

Conjecture?

Red shirts will be like a red rag to a bull!

7 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

I saw many pictures with many little motorcycles "demonstrating". Are all those motorcycle riders now political activist? Or is it possible that maybe someone paid them to block the streets?

 

I understand that lots of people are unhappy with Covid and the government. But hiring a mob won't help them with winning friends and supporters.

I think it will.  You need to keep up the pressure somehow.

 

"But hiring a mob won't help them with winning friends and supporters"

 

You do know thats what the government does everytime there's a protest.

 

You'd be

Surprised how many people aren't fans of this junta.

 

2 hours ago, khunPer said:

Taking the Covid-situation, and timely care for others, into consideration, it seems like very bad timing for a demonstration.

Anytime is a bad time according to the government.

10 hours ago, webfact said:

in a huge demonstration to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

I wonder if a "War Room" was in operation????

 

10 hours ago, webfact said:

saw the gathering together of well-known leaders of anti-government and anti-establishment groups, such as Nattawut Saikua, former secretary-general of the now defunct United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)

And there goes the credibility of any protest in favour of democracy.
 

The udd are the antithesis of freedom of speech, thought and alternative political philosophy. 
 

Please note this view does not equate support for those these protests are aimed at. 

3 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

And there goes the credibility of any protest in favour of democracy.
 

The udd are the antithesis of freedom of speech, thought and political philosophy. 
 

Please note this view does not equate support for those these protests are aimed at. 

Is any political party/movement perfect?  The UDD could only be an improvement on what we have now.

1 minute ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Is any political party/movement perfect?  The UDD could only be an improvement on what we have now.

No they couldn’t.
 

I remember the days when they acted with impunity. 
 

Again I am not a proponent of the current political state of being. 

This is done so as to overcome the maximum 5 persons rule. 

12 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

No they couldn’t.
 

I remember the days when they acted with impunity. 
 

Again I am not a proponent of the current political state of being. 

Me too.  As I said, not perfect by any means, but they had popular support, certainly in the early days after the 2006 coup, and were infinitely preferable to the PAD.

 

 

Just shows it was the right decision to move out of the mobland in Ratchaprasong. What has Central World done to them to always vent frustration exactly there? Can't they set up tent and those really huge loudspeakers in front of the homes of their supporters and hold concerts and shouting sessions around the clock for a few weeks there?

8 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Me too.  As I said, not perfect by any means, but they had popular support, certainly in the early days after the 2006 coup, and were infinitely preferable to the PAD.

 

 

I agree with you on the pad, they are repellent and without any merit but again I have to disagree that the udd are any better. . 
 

Neither group was ever voted into power but rather used tactics outside the democratic process to further the interests of their puppet masters.

 

Neither had any tolerance for any view but their own. 
 

Both were prepared to use violence and intimidation to further their “cause”.

 

Both are cancers that are detrimental to the interests of the people of Thailand. 

3 hours ago, khunPer said:

Taking the Covid-situation, and timely care for others, into consideration, it seems like very bad timing for a demonstration.

Its precisely BECAUSE of the Covid situation, or rather the government's (non) handling of it, that they are demonstrating.

4 hours ago, mancub said:

The irony of wearing full-face crash helmets....not for safety reasons. but only in a bid to hide their identity ! 

But, good on 'em.....certainly braver than me !

Helmets were useful in this recent protesters.

Police used almost sadistic force against some protesters.

 

There are some pictures that defy logic in:

"Coconuts Bankok News" 

1 hour ago, KhaoYai said:

Its precisely BECAUSE of the Covid situation, or rather the government's (non) handling of it, that they are demonstrating.

No, it's the same as before, but now they also use that as a cause - and that's why I consider it as "bad timing" and lack of "timely care for others".

2 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

Anytime is a bad time according to the government.

That's another, but sensible view...????????

Once some more of the soldiers and policeman's families began to suffer and die of COVID-19 they'll realize they're fighting on the wrong side.

 

 

1 hour ago, khunPer said:

No, it's the same as before, but now they also use that as a cause - and that's why I consider it as "bad timing" and lack of "timely care for others".

To each his own. 

 

Many more demand change and sitting on your thumbs isn't going to do it.