10,000 Anti-coup Demonstrators Expected At Sanam Luang Rally

[hammered]

There is one point here partially related to this. There was in one of the newspaper reports of cars angrily honking their horns at the group. I just wanted to say it was not only there. Over the past few weeks I have heard the same on Sukhumvit but not to any great extent. I however did not bother to check if it was a Thai or a New Yorker behind the wheel. I don’t need to tell you that this stuff is wearing a little thin on nearly everyone.

People on the whole now want the election as that is seen as the right way to get out of a mess that goes back 2 years. They are bored with all the politicking. The minority PTV want Thaksin back for the vote but it aint going to happen. The vote will take place and the country will move on. That at the moment seems to be an overwhelming feeling both in Chonburi where I live and in the Northern villages I know. The alternative is chaos but only the PTV seem to want this and they just rely on the soft support of paid demonstrators. Even most of the rump TRT distance themselves from PTV and the rump TRT is probably now less than half of the old TRT.

[sriracha john]

A woman shows Chatukham Rammathep amulet which had photo of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The woman, identified herself as Noi, from Yasothorn province, was among anti-coup protesters who protested in front of Privy Councillor chief Gen Prem Tinsulanond's residence.

Source: The Nation - 25 June 2007

A man shows "I love Thaksin" t-shirt which is in support of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The man, identified himself as Boi, from Chonburi province, was among pro-Thaksin protesters who later protested in front of the fifth stall at the Victory Monument skytrain station's men's room.

Source: Bangkok Herald-Examiner - 25 June 2007

*Disclaimer: The men's room really only has 4 stalls.*

[thai_narak]

tsk, tsk , tsk... TRT can easily become a religion to these people... or cult?

[sriracha john]

speaking of the Jim Jones Cult wannabees...

any follow-up on the Let-Thaksin-Back-Or-Otherwise-We're-Gonna-Torch-Ourselves Group?

[John K]

speaking of the Jim Jones Cult wannabees...

any follow-up on the Let-Thaksin-Back-Or-Otherwise-We're-Gonna-Torch-Ourselves Group?

I think they are looking for the right form to fill out. You know how Thais love paperwork. On the back of the form there is a rough surface like the one found on a book of matches.

[hammered]

From the post a piece on Jakrapob: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Jun2007_news21.php

A few quotes:

When asked what he was fighting for, the close aide of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra replied: "I am fighting for democracy."

"And Mr Thaksin is the most vivid symbol of democracy," he added, "because he came to power through a general election under a democratic system.

"So, I believe that protecting Mr Thaksin is also protecting Thai democracy."

An interesting concept. The word delusional springs to mind.

and

outspoken politician Samak Sundaravej, a former Bangkok governor, is a role model

And an interesting role model for someone who claims to fight for democracy. Maybe Mr. J is into a bit of political violence and death.

and

Although the DAAD demonstration has fizzled out over the past two weeks, Mr Jakrapob said he did not think he and the other PTV executives who spearhead the rally will lose the struggle.

But the form of the battle might change, from street rally to an information war.

"We will continue our fight, whatever form the war takes," he said.

And if the situation turns violent and "this country has no place for me to stand, I might apply for a job as a political lecturer in a foreign university," he added.

Even while accepting the rallies have failed he still wants "war" and seems quite happy for the country to experience a bit of violence from his war as long as he gets a nice job abroad.

Oh for those interested in the seemier side of Mr. Thaksin's personal warrior Mr. J it isnt in this piece. For that Thai insider is apparently the reference point.

[Jai Dee]

CNS to sue demonstration members for defamation

The Council for National Security is preparing to prosecute various demonstration members who have engaged in defamation of political figures.

The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security Col Sansern Kaewkamnert (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด) revealed that Council for National Security Chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin and Council for National Security Deputy Chairman Gen Saprang Kalayanimit are preparing to file charges against Sanam Luang demonstrators. Col Sansern said that Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Sereepisuth Themeyaves has reported to the Council for National Security that several demonstration members were observed to have been hired at prices ranging from 1000, to 1500, to 3000 baht.

Pol Gen Sereepisuth affirms that he has evidence to back up these allegations. The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security added that demonstration members are also being charged with defamation towards political figures.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 June 2007

[hammered]

CNS to sue demonstration members for defamation

The Council for National Security is preparing to prosecute various demonstration members who have engaged in defamation of political figures.

The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security Col Sansern Kaewkamnert (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด) revealed that Council for National Security Chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin and Council for National Security Deputy Chairman Gen Saprang Kalayanimit are preparing to file charges against Sanam Luang demonstrators. Col Sansern said that Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Sereepisuth Themeyaves has reported to the Council for National Security that several demonstration members were observed to have been hired at prices ranging from 1000, to 1500, to 3000 baht.

Pol Gen Sereepisuth affirms that he has evidence to back up these allegations. The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security added that demonstration members are also being charged with defamation towards political figures.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 June 2007

The paid demonstrators from Chonburi aint going to like seeing thsoe numbers. They didnt get that much.

Seriously though it sounds like they have evidence of the paying of minor organisers of the paid rally goers. Now with public support so low for the pro-Thaksin rallies the authoriites will find it a lot easier to go after the PTV boys.

[Jai Dee]

A compromise between Govt and demonstrators needed

Deputy Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Poldet Pinprateep (พลเดช ปิ่นประทีป), suggests that a negotiation between the government and the demonstrators will help reduce political conflicts.

Md. Poldet says he agrees if a stage of compromise between the government and key leaders of the demonstrators at Sanam Luang is arranged. He says the compromise should also broadcast via television as people will have a chance to hear reasons of the both sides.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 June 2007

[sriracha john]

From the post a piece on Jakrapob: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Jun2007_news21.php

An interesting concept. The word delusional springs to mind.

and

an interesting role model for someone who claims to fight for democracy. Maybe Mr. J is into a bit of political violence and death.

and

But the form of the battle might change, from street rally to an information war.

Even while accepting the rallies have failed he still wants "war" and seems quite happy for the country to experience a bit of violence from his war as long as he gets a nice job abroad.

Oh for those interested in the seemier side of Mr. Thaksin's personal warrior Mr. J it isnt in this piece. For that Thai insider is apparently the reference point.

Jakrapob, in name only, has always reminded me of the Robin Williams movie, Jakob The Liar.

What sort of sex scandal is he involved in? Anything to do with kwai?...

Any links?

[sriracha john]

Seriously though it sounds like they have evidence of the paying of minor organisers of the paid rally goers. Now with public support so low for the pro-Thaksin rallies the authorities will find it a lot easier to go after the PTV boys.

Kind of ironic in that the TRT'ers now pay rally goers to protest the fact that they were banned for paying small parties to run.

If they fail to see the ridiculousness of their actions, perhaps they should resort to their previous moniker, the Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) group.

[thai_narak]

CNS to sue demonstration members for defamation

The Council for National Security is preparing to prosecute various demonstration members who have engaged in defamation of political figures.

The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security Col Sansern Kaewkamnert (สรรเสริญ แก้วกำเนิด) revealed that Council for National Security Chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin and Council for National Security Deputy Chairman Gen Saprang Kalayanimit are preparing to file charges against Sanam Luang demonstrators. Col Sansern said that Interim Royal Thai Police Commissioner General Pol Gen Sereepisuth Themeyaves has reported to the Council for National Security that several demonstration members were observed to have been hired at prices ranging from 1000, to 1500, to 3000 baht.

Pol Gen Sereepisuth affirms that he has evidence to back up these allegations. The Spokesperson to the Council for National Security added that demonstration members are also being charged with defamation towards political figures.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 June 2007

The paid demonstrators from Chonburi aint going to like seeing thsoe numbers. They didnt get that much.

Seriously though it sounds like they have evidence of the paying of minor organisers of the paid rally goers. Now with public support so low for the pro-Thaksin rallies the authoriites will find it a lot easier to go after the PTV boys.

i agree. many of them just got 200-300 baht per day. i suspect that the 1,000 baht budget per day is cut everytime it is handed down the line.

[hammered]

From the post a piece on Jakrapob: http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Jun2007_news21.php

An interesting concept. The word delusional springs to mind.

and

an interesting role model for someone who claims to fight for democracy. Maybe Mr. J is into a bit of political violence and death.

and

But the form of the battle might change, from street rally to an information war.

Even while accepting the rallies have failed he still wants "war" and seems quite happy for the country to experience a bit of violence from his war as long as he gets a nice job abroad.

Oh for those interested in the seemier side of Mr. Thaksin's personal warrior Mr. J it isnt in this piece. For that Thai insider is apparently the reference point.

Jakrapob, in name only, has always reminded me of the Robin Williams movie, Jakob The Liar.

What sort of sex scandal is he involved in? Anything to do with kwai?...

Any links?

You'll need a Thai reader unless you can yourself. This was the post that started it. Make of it what you will. There has ben more gossip since.

http://thaiinsider.info/portal/content/view/4817/23/

[sriracha john]

ok, thank you for that link.

Perhaps my earlier speculation was pre-mature.

[Jai Dee]

Suspicious bomb thrown into Thai Channel 5

A box suspected as a bomb was thrown into the Thai TV Channel 5 in central Bangkok Monday night, a military source told Xinhua.

Local policemen and bomb experts rushed to the scene to check the box. And the area has been cordoned off.

The box, which is labeled as a bomb, was thrown into the Thai TV Channel 5 station from the nearby Phahon Yothin road at about 8:00 p.m. (1300 GMT). It fell beside a news studio of the channel.

However, the box did not explode, the source said.

Thai TV Channel 5, which is under control of the Royal Thai Army, is one of the main TV channels of Thailand. 　

Source: Xinhua - 26 June 2007

[hammered]

ok, thank you for that link.

Perhaps my earlier speculation was pre-mature.

Apart from the worrying pre-mature jibes maybe it also reveals a fine sense of humour among Thai journalists describing Mr. J as Mr. Thaksin's boy and "who has never strayed far" from Mr. Thaksin and those unbridalled adoration comments.

[sriracha john]

The box, which is labeled as a bomb,

That was very considerate of them to label it as such so that there was no mistaking its contents...

[John K]

Is that from the 7-11 holdup grenades isle in the store?

[Jai Dee]

Metropol Police readjusts plans to tackle demonstrations

The Metropolitan Police Bureau is readjusting plans to tackle demonstrations at Sanam Luang which has changed its strategy while calling on the demonstration leaders to make sure that activities arranged by the demonstrators are legal.

Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Lt.Gen.Adisorn Nonsee (อดิศร นนทรีย์) says the police has a plan to station police officers in front of the Army Headquarters, the residence of President of the Privy Council Gen.Prem Tinsulanonda, and the Royal Plaza to deal with the demonstrators. The commissioner says the police will focus on preventing the protestors from creating chaotic incidents, adding that those who stir up the situation will face legal actions.

The commissioner also asks the demonstrators to avoid inappropriate performance on stage attacking the government and the Council for National Security (CNS).

Lt.Gen.Adisorn says further that the police are gathering evidence to file lawsuits against the Saturday People against Dictatorship who created chaotic incidents in front of the residence of Gen.Prem.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister believes people can think for themselves the real situation behind the scene

Minister of Interior Aree Wongarya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) believes people can think for themselves what is really goin on in the country. However, he said demonstrators are allowed to organize rallies, as long as if they are under the legal framework.

Saturday People Group is preparing to march kick off its rally tomorrow (June 30th) again. In response to the matter, Interior Minister says people will judge by themselves on whether the movement is appropriate for the country’s situation or not. As for strategies of the demonstrators, he says people have rights to do anything, but it must be under framework of the law.

Interior Minister has denied indicating on when rallies will end, adding that it depends on demonstrators.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS Secretary-General asks ex-MPs to focus on general election instead of rally

The Assistant Secretary-General of the Council for National Security (CNS) calls on former members of the parliament (MPs) from the dissolved Thai Rak Thai party who joined the PTV mob to focus on general elections instead of demonstrations against the junta.

CNS Assistant Secretary-General Gen.Anupong Paochinda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา) says further that he disagrees with the PTV mob leader, Chakraphop Phenkhair (จักรภพ เพ็ญแข), who announced to rally at business and trading zones in Bangkok since the rally might affect the economy as well as the overall situation of the country.

Gen.Anupong also requests the demonstrators to understand that the general election is the only way out to bring the political situation into normalcy. As for the PTV mob’s idea to arrange demonstrations in other provinces, Gen.Anupong says the mob have the right to do that he is still unsure whether the mob have been bankrolled by the old power clique.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Mid]

10,000 gather to support Prem

(BangkokPost.com) - Thousands of Songkhla locals gathered on Friday at the municipality office to express their support for Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda, who has been verbally attacked by supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra during their rallies.

Gen Prem is a native of Songkhla province.

The Post Publishing Public Co

recommend further searching for the complete story ................................

[Jai Dee]

PM shows no worry over new form of protest

The Prime Minister, Gen. Surayud Chulanont, says he is not concerned over the new demonstration's pattern in Sanam Luang, and insists that the officials will take serious measures if the demonstrators are engaging in illegal activities.

Gen. Surayud says he is not worried if the rally members have decided to scattered and voiced their expressions in department stores and other public places. He sees that the demonstration is being carried out legally.

As for the demonstrators who have accused the Statesman and President of the Privy Councilor, Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, including the Council for the National Security (CNS) members, many parties have considered such allegation as inappropriate. Prime Minister Surayud says it would depend on the facts, and members of the public can examine and prove them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Metropol Commissioner believes demonstrations will continue until elections are held

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner believes that demonstrations will continue until elections are held.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsri (อดิสร นนทรีย์) hosted a crowd control and riot training session for police officers posted to the Sanam Luang demonstration area. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Border Patrol Police, the Crime Suppression Division, and the First, Second, and Seventh Regional Police Command were in attendance. Pol Lt Gen Adisorn said that this exercise is the first cooperative operational training of its kind among law enforcement agencies.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner expressed his belief that demonstrations will continue until general elections are held. He admitted that only 10 companies of police officers are currently posted at Sanam Luang, an insufficient number to handled full scale riots. Pol Lt Gen Adisorn added in actual riot situations, police officers are instructed to follow their commanding officers' orders closely and to refrain from using lethal force unless absolutely necessary.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Mid]

Prime Minister Surayud says it would depend on the facts, and members of the public can examine and prove them.

and as for finding them ? ,

facts that is ............................

[chinthee]

That was smart. We have a small but contained portion of society that we allow to demonstrate peacefully until the elections. Not bad.

[sriracha john]

More than 20,000 demonstrators gathered in Songkhla to support Gen. Prem

More than 20,000 demonstrators in Songkhla province gathered to show their support for Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, the Statesman and President of the Privy Councilor.

People power groups comprised of at least 20,000 members gathered at the Phrathamrong Museum in the Muang district of Songkhla province today as a sign of their support for Gen. Prem.

Representatives of the people power group expressed their opposition to certain demonstration groups who are causing harm to the nation through their use of provocative and profane statements against national figures, including Gen Prem.

The people power group conducted rallies in front of the Songkhla provincial hall to present a statement of intent to provincial officials as a sign that the people of Songkhla remain cooperative, and peaceful in the pursuit of national reconciliation. Representatives of the group also encouraged local residents to participate in public opinion surveys for the 2007 constitution.

- ThaiNews

==============================

The Bangkok PTV mob only wishes it could get those kind of numbers for their turnouts... even though Songkhla's population is but a minute pittance compared to Bangkok.

Edited June 29, 2007 by sriracha john

[Mid]

now if we could get the same level of political knowledge in the north ........................

[farang prince]

Why do I feel like we are being subjected to a constant propaganda campaign from Sriracha John, Mid, Plus and John K? I think we all know where you guys stand. Give it a break. Are you guys really that afraid of Thaksin and the TRT?

[sriracha john]

I can only speak for myself.

I am not afraid of Thaksin.

If we were put in a locked room alone together for 30 minutes, we'd see just who was afraid of who.