PHOTO: Protest in Patong over Ukraine war - Eakkapop Thongtub

 

Around 30 people, consisting of both Ukrainians and Russians, rallied in Phuket’s Patong last Saturday to call for an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

 

The rally took place on the first anniversary after Russia first invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The demonstrators held placards with slogans in English and Russian, some of which included “No war”, “Peace for Ukraine”, “Putin go away”, and “Freedom to all political prisoners”.

 

Some held Ukrainian flags, while others held the new Russian blue and white flags used by those who oppose Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The demonstration of placards only lasted about 15 minutes, and no Thais appeared to participate.

 

This rally comes after Thailand voted for Russia to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw troops immediately at the United Nations General Assembly on June 23. Thailand’s vote was significant because the country had previously abstained from condemning Russia’s annexation of Ukraine at a UN Assembly in October 2022.

 

Thailand’s former stance on Russia and Ukraine was to remain neutral, with the government advocating for all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” and supporting a policy of dialogue to achieve peace.

 

However, not everyone in Thailand agreed with this new stance. Earlier this month, an anti-Putin slogan was spray-painted on a large rock at Nai Thon Beach in Phuket, criticising Russia’s president and his role in the invasion of Ukraine.

 

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, a total of 7,155 civilians have been killed as of February 5, 2023.

 

The protest comes at a time when Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for Russian citizens heading for holidays and looking for a new home. Yesterday the Real Estate Information Centre reported that Russian citizens owned nearly 40% of foreign-owned condos on the island, taking over the top position for ownership from the Chinese.

 

Source: https://phuket-go.com/phuket-news/phuket-news/ukrainians-and-russians-rally-in-patong-against-war-in-ukraine/

 

-- © Copyright Phuket GO 2023-02-28

 

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well that doesn't fit the narrative well at all. 

Wonder how I would have faired if I waded into the fray wearing my "Z" t-shirt.

One would think the words on their signs would be much stronger and that there would be more of them. But it's a good start.

6 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

One would think the words on their signs would be much stronger and that there would be more of them. But it's a good start.

Unfortunately, most Russians believe the disinformation they're fed by their media and support the war and there are probably not that many Ukrainians in Phuket but yes it's good to see Russians who can see through the propaganda side-by-side with Ukrainians.

8 minutes ago, edwardandtubs said:

Unfortunately, most Russians believe the disinformation they're fed by their media and support the war and there are probably not that many Ukrainians in Phuket but yes it's good to see Russians who can see through the propaganda side-by-side with Ukrainians.

This proxy war, in particular, is steeped in propaganda and disinformation - almost exclusively from the good guys' circles. It's not even close. 

 

Shouldn't expect the usual conditioned patriots, defenders and apologists to recognize such things - as they never do.

31 minutes ago, zzaa09 said:

This proxy war, in particular, is steeped in propaganda and disinformation - almost exclusively from the good guys' circles. It's not even close. 

 

Shouldn't expect the usual conditioned patriots, defenders and apologists to recognize such things - as they never do.

There is a strong and long victimization mentality in Russia with a self image of a fortress surrounded by enemies.

1 hour ago, Adumbration said:

Wonder how I would have faired if I waded into the fray wearing my "Z" t-shirt.

Only daft foriegn folk would buy a Z t-shirt in LOS.......

Why would any Thais join? Thais are better at minding their own business than western folk.

Better they go home and protest in home instead. Leave Thailand out of this <deleted>!

2 hours ago, Adumbration said:

Wonder how I would have faired if I waded into the fray wearing my "Z" t-shirt.

People would most likely spit in your face. 

Such protest events have been held multiple times in Georgia where they are of course much bigger and involve actual speakers. I think foreigners protesting is illegal in Thailand and much as I like to see that, I think they'd be better off respecting local laws. 

56 minutes ago, sidneybear said:

Why would any Thais join? Thais are better at minding their own business than western folk.

And don't see invented boogiemen around every corner. 

putin will hunt them down to exterminate em  en masse

1 hour ago, sidneybear said:

Why would any Thais join? Thais are better at minding their own business than western folk.

Nuclear winter?

10 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Nuclear winter?

.....and thanks for introducing such scenarios. 

Siwilai. [not]

10 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Nuclear winter?

Might cool things down a bit here ????

5 hours ago, Adumbration said:

Wonder how I would have faired if I waded into the fray wearing my "Z" t-shirt.

You would be mistaken for a duty RTP member....????

6 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

This proxy war, in particular, is steeped in propaganda and disinformation - almost exclusively from the good guys' circles. It's not even close. 

You obviously don't tune into Russian state media. The fact many Russians are fearful to openly discuss the situation on camera, tells us most of what we need to know about media transparency.

Hope these Russians stay clear of people with umbrellas

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The demonstrators held placards with slogans in English and Russian,

Well I have seen bigger signs for people being met at the airport, but I would like to think many Russians who are here oppose the war and invasion. There should be little doubt that Ukrainians do! 

Sadly I doubt Mr Adolph Putin will hear much about this.....and sentiment back in Russia, appears to support him, go figure. 

Edited March 1, 20233 yr by jacko45k

Their protests would probably be heard more clearly, if they did it in the Red Square in Moscow.

13 hours ago, sidneybear said:

Why would any Thais join? Thais are better at minding their own business than western folk.

The protests are being held in their country and the stereotypical image of Thais being uninterested in world affairs isn't actually true.

Edited March 1, 20233 yr by ozimoron

Putin without a doubt is a tyrant, but he has his reasons for sticking with the "war", namely being disgraced and thrown out of power.

 

But he is not a madman, and will not resort to nuclear power, knowing that it will eliminate his nation in a matter of minutes.

5 minutes ago, CanadaSam said:

Putin without a doubt is a tyrant, but he has his reasons for sticking with the "war", namely being disgraced and thrown out of power.

 

But he is not a madman, and will not resort to nuclear power, knowing that it will eliminate his nation in a matter of minutes.

I don't think it really matters whether Putin meets the definition of "mad man" or not. 

You are definitely correct that Putin fears losing power and also his life if he can't paint the outcome in Ukraine in some way as a victory.

I agree Putin has no desire or intention to use nukes and I agree it is unlikely that he will.

He bluffs a lot and it works out for him well by giving fuel to the isolationists in the west who are ready to cave to him under nuclear threats.

But where I disagree with you is your certainty, 

I think we are the highest risk of nuclear war since the Cuban crisis and that was very close to happening. 

I think Putin very well MIGHT use a smaller nuke on a concentration of Ukrainians gathering to retake Crimea. For Putin losing Crimea means losing the war completely and almost certain death of himself. He knows all about window flying accidents. For Putin, Putin is Russia, so losing Crimea is an existential threat to Russia (his own sorry ass). 

Start with one nuke and then the war MUST escalate from that, which means of course a possible or even probably full nuclear war.

The risk of this can't be quantified but it is real and even if it's one percent that is way too much!

1 hour ago, Xonax said:

Their protests would probably be heard more clearly, if they did it in the Red Square in Moscow.

Not so much as the protesters there would quickly be hauled off in vans. 

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I don't think it really matters whether Putin meets the definition of "mad man" or not. 

You are definitely correct that Putin fears losing power and also his life if he can't paint the outcome in Ukraine in some way as a victory.

I agree Putin has no desire or intention to use nukes and I agree it is unlikely that he will.

He bluffs a lot and it works out for him well by giving fuel to the isolationists in the west who are ready to cave to him under nuclear threats.

But where I disagree with you is your certainty, 

I think we are the highest risk of nuclear war since the Cuban crisis and that was very close to happening. 

I think Putin very well MIGHT use a smaller nuke on a concentration of Ukrainians gathering to retake Crimea. For Putin losing Crimea means losing the war completely and almost certain death of himself. He knows all about window flying accidents. For Putin, Putin is Russia, so losing Crimea is an existential threat to Russia (his own sorry ass). 

Start with one nuke and then the war MUST escalate from that, which means of course a possible or even probably full nuclear war.

The risk of this can't be quantified but it is real and even if it's one percent that is way too much!

Let us hope that the speculation about Putin's declining health are fake news, otherwise he might be thinking that he has little to lose.......

11 minutes ago, bangon04 said:

Let us hope that the speculation about Putin's declining health are fake news, otherwise he might be thinking that he has little to lose.......

Yes and No.

There is always the hope that fellow Kremliniks will sense his weakness and send him out to pasture. 

But then we have the problem of who replaces him. Could be worse!

Russian Support for Putin's War Falling Fast as Economic Fallout Bites—Poll

 

https://www.newsweek.com/russia-ukraine-war-support-poll-sanctions-1784392

18 hours ago, edwardandtubs said:

Unfortunately, most Russians believe the disinformation they're fed by their media and support the war and there are probably not that many Ukrainians in Phuket but yes it's good to see Russians who can see through the propaganda side-by-side with Ukrainians.

In almost any war there were only defender, the Germans defended themself the same as the Americans defended themself in Vietnam or in Iraq. Propaganda on both sides and the first thing that dies in a war is the truth.