Nine Anti-coup Leaders Detained

[Siripon]

If you don't have money you blame the government and expect a handout?

Yes, I blame the junta for the deteriorating medical care. After all, Thai people pay tax and deserve to get something back - not a handout - but something decent in return.

I notice that the junta has increased military spending by a large percentage but decreased spending on medical care, university scholarships and cut subsidies on rice. Not the type of policy changes I would prefer, and these preferences I believe to share with the majority of people in Thailand since TRT received the majority vote despite Thaksin. It's exactly the policy changes I would expect from a corrupt army regime.

I guess you couldn't care less, as long as you personally are doing fine?

I see from your location that you are most likely one of the proud socialists I had hoped to have left behind.

Now, that's an invitation to some serious flaming. I see that you are fond of generalizations. But no, I have never voted socialist.

Are you socialist? I notice that the Burmese military regime is perfecting the "Burmese Way to Socialism", maybe you praise them too just like some Thai generals?

Thai people pay tax but Thaksin did his utmost to avoid it with his dodgy companies such as Ample Rich.

I dispute your claim about deteriorating medical care, the 30 baht scheme is still in operation though it's free now but budgets vary from district to district, nothing to do with the present short lived government.

By the way, who was the biggest promoter and buyer of private hospitals? Thaksin and his lawyers hold a large amount of shares in various private hospitals- the brain drain was obvious from the beginning with the much higher salaries on offer.

The subsidy on rice was unsustainable as priced beyond world market prices, previous year harvests were building up in the warehouses, getting stale and fit only for rodents.

Regarding university scholarships, dream schools etc, pure pie -in-the sky marketing. A pathetically small number of students benefited. Why not really reform education as Aphisit proposed years ago when in the government?

The Thai people will be perfectly free to vote TRT back in a few months under the glorious leadership of the left wing, student loving leadership of the cat loving cook Mr Samak.

[TAWP]

If you don't have money you blame the government and expect a handout?

Yes, I blame the junta for the deteriorating medical care. After all, Thai people pay tax and deserve to get something back - not a handout - but something decent in return.

I notice that the junta has increased military spending by a large percentage but decreased spending on medical care, university scholarships and cut subsidies on rice. Not the type of policy changes I would prefer, and these preferences I believe to share with the majority of people in Thailand since TRT received the majority vote despite Thaksin. It's exactly the policy changes I would expect from a corrupt army regime.

I guess you couldn't care less, as long as you personally are doing fine?

I see from your location that you are most likely one of the proud socialists I had hoped to have left behind.

Now, that's an invitation to some serious flaming. I see that you are fond of generalizations. But no, I have never voted socialist.

Are you socialist? I notice that the Burmese military regime is perfecting the "Burmese Way to Socialism", maybe you praise them too just like some Thai generals?

If we should get picky, the lower class hardly pays any taxes at all (which is fine) so it's funny you are saying they should get something back for all they pay.

Aaanyway: An open dislike of the TRT and it's fanboys isn't a support for the junta. But until the next election, I'd rather have the junta in control than TRT. They had their try and we saw where it ended up. Should the junta poke their nose in thousends of stuff not directly related to the election or constitution? No, but this is Thailand, everyone is corrupt and selfcentered in the top. We are just talking degrees here. And hopefully an electen can overturn some of the more banja-on ideas they have put forward.

Edited August 7, 2007 by TAWP

[A_Traveller]

If we should get picky, the lower class hardly pays any taxes at all (which is fine) so it's funny you are saying they should get something back for all they pay.

<snip>

What an intriguing turn of phrase for a "Libertarian member".

Regards

[TAWP]

If we should get picky, the lower class hardly pays any taxes at all (which is fine) so it's funny you are saying they should get something back for all they pay.

<snip>

What an intriguing turn of phrase for a "Libertarian member".

Regards

Oh, I'm sorry, is the poor called 'upper class' in your country?

[sriracha john]

Apparently Somchai the Shower Supervisor is absolutely delighted with this news as he might now have his buddies back to enjoy a soapy...

UDD chiefs face prison again after bail revoked

Rally evidence cited in police request to court

The Criminal Court yesterday accepted a police request to revoke the bail of the six leaders of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD). The court ordered the six leaders, Veera Musikhapong, Jatuporn Phromphan, Jakrapob Penkair, Natthawut Saikua, Viputhalaeng Pattanaphumthai and Apiwant Wiriyachai, who were released on bail on Tuesday, to present their opposition to the police request to the court by tomorrow. The order came after Jesda Jandee, a lawyer representing the six, opposed the police move and asked the court to postpone considering it. Yesterday, Pol Maj-Gen Juti Thammanowanich, deputy chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, asked that the court revoke the bail granted to the six UDD protest leaders. He cited evidence which showed the six leaders giving media interviews near the UDD rally site at Sanam Luang, possibly in defiance of the court's order. According to Pol Maj-Gen Juti, after being released on Tuesday night, the six leaders went to Sanam Luang where a UDD demonstration was in progress and they gave interviews. Pol Maj-Gen Juti said while the six leaders were giving interviews near the rally stage, their images were projected onto a screen on the stage so participants could see and hear them. This constituted taking part in a gathering and was therefore a violation of the court order that prohibited them from doing so, he said. The UDD leaders on Tuesday asked the court to consider bail despite earlier having said they would not seek it.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Aug2007_news11.php

Edited August 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Prateep Ungsongtham (middle) and other leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship hand an appeal letter to a representative at the Bangkok's United Nations headquarter.

The Nation

Later on, a colleague of the UN Representative is seen on the phone discussing their impressions of the letter with

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.

Bangkok Herald-Examiner

Edited August 8, 2007 by sriracha john

[Plus]

If we should get picky, the lower class hardly pays any taxes at all (which is fine) so it's funny you are saying they should get something back for all they pay.

<snip>

What an intriguing turn of phrase for a "Libertarian member".

Regards

Oh, I'm sorry, is the poor called 'upper class' in your country?

No, I think he meant that as a libertarian you shouldn't separate people into classes at all, everyone is equal.

Poor, lower classes do pay taxes - 7% VAT. It's a flat rate for everyone, but for poor it probably constitutes bigger percentage of their income than for middle classes as they spend almost everything on VAT taxable goods and services. People who save money in the banks do not pay VAT on that, do they?

[sriracha john]

Jakob the Liar sporting his new dapper jail haircut during the rally he attended immediately after being released from jail on bail under the condition that he not attend rallies....

Police Ask Court to Revoke Bail for PTV Leaders

The investigators claim the group's visit to a PTV protest at Sanamluang on Monday night violated the court's requirement which bans them from inciting crowds in any way that could lead to violence

In the meantime, the group's lawyer Jessada Chandee has decided to file a complaint to veto the police's request. He also informed his clients to put their political moves on hold.

The Criminal Court gave the PTV leaders three days to submit their objection to the police request to revoke bail.

Meanwhile, Council for National Security General Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin has said that following up on the moves of PTV leaders is under police responsibility, referring to their appearance at the rally site on Monday evening.

- Thailand Outlook

[TAWP]

If we should get picky, the lower class hardly pays any taxes at all (which is fine) so it's funny you are saying they should get something back for all they pay.

<snip>

What an intriguing turn of phrase for a "Libertarian member".

Regards

Oh, I'm sorry, is the poor called 'upper class' in your country?

No, I think he meant that as a libertarian you shouldn't separate people into classes at all, everyone is equal.

Poor, lower classes do pay taxes - 7% VAT. It's a flat rate for everyone, but for poor it probably constitutes bigger percentage of their income than for middle classes as they spend almost everything on VAT taxable goods and services. People who save money in the banks do not pay VAT on that, do they?

I think someone is confused about what libertarian means. Perhaps he/you are thinking about communism.

Poor people are refered to as lower class, rich people as upper class, the majority of the population as middle class. Look it up.

Edited August 8, 2007 by TAWP

[A_Traveller]

TAWP, I suggest you send that line to Ron Paul, and see what his reaction is, or alternatively you could try the Libertarian National Committee, sure they'd love you to death.

I have a suspicion you take what you like from the philosophy and ignore the rest.

Regards

[Siripon]

Jakob the Liar sporting his new dapper jail haircut during the rally he attended immediately after being released from jail on bail under the condition that he not attend rallies....

Police Ask Court to Revoke Bail for PTV Leaders

The investigators claim the group's visit to a PTV protest at Sanamluang on Monday night violated the court's requirement which bans them from inciting crowds in any way that could lead to violence

In the meantime, the group's lawyer Jessada Chandee has decided to file a complaint to veto the police's request. He also informed his clients to put their political moves on hold.

The Criminal Court gave the PTV leaders three days to submit their objection to the police request to revoke bail.

Meanwhile, Council for National Security General Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin has said that following up on the moves of PTV leaders is under police responsibility, referring to their appearance at the rally site on Monday evening.

- Thailand Outlook

I want to see Dr Weng, fleer of dictators 1976, paying respects to his new leader Mr Samak, bookburner and imprisoner of leftists 1976.

To quote the colonel, sadly absent, 'I fear things are going to get a lot worse.'

[TAWP]

TAWP, I suggest you send that line to Ron Paul, and see what his reaction is, or alternatively you could try the Libertarian National Committee, sure they'd love you to death.

I have a suspicion you take what you like from the philosophy and ignore the rest.

Regards

There is no point in having an argument over your ignorance.

And if you claim one shouldn't use the term upper or lower class for the sole reason that one wishes to fight for the better for all, then you are indeed confused. Tell me, how does one say 'upper class' without saying 'upper class' when one wants to adress the group normally called 'upper class' by the majority of the worlds population?

You are welcome to PM me if you still don't understand the point.

Edited August 8, 2007 by TAWP

[Siripon]

One can use the terms higher, middle or low incomes and combine these with terms such as the elite, status quo, middle classes and working classes. Some refer to the masses as a price-sensitive group, such a lovely euphemism.

In Thailand we have the aristocracy, the nouveau riche( Thaksin), the middle class, the urban working class and the rural grassroots.

Some Thai academics object to the term grassroots as it implies stuck in the ground, lowly, personally I like the term peasants as it suggests a certain stockiness, resilience, but some western politically correct ladies winced when I used this word and said it was insulting.

[TAWP]

The term elite would be no better, since elit often means 'better', and being rich doesn't mean better, only richer.

[blaze]

Some Thai academics object to the term grassroots as it implies stuck in the ground, lowly, personally I like the term peasants as it suggests a certain stockiness, resilience, but some western politically correct ladies winced when I used this word and said it was insulting.

Interesting. The term peasant also implies, a kind of stasis. Once a peasant, always a peasant- sort of like hair color. Like 'gypsy'. Or 'Indian'. Despite being seen as superstitious and ignorant, (though capable of doling out a rebuking wisdom to 'us'- the more sophisticated types- when we get too big for our britches). And in a comforting way, close to the land. Like frogs. Or badgers. And like frogs and badgers- that's where many of us prefer they stay.

The hardness of their lives can be ignored- and indeed romanticized, since they are, after all, different from 'us'. They are peasants. They are just doing what peasants.... do. We are corrupted and beyond hope and can thus be forgiven for seeking to materially better our lot. The noble peasant however, is behaving unnaturally when he seeks to better his.

[Plus]

I see no reason not to use upper, low, or middle classes whether one is a libertarian or a communist. Libertarians are not overly concerned with classes and income distribution anyway.

Maybe if "lower class" also means that they are permanently incapable of making their own decisions and need strict guidance and handouts from politicians, libertarians should strongly object.

Tawp made it clear that he was talking about income levels only.

However it is also true that lower classes tend to blindly follow whoever looks "patronising" enough - a word with a very negative connotation among middle and upper classes, but that's what lower classes want - strong leaders to put their trust in.

[Gnarpjohan]

Some Thai academics object to the term grassroots as it implies stuck in the ground, lowly, personally I like the term peasants as it suggests a certain stockiness, resilience, but some western politically correct ladies winced when I used this word and said it was insulting.

Interesting. The term peasant also implies, a kind of stasis. Once a peasant, always a peasant- sort of like hair color. Like 'gypsy'. Or 'Indian'. Despite being seen as superstitious and ignorant, (though capable of doling out a rebuking wisdom to 'us'- the more sophisticated types- when we get too big for our britches). And in a comforting way, close to the land. Like frogs. Or badgers. And like frogs and badgers- that's where many of us prefer they stay.

The hardness of their lives can be ignored- and indeed romanticized, since they are, after all, different from 'us'. They are peasants. They are just doing what peasants.... do. We are corrupted and beyond hope and can thus be forgiven for seeking to materially better our lot. The noble peasant however, is behaving unnaturally when he seeks to better his.

Nice illustration of the aristocratic view of "peasants". Perhaps "farmers" would be a better word since it describes what they do rather than what they are, "peasants" has a certain pejorative ring to it. I have come to know a few (unlike most folks in the higher stratospheres of Thai society, I suppose) and they seem surprisingly similar to the rest of us, I must say. Disregarding that I come from a different culture. Just more occupied with getting by, perhaps. Some of their offspring even have the brains and willingness for higher education but money seems to be a problem also in this area.

Thai people pay tax but Thaksin did his utmost to avoid it with his dodgy companies such as Ample Rich.

I dispute your claim about deteriorating medical care, the 30 baht scheme is still in operation though it's free now but budgets vary from district to district, nothing to do with the present short lived government.

By the way, who was the biggest promoter and buyer of private hospitals? Thaksin and his lawyers hold a large amount of shares in various private hospitals- the brain drain was obvious from the beginning with the much higher salaries on offer.

The subsidy on rice was unsustainable as priced beyond world market prices, previous year harvests were building up in the warehouses, getting stale and fit only for rodents.

Regarding university scholarships, dream schools etc, pure pie -in-the sky marketing. A pathetically small number of students benefited. Why not really reform education as Aphisit proposed years ago when in the government?

The Thai people will be perfectly free to vote TRT back in a few months under the glorious leadership of the left wing, student loving leadership of the cat loving cook Mr Samak.

Well, Thaksin is no favorite of mine. I am not saying that these policies are perfect. But to my knowledge, healthcare for all came with TRT. That's a major improvement over no healthcare at all or the old-style healtcare (i.e. witch doctor). I am no fan of farm product subsidies (please remove all inside EU), but at least some resources were directed to where they are of high marginal utility, i.e. poor working folks. That's a change. Why not really reform education? Yes, please, go ahead!

What the success of the TRT seems to prove is that the majority of people will vote for a party that actually delivers improvements to everyday life. There should be a viable political opportunity out there for the party that can specify a number of reasonable and concrete measures that appeals to people.

The Thai people will be not be perfectly free to vote TRT back in a few months, maybe something else with the same name as you make clear yourself. Did you see me propagate for TRT or Thaksin? No, but some decent policies that improves everyday life would be good. Subsidized and improved education would be a lot better than rice subsidies. Some 21th century policies to attract foreign capital would be clever instead of the current self-destructive nationalism in this area. Policies to enrich the many army generals even more, personally I don't much like them.

What do you think a Thai farmer should vote for? And why? What party would make his life better?

[TAWP]

Well, Thaksin is no favorite of mine. I am not saying that these policies are perfect. But to my knowledge, healthcare for all came with TRT. That's a major improvement over no healthcare at all or the old-style healtcare (i.e. witch doctor).

But you would be incorrect. For example, the gold card existed before the 30 baht-scheme.

[Gnarpjohan]

Well, Thaksin is no favorite of mine. I am not saying that these policies are perfect. But to my knowledge, healthcare for all came with TRT. That's a major improvement over no healthcare at all or the old-style healtcare (i.e. witch doctor).

But you would be incorrect. For example, the gold card existed before the 30 baht-scheme.

Yes, but not for anything like 30 bath.

[TAWP]

I heard the sum 50 baht being mentioned. Someone that have used it might be able to fill in some more info.

Btw, one of my wifes friends dad managed to eat posioned fruit (the land was posioned by waste and pestisides) little over 2 years ago. He was turned away everywhere for his problems when he presented the 30 baht card. Just so we put this 'cover' in perspective.

[hammered]

There was a voluntary family scheme which I think cost around 500 baht. Then there was the 30-baht scheme which was more universal but with a lesser standard of care although it varied by location. Now there is in theory a free universal scheme although it seems at least some hospitals choose to ignore this.

Then there is the contributory social security scheme which generally gets better marks from most Thai people I talk to.

My experience in the villages is that those who paid for the 500 baht scheme were quite happy with it. Obviously not everyone did. Teh 30 baht and subsequent free scheme are seen as last resorts and actually not very good and I could personally give accounts of people dying, being turned away and being left to die under the 30 baht scheme, if we want to have a debate on what a universal health scheme should be for the Thai people it is probably best to get away from emotive stories and also accept that all schemes to date have been for different reasons failures - with the exception possibly of the social security one. It may also be an idea if we genuinely want to discuss this issue to move it to a thread in the health section and remove it from the politcally charged rhetorical pro and anti T debates. I also note the title of this thread is 9 anti-coup leaders.... Maybe another reason to move what is obviously a topic people want to discuss or seek information on.

Peace

[ColPyat]

If we should get picky, the lower class hardly pays any taxes at all (which is fine) so it's funny you are saying they should get something back for all they pay.

<snip>

What an intriguing turn of phrase for a "Libertarian member".

Regards

"Libertarianism" is a rather wide ranging philosophy, closely associated with the equally wide ranging forms of anarchism. From left wing libertarians who believe in a base of egalitarianism (equal distribution of property etc.), over to what i would call right wing libertarians (similar to individualist anarchists) who believe in no restrictions whatsoever, especially the free unhindered flow of capital. Obviously TAWP belongs to the latter.

But, given the often opposing views within libertarianism - it is rather confusing to be libertarian without specifying which philosopher/economist one actually follows.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libertarianism

[ColPyat]

Selective footage with propaganda voice-over making assumptions that the video itself sometimes doesn't support.

Yes, we have all seen these things before. The communist and anarkist raids in Gothenburg 2001 springs to mind. Black masked kids, armed to the teeth with knives and street-stones - all kind mommas boys. Sure, whatever...

If the above video is what CP bases his beliefs on, it explains some.

I never said that their version is an objective version. What i said is that their version, an activist's view, and the version shown on television, a censored government's view, have to be combined. The truth, what really happened, is somewhere in the middle.

[ColPyat]

I want to see Dr Weng, fleer of dictators 1976, paying respects to his new leader Mr Samak, bookburner and imprisoner of leftists 1976.

To quote the colonel, sadly absent, 'I fear things are going to get a lot worse.'

Politics create strange bedfellows. But i doubt very much that Dr. Weng would have anything positive to say about Samak. Maybe i missed something, but i don't see Samak being in any way part of the UDD protests.

But what do i know? The level where Samak has played in the 70's, his backers than (and now?) are beyond where i have any direct insights other than the rumor mill.

[TAWP]

Selective footage with propaganda voice-over making assumptions that the video itself sometimes doesn't support.

Yes, we have all seen these things before. The communist and anarkist raids in Gothenburg 2001 springs to mind. Black masked kids, armed to the teeth with knives and street-stones - all kind mommas boys. Sure, whatever...

If the above video is what CP bases his beliefs on, it explains some.

I never said that their version is an objective version. What i said is that their version, an activist's view, and the version shown on television, a censored government's view, have to be combined. The truth, what really happened, is somewhere in the middle.

If you are talking about the video-clips themselfs, not to voiceover (infact, muting it would be better), then you might be closer to your point of broadening the input to paint a better picture.

I would however then want one thing, that I have yet to see: long segments of unedited, non-spliced, segments. Short clips taken out of context is still customary propaganda techniques.

[ColPyat]

If you are talking about the video-clips themselfs, not to voiceover (infact, muting it would be better), then you might be closer to your point of broadening the input to paint a better picture.

I would however then want one thing, that I have yet to see: long segments of unedited, non-spliced, segments. Short clips taken out of context is still customary propaganda techniques.

Honestly, i didn't bother with the English version whose link was posted here, i saw the Thai version from a CD i got at Sanam Luang. And yes, both views - government and UDD - do show an edited propaganda version - that is why i said that both views have to be looked at.

Only problem is that the media, supposedly independent, should not have shown only the footage that shows the police in the best light, but the other stuff as well.

Basically, clear is, that the protesters have used violence. No doubt about that. But - the police was ordered to disperse the protesters who have spent hours in front of Prem's compound without any violent incident after they have reached their goal of breaking through the police blocks (without any violence other than that a few protesters tried to beat up a truck driver, which though was stopped by fellow protesters), and has initiated the following violence that way.

As a cop i know has said: "Why did the army order the protesters to be dispersed, they would have anyhow had to go home later that night...?"

And it is clear to see in the videos of the protesters (regardless of comment) that the police used batons, teargas and pepper spray, threw objects at protesters, and has beaten up protesters. This should have been shown by the media outlets as well, and not just the violence of the protesters directed at the police.

This whole thing was a somewhat unlucky event that could have been avoided. Mistakes were made on both sides, and i hold both sides equally responsible that this demonstration went out of hand. And, please, lets not forget one thing - there were no serious injuries, only little stuff.

But - important to note here is one thing:

It is always held up how peaceful the PAD protests were. There are a few significant differences there as well. During those protests the PAD encountered no resistance of the police wherever they went. On one occasion Sondhi L. and Chamlong and their bodyguards broke through one Saphan Pan Fa block, which though was ignored by police and fellow protesters.

Sondhi L. even went to Prem's residence unhindered, and delivered a letter, he went to Army headquarters unhindered, and was even invited inside to confer with Gen. Sonthi.

The PAD could block off Government House for weeks, they could block Rama 1 Rd. for one full day, etc.

The UDD protests though have faced constant blocks during their marches. Systematic blocks in Bangkok, in the surroundings, even upcountry protesters were hindered from attending demonstrations. Yes, these incidents happened during the PAD demonstrations as well, but not systematically as it is now during the PAD demonstrations.

And yes, months ago i have already stated that the potential for violence is higher during those demonstrations today. But the PAD demonstrations were not all free from violent incidents, such as on several occasions where undercover police had to rescue those lone loonies holding up pro Thaksin signs. And, i am sure that one of the contributing factors for the relatively violence free PAD demonstrations were the non confrontational orders of the police (which did surprise me at the time though).

Today though police orders are not non-confrontational anymore, to the dismay of also many police officers. They are the ones who are getting hurt, and have to hurt protesters they don't really want to hurt. It's not the Generals in their offices giving those orders who get hurt.

[sriracha john]

Just so everything is clear, this Thai Rak Thai group claims to have nothing to do with DADD in contrast to the other Thai Rak Thai group that makes up the majority of DADD....

No word yet on how many policemen's legs will targeted for fracturing by the DADD cars, nor TRT cars this time around....

Thai Rak Thai to hold big rally at Sanam Luang next Wednesday

The Thai Rak Thai Group will stage a big rally against the charter draft at Sanam Luang next Wednesday.

Surapong Seubwonglee, a key leader of the group of former Thai Rak Thai members who have now joined the People Power Party, said Thursday that they would explain to the public why they rejected the draft.

"We don't want to sway voters in the referendum. Our rally has nothing to do with the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship," he said.

Chaturon Chaisang, Sutham Saengpratoom and Adisorn Piengket are to address the rally.

- The Nation

Edited August 9, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Somchai the Shower Supervisor will find out in a week whether or not his playmates will be returning to jail...

Court to decide on Aug 17 whether to revoke bail of protest leaders

The Criminal Court has set August 17 for a hearing whether to revoke bail for six of nine anti-coup protest leaders from the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship.

On Tuesday police filed a writ contending the six violated their bail condition by continuing to rouse the crowds so as to cause social divisions.

Thursday defence lawyer Jesada Chandee submitted a counter argument that the six strictly observed the court order for their temporary release and that police had misconstrued the action.

"Following their release on Monday, the six appeared before the crowds in order to thank their supporters and ensure them they were in good health," he said in the defence writ.

- The Nation

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

What was said and by whom?

As they say in sports broadcasting, "Let's go to the video, Bob."

[John K]

I think Thaksin is due in court on the same day. Should be a fun day.

[sriracha john]

Rights group petitions NLA to drop action against Jaran

A human rights group yesterday delivered a petition to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), asking it to abandon plans to impeach human rights commissioner Jaran Ditapichai for his involvement in last month's clash between anti-coup protesters and police. The Campaign Committee for Human Rights (CCHR) said in its letter that Jaran was exercising his political rights when he took part in the July 22 demonstration outside the residence of Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. The protesters clashed violently with police, resulting in many injuries.

The letter said if Jaran's involvement in the violent protest was deemed a violation of the law, he should be prosecuted. The CCHR said the NLA move to review his position as a human rights commissioner was politically motivated and if allowed to proceed would set a bad precedent.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Aug2007_news06.php

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

Speaking of politically motivated, there is absolutely no information online regarding this supposed "human rights group." When did they form? What are their issues? Who is involved? How are they financed? ..... nothing.

No references to it at all, except a couple of news articles, that only appeared since the 9 were incarcerated.

Is CCHR just another off-shoot of the TRT/PTV/ADD/UDD/DADD acronym tossed salad????

Edited August 10, 2007 by sriracha john