Demonstrations continue in Bangkok

[Jai Dee]

Demonstrators to be filed charges if found instigating chaos

Army Chief of Staff, Gen.Montri Sangkhasap (มนตรี สังขทรัพย์), says the demonstrators will be filed charges if their movements are seen as violating the law.

Referring to the demonstrators’ plan to gather at the Royal Thai Army (RTA) headquarters this afternoon, Gen Montri says the policemen will take legal actions against any movement aimed to instigate chaos.

Gen Montri, however, believes that the demonstration will not cause severe trouble.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Demonstrators announce they will fire arrow of freedom at CNS

The Royal Thai Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Montri Sangkhasap (มนตรี สังขทรัพย์), affirms that demonstrators who violated the law would be prosecuted.

Gen. Montri reports that Sanam Luang demonstrators recently announced that they will fire the arrow of freedom at Council for National Security (CNS) members. Gen. Montri said that, regardless of whether the act was a literal or figurative statement, demonstrators would be prosecuted if they engaged in illegal acts. He revealed that authorities have not made special preparations to handle demonstrators and will be engaging in routine security precautions.

The Army Chief of Staff expressed his confidence that political violence in the nation will not intensify. Gen. Montri added that he was not troubled over possible instigation of unrest by first generation protesters. He believed that the incident would not need to be brought to the attention of CNS Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), who is currently engaged in official duties abroad.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

BMA cooperates with policemen to ensure security for demonstrators' gathering at the Royal Thai Army

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) cooperates with policemen to ensure security as demonstrators march across to the Royal Thai Army today (August 9th).

The demonstrators at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) will gather at the Victory Monument and then march to the Royal Thai Army this afternoon.

In response to the plan, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has requested the demonstrators to follow regulations and not to create problems to the general public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Metropolitan Police Division 1 deploys 450 officers to safeguard Army HQ

The Metropolitan Police Division 1 is preparing to deploy 450 police officers to ensure security in front of the Royal Thai Army headquarters.

Metropolitan POlice Division 1 Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Manit Wongsomboon (มานิตย์ วงศ์สมบูรณ์ ) reported that police officers are ready to ensure order among Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) demonstrators who have traveled to conduct protests in front of the Royal Thai Army headquarters today. 450 police officers from the Metropolitan Police Division 1 have been deployed to safeguard Army property while the Metropolitan Police Division 6 will ensure security around Victory Monument.

Authorities urged demonstrators to send representatives to the Royal Thai Army headquarters instead of traveling en masse, as this will disrupt traffic and create unrest. Pol. Maj. Gen. Manit added that 200 demonstrators are preparing to fire 35 arrows to call on the Council for National Security to abolish martical law in 25 provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 August 2007

[John K]

Lets see here... they let some people out of jail on bail who were organizing the rallies and demonstrations after a promise not to get involved. No sooner they are let out of jail they go to a rally and then all this stuff starts up again. I get the feeling they are going back to jail until their court date comes up.

Edited August 9, 2007 by John K

[Jai Dee]

Protesters stopped by police on Rajdamnoen

A group of some 30 anti-coup protesters were stopped on the Rajdamnoen Avenue on their way to the Army headquarters Thursday afternoon.

The protesters gathered at the Democracy Monument at 1 pm.

They began their march at 1:45 pm but police intercepted them in front of the head office of the Law Society of Thailand.

The protesters wore ancient warrior dresses and carried bows.

Source: The Nation - 09 August 2007

[Aussietraveller]

30 of them?

Is that all that they could muster?

[John K]

It sounds more like just a side show. It also looks like they plan to be in many places at the same time including Silom or was that patpong?

[bangkoksingapore]

silom?

[TAWP]

Yeah, those 30 was most likely just a part of the group, but considering their wore bows (a weapon in many countries), they were stopped. Guessing they weren't going hunting deers...

[John K]

silom?

Yes I saw a short news article on it. I guess they want to be in the eyes of non Thais. Perhaps the will do Rama I near the offices of the international media next.

[sriracha john]

30 of them?

Is that all that they could muster?

Which is why it was good call by Jai Dee to move these posts into a new thread instead of their original postings in the thread, "Thousands Protest Outside Thai Privy Council Chairman's Home".

30 is quite a bit less than thousands....

but it was sporting of them that they wore their Halloween costumes.

[sriracha john]

"We know it's not October 31st yet, but Trick or Treat."

[Tony Clifton]

Archers?

We already know of the superhero, the main character in London.

Here he is in his London lair, slipping on his more modern nanotechnological - justice - proof powder blue lycra uniform.

[sriracha john]

Like the story of William Tell, will the archers be punished by having to shoot an apple off the top of square-head's head???

[Jai Dee]

Anti-coup protesters dressed as ancient warriors and carrying bows gather at the Democracy Monument yesterday to condemn the new constitution, demand an end to martial law and fire ‘arrows of freedom’ at the junta.

Source: The Nation - 10 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Anti-coup protesters disperse before arrival at army headquarters

Anti-coup demonstrators marching on the Royal Thai Army headquarters dispersed after being intercepted by police units Thursday afternoon.

Protesters from the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) marched from the Democracy Monument intending to carry out their planned protest at the Royal Thai Army headquarters, but they were blocked by a 450-man formation of police officers.

The protesters stopped their march and announced their statement, calling for the revocation of martial law for the transparency of the national referendum due on August 19.

Some 100 police officers are stationed at the Royal Thai Army headquarters and barriers have been set up at three locations to prevent protesters from entering the headquarters.

Meanwhile, a lawyer representing six key leaders of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) petitioned the Criminal Court arguing against the police request to revoke bail for further detentions of his clients.

The petition clarified that the six UDD leaders joined an anti-government rally at Sanam Luang on Monday shortly after their release from Bangkok Remand Prison on bail, but none of their actions violated the bail orders as claimed by the police. They insisted that they had exercised their rights under the freedom of expression.

The seven released on bail on August 6 after 12 days confinement at Bangkok Remand Prison included former key members of the now-dissolved Thai Rak Thai Party -- Veera Musikapong, Jakraphob Penkair, Aphiwan Wiriyachai, Weng Tojirakarn, Chatuphorn Phrompan, Nattawut Saikua and Wiphuthalaeng Phatthanaphumthai.

The court is scheduled to rule on their petition next Friday.

Source: TNA - 10 August 2007

[Mid]

The protesters stopped their march and announced their statement, calling for the revocation of martial law for the transparency of the national referendum due on August 19.

there are a few here who would decry these protests ,

haven't heard a plausible why , just the usual mr t phobia ,

meanwhile .............................

edited to add missing word decry

Edited August 10, 2007 by Mid

[sriracha john]

Wondering if the TRT members will become confused themselves as to which protest they're actually supposed to be attending amongst the various TRT protesting groups...

Former government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee said the campaign against the charter will kick off at Sanam Luang. The campaign would go beyond the issue of the coup as the origin of the draft constitution, he said. Instead, it will focus on the content of the charter, such as the requirement for appointed senators. The campaign will include key leaders such as Chaturon Chaisaeng and Sutham Saengprathum. The group is in the process of applying for permission to use part of the park, and the event will have nothing to do with another anti-coup demonstration held by the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Aug2007_news12.php

Edited August 10, 2007 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

as to the "why?"

hopefully to not have any more of this:

BBC

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

I have nothing against non-violent protesting... but these guys have squandered their opportunities and tainted the possibility of future protests not resorting to the same tactics.

[hammered]

I wonder if the demonstrations will continue after the election?

Personally Ihave no problem with people demonstrating as long as they do not resort to violence etc.

Personally I dont think most of the PTV/DAAD/UDD demonstrators are demonstrating for anything exceopt Mr. T, but they still have the right to do it. they never sem tocriticise any anti-democratic action by "their" side, so I cannot believe personally that they are actually pro-democracy. Still, let them continue if they remain peaceful. Some of their stunts are mildly amusing, and I do miss the new low profile of some of their amusing leadership. they were quite capable of making more than mildly amusing statements. The new leadership are just plain boring.

[John K]

I fear they may be so out of touch with reality they may still protest looking for perhaps a second vote.

[Mid]

Former pm’s party banned from gathering

(BangkokPost.com) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided not to allow members of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s banned Thai Rak Thai group from holding a public gathering to protest the draft charter on August 15.

A BMA official denied that its decision was based on orders from the military government.

snip

The Post Publishing Public Co

[hammered]

Former pm’s party banned from gathering

(BangkokPost.com) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has decided not to allow members of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s banned Thai Rak Thai group from holding a public gathering to protest the draft charter on August 15.

A BMA official denied that its decision was based on orders from the military government.

snip

The Post Publishing Public Co

From the same report:

“The Sanam Luang park has already been reserved by the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) until August 19, so I suggest the former Thai Rak Thai group negotiate with them.”

[sriracha john]

“The Sanam Luang park has already been reserved by the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) until August 19, so I suggest the former Thai Rak Thai group negotiate with them.”

Those dialogue of these "negotiatons" should be easily begun as surely the two "different" groups still have all of each other's phone numbers in their mobile's phonebook from their mutual days with the Thai Rak Thai.

A far majority of them are likely on each other's speed-dials.

[Jai Dee]

BMA refuses TRT's request to conduct demonstration in Sanam Luang

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will not be allowing the Thai Rak Thai group to conduct rallies in Sanam Luang on August 15th.

Mr. Nikom Waiyalatpanich (นิคม ไวยรัชพานิช), Director General, Department of Environment, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in his capacity as supervisory official in charge of Sanam Luang, revealed that the Thai Rak Thai group has requested permission to conduct anti-constitution rallies in Sanam Luang on August 15th. The Thai Rak Thai groups has also filed a formal letter of request to the Department of Environment, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, to use the park.

Mr. Nikom said that the Thai Rak Thai's request cannot be accommodated as the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship demonstration group will be occupying the park until August 19th. The director general said that if the Thai Rak Thai group wished to share the park they would have to conduct direct negotiations with the DAAD group. Mr. Nikom added that the southern area of Sanam Luang will be used for royal celebration ceremonies and demonstration groups will not be allowed to use these portions of the park.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister says TRT can hold demonstration under framework of law

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) says it is possible for the Thai Rak Thai Group to stage a demonstration at Sanam Luang (สนามหลวง) tomorrow (August 15th) as long as it is under the legal framework.

Mr. Aree says the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will consider whether the Thai Rak Thai Group will be allowed to hold a demonstration tomorrow at Sanam Luang as the area is currently being used to celebrate the 75th Birthday Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

Mr. Aree says relevant agencies are determining the scope of explanation on the new constitution draft, to ensure that the explanation does not guide people to vote for or against the charter draft in the national referendum on August 19th. He says if the Thai Rak Thai Group’s demonstration is allowed to be held, official swill have to observe the speeches to prevent libel problems.

The Interior Minister says he believes public members can use their discretion to decide whether they would vote for or against the 2007 constitution referendum on August 19th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister not opposed to TRT demonstration at Sanam Luang

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) says the Thai Rak Thai Group's plan to conduct demonstrations in Sanam Luang is permissible if they act in accordance with the law.

Interior Minister Aree reveals that authorities are currently investigating the Thai Rak Thai group's attempt to evaluate the 2007 constitution draft in order to ensure that the group does not attempt to influence or guide the decision-making of voters. He affirms that the group is allowed to conduct political demonstrations in Sanam Luang as long as they act in accordance with the law.

Mr. Aree says the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will be tasked with overseeing the Thai Rak Thai group's movements in order to ensure that they do not conflict with ongoing celebrations to honor the 75th anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen. Authorities will also be monitoring for defamation for prominent figures.

The Interior Minister says the majority of citizens will refrain from becoming involved in vote-buyers' attempts to overthrow the constitution and will use their discretion during the August 19th public referendum.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Anti-coup group rallies in front of Parliament

The Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship held a rally in front of Parliament Wednesday morning.

About 100 protesters in red t-shirt with "We vote no" print rallied in front of the parliament at about 10 am.

The protest leaders also criticised the National Legislative Assembly for planning to impeach Jaral Disthapichai as a member of the National Human Rights Commission.

Source: The Nation - 15 August 2007

[Mid]

More than 10,000 join TRT rally

Wed, August 15, 2007 : Last updated 21:11 hours

The Thai Rak Thai rally at Sanam Luang Wednesday gathers more than 10,000 supporters at 7.30 pm while more people keep coming to join the rally.

A number of supporters are those who want deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra return to rule the country.

Starting at 5.15 pm, more than 50 former Thai Rak Thai MPs lead a mass rally in Sanam Luang with supporters wearing red T-shirts with print screen "Vote No" [to an upcoming referendum on August 19 over the junta-sponsored charter draft].

The key members include Chaturon Chaisang, Sudarat Keyuraphan, Surapong Suebwonglee, Pongthep Thepkarnchana, Newin Chidchob, Kuthep Saikajang and Adisorn Piengket. They took the stage and urgedpeople to reject what they called "the junta's charter".

The stage, installed with a big billboard read "August 19, Vote No to the Charter," is close to the one of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD). Two big TV screens are installed by the stage.

snip

nationmultimedia.com

More than 10,000 Thai Rak Thai supporters rally at Sanam Luang on Wednesday. They urge the whole nation to reject the junta-sponsored charter draft in the August 19 referendum.

Edited August 15, 2007 by Mid