sriracha john Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 People's Alliance for Democracy to Renew Movement The five key members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy officially met this morning to discuss the renewed movements of the PAD. The group says they are ready to renew ‘all facets’ of movements to prevent the return of pre-Thaksin politics. Former key members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD met this morning. The key members who attended the meeting include Sondhi Limthongkul, Chamlong Srimuang, Pibhop Dhongchai, Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Pongpaibun and PAD’s coordinator and spokesperson Suriyasai Katasila. The group says the transfer of Department of Special Investigations Director-General Sunai Manomai-udom was the major catalyst in propelling the PAD to regroup. After the meeting the PAD held a press conference in which the five members stressed to the media the group will renew all ‘facets’ of movements to prevent the return to pre-Thaksin politics in Thailand. The group says they will focus and fight for four main issues. The four agendas include the transfers of government bureaucrats that are unfair or considered not transparent, political interference in the operations of independent organizations such as the Assets Examination Commission, the Election Commission and the courts. The PAD will also carry out actions to address the government’s decision to revive the controversial harsh crackdown on drugs that the group says could encourage more extra-judicial killings. During Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure as premier, Thailand has been heavily criticized for its blatant disregard for human rights when thousands of alleged drug dealers were killed in shootouts with police officers. Last but not least the group will also be keeping a close eye on the return of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The PAD says the return of Thaksin will have political consequences and already preparations are being made to pave the way for his return. - Thailand Outlook Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Activists oppose return of Thaksin The group that staged huge street demonstrations before the military stepped in and overthrew PM Thaksin Shinawatra resurrected itself on Monday and threatened to start the protests again. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) suddenly on Monday morning turned against the return to Thailand by Thaksin for any reason. Leaders of the group, including newspaper tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul and Buddhist sect activist Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang, said at a special meeting to the current government was acting in the interests of "the Thaksin regime," and PAD instend to step up protests. In a seven-point statement, PAD resolved "to oppose the return of Thaksin" and threatened to return to the street protests if, as likely, the ex-premier comes back to Thailand. "The PAD has never opposed the return of Thaksin if the former premier comes back to fight corruption charges in court, without interference from the current government," said the statement. "But since the Thaksin regime has interfered in the justice system, the PAD now must oppose Thaksin’s return." The statement called on "the people, civil servants, the military, police who love the country" to be ready to restart street protests which drew up to half a million people during the summer of 2006. Continued here: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126139 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Sondhi Limthongkul, center, co-leaders of the People's Alliance for Decmocracy or PAD, speaks as his colleagues Somsak Kosaisuk, left, and Suriyasai Takasila, right, look on during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand Monday, Feb. 25, 2008. Associated Press Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ned Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Dead men walking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Yeah, goo that chart, baby. Yeehah, here we go again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevykanteve Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 (edited) At this point in time in Thailand's history, it might be in the interest of certain PAD so-called "core-leaders" to concentrate on their respective vocations: a certain news-media magnate should perhaps stick to news-media-related matters and a certain cult leader should perhaps perfect his vipassana meditation techniques. Mr. Chalerm and ohers may now be thinking in terms of once bitten, twice shy. It would be ironic to read future news reports concerning PAD members living permanently abroad: ironic, but perhaps inevitable and deservingly so in the interest of stability in this country. Edited February 25, 2008 by chevykanteve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 (edited) Activists threaten street protests if Thaksin returns Bangkok - Activists who helped bring down former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra warned Monday that the return of the controversial exile would trigger mass protests. Thaksin, an allegedly corrupt but still popular figure, wants to return home within a month following his proxy political party's victory in a December 23rd election, officials in the new government said over the weekend. The billionaire businessman has been given back his diplomatic passport which was revoked after his ousting in a September 2006 coup, foreign minister Noppadon Pattama told the Thai News Agency. Two leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), newspaper tycoon Sondhi Limthongkul and former Bangkok Governor Chamlong Srimuang, said Thaksin would be met by street protests. Bangkok Post online reported a PAD statement saying that it was not opposed in principle to Thaksin returning to face corruption charges, but not when the new government appears to be sabotaging the prosecuting agencies. "Since the Thaksin regime has interfered in the justice system, the PAD now must oppose Mr Thaksin's return," the statement said. The People Power Party, which dominates the coalition government, is widely believed to be Thaksin's political vehicle. The PAD protests in 2006 attracted crowds of up to half a million people in the capital, with many people angered by Thaksin's tax-free sale of his huge business empire to Singapore at the beginning of the year. Thai media reported that some investigators who recommended prosecution of Thaksin have been reassigned. Thailand appears relatively subdued at the moment but the return of a vindictive and hyperactive populist could again test the patience of some powerful forces in the country. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said on Thai television the ex-premier was a Thai citizen with every right to return, if he so wishes. - DPA Edited February 25, 2008 by sriracha john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 Anti-Thaksin alliance reactivates BANGKOK - Members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Monday announced its reactivation and vowed to renew its fight against any unscrupulous behaviour by the government which it branded as a proxy administration of the deposed Thaksin administration. The PAD, a staunch opponent of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, suspended its movement after claiming success in expelling Thaksin from the premiership in 2006. The ex-premier has been in self-exile abroad since the September 2006 coup that toppled his administration. PAD spokesman Suriyasai Katasila said the alliance would carry out its movement in every possible manner to fight against Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who is a proxy for Thaksin. "In the past, the PAD has never objected Thaksin's return to the country. Now that 'Thaksinocracy' has interfered in the justice system, the PAD will oppose his return especially as long as there are attempts to dominate and interfere in the justice system," Mr. Suriyasai said, quoting resolutions reached by leading PAD members. A seven-point resolution was reached after a tense meeting of key PAD members including Chamlong Srimuang, Sondhi Limthongkul, Somsak Kosaisuk, Pipob Thongchai and Somkiat Pongpaibul, all of them the driving forces behind the anti-Thaksin movement before the 2006 coup. The government has lately threatened the mass media and interfered in the justice system with the transfer of Director Sunai Manomai-udom of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to rid him from corruption investigation against the former prime minister and his family, the PAD spokesman said. Mr. Suriyasai added that the PAD executives would meet every week to evaluate the situation. PAD leading member Pipob Thongchai said the renewal of the alliance would not necessarily lead to a political unrest but "we will launch our movement if the justice system is interfered after Thaksin's return to the country." Chamlong Srimuang, another PAD member, said, "We are here today to show our stand and tell the public to be prepared. We don't want any disunity in the country. We still give the government a chance to work for the people, and not for Thaksin and his family." Meanwhile, Pracha Prasopdee, Samut Prakan MP of the People Power Party and former key member of anti-coup alliance, vowed to mobilise his supporters to rally against the anti-Thaksin demonstration. - TNA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 At this point in time in Thailand's history, it might be in the interest of certain PAD so-called "core-leaders" to concentrate on their respective vocations: a certain news-media magnate should perhaps stick to news-media-related matters and a certain cult leader should perhaps perfect his vipassana meditation techniques. Mr. Chalerm and ohers may now be thinking in terms of once bitten, twice shy. It would be ironic to read future news reports concerning PAD members living permanently abroad: ironic, but perhaps inevitable and deservingly so in the interest of stability in this country. And give all Thailands right, money direct to the corrupt, never realy electected Dictator Thaksin (200 Baht for one vote before this time even more) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevykanteve Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 (edited) At this point in time in Thailand's history, it might be in the interest of certain PAD so-called "core-leaders" to concentrate on their respective vocations: a certain news-media magnate should perhaps stick to news-media-related matters and a certain cult leader should perhaps perfect his vipassana meditation techniques. Mr. Chalerm and ohers may now be thinking in terms of once bitten, twice shy. It would be ironic to read future news reports concerning PAD members living permanently abroad: ironic, but perhaps inevitable and deservingly so in the interest of stability in this country. And give all Thailands right, money direct to the corrupt, never realy electected Dictator Thaksin (200 Baht for one vote before this time even more) Better to give it all to generals and their small elitist-group-crony mafia who certainly weren't elected as opposed to the "never realy [sic] electected [sic] Dictator Thaksin". Give me a break. Edited February 25, 2008 by chevykanteve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chevykanteve Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 From Nation Jakrapob blames PAD for abusing media freedom PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on Monday shrugged off criticism about his meddling with the media, saying the public would be the judge for his performance. "The People's Alliance for Democracy is known for causing social divisions and my job as the PM's Office minister is to foster reconciliation and unity in society," he said..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 (edited) toss the lot in jail - their interest is only in causing divisiveness in thailand. Edited February 25, 2008 by britmaveric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KireB Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 toss the lot in jail - there interest is only in causing divisiveness in thailand. These people are the only ones in this country who have the guts to stand up and fight the corruption. Sure toss them in jail, that what's probably gonna happen anyway. I hope you're being sarcastic. Thai society is sick; it's corrupt and greedy and selfishness seems to be a national moral value. Respect to those who dare to take it to the streets. PAD go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAS21 Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 And give all Thailands right, money direct to the corrupt, never realy electected Dictator Thaksin (200 Baht for one vote before this time even more) Better to give it all to generals and their small elitist-group-crony mafia who certainly weren't elected as opposed to the "never realy [sic] electected [sic] Dictator Thaksin". Give me a break. Sunshine...maybe you are way off...judging by the following conversation.... So we are in this taxi and I ask my wife to ask the driver, why do you taxi drivers like Thaksin? The surprising reply was..we don’t now because…some of the reasons he gave were He doesn’t pay his taxes He builds chemical plants that kill our fish He removed the 50,000 limit on how many taxis are allowed and now anyone can own a taxi so we struggle to make money. So I then get her to ask..Why did you vote for PPP then? He said well they gave us all money. So I then get her to ask..Why didn’t you take the money and then vote for who you really wanted to? He says..that wouldn’t be honest would it? enough said..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 no sarcasm here, deadly serious - PAD should try smth novel and win an election. Anything else is simply undemocratic and hinders the govt from functioning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 If the government focused on doing what it was elected for instead of arranging Thaksin's return, there would be no need for PAD to resurrect itself. Note how peaceful was the country until they started pushing for Thaksin's return. Now everyone is up in arms already. I wonder what would happen if someone shot Thaksin dead. Suddenly everyone would lose agenda to protest - either for or against. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KireB Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 no sarcasm here, deadly serious - PAD should try smth novel and win an election. Anything else is simply undemocratic and hinders the govt from functioning. The beauty, or ugliness, of true check and balances lies too often in the hands of people who oppose their governments. History has proven that too many times. When you speak about undemocratic, you imply that this government is democratic. Democracy doesn't just mean the right to vote, but also a government that benefits its people. And to say that this government is functioning is quite a statement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 PAD is concerned with Thaksin, the government is not a target unless it starts meddling in Thaksin's business (which it does, sadly). They should concentrate on running the country and let Thaksin go through the due process. Something PAD wants him to do as well, without any demonstrations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Pad DOES want Thaksin to return and face the courts, they are protesting against government interference in the judicial process, it has nothing to do with elections. Separation of powers, juduciary and executive in this case, must be upheld no matter who is in the government. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chownah Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Pad DOES want Thaksin to return and face the courts, they are protesting against government interference in the judicial process, it has nothing to do with elections. Separation of powers, juduciary and executive in this case, must be upheld no matter who is in the government. I'm pretty much in agreement here. I think one of the big difficulties historically in Thailand has been seperation of powers...I think it is good that the PAD raises this issue. It is a difficult situation....I haven't seen where PAD really has a way to implement seperation of powers and in the long run it is not viable to have a group of citizens staging disruptive demonstrations as THE method for enforcing seperation of powers. The US constitution is sometimes pointed to as an example of good seperation of power but even there it is maintained to a significant degree simply by the fact that there are enough well educated people all across the political spectrum who understand its importance and will drop their ideological urgencies and join together to maintain it. But even when seperation of power is firmly established it is subject to erosion which some people claim is the problem in US politics today (please let's not get into US politics...this is just presented as a possible example). I guess my view is that PAD's tactics while in support of alot of very good ideals do not really do so much to achieve those ideals. Their previous demonstrations helped a military dictatorship to come to power which so far doesn't really seem to have accomplished much. I guess the hope is that "this time" there will be more people getting involved and that increases the chance of a good outcome...but realistically getting more people involved in the struggle (remember there are two sides to every struggle) might lead to an even more disasterous outcome......I don't know. I just try to support the democratic process and sometimes it difficult to know what helps and what does not. chownah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florin Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 no sarcasm here, deadly serious - PAD should try smth novel and win an election. Anything else is simply undemocratic and hinders the govt from functioning. The beauty, or ugliness, of true check and balances lies too often in the hands of people who oppose their governments. History has proven that too many times. When you speak about undemocratic, you imply that this government is democratic. Democracy doesn't just mean the right to vote, but also a government that benefits its people. And to say that this government is functioning is quite a statement. Since when does a government have to benefit the people to qualify as democratic?? There have been so many governments divided to the point of non-functionality or too weak to set about doing anything, yet were allowed to fulfill their term in office. These people do not fulfill the role of a checks and balances system, they fulfill the role of an unruly mob...they should just organize an election with only the Democrat Party running, because it obviously seems that any other ruling party is deemed wrong by these idiots. Seriously, they complain and moan and bitch and cause all sorts of social problems, yet do they have a solution? NO! Never mind paid voting in the upcountry moobans, ask any person in Bangkok who they voted for in the previous election...but noooo, it's still no good for the mighty, incorruptible PAD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Mr T returns faces charges then is found not guilty. PAD will protest, so what difference does it make? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sriracha john Posted February 25, 2008 Author Share Posted February 25, 2008 From NationJakrapob blames PAD for abusing media freedom PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on Monday shrugged off criticism about his meddling with the media, saying the public would be the judge for his performance. "The People's Alliance for Democracy is known for causing social divisions and my job as the PM's Office minister is to foster reconciliation and unity in society," he said..... An example of some of the "causing social divisions" that PM's Office Minister Jakrapob was arrested for and charged with as being a leader and an instigator of a riot injuring hundreds: Is this how he seeks "reconciliation"? Is this what he means by "unity in society"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plus Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 The military government didn't mess with judiciary, otherwise Thaksin would have been sentenced already. Current, democratically elected government made fixing Thaksin's fate its first priority. Citizens have all the right, and, in fact, it's their duty, to try to prevent the government from deviating from its course. They can use the media, they can rely on civil society, ultimately they can take to the streets. It's about making themselves heard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 ^^^ in the minority I might add. Most of thailand supports Mr T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khun Jean Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 ^^^ in the minority I might add. Most of thailand supports Mr T. Ahum, they don't. Check your numbers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johpa Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 toss the lot in jail - there interest is only in causing divisiveness in thailand. These people are the only ones in this country who have the guts to stand up and fight the corruption. Sure toss them in jail, that what's probably gonna happen anyway. I hope you're being sarcastic. Thai society is sick; it's corrupt and greedy and selfishness seems to be a national moral value. Respect to those who dare to take it to the streets. PAD go for it. Their only interest, especially Sondhi, is that there not be a another PM like Thaksin who refused to share the pie to their own peculiar standards of appropriateness. All the groups still hold that old school Thai belief that politics is all about kin muang. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indo-Siam Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 My prediction: 1. PPP is about to announce the date of Thaksin's return - and they intend to exonerate him of any charges against him. They will announce a return date that is a few weeks (or months) in the future. 2. The PAD will get worked up over this, and will begin a series of ever-larger protest rallies - backed by Bangkokians and students. These rallies will grow to huge size as the date of Thaksin's return approaches. The PPP will generally not interfere. 3. Just before Thaksin's return, the PPP will bring to Bangkok several hundred thousand rural (pro-Thaksin) Thais from northern and northeastern Thailand - to counter-balance the urban anti-Thaksin crowds. As Thaksin arrives, a virtual civil war will break out - right in Bangkok (Sanam Luang and Ratchadamnoen). 4. The Army will be called in to stop the civil unrest - and will do so by basically eliminating - for keeps - the leadership of one faction. Point #4 is the goal of the PAD. The PAD does not really like the military - but it will use the military to clean house of the old Thaksin guard. The military really does not want to run the country - it is actually a better organization than it is given credit for being. So - it will eventually hand power back. But - this time - there won't be any remnants of the TRT left standing. It will be a mess - but things have to get sorted out. I'm guessing that the events will be at their most intense level in late April. The PAD will do what it has to do to orchestrate the scenario above. It will actually sacrifice a lot of good Thais - maybe even itself - to get the final goal accomplished. The only way out for the PPP is to cut the PAD off at the knees early on - and prevent the early demonstrations from even getting started. No place in all of this for foreigners to even get involved. It is time for Thais to sort themselves out. Sadly, the next uprising is going to be a lot less benign than last time. Ultimately, I guess everything will work out for the best - whatever that is. I sure hope that I'm wrong about all of the above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
britmaveric Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 I predict PAD will be crushed then MR T will return in triumph and it will be same same as it ever was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulmercke Posted February 25, 2008 Share Posted February 25, 2008 Jakrapob blames PAD for abusing media freedom - THE NATION - 25.02.08 - PM's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on Monday shrugged off criticism about his meddling with the media, saying the public would be the judge for his performance. "The People's Alliance for Democracy is known for causing social divisions and my job as the PM's Office minister is to foster reconciliation and unity in society," he said, refusing to react to the PAD's accusation that he was interfering with the press freedom. Jakrapob said his critics from the PAD should reflect on their activities instead of attacking him. "Some PAD leaders have exploited the media to propagate their political beliefs, hence impacting on the reputation of the local press," he said. One untruth after another - total spin - putting it nicely! QUOTE(Indo-Siam):"The only way out for the PPP is to cut the PAD off at the knees early on - and prevent the early demonstrations from even getting started." I agree. Jakrapob Penkair seems to be laying the foundations for the criminalising and eventual outlawing of the PAD and the arrest of it's leaders. Ireally don't like this guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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