People's Alliance For Democracy To Renew Movement

[ando]

Mocking or ridiculing something don't always infer something is taken lightly or is considered a joke.... which, admittedly, most ABAC polls and/or their reported results are.

We've already probably expended more energy detailing the absurdity of their work then they spent on doing their poll.

hel_l, NO!

Lets keep it going. I like it when you are on the retreat.

[sriracha john]

Bangkokians oppose PAD's rallies: survey

Abac Poll

Anyone who takes Thai political polls with more than a grain of salt needs their head read

no disputes there...

[ando]

and then things are taken to new all-time heights with Thai polls...

which is why, most often, they deserve the mocking they were given in this instance... although some might fail to grasp that...

Actually there well may be nothing wrong with the polling at all. What is wrong, however, is that we have only been furnished with one side of the results. That may well not be the fault of ABAC, but of the publication that commissioned the poll in the first place. I've looked at the ABAC website but couldn't find the full findings.

I've just noted that in your post above the one I've just quoted, you state that [there is] "nothing absurd at all in the highly reasonable response to that to say that 20% would participate". Actually that is an absurd assumption - at least statistically. By inferring that, you have chosen not to include both the "don't knows" and the "declined to answers".

Precisely the point in discussion here. Thanks for the support. Expect Plus to come to the rescue here with some other (umm) explaination.

[sriracha john]

Mocking or ridiculing something don't always infer something is taken lightly or is considered a joke.... which, admittedly, most ABAC polls and/or their reported results are.

We've already probably expended more energy detailing the absurdity of their work then they spent on doing their poll.

hel_l, NO!

Lets keep it going. I like it when you are on the retreat.

retreat? now THAT'S absurd....

a silly post by chevy gets mocked... and you mistook the obvious mocking that wasn't missed by anyone else viewing the thread over the intervening days since it was posted...

[Plus]

No one disputing that 80% of respondents won't attend March 28 rally. We are just wondering what the remaining 20% said.

Why they bothered with this question int he first place?

If 10,000 people turn up (and it would be a great turnout for the frist day), it would be rougly 0.1% of Bangkok population, one in a thousand. That means 99.9% won't come, you don't need to conduct a poll.

[ando]

No one disputing that 80% of respondents won't attend March 28 rally. We are just wondering what the remaining 20% said.

Why they bothered with this question int he first place?

If 10,000 people turn up (and it would be a great turnout for the frist day), it would be rougly 0.1% of Bangkok population, one in a thousand. That means 99.9% won't come, you don't need to conduct a poll.

Would you consider 0.1% of people a big turnout? Sounds big in numbers, but not so big when you put it in its true context.

Perhaps one could "extrapolate" that 99.9% of people were against the PPP if they only get 10k supporters?

[ando]

Mocking or ridiculing something don't always infer something is taken lightly or is considered a joke.... which, admittedly, most ABAC polls and/or their reported results are.

We've already probably expended more energy detailing the absurdity of their work then they spent on doing their poll.

hel_l, NO!

Lets keep it going. I like it when you are on the retreat.

retreat? now THAT'S absurd....

a silly post by chevy gets mocked... and you mistook the obvious mocking that wasn't missed by anyone else viewing the thread over the intervening days since it was posted...

I am such a silly billy hey?

Here was me thinking you were trying to distort the facts to justify your own political arguments.

I feel so stupid now that you have explained it all.

[Plus]

Would you consider 0.1% of people a big turnout? Sounds big in numbers, but not so big when you put it in its true context.

Given that maximum they can attract is somewhere around 100,000 and it takes several months to achieve that turnout, 10k on a first day would be a lot. I expect not more 3 thousands, maybe not even the full Thammasat hall they are renting.

Anti-junta rallies were initially in hundreds.

[ando]

[

Given that maximum they can attract is somewhere around 100,000 and it takes several months to achieve that turnout, 10k on a first day would be a lot. I expect not more 3 thousands, maybe not even the full Thammasat hall they are renting.

Whooo Hooo, on a roll there baby. Better get them extra chairs out!

Now we are down to less than 3,000. Not even one in 12,000 voters. BTW, now we are down to 0.008% of total voters!

Sarcasm aside, I do appreciate your back down to face reality. And I will let you have the last say as its time for my afternoon nap.

[Plus]

What exactly is your problem, Ando? NO ONE is expecting much more than that on the 28th. It's the silly Abac poll that left 20% hanging in the air, presumably answering 'yes'.

Are you just trying to pick up a fight?

[ando]

What exactly is your problem, Ando? NO ONE is expecting much more than that on the 28th. It's the silly Abac poll that left 20% hanging in the air, presumably answering 'yes'.

Are you just trying to pick up a fight?

Why is that Plus? No one has said anything about picking a fight. Just the normal debate.

It hasn't been about the "silly" Abac poll at all. Rather the number of PAD supporters likely to turn out as "extrapolated" by SJ in an earlier post.

Now SJ has backed down saying he was only joking and you agree the PAD turnout is likely to be quite small, so I don't see what there is to fight about.

The debate is over I would think.

[sriracha john]

Indeed, it was over when chevy posted a poorly constructed, even by their already low standards, ABAC poll.... which was duly notated with a figuratively-worded ridicule... that was somehow bizarrely misinterpreted as being a literal challenge (apparently actually believing that the Thammasat hall could amazingly hold 2 million people).

Good summation as the debate (that never really started) is indeed over.

Thanks ABAC..... can't wait for your next poll.

Edited March 24, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

Something happened to our news service here - for days Thais have been talking about Constitution amendments yet there isn't a single thread or item about it on TV.

I think it will give an extra amunition to PAD meeting on Friday, a boost similar to Shin sale in 2006.

The government is hel_l bent on pushing it as soon as possible, before half the coalition is dissolved for fraud.

[sriracha john]

It's become a highlight...

PAD to Rebut Arguments for Constitution Amendment

The People’s Alliance for Democracy meets again on Wednesday to discuss their moves to protest against the proposed amendment to the 2007 Constitution. The issue will be the main highlight for their upcoming gathering this Friday.

People’s Alliance for Democracy labeled the attempt to amend the various clauses of the Constitution as blatant proof that the political parties are indeed guilty of wrongdoing.

Campaign for Popular Democracy Secretary-General Suriyasai Katasila, also PAD’s spokesperson, says the PAD has mapped out their plans to protest against the proposed amendment to the 2007 Constitution.

In fact, the PAD says the issue will be the highlight of the political discussions scheduled to take place this Friday during a special mobile edition of “Yam Fao Pan Din” or Thailand Watch at Thammasat University. Suriyasai added the attempt to amend Article 237 of the Constitution is blatant evidence the political parties have clearly committed wrongdoing.

He says the People Power Party, Chart Thai and Matchima Thipataya parties are basically announcing to the public that they are unable to defend their election fraud cases in court and are taking an easy way out by changing the rule of the game.

Article 237 of the Constitution states that the election candidates found to have committed electoral fraud will see their voting rights revoked. In addition, if executives of a party are found to be aware of the fraud activities, it shall be deemed that the political party has committed the fraud with a view to acquiring by illegal means the power to rule the country.

Suriyasai lashed out at the government coalition partners’ support for the Constitution amendment. He says allowing the Constitution to be amended would be like allowing the government to abuse its powers. Suriyasai vows there will be an overwhelming number of people attending the Thailand Watch seminar on Friday despite the underhanded attempts to prevent the provincial PAD members from traveling to Bangkok to attend the first PAD event since the Samak administration was formed.

The PAD also stressed that the proposed Constitution amendment has been motivated by personal and political interests of politicians. The PAD argues that Article 237 plays a key role in strengthening democracy in Thailand. The anti-Thaksin group went on to say that by amending the Constitution, the government is deliberately undermining Thailand's democractic fundamentals.

According to the PAD, the attempt to amend article 309 of the Constitution is also aimed at voiding the legitimacy of the Asset Examination Committee. The asset panel has been playing a pivotal role in prosecuting those in the Thaksin administration, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family members, who have been accused of wrongdoing.

The PAD is calling for the judicial institutions to stay neutral and honest in their deliberations on cases involving members of the Thaksin administration.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

So the party bosses are saying they can't rein in their own thugs?....

People Power Party Secretary-General Fears Conflict in People's Alliance's Gathering

The People Power Party Secretary-General says he fears a confrontation between the People's Alliance for Democracy and his party's MPs as both groups plan a gathering on March 28th.

People Power Party Secretary-General [and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister and criminal litigant] Surapong Suebwonglee commented on the move by his party's Samut Prakarn MP, Pracha Prasopdee, to set up a group called Public to Protect Democracy and set up stage next to the People's Alliance for Democracy, saying party executives do not want to see a confrontation.

The party fears the situation may escalate. He added that several party executives have talked to Pracha to ask him to reconsider his move.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat also voiced his disagreement about the move and said it goes against the law. He said the People Power Party does not support movements or activities that may cause social dissent. He said it should be left for the public to decide which group they want to side with.

- Thailand Outlook / 19 March 2008

For whatever reason, the PM finally does step up to the plate to rein in their own thugs...

PM prohibits MPs from People Power Party to protest against PAD

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, who also acts as the People Power Party Leader, says he forbids his party's Members of Parliament to stage a protest against the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s movement, as they could become the victims of certain political groups.

At the Prime Minister's weekly television program today (March 23rd), Samak commented on the PAD's gathering scheduled to be held on March 28th. He says he does not understand the real intention of the PAD members since the government has just been set up and has been administering the country for a month and a half. He says the PAD however has accused the government for setting up a police state and the Thaksin regime is returning.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister says he will not allow his party's MPs to counter the PAD's movement, as they could be the victims of certain political groups.

- ThaiNews (yesterday)

Open defiance of the Party Leader's Directives above???? :D

People Power Party MPs Ready to Hold Meeting against PAD Rally

The People Power Party's MPs are ready to hold a meeting against the People's Alliance for Democracy's rally on Friday, insisting they will not confront the opposition directly, in order to avoid violence.

The Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, led by the Samut Prakarn MP from People Power Party, Pracha Prasopdee announced that the group will arrange a meeting on March 28th at the Royal Hotel on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, to lash out against the move by the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD.

Pracha asked the public to join the gathering and express their disagreement toward the PAD, which supported the junta running the country. He also insisted that the group will not move their rally to confront the PAD, so that the activity may proceed without violence.

Although Pracha has confirmed peace, a member of the former Thai Rak Thai Party, Wanlop Youngtrong, said some people who cannot withstand the PAD's action will carry out a rampage.

Furthermore, the group of People Power MPs asked the public to write on postcards whether they agree with the PAD's move and send them to Government House at P.O. Box 111.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[Tony Clifton]

Hinting disaproval of a counter protest but supporting it fully.

[Plus]

Anyone knows the procedure for amending the constution? At this point there's a government committee to propose changes, PPP parlamentary comittee, and a Senate comittee as well. They sound very confident they have the mandate to change constitution in any way they want and they already ditched the idea of a public referendum.

What do they need to pass those amendments into the law? Final senate endorsement or majority of both houses sitting in the same session, or two thirds or what?

Right now they are racing against time - either they change the laws or the courts will dissolve them, not a day can be wasted.

And while they want to rewrite the contstution and start all over, Surapong talks about political stability to attract foreign investors.

Edited March 27, 2008 by Plus

[marshbags]

The Nation, THAITALK

Only election cheats need to panic over article 237

What's with the sudden panicky uproar about this terrible 2550 Constitution that needs to be rewritten here and now because it's bringing the country to ruin?

Published on March 27, 2008

The shortest and bluntest answer is: the ruling People Power Party is running scared, really scared, of being dissolved. If that comes to pass, the disastrous consequence is that all the 37 executive members, including PM Samak Sundaravej and Deputy PM Surapong Suebwonglee, would be in deep, deep trouble. They could be banned from politics for the next five years.

It's all because Article 237 of the new Constitution, for the first time, incorporates a clause that requires "collective responsibility" from political parties if any of their executive members are found to have been involved in violating the election law - or if any of them aided and abetted a candidate in poll cheating.

The rationale behind the inclusion of this draconian clause in the new charter is obvious. Thai politicians have been cheating in elections with impunity. They have always got away with fraud, corruption and vote-buying. Corrupt "electioneers" couldn't care less about what the law said about rigging an election. They were confident they could always circumvent any piece of legislation.

The charter-drafting committee that put the 2550 Constitution into force made this a serious point of consideration. The drafters were convinced that if the law remained flexible, Thai democracy would be nothing but a fa็ade for money politics.

In order to bring a halt to election fraud, they decided to make vote-buying a serious crime, punishable by not only dissolving the party but also making the party's executives accountable.

In other words, if you are a member of a political party's executive committee and you buy votes or fail to prevent your candidate(s) from committing fraud or knowingly ignoring such serious violations of the law, you will have to be removed from the political scene for five years. In their series of public hearings to get the electorate's reaction to this particular clause, the charter drafters got overwhelming support from voters everywhere. Why? Most people are simply fed up with the country's dirty, money politics. They were all in agreement that only a political death sentence could put a stop to this highly damaging tendency in Thailand's political arena.

Did the current MPs who ran in the December 2007 general election know that they were competing under this set of new, tougher rules?

Of course they did.

So why are they screaming hel_l? Why are they saying that Article 237 is not only killing them but also subverting the nation's stability?

Because they have been caught red-handed. They thought they could get away with their wrongdoing. They thought that somehow the tougher law would apply only to somebody else.

Now, contrary to what they had expected, the powers-that-be are ready to bring the axe down on their heads. These politicians suddenly realise that not all members of the independent National Election Commission can be brought under their control. And if things are to run their course to a logical conclusion, their days are numbered.

PM Samak Sundaravej says the proposed amendment to the charter has nothing to do with the fact that Yongyuth Tiyaparat, a PPP deputy party leader, and also House Speaker, is charged with election fraud and is faced by the serious threat of a red card. In fact, he claims that the whole exercise is aimed at an overall review of the Constitution - and is not focused on Article 237.

In other words, he has taken a step back, to avoid being seen as demanding a change only for the selfish reason of pre-empting a court verdict to dissolve the PPP and place all its executive members in a five-year limbo.

But the cat is already out of the bag. The cover has been blown. The dent in the PPP's credibility is perhaps beyond repair. The best that can be done now is limited damage control.

Has any leading member of the ruling party come out to apologise to the voters now that a number of the party's leading candidates, including the deputy party leader, have been accused by the National Election Commission of election fraud?

The silence is deafening indeed.

Unquote.

If you blatantly ignore the rules, you deserve to be banned and the parties that allow these engrained dishonest electioneering practises to take place, should also pay the same penalties as per constitution.

If you do not like the rules, you cannot ignore them at will and expect to re write the laws to escape punishment.

At the time of the elections the constitution was clear and should have been respected as such at the time, anyone not doing so has to pay the required penalties, otherwise you would have anarchy, not only in politics but all other areas.

After elections, then was the time to debate the laws and change them.

Not ignored at will by whoever chose to dishonestly and arrogantly do so, with the objective of bailing themselves out, once the elections are over, as has happened / is happening now.

marshbags

Edited March 27, 2008 by marshbags

[Plus]

If it was for me, I'd make rules on vote buying even stricter - right now they cover on constituency MPs and ignore party list candidates.

If they put vote buying operations on a large scale, one candidate can bring in thousands if not millions of extra votes that translate in tens of party list seats, yet if caught, only one candidate is disqualidied.

Math works in favour of massive electoral fraud run by one dispensable candidate. The party can easily pay him back for his sacrifice.

[Tony Clifton]

ASTV: Someone is again interfering with it`s signal as was done under the Thaksin government. It`s so bad these last few days that the local cable company actually puts up a message saying it`s not the cable company`s fault when the image totally disappears, following many calls from the public, it`s terribly pixellized and stuttering at other times. I wonder if they`ll manage to black them out totally for tomorrow's event at Thamassat.

[ando]

They could always hire some thugs with guns and tanks, then announce they were taking over government of the country. Appoint their own boys into political and government positions. Oh yea, give themselves a big increase in pay rises and budget while they were at it. Suppress civilian opposition to their oppression by use of the military force. Impose media restrictions to their liking. Set up inquiries stacked with their supporters designed to incriminate their opponents. Then, offer the public the option of voting yes or no for a new constitution (which among other things, offers them immunity from protection for all the criminal acts mentioned above). All the time holding the voting public to ransom with the yes/no option under duress of the fact that a return to democracy would be delayed indefinitely if they didn't get the result they wanted.

Hey, what a brilliant strategy! Surprised no one has thought of it before.

You got to ask yourself, -- is this really the way the Thai people want their country to be run? Multiple previous elections have overwhelmingly shown what the people want. They want a democratically elected government elected by the people, not some military junta or some second ranking party slipped in through the back door by skillful use of laws imposed by an unelected military junta with biased ulterior political motives.

Sure, Thailand is a corrupt country and Thai politics is corrupt as well. But do we go away from the steps towards true democracy and let an unelected military junta who take control by force of arms make the rules, or do we (they) go down the road of democracy where elected governments can be held to account for their actions?

[plachon]

Yawn.... ......another confused and confusing post from Ando.

Could you please clearly define whom you mean by "they" and "we"? And while you're at it, please provide a nice, clear definition of what you understand "true democracy" to be. Otherwise, I'm lost about what you're trying to say in this post.

[ando]

Yawn.... ......another confused and confusing post from Ando.

Could you please clearly define whom you mean by "they" and "we"? And while you're at it, please provide a nice, clear definition of what you understand "true democracy" to be. Otherwise, I'm lost about what you're trying to say in this post.

Sorry, I don't do requests.

If you are "lost " its not my problem.

If you cant work it out for yourself I am afraid I cant help you.

Perhaps you need to read more?

Sad some people cant add anything constructive, but feel compelled to ridicule.

[sriracha john]

So the party bosses are saying they can't rein in their own thugs?....

People Power Party Secretary-General Fears Conflict in People's Alliance's Gathering

The People Power Party Secretary-General says he fears a confrontation between the People's Alliance for Democracy and his party's MPs as both groups plan a gathering on March 28th.

People Power Party Secretary-General [and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister and criminal litigant] Surapong Suebwonglee commented on the move by his party's Samut Prakarn MP, Pracha Prasopdee, to set up a group called Public to Protect Democracy and set up stage next to the People's Alliance for Democracy, saying party executives do not want to see a confrontation.

The party fears the situation may escalate. He added that several party executives have talked to Pracha to ask him to reconsider his move.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Somchai Wongsawat also voiced his disagreement about the move and said it goes against the law. He said the People Power Party does not support movements or activities that may cause social dissent. He said it should be left for the public to decide which group they want to side with.

- Thailand Outlook / 19 March 2008

For whatever reason, the PM finally does step up to the plate to rein in their own thugs...

PM prohibits MPs from People Power Party to protest against PAD

The Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Samak Sundaravej, who also acts as the People Power Party Leader, says he forbids his party's Members of Parliament to stage a protest against the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s movement, as they could become the victims of certain political groups.

At the Prime Minister's weekly television program today (March 23rd), Samak commented on the PAD's gathering scheduled to be held on March 28th. He says he does not understand the real intention of the PAD members since the government has just been set up and has been administering the country for a month and a half. He says the PAD however has accused the government for setting up a police state and the Thaksin regime is returning.

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister says he will not allow his party's MPs to counter the PAD's movement, as they could be the victims of certain political groups.

- ThaiNews (yesterday)

Open defiance of the Party Leader's Directives above???? :D

People Power Party MPs Ready to Hold Meeting against PAD Rally

The People Power Party's MPs are ready to hold a meeting against the People's Alliance for Democracy's rally on Friday, insisting they will not confront the opposition directly, in order to avoid violence.

The Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, led by the Samut Prakarn MP from People Power Party, Pracha Prasopdee announced that the group will arrange a meeting on March 28th at the Royal Hotel on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, to lash out against the move by the People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD.

Pracha asked the public to join the gathering and express their disagreement toward the PAD, which supported the junta running the country. He also insisted that the group will not move their rally to confront the PAD, so that the activity may proceed without violence.

Although Pracha has confirmed peace, a member of the former Thai Rak Thai Party, Wanlop Youngtrong, said some people who cannot withstand the PAD's action will carry out a rampage.

Furthermore, the group of People Power MPs asked the public to write on postcards whether they agree with the PAD's move and send them to Government House at P.O. Box 111.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

It's on... it's off... it's on... it's off... :D

Counter rally cancelled ahead of the Friday's PAD protest

Government MP Pracha Prasopdee on Wednesday cancelled a plan to hold a counter rally against the anti-government movement scheduled for Friday.

"The cancellation is to pre-empt any possible clashes between rival crowds," he said.

- The Nation (today)

[ando]

Maybe a wise move to keep the counter rally up their sleeve for later.

Two opposing rallies in the same vicinity would eventually lead to some ugly clashes. Then the government imposes emergency law and bans all political rallies in the name of public safety. Sit back for now and see how PAD goes. If it looks like gaining strength and becoming a threat, then would be the time to organize counter rallies.

[Plus]

Counter rallies? Protesting against protests?

I don't see a reason for this unless you really want to see "some ugly clashes" and emergency law.

>>>>

What is more interesting is yesterday's ABAC poll. Over 50% want constitution amended. Curiously the poll doesn't specify if people want to amend the clause about appointed senators, as every party promised before the elections, or if they suppport PPP's plan to save themeselves from dissolution.

Looks like they intentionally asked a vogue question when everyone else talks about specifics.

Also is interesting Samak's comment that if they want to amend article 309 (protecting the coupmakers) it would be useless as "they will laugh at you"

http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/r...newsid=30069374

[younghusband]

Meanwhile the nation's capital is on tenterhooks as the PAD prepares for its massive demonstration today against the current government.All ove Bangkok one sees the populace preparing for the massive show of indignation which will show this administration once and for all the feelings of outrage felt by the burghers of Bangkok.Clearly very little else is demanding attention at this time, and the puppet government of the former PM is figuratively quaking in its boots.Clearly the spirit of history has been awakened as the Bangkok masses are on the move against this totalitarian and incompetent cabal.To the barricades then citizens.Just one more push and perhaps the gallant generals of our armed orces will intervene to oust this illegal and tainted government.The cowardly Samak even as I speak is preparing to fly away into exile.The sruggle continues.

[marshbags]

Bangkok Post, Breaking news 28-03-2008

Senator says constitution changes risk damage

(BangkokPost.com) - Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondech said amending just some articles of the 2007 constitution could negatively affect the country.

His statement came after government whips agreed to alter the charter especially on the Article 237 on party dissolution.

Unquote.

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126755

Agreed already ???? i don,t think this is what the country needs at the present time.

Headless chickens in panic mode comes to mind

Thailand is just about to embark on demonstrations relative to what this minipulative coalition of self interested thieves are doing on a daily basis.

You break the law, you pay the price!!!.................simple in it.

The sort of role models the young look up to and follow are definitely not to be found within this government and it,s officials, that,s for sure.

mkarshbags

Edited March 28, 2008 by marshbags

[younghusband]

Bangkok Post, Breaking news 28-03-2008

Senator says constitution changes risk damage

(BangkokPost.com) - Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondech said amending just some articles of the 2007 constitution could negatively affect the country.

His statement came after government whips agreed to alter the charter especially on the Article 237 on party dissolution.

Unquote.

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126755

Agreed already ???? i don,t think this is what the country needs at the present time.

Headless chickens in panic mode comes to mind

Thailand is just about to embark on demonstrations relative to what this minipulative coalition of self interested thieves are doing on a daily basis.

You break the law, you pay the price!!!.................simple in it.

The sort of role models the young look up to and follow are definitely not to be found within this government and it,s officials, that,s for sure.

mkarshbags

More evidence of the massive discontent, innit.The demonstrations will show these thieves once and for all.

[Ricardo]

ASTV: Someone is again interfering with it`s signal as was done under the Thaksin government. It`s so bad these last few days that the local cable company actually puts up a message saying it`s not the cable company`s fault when the image totally disappears, following many calls from the public, it`s terribly pixellized and stuttering at other times. I wonder if they`ll manage to black them out totally for tomorrow's event at Thamassat.

You got to ask yourself, -- is this really the way the Thai people want their country to be run? Multiple previous elections have overwhelmingly shown what the people want.

Ando, do you really mean to say, that the Thai people deliberately voted for a government which would suppress media-freedom in such a blatant way ? I have to disagree.

Press freedom & freedom-of-speach is being deliberately rolled-back again, just as under Thaksin/TRT, I simply don't see how this can be good for reconciliation of this worryingly-deep split in society, or the development of democracy here.