People's Alliance For Democracy To Renew Movement

[Losangels]

There really has to be something fundamentally wrong with a democratic system that relies on military coups every couple or few years to put it back on course.

Either their concept of democracy is faulty or the people in control of the military simply don't want a true democracy.

Why would they want true democracy when they are entitile to the benefits they currently enjoy?

[h90]

There really has to be something fundamentally wrong with a democratic system that relies on military coups every couple or few years to put it back on course.

Either their concept of democracy is faulty or the people in control of the military simply don't want a true democracy.

Well both! And the independend bodies are never independend.

If all couple of years some super rich buys themself into power there is a lot wrong.

A military coup and a new constitution might be good meant but does not fix the fundamental problems:

controlled media

corrupt courts, rich never go in jail

corrupt police

poor education

lying around the history in schools

let the murder of the past stay in freedom so everyone can see that you can do everything if you are "big" enough/rich enough.

The coups are the cure, but it is a bit like cutting out a smokers lung so he can't get cancer.....

[sriracha john]

AEC Members Thank PAD for Their Support

Thousands of PAD protesters turned up at Assets Examination Committee headquarters to show their support for AEC commissioners and their anti-corruptiom work.

The key AEC members thank the PAD for their support. It was reported that Kaewsan Atibhodi, one of the AEC members, was said to have tears in his eyes.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[jumnien]

AEC Members Thank PAD for Their Support

Thousands of PAD protesters turned up at Assets Examination Committee headquarters to show their support for AEC commissioners and their anti-corruptiom work.

The key AEC members thank the PAD for their support. It was reported that Kaewsan Atibhodi, one of the AEC members, was said to have tears in his eyes. (and the better part of 76 billion baht in his pocket! Tears of Joy!)

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

ABAC Poll: Most Thais Support PAD Movement

The ABAC Poll reveals that the majority of the survey respondents support the People’s Alliance for Democracy rally. The poll also points out that just under half of Bangkok residents questioned do not want Samak Sundaravej as prime minister.

ABAC poll has conducted a survey titled “Public Support for the People’s Alliance for Democracy Rally, the Government, the Police and the Military.”

Around 3,340 people living in 18 provinces across Thailand were surveyed from June 1st through to June 8th.

The survey found that most respondents support the movement of the People’s Alliance for Democracy with nearly 55 per cent of Bangkok respondents saying they agree with the PAD rally, and surprising to some critics, 52.7 per cent of the respondents living in the provinces of Thailand also expressed their agreement with the PAD movement.

37.9 per cent of Bangkok respondents and 40.9 per cent of those living in the provinces say they do not agree with the PAD protest.

ABAC Poll director Noppadol Kannikar says the poll result can be interpreted to give two main conclusions. Firstly, if the PAD rally remains non-violent, more and more Thais will throw its support behind the gathering. In addition, the PAD’s peaceful gathering will help attract more supporters for the group, compared to those who side with the anti-PAD group.

The ABAC poll also asked the survey respondents about their opinions about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. Most of the Bangkok respondents say they no longer want Samak as prime minister.

On the other hand, more than 50 per cent of those living in the provinces still approve of Samak as the prime minister of Thailand.

The poll agency also looks at the approval rating for Samak as premier over the period from February through to May this year. The survey found that Bangkok residents’ support for Samak has gradually declined from the 45.4 per cent support in February to the current level of 28.9 per cent in May

Noppadol explains that the current political situation in Thailand must be treated carefully by the government, the police and the military. He calls for Prime Minister Samak to be mindful of the PAD’s gathering which is gaining more and more public support. The ABAC poll director says although the premier still receives a majority of support from survey respondents nationwide to remain as prime minister, the situation could change without any advance notice.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[h90]

ABAC Poll: Most Thais Support PAD Movement

The ABAC Poll reveals that the majority of the survey respondents support the People’s Alliance for Democracy rally. The poll also points out that just under half of Bangkok residents questioned do not want Samak Sundaravej as prime minister.

ABAC poll has conducted a survey titled “Public Support for the People’s Alliance for Democracy Rally, the Government, the Police and the Military.”

Around 3,340 people living in 18 provinces across Thailand were surveyed from June 1st through to June 8th.

The survey found that most respondents support the movement of the People’s Alliance for Democracy with nearly 55 per cent of Bangkok respondents saying they agree with the PAD rally, and surprising to some critics, 52.7 per cent of the respondents living in the provinces of Thailand also expressed their agreement with the PAD movement.

37.9 per cent of Bangkok respondents and 40.9 per cent of those living in the provinces say they do not agree with the PAD protest.

ABAC Poll director Noppadol Kannikar says the poll result can be interpreted to give two main conclusions. Firstly, if the PAD rally remains non-violent, more and more Thais will throw its support behind the gathering. In addition, the PAD’s peaceful gathering will help attract more supporters for the group, compared to those who side with the anti-PAD group.

The ABAC poll also asked the survey respondents about their opinions about Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. Most of the Bangkok respondents say they no longer want Samak as prime minister.

On the other hand, more than 50 per cent of those living in the provinces still approve of Samak as the prime minister of Thailand.

The poll agency also looks at the approval rating for Samak as premier over the period from February through to May this year. The survey found that Bangkok residents’ support for Samak has gradually declined from the 45.4 per cent support in February to the current level of 28.9 per cent in May

Noppadol explains that the current political situation in Thailand must be treated carefully by the government, the police and the military. He calls for Prime Minister Samak to be mindful of the PAD’s gathering which is gaining more and more public support. The ABAC poll director says although the premier still receives a majority of support from survey respondents nationwide to remain as prime minister, the situation could change without any advance notice.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Thats fishy!

"52.7 per cent of the respondents living in the provinces of Thailand also expressed their agreement with the PAD movement." who want to oust Samak.

"On the other hand, more than 50 per cent of those living in the provinces still approve of Samak as the prime minister of Thailand."

There is something wrong, there are at least 2.7 % who approve Samak as prime minister AND want to oust him

[younghusband]

AEC Members Thank PAD for Their Support

Thousands of PAD protesters turned up at Assets Examination Committee headquarters to show their support for AEC commissioners and their anti-corruptiom work.

The key AEC members thank the PAD for their support. It was reported that Kaewsan Atibhodi, one of the AEC members, was said to have tears in his eyes.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Note for those who are not entirely naive and gullible.

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individual in terms of fairness and justice.His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

[sriracha john]

in other Demonstrations Against The Government news...

Power plant protesters rally at Natural Resources Ministry

BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) - Several groups of protesters unsatisfied with the proposed construction of two power plant construction projects rallied at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Monday.

The protesters demanded transparency from the ministry and the government, and called for genuine public participation in assessing the environmental impact of two power plants project now in the pipeline.

Claiming to represent those affected by the Nongsaeng power plant in Saraburi province, and the Samedtai thermal power plant project in Chachuengsao province, over 100 protesters sealed the entrance of the ministry with pick-up trucks equipped with megaphones.

Amid a heavy security presence of uniformed police, the protesters said the local residents did not want the power plants built in their neighbourhoods because the facilities would pollute and destroy their communities and the environment.

They demanded that Thailand's state and public agencies respect and take into account the rights of local communities and strictly comply by the law requiring public participation in developing infrastructure projects.

They specifically asked for the Natural Resource and Environment Policy and Planning Office to share the results of the environmental impact assessment conducted for the Nong Saeng project and to revise the entire EIA for the Samedtai project to ensure genuine public participation in the process.

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

Indebted farmers gather at central bank headquarters

BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) – Around 1,000 indebted farmers under the Farmers' Debt Network of Thailand from all regions gathered in front of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) headquarters early Monday morning, demanding the government's immediate measure to solve their debt problem.

A representative of the group said the farmers will submit an open letter written on their behalf by the Network's advisor Charin Duangdara to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who chair's the Farmers Rehabilitation and Development Fund.

The farmers letter calls on him to accelerate addressing their debt woes and investigate misconduct on the part of the fund's managing committee.

They demanded removal of acting fund secretary-general Sermsak Chuencharoen, saying that his appointment on January 11 was illegal.

They also called for improvement of the fund's management, saying it had failed to solve the debt problem of more than 300,000 members during the past five months.

He said the Farmers' Network had complained twice, but drew no attention from the government. The network will wait for the premier's decision until Monday afternoon before taking up any other measures to press the government.

It is reported the protesting farmers will join another group of farmers gathering at the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry before moving to Government House if their demand went unheeded.

[sriracha john]

Consolidating protests...

Indebted Farmers' Network Prepares to Join PAD Rally

The Indebted Farmers' Network, who have been protesting in Bangkok since Friday, moved to Government House, declaring that if, by 4 pm this evening, the government does not give them an answer to their demands, 100 tractors will be driven into town. Moreover, they will join the People's Alliance for Democracy Rally.

8,000 farmers from the Indebted Farmers' Network moved to the Royal Plaza after gathering at the Bank of Thailand since 2 am last night. Moreover, 20,000 more farmers from every province are expected to join the crowd.

The Indebted Farmers' Network has asked the government to solve the composition of the Administration and Agricultural Development Fund Committee to meet Section 20, after it assigned Sermsak Chuencharoen as secretary-general, replacing Chularat Niratisayakul.

The committee has not been able to help the more than 300,000 farmers who have been troubled by debt problems. Moreover, financial institutions are still going after the farmers to confiscate the assets they placed as bond.

Meanwhile, an advisor to the Indebted Farmers' Network, Charin Duangdara, said that the network is asking the government to solve the agricultural problems, such as expensive rice and fertilizer prices. He added that if the government does not give an answer by 4 pm today, 100 tractors will be driven into town and the network will finally join the People's Alliance for Democracy rally at Makawan Bridge.

- Thailand Outlook / 09-06-08

[marshbags]

SIDELINES

violence is inevitable if reconciliation becomes impossible

By sopon onkgara

[email protected]

The Nation,Published on June 10, 2008

Surely the ongoing political confrontation, even the stand-off in the power play, has gone far beyond a reasonable chance for reconciliation.

Both sides in the conflict have dug their heels in the sand, and are still spoiling for a fight.

The flash-point, which could happen anytime, sooner or later, just awaits the first blow, or shot, so to speak. The confrontation has gone on for too long, and is inching towards a collision.

The Peoples' Alliance for Democracy has been organising peaceful political rallies in the heart of the capital for more than two weeks, quite unusual compared to similar protest movements elsewhere.

The participants don't want violence. That's why they include the elderly, women and children. The protesters represent a broad cross-section of society and they are gathering to voice their grievances and seek change for the better.

A new strategy that the leaders of the rallies eventually may adopt could be a campaign of civil disobedience in order to cripple the Samak administration now that it has already become a lame-duck. But this could lead to a crackdown and, later, unpredictable consequences.

A flare-up of violence is not just a remote possibility. Frustrated by the PAD rallies, which are gaining popularity and drawing more people from the countryside, the pro-government groups intend to mobilise supporters to counter the PAD, with ever-present whispers from some quarters about street confrontation.

Many people, including those in political parties, agree that reconciliation is out of the question due to deep-seated vested interests, especially as government agencies are coming up with multi-million baht projects that could yield handsome kickbacks.

The stakes are high and the coalition parties could switch camps. This is an excellent opportunity to build up their war chests, starting from the bottom of the barrel, while working on projects with huge budgets.

In their view, if the economy is going to crash due to the political crisis, rising oil prices, runaway inflation and the weakening baht, they shouldn't be the ones left with empty pockets and stomachs. In case of a snap election, they want all the advantages.

What will happen if the exchange of barbs comes to blows? It depends on the extent of the violence and the possibility of any such outbreak escalating into a real crisis. The government is waiting for the right time to crack down hard on the protesters.

After being put under extreme pressure for over two weeks - having to withstand abusive words, the exposure of misdeeds and shameless conduct by Cabinet members - the Samak administration will spare no effort in eliminating unpleasant voices of opposition from the streets.

History shows that political violence in our country lasts just a few days, with an aftermath of little activity. If blood is spilled, it should set a precedent that a change of government ensues, supposedly for national reconciliation.

We had one such administration only a few months ago, headed by a retired military general, whose sloppy performance is being outdone by the present government, even more so in terms of credibility and image problems. Talks could begin if damage is done to the country's overall structure. The business and investment climate could be negative for months. But recovery should be quick enough if political miscreants are dealt with decisively through the legal process; this means real punishment for their crimes.

What about the prevailing sentiment? Ironically, a lot of people seem to agree that violence and bloodshed are inevitable and necessary, otherwise the present stand-off can never be resolved and the start of our national rebuilding process cannot begin.

We agree that things cannot go on like this. It is too heavy a toll on the country, with a serious impact on the national economy. We now face all sorts of adversity and a declining ability to cope.

What have we come to? Basically it's the inability to compromise - a state of affairs which is quite alien to the nature of peace-loving Thais. While violence and bloodshed have yet to become reality, there is still time for all parties to regain their senses, to avoid undesirable occurrences, for the sake of the country.

But this is not possible, it seems. This land is infested with crooked politicians and their partners in crime, and they have rendered the parliamentary process ineffective and financially wasteful. Let's hope that whatever happens - even if it results in a high price for all of us - it includes the cleansing of dirty hands and soiled souls to improve the karma of this land.

Unquote

Wait while the caravan of the poor arrive on the scene and start what they are after all being paid for.........cause disruption, violence and chaos.

I,ll bet the infamous son of a certain recently elected house speaker is the organiser and paymaster via a certain CEO, who stands to loose big time should the PAD be allowed to continue to get support for their peaceful democratic rights to ultimately give them their day in court, along with what should be a justifyable conclusion.

Anything less than an honest justifyable conclusion will definitely be unacceptable from the majority of Thailands loyal minded citizens.

Then the tanks will reappear on the streets also, sadly things will not be so peaceful this time around....I FEAR.

FEAR is the only tool these scum can now depend on to put a halt to it all to save their thieving scrawny necks.

marshbags

The rest will be history should the peaceful demonstrations ongoing achieve their ultimate objectives in regard to the PUYAI of yester year and their ilk.

Edited June 10, 2008 by marshbags

[h90]

AEC Members Thank PAD for Their Support

Thousands of PAD protesters turned up at Assets Examination Committee headquarters to show their support for AEC commissioners and their anti-corruptiom work.

The key AEC members thank the PAD for their support. It was reported that Kaewsan Atibhodi, one of the AEC members, was said to have tears in his eyes.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Note for those who are not entirely naive and gullible.

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individual in terms of fairness and justice.His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

Yes Thaksin is complete innocent. The most honest politician Thailand ever saw and all who claim to know some corruption are communists, looser, paid Cambodian and Burmese or old rich corrupt groups who can't earn enough money under Thaksins clean government.

That is what you want to tell or?

[younghusband]

AEC Members Thank PAD for Their Support

Thousands of PAD protesters turned up at Assets Examination Committee headquarters to show their support for AEC commissioners and their anti-corruptiom work.

The key AEC members thank the PAD for their support. It was reported that Kaewsan Atibhodi, one of the AEC members, was said to have tears in his eyes.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

Note for those who are not entirely naive and gullible.

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individual in terms of fairness and justice.His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

Yes Thaksin is complete innocent. The most honest politician Thailand ever saw and all who claim to know some corruption are communists, looser, paid Cambodian and Burmese or old rich corrupt groups who can't earn enough money under Thaksins clean government.

That is what you want to tell or?

Of course Thaksin is not innocent (read my posts if you can be bothered), nor are all his opponents dishonourable -though some are.

Kaewsan is however typical of those who opposed Thaksin broadly because of their fear of globalization and the dislike of competition whether from international or new domestic players.It's a disgrace he is on the AEC:it's like putting Kurt Waldheim on the Nuremberg Trials jury.

[hammered]

Consolidating protests...

Indebted Farmers' Network Prepares to Join PAD Rally

The Indebted Farmers' Network, who have been protesting in Bangkok since Friday, moved to Government House, declaring that if, by 4 pm this evening, the government does not give them an answer to their demands, 100 tractors will be driven into town. Moreover, they will join the People's Alliance for Democracy Rally.

8,000 farmers from the Indebted Farmers' Network moved to the Royal Plaza after gathering at the Bank of Thailand since 2 am last night. Moreover, 20,000 more farmers from every province are expected to join the crowd.

The Indebted Farmers' Network has asked the government to solve the composition of the Administration and Agricultural Development Fund Committee to meet Section 20, after it assigned Sermsak Chuencharoen as secretary-general, replacing Chularat Niratisayakul.

The committee has not been able to help the more than 300,000 farmers who have been troubled by debt problems. Moreover, financial institutions are still going after the farmers to confiscate the assets they placed as bond.

Meanwhile, an advisor to the Indebted Farmers' Network, Charin Duangdara, said that the network is asking the government to solve the agricultural problems, such as expensive rice and fertilizer prices. He added that if the government does not give an answer by 4 pm today, 100 tractors will be driven into town and the network will finally join the People's Alliance for Democracy rally at Makawan Bridge.

- Thailand Outlook / 09-06-08

The government do have a bit of a problem with protests right now. There are many economic issues that affect many groups of people. The governments discomfort at the PAD rally has led it to try and avoid the other rallies as much as possible. The first two groups that threatened to demonstrate: the bus owners and the bring back the rice mortgage group got exactkly what they demanded. A nice gree n light to everyone else to make demands, set a deadline and threaten a rally and of course the ultimate threaten to join the PAD as we now see even farmers and unions threatening to do. Samak, if he actually has any control over government, definitely needs to get the ministries focused on the economic issues and put together an overall plan or it it will just result in reactive government collapse to each new demand rather than policy that charaterises the government plans, and with each government collapse they will look weaker and weaker casing ever greater demands from more and more groups. That is maybe the greatest threat to the government in the medium term.

[sriracha john]

Indeed, especially if the labor unions start up, with or without PAD... and ratchet up the civil disobedience... something's gonna give quickly...

Civil disobedience looms

State enterprise labour unions are considering joining the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy's (PAD) civil disobedience campaign by halting water, electricity and bus services. Sawit Kaewwan, Secretary-General of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation, said the union leaders will meet in the next few days to make a decision. The PAD has asked labour unions to join its campaign. Measures to put pressure on the government would range from modest to tough, including gradually stopping public utility services, he said. But if the government resorts to the use of force to disperse the protesters, the confederation could retaliate by taking decisive steps such as a mass strike and cutting off public utilities — electricity and water — and bus services. "One of the missions of the state enterprise sector is to fight for the public good," Mr Sawit said. He said the government must give priority to solving the country's economic problems. Wilaiwan sae Tia, President of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee, said at least 1,000 members of the group will rally outside Government House on June 24, but will not join the PAD-led demonstration. The aim of the gathering would be to bring economic problems and the soaring cost of living to the attention of the government.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128099

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

and once again, the PAD is reiterating its advocacy of non-violent protest... akin to methods of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Edited June 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[catmac]

[quote Younghusband 2008-06-09 21:44

Note for those who are not entirely naive and gullible.

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individual in terms of fairness and justice.His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

A very pertinent point, YH.

It is interesting to see that both Plachon and S. John have failed to answer your assertion, instead falling back on personal slurs and insults against you. IMHO that implies that you probably have hit the nail on the head!

[sriracha john]

S. John have failed to answer your assertion, instead falling back on personal slurs and insults against you.

Could you please tell me and the forum the Post # in which this supposedly occurred?

[catmac]

S. John have failed to answer your assertion, instead falling back on personal slurs and insults against you.

Could you please tell me and the forum the Post # in which this supposedly occurred?

My apologies, SJ, I meant h90.

[hammered]

Indeed, especially if the labor unions start up, with or without PAD... and ratchet up the civil disobedience... something's gonna give quickly...

Civil disobedience looms

State enterprise labour unions are considering joining the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy's (PAD) civil disobedience campaign by halting water, electricity and bus services. Sawit Kaewwan, Secretary-General of the State Enterprise Labour Relations Confederation, said the union leaders will meet in the next few days to make a decision. The PAD has asked labour unions to join its campaign. Measures to put pressure on the government would range from modest to tough, including gradually stopping public utility services, he said. But if the government resorts to the use of force to disperse the protesters, the confederation could retaliate by taking decisive steps such as a mass strike and cutting off public utilities — electricity and water — and bus services. "One of the missions of the state enterprise sector is to fight for the public good," Mr Sawit said. He said the government must give priority to solving the country's economic problems. Wilaiwan sae Tia, President of the Thai Labour Solidarity Committee, said at least 1,000 members of the group will rally outside Government House on June 24, but will not join the PAD-led demonstration. The aim of the gathering would be to bring economic problems and the soaring cost of living to the attention of the government.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=128099

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

and once again, the PAD is reiterating its advocacy of non-violent protest... akin to methods of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I think you are going to see more of these kind of rallies over economic issues. If they do join up with the PAD the government will get more jittery. At the moment I would think the threat of turning off the power and water is just an in advance reminder to the government of what can be done. Hopefully the government will turn its attention to the economic problems something which people from diverse backgrounds now seem to be telling the government are issues that are hurting them.

I think it was Chai Chidchob who recently remarked that he would ask the people if they considered the economy to be as important an issue as ammending the constitution. It seems that question, seemingly a tad niaive for such a mature poltician, no longer needs any further answer. Lets just hope those elected to take care of the country are listening.

[h90]

now soon we see again a lot poster which never posted anything before but know everything about the evil PAD.....

[Plus]

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individualin terms of fairness and justice.

It simply doesn't follow. He is not a judge, AEC is an investigative committee, not a court of law. They are meant to be as impartial as police in pursuit of criminals.

His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

And that is complete <deleted>. FTA with China ruined livelihood of Thai farmers - garlic and onion growers, and also those who invested in cold climate fruit and vegetables to save Thailand from importing this stuff.

Did you just call them "protected piglets", btw?

[hammered]

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individualin terms of fairness and justice.

It simply doesn't follow. He is not a judge, AEC is an investigative committee, not a court of law. They are meant to be as impartial as police in pursuit of criminals.

His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

And that is complete <deleted>. FTA with China ruined livelihood of Thai farmers - garlic and onion growers, and also those who invested in cold climate fruit and vegetables to save Thailand from importing this stuff.

Did you just call them "protected piglets", btw?

That is true and I always wondered why the critics of Thaksin never made more of it publically in rural areas where it was commented on by farmers I know. All I could come up with was that they didnt want to upset China, which seems to be something agreed upon across the political spectrum.

[h90]

Seems now some group of farmer comes to support the PAD, but I could not find more informations than the picture on the nations webpage (slide show left side picture 1).

[Plus]

Labour unions might joing PAD's protests, too.

Makes a complete mess of any "elite" vs people conspiracy, or is it people vs big business now?

[hammered]

Seems now some group of farmer comes to support the PAD, but I could not find more informations than the picture on the nations webpage (slide show left side picture 1).

That picture and caption are bizarre. I would have thought that was the caravan of the poor heading to oppose the PAD. It is additionally even more bizarre in that the provinces mentioned are virtually all PPP strongholds. If what the nation has attached to the picture is true that would signal big problems indeed for the PPP. Personally I think it is probably mislabelled and is actually opponenets of the PAD, but I await to be proven wrong.

Edited to add: It could also be a group heading to join farmers protesting debt outside the Bank of Thailand, which is seperate from the PAD although they have said they may join up if demands arent met.

A group of Isaan based farm vehicles has headed over to the BoT too today.

Edited June 10, 2008 by hammered

[younghusband]

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individualin terms of fairness and justice.

It simply doesn't follow. He is not a judge, AEC is an investigative committee, not a court of law. They are meant to be as impartial as police in pursuit of criminals.

His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

And that is complete <deleted>. FTA with China ruined livelihood of Thai farmers - garlic and onion growers, and also those who invested in cold climate fruit and vegetables to save Thailand from importing this stuff.

Did you just call them "protected piglets", btw?

Point 1

Come off it.He is completely compromised by his past and should not be on the AEC.C'est tout.Let the old fool weep somewhere else.

Point 2.

There are always winners and losers in globalisation and Thai farmers are not immune.Measures should be taken to help the weak and vulnerable, but it is often a painful process.I sympathise with their plight.As far as the selfish, inefficient and greedy corporate monopolists in Bangkok I couldn't give a monkeys

[sriracha john]

Seems now some group of farmer comes to support the PAD, but I could not find more informations than the picture on the nations webpage (slide show left side picture 1).

That picture and caption are bizarre. I would have thought that was the caravan of the poor heading to oppose the PAD. It is additionally even more bizarre in that the provinces mentioned are virtually all PPP strongholds. If what the nation has attached to the picture is true that would signal big problems indeed for the PPP. Personally I think it is probably mislabelled and is actually opponenets of the PAD, but I await to be proven wrong.

Edited to add: It could also be a group heading to join farmers protesting debt outside the Bank of Thailand, which is seperate from the PAD although they have said they may join up if demands arent met.

A group of Isaan based farm vehicles has headed over to the BoT too today.

Thousands of farmers camp out in front of the Bank of Thailand before rallying at Government House and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry demanding the Farmers Rehabilitation and Development Fund solve their debt problems.

Bangkok Post

[jumnien]

Kaewswan was a rabid critic of Thaksin as a Senator when the latter was PM, his particular animosity being directed at Free Trade Agreements negotiated under Thaksin.He was a speaker at many PAD rallies and was appointed by the criminal junta to the AEC.He is therefore is a completely compromised individualin terms of fairness and justice.

It simply doesn't follow. He is not a judge, AEC is an investigative committee, not a court of law. They are meant to be as impartial as police in pursuit of criminals.

His real loathing along with many of his type is globalisation andits impact on the protected corporate piglets who are terrified of interlopers removing them from the feeding trough.

And that is complete <deleted>. FTA with China ruined livelihood of Thai farmers - garlic and onion growers, and also those who invested in cold climate fruit and vegetables to save Thailand from importing this stuff.

Did you just call them "protected piglets", btw?

Point 1

Come off it.He is completely compromised by his past and should not be on the AEC.C'est tout.Let the old fool weep somewhere else.

Point 2.

There are always winners and losers in globalisation and Thai farmers are not immune.Measures should be taken to help the weak and vulnerable, but it is often a painful process.I sympathise with their plight.As far as the selfish, inefficient and greedy corporate monopolists in Bangkok I couldn't give a monkeys

Looks like PAD's days are numbered as the Thai populace is getting tired of their viscious and destructive antics. I'd say Samak's days are numbered as well with an election far likelier to follow him than a coup!

[sriracha john]

You make it too easy, sunrise... if anything, PAD is building momentum... most likely due to their un-vicious and un-destructive nature. As for the Pig, he's been on borrowed days since he took office.

ABAC Poll: Most Thais Support PAD Movement

The ABAC Poll reveals that the majority of the survey respondents support the People’s Alliance for Democracy rally.

Indebted Farmers' Network Prepares to Join PAD Rally

The Indebted Farmers' Network moved to Government House, declaring that if, by 4 pm this evening, the government does not give them an answer to their demands, 100 tractors will be driven into town. Moreover, they will join the People's Alliance for Democracy Rally.

8,000 farmers from the Indebted Farmers' Network moved to the Royal Plaza after gathering at the Bank of Thailand since 2 am last night. Moreover, 20,000 more farmers from every province are expected to join the crowd.

Civil disobedience looms

State enterprise labour unions are considering joining the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy's (PAD)

Edited June 10, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

There are always winners and losers in globalisation and Thai farmers are not immune.Measures should be taken to help the weak and vulnerable, but it is often a painful process.I sympathise with their plight.As far as the selfish, inefficient and greedy corporate monopolists in Bangkok I couldn't give a monkeys

Have you just made a complete turn around in your quest to discredit PAD at all costs?

Because now you argue that the vicious junta lapdog is working his ass off to protect poor farmers while their hero Thaksin is subjecting them to the forces of capitalism.

Now we have farmers and labour unions joining PAD protests and you can't sing your "right wing elite lakeys" tune anymore so you changed it? Now PAD vs Thaksin is people vs. capitalists.

Your only consistent stand is refusal to recognize power of democracy in PAD protests.

[hammered]

From TOC:

People’s Alliance for Democracy

Announcement Number 1/2008

Civil Disobedience against State Officials Who Betrayed the Country and Opposed the People

It has been evident that administrative state officials and certain police officers have acted as slaves to the Thaksin regime, instead of working as state officials under His Majesty the King. They have betrayed the country and gone against the people so measures must be issued against them as follows:

1. Ministerial permanent-secretaries, who do not uphold honesty as state officials under His Majesty the King, who act as slaves of politicians by transferring officials without justice, and who support evil people to remain in power and remove good people from power, will have to be impeached. They should have lawsuits filed against them to receive the highest penalty to set a precedent in society.

We call on honest state officials to continue in their duties and refrain from carrying out illegal or unjust orders. They should not fear being transferred to inactive posts rather than giving in to being slaves and being jailed later on. Ultimately, justice will be dealt out.

2. Police officers, provincial governors, or administrative state officials, who try to obstruct members of the public or vehicles from traveling, be it to join the PAD rally or not, have betrayed the people and betrayed their posts under His Majesty the King. They shall be prosecuted for their actions.

Members of the public who have been obstructed in their travels should file complaints with the National Counter Corruption Commission to set a precedent. They should also try to record the action and gather evidence to bring these police officers who betrayed the country to justice.

3. Provincial governors, provincial police commanders, and state officials, who abused their powers by ordering local cable operators to stop their broadcast of ASTV or order community radio stations to cease their broadcast of the PAD rally or news about it, have betrayed the country and the people. They have not acted according to their responsibilities as state officials under His Majesty the King and have violated the Constitution and the law. These people must be prosecuted.

Members of the public, who have been affected by these actions, should file complaints with the National Counter Corruption Commission so lawsuits can be filed against traitors of the country.

4. State officials under the Public Relations Department and employees of MCOT Public Company, involved in presenting news via the radio or the television, have the responsibility of portraying well-rounded, accurate, and updated news for the public. Any attempt to distort the news, damage the image of the PAD and members of the public who are fighting for the nation, the religion, and the monarchy, or present one-sided information constitutes a betrayal of the nation and the Constitution and is considered an illegal act.

We call for an end to actions that serve the Thaksin regime and destroy the good name of the people.

We call on state officials under the Public Relations Department and employees of MCOT Public Company to carry out their duties with honesty and justice and to uphold the nation’s interest without fear of the puppet government.

June 10, 2008

People’s Alliance for Democracy

Quite Bizarre in terms of language. Although some of the allegations such as curtailing freedom of movement and shutting down media feeds etc may well warrant complaint to authorites and highlighting by media and I dont doubt some of the cases to be true, I do find the language referring to slaves and the tone of the whole thing somewhat disturbing even while supporting the right of those making it to their own free speech.