People's Alliance For Democracy To Renew Movement

[h90]

It is heating up:

This from TOC:

Police Ready to Deal with PAD in 30 Mins if Order is Given

UPDATE : 17 June 2008

The Manager website reports that police is fully equipped with batons and riot gears. It's also been reported that they are ready to deal with the PAD protesters in 30 minutes if an order is handed down.

PAD Rally Interrupted by Broadcast of Loud Music by Police

UPDATE : 17 June 2008

During the PAD leaders' speeches, loud music was played on large speakers set up by police. Periodically this would prevent PAD supporters from hearing what's being said on the stage.

Sondhi Calls for Massive Gathering of All PAD Supporters

UPDATE : 17 June 2008

Core leader of PAD Sondhi Limthongkul was nominated as the representative of the 5 PAD leaders. He calls for a massive gathering of PAD supporters from all regions if Thailand to come together this Friday. The group plans to leave its base at Nakkawan Bridge and meet in front of Government House at 1 p.m.

[Tony Clifton]

PAD Rally Interrupted by Broadcast of Loud Music by Police

Didn't work.

Chalerm must have been suckin' back on a whiskey bottle again this evening. Wait for the index waving tomorrow backed by a hangover and sunglasses.

They're freaking out now that PAD have constant crowd support, unlike PPP's miserable failure of a similar attempt at a rally this week , and PAD want to march and move the protest to Govt. House and many state enterprises are joining hands. Govt. haven't got a clue on how to run the country and the timing is bad with the world situation.Jai yen yen (stay cool) you circus clowns.

The following is also pissing off many Thais, very bad timing from Noppadol, favorite, most devoted and most brown-nosed minion of Coward The Great hiding in the UK. I wouldn't be surprised the secret deal involves Thaksin's recent talk of a casino over there., poor fools if they did.

Edited June 17, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[Tony Clifton]

more international media coverage...

Thaksin urges Thais to put their faith in the stars

BANGKOK — Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Monday urged Thais to put their faith in the stars, blaming the alignment of planets for the current economic and political woes.

Street protests against the pro-Thaksin government have been rumbling since May 25, while soaring oil prices and inflation have shaken investors and prompted Thai farmers and transport workers to threaten strikes.

This can be put down to Mars and Saturn being close together, a situation that should ease soon, Thaksin told reporters in Bangkok.

"Be patient with this headache of a situation until July 2. When Mars leaves, the current situation will ease up," he said.

Like many Thais, Thaksin puts great stock in the predictions of fortune tellers who dispense advice on everything from business deals to the precise time of day couples should get married.

When he was prime minister, Thaksin once had a plane take off at exactly 9:19 am to test Bangkok's new international airport because it was deemed an auspicious moment.

For a period, he also cancelled his weekly press conferences, saying the planet Mercury was no longer in a favourable alignment and would not clear his star until sometime in 2006.

But the tycoon-turned-politician was apparently caught by surprise when the army overthrew him in a coup in September 2006.

Thaksin, who has insisted he will stay out of politics, returned to Thailand for the first time since the coup in February this year after his allies in the People Power Party won elections in late 2007.

- AFP / 16-06-08

Fortune-teller counters Thaksin prediction

(BangkokPost.com) - Famous fortune-teller Luck Rekhanitade predicted deadly situation will happen on July 2, the day that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra said political situation would improve based on astrology.

Mr Luck said July 2 is the scariest day of all in the past 30 years because conflicts are expected to erupt, which could lead to bloodshed in the heart of the city.

The situation is predicted to reach its peak on July 6, he said.

He urged the Thais to reunite and to stop the confrontation in order to prevent the prediction from coming true.

On Monday, Mr Thaksin blamed the alignment of planets for current economic and political woes. "Be patient until July 2. When Mars leaves, the situation will improve," he said.

Edited June 17, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

CSEWR joins PAD protest

The Confederation of State Enterprise Workers Relations (CSEWR) yesterday resolved to join the anti-government protest with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and threatened work stoppages and power cuts as measures against the government's use of force to suppress the protesters.

The confederation is an umbrella group of 43 state-enterprise labour unions. CSEWR Secretary-General Sawit Kaewwan read a statement saying the government had lost legitimacy in running the country out of a failure in its administration, especially in addressing grievances and tackling the rising cost of living faced by workers.

The Samak Sundaravej government has proved to be a puppet of the Thaksin Shinawatra regime, with heavy interference in the justice system, the media and independent agencies, he said. Government officials fall victim to political harassment.

The Assets Examination Committee has also found corruption that may have cost the state up to 110 Billion Baht through the privatisation of state enterprises.

The Samak government also threatened to use force to suppress the anti-government protesters.

"We unanimously decided to join the PAD's civil disobedience by providing free transport services like trains, city and provincial buses for members of the public but cutting power and water to state agencies. We will launch work stoppages immediately if the government uses force against the protesters,'' he said.

- The Nation (today)

[hammered]

PAD Rally Interrupted by Broadcast of Loud Music by Police

Didn't work.

Chalerm must have been suckin' back on a whiskey bottle again this evening. Wait for the index waving tomorrow backed by a hangover and sunglasses.

They're freaking out now that PAD have constant crowd support, unlike PPP's miserable failure of a similar attempt at a rally this week , and PAD want to march and move the protest to Govt. House and many state enterprises are joining hands. Govt. haven't got a clue on how to run the country and the timing is bad with the world situation.Jai yen yen (stay cool) you circus clowns.

The following is also pissing off many Thais, very bad timing from Noppadol, favorite, most devoted and most brown-nosed minion of Coward The Great hiding in the UK. I wouldn't be surprised the secret deal involves Thaksin's recent talk of a casino over there., poor fools if they did.

That the police have decided to try to disrupt a peaceful rally, albeit now just throught the use of music, shows they have moved from the neutral position one would expect a professional police force to take in any democracy where peaceful rallies are held to a position more associated with police forces in non-democratic authoritarian regimes where the job of the police is to smash opposition to governemnts. A worrying development, and sadly one which is more likely to increase the chance of conflict, which is something a police force should not be doing.

[Old Man River]

PAD Rally Interrupted by Broadcast of Loud Music by Police

Didn't work.

Chalerm must have been suckin' back on a whiskey bottle again this evening. Wait for the index waving tomorrow backed by a hangover and sunglasses.

They're freaking out now that PAD have constant crowd support, unlike PPP's miserable failure of a similar attempt at a rally this week , and PAD want to march and move the protest to Govt. House and many state enterprises are joining hands. Govt. haven't got a clue on how to run the country and the timing is bad with the world situation.Jai yen yen (stay cool) you circus clowns.

The following is also pissing off many Thais, very bad timing from Noppadol, favorite, most devoted and most brown-nosed minion of Coward The Great hiding in the UK. I wouldn't be surprised the secret deal involves Thaksin's recent talk of a casino over there., poor fools if they did.

That the police have decided to try to disrupt a peaceful rally, albeit now just throught the use of music, shows they have moved from the neutral position one would expect a professional police force to take in any democracy where peaceful rallies are held to a position more associated with police forces in non-democratic authoritarian regimes where the job of the police is to smash opposition to governemnts. A worrying development, and sadly one which is more likely to increase the chance of conflict, which is something a police force should not be doing.

Hammered, when I mentioned earlier about the Samak government looking for an excuse to declare a state of emergency, it is potentially something like this. Samak has unions at his throat, PAD demonstrations and the highly respected opposition party openly calling for a censure debate. If he feels cornered, he will react. The big question is whether the police will follow him. I believe they will because if they don't there will be a power shift back to the military.

[Losangels]

I think the military will definately take over if the police and PAD clash.

Things are not looking good

[Scott]

I am wondering what predictions people might have for the outcome of this situation--especially in the short term. I think I've been here too long when I start getting jumping because a fortune teller speaks!

I just don't want to end up in a refugee camp in Burma, considering how well they treat their own people, I think some of us would rank pretty low!

[h90]

I am wondering what predictions people might have for the outcome of this situation--especially in the short term. I think I've been here too long when I start getting jumping because a fortune teller speaks!

I just don't want to end up in a refugee camp in Burma, considering how well they treat their own people, I think some of us would rank pretty low!

I have the "I love Thaksin" and the "Thaksin get out" TShirt ready so I can stay on the winners side.

As well I have the Chang Beer TShirt ready if a third party takes over (So I can dress up as silly Sex-Tourist)

[sriracha john]

PAD travels to Foreign Affairs Ministry

Protestors from the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) travelled to rally in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The protestors have gathered in front of the ministry since 09:00 today. PAD’s core figures such as Anchalee Phaireerak delivered speeches broadcasted by ASTV. More than 100 volunteers from PAD provided security for the protestors.

All exits and entrances of the ministry are closed and surrounded by metal fences. Police officers are stationed at the exits and entrances.

- ThaiNews (today)

[sriracha john]

Thailand: Thousands Of Anti-government Protesters Rally Over Thai-Cambodia Boundary Dispute

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thousands of demonstrators accused the Thai government Wednesday of yielding a disputed border region with an ancient temple to Cambodia, the latest trouble for the embattled prime minister who has been facing daily protests calling for his resignation.

Led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, the crowd gathered in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accused the minister, Noppadon Pattama, of giving into the Cambodians in exchange for business concessions.

The Preah Vihear temple, dating back to the 11th century, has been the subject of a boundary dispute since the 1950s. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the cliffside temple was within Cambodian territory.

The issue resurfaced as Cambodia was preparing to apply to UNESCO for the temple to be listed as a World Heritage Site, a process that requires the inclusion of a map.

Sondhi Limthongkul, a key leader of the anti-government alliance, alleged that Noppadon gave up some territory near the temple in exchange for his "boss", former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, getting concessions to develop a casino complex on Cambodia's Koh Kong island.

Noppadon served as Thaksin's lawyer and continues to have close ties with Thaksin, who was toppled in a 2006 military coup.

The protesters say the government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is merely acting as a proxy for the still powerful Thaksin and have demanded its resignation. Noppadon denied the allegations.

"The minister of foreign affairs deserves flowers instead of brickbats," Noppadon said , adding that not "a single square centimeter" of Thai soil was lost during recent negotiations with Cambodia. He said Cambodia had drawn up two maps, one of the temple and the other of the adjacent area.

Noppadon said the Cambodians will present only the temple map in their upcoming request to UNESCO. The second map, which includes the disputed boundary, will not be an issue and thus Thailand has not yielded any territory, he said.

- Associated Press (13 minutes ago)

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

More on Thaksin's Cambodian Casino:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1982358

as well as Thaksinville, Cambodia:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2000909

[hammered]

PAD Rally Interrupted by Broadcast of Loud Music by Police

Didn't work.

Chalerm must have been suckin' back on a whiskey bottle again this evening. Wait for the index waving tomorrow backed by a hangover and sunglasses.

They're freaking out now that PAD have constant crowd support, unlike PPP's miserable failure of a similar attempt at a rally this week , and PAD want to march and move the protest to Govt. House and many state enterprises are joining hands. Govt. haven't got a clue on how to run the country and the timing is bad with the world situation.Jai yen yen (stay cool) you circus clowns.

The following is also pissing off many Thais, very bad timing from Noppadol, favorite, most devoted and most brown-nosed minion of Coward The Great hiding in the UK. I wouldn't be surprised the secret deal involves Thaksin's recent talk of a casino over there., poor fools if they did.

That the police have decided to try to disrupt a peaceful rally, albeit now just throught the use of music, shows they have moved from the neutral position one would expect a professional police force to take in any democracy where peaceful rallies are held to a position more associated with police forces in non-democratic authoritarian regimes where the job of the police is to smash opposition to governemnts. A worrying development, and sadly one which is more likely to increase the chance of conflict, which is something a police force should not be doing.

Hammered, when I mentioned earlier about the Samak government looking for an excuse to declare a state of emergency, it is potentially something like this. Samak has unions at his throat, PAD demonstrations and the highly respected opposition party openly calling for a censure debate. If he feels cornered, he will react. The big question is whether the police will follow him. I believe they will because if they don't there will be a power shift back to the military.

I can see Samak and certain factions in the PPP wanting a state of emergency and can see this all coming to a rapid head - farmers seeking debt relief are now about to reappear in Bangkok. I guess any push for emergency rule will show whether those arguing that the military are siding with the Samak in the PPP are correct. The police have strong links to the PPP for sure but which way do various factions lean is another question as the PPP is not exactly united these days to say the least.

Anyway we can only sit on the sidelines and watch. For a while now I have felt things will not end in a good way in the short term and nothing to date has alleviated this for me.

Emergency rule or democratic rule, there still remains the question of whether the government are actually going to start functioning as a body that will at least attempt to run the country although the human resources it has available to it look scant and if a state of emergency is declared what will actually be done to prevent the anger brewing at real economic dificulties turning the whole situation into a potentially even worse conflagration.

Not a lot to be positive about.

[hammered]

Thailand: Thousands Of Anti-government Protesters Rally Over Thai-Cambodia Boundary Dispute

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Thousands of demonstrators accused the Thai government Wednesday of yielding a disputed border region with an ancient temple to Cambodia, the latest trouble for the embattled prime minister who has been facing daily protests calling for his resignation.

Led by the People's Alliance for Democracy, the crowd gathered in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accused the minister, Noppadon Pattama, of giving into the Cambodians in exchange for business concessions.

The Preah Vihear temple, dating back to the 11th century, has been the subject of a boundary dispute since the 1950s. The International Court of Justice ruled in 1962 that the cliffside temple was within Cambodian territory.

The issue resurfaced as Cambodia was preparing to apply to UNESCO for the temple to be listed as a World Heritage Site, a process that requires the inclusion of a map.

Sondhi Limthongkul, a key leader of the anti-government alliance, alleged that Noppadon gave up some territory near the temple in exchange for his "boss", former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, getting concessions to develop a casino complex on Cambodia's Koh Kong island.

Noppadon served as Thaksin's lawyer and continues to have close ties with Thaksin, who was toppled in a 2006 military coup.

The protesters say the government of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is merely acting as a proxy for the still powerful Thaksin and have demanded its resignation. Noppadon denied the allegations.

"The minister of foreign affairs deserves flowers instead of brickbats," Noppadon said , adding that not "a single square centimeter" of Thai soil was lost during recent negotiations with Cambodia. He said Cambodia had drawn up two maps, one of the temple and the other of the adjacent area.

Noppadon said the Cambodians will present only the temple map in their upcoming request to UNESCO. The second map, which includes the disputed boundary, will not be an issue and thus Thailand has not yielded any territory, he said.

- Associated Press (13 minutes ago)

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

More on Thaksin's Cambodian Casino:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=1982358

as well as Thaksinville, Cambodia:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2000909

This land isue is highly sensitive with border villagers not exactly over the moon at the idea along with at least parts of the military and the senate. Accusations against the government of surrendering Thai land to a foreign power are not going to fall on deaf ears in such a nationalistic country and could be political dynamite.

Maybe this all gives another reason the interior minister wants ASTV off the air and why emergency decrees are no doubt part of the current consideration of at least sectors of government.

One does wonder exactly why the government has chosen just about the most contentious issues possible to actually work on/prioritise when things like the economy, reconciliation and energy would seemingly be a better choice if considering the interests of the people.

[sriracha john]

It's REALLY close to turning ugly now...

Members from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) are seen reflected on the sunglasses of a guard during a demonstration outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok June 18, 2008. Thai police are prepared to use fire hoses and tear gas to stop a planned anti-government march on the Prime Ministers' office, a spokesman said on Wednesday, signalling stiffened resolve against a long-running rally.

REUTERS (just now)

Edited June 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Thousands of People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) members protest outside Foreign Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand Wednesday, June 18, 2008.

Associated Press (8 minutes ago)

[hammered]

It's REALLY close to turning ugly now...

Members from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) are seen reflected on the sunglasses of a guard during a demonstration outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok June 18, 2008. Thai police are prepared to use fire hoses and tear gas to stop a planned anti-government march on the Prime Ministers' office, a spokesman said on Wednesday, signalling stiffened resolve against a long-running rally.

REUTERS (just now)

Again announcing potential police action against a peaceful demonstartion in advance. I know it scares a few people off of attending and such, but it also attracts others and the media both local and international are given a nice bit of advance warning. Even if Samak declares a quick state of emergency rule allowing the police the legal cover to smash the protest, it is all going to look a bit a grim played out live across the globe even if the screens go blank locally. If it is against a largely peaceful demonstration which probably wont even muster anywhere the 100,000 people it did pre-coup days, it will look even more drastic, unwarranted and authoritarian than Sakashvilli's (sp) little crackdown in Georgia a while back, and Samak is not the darling of the west that Sakashvilli is.

[sriracha john]

police are ready to deal with the PAD protesters in 30 minutes if an order is handed down.

plus

All exits and entrances of the ministry are closed and surrounded by metal fences. Police officers are stationed at the exits and entrances.

plus

Accusations against the government of surrendering Thai land to a foreign power are not going to fall on deaf ears in such a nationalistic country and could be political dynamite.

plus

plus

Thai police are prepared to use fire hoses and tear gas to stop a planned anti-government march

equals

[sriracha john]

Thailand: Thousands Of Anti-government Protesters Rally Over Thai-Cambodia Boundary Dispute

Noppadon said Cambodia had drawn up two maps, one of the temple and the other of the adjacent area.

Noppadon said the Cambodians will present only the temple map in their upcoming request to UNESCO. The second map, which includes the disputed boundary, will not be an issue and thus Thailand has not yielded any territory, he said.

- Associated Press (13 minutes ago)

Keepin' 'em honest, as in the "proof is in the pudding" once more... if he hasn't given up land, then...simply...easily...quickly...prove it.......by

PAD Mobile Unit Chants "Show Us the Map" in Front of Foreign Ministry

The PAD mobile unit arrived in front of the Foreign Affairs Ministry at around 10 a.m. this morning. Sarosha Pornudomsak lead the group in their address to Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadol Pattama. They shouted, "we fight for our country and our King," and chanted, "show us the map."

The main focus of the mobile unit is for Noppadon to prove Thailand did not give up its sovereign rights over the land surrounding the Preah Vihear temple.

- Thailand Outlook

[h90]

It's REALLY close to turning ugly now...

Members from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) are seen reflected on the sunglasses of a guard during a demonstration outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok June 18, 2008. Thai police are prepared to use fire hoses and tear gas to stop a planned anti-government march on the Prime Ministers' office, a spokesman said on Wednesday, signalling stiffened resolve against a long-running rally.

REUTERS (just now)

A long time the southern paramilitars are gearing up.

Ultra right wing Anti-communist fighters, hand in hand with the old enemies the communists.

Sondhi told them to keep staying in the south, but more and more they come and that are truly mad people.

On the other hand a never seen reconciliation between these two groups.

[hammered]

Thailand: Thousands Of Anti-government Protesters Rally Over Thai-Cambodia Boundary Dispute

Noppadon said Cambodia had drawn up two maps, one of the temple and the other of the adjacent area.

Noppadon said the Cambodians will present only the temple map in their upcoming request to UNESCO. The second map, which includes the disputed boundary, will not be an issue and thus Thailand has not yielded any territory, he said.

- Associated Press (13 minutes ago)

Keepin' 'em honest, as in the "proof is in the pudding" once more... if he hasn't given up land, then...simply...easily...quickly...prove it.......by

PAD Mobile Unit Chants "Show Us the Map" in Front of Foreign Ministry

The PAD mobile unit arrived in front of the Foreign Affairs Ministry at around 10 a.m. this morning. Sarosha Pornudomsak lead the group in their address to Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadol Pattama. They shouted, "we fight for our country and our King," and chanted, "show us the map."

The main focus of the mobile unit is for Noppadon to prove Thailand did not give up its sovereign rights over the land surrounding the Preah Vihear temple.

- Thailand Outlook

It probably is time the map is made public. Then it can be analysed a simple definitive answer given of course forgetting borders are always contentious and whatever map is produced it will no doubt show some land that at some stage Thailand has claimed will probably now be part of Cambodia ........

Think of any other contentious border in the world and the reaction to a government agreeing to the map presented by another government, which brings us back to why did the government choose to take on such a contentious issue?

Potentially explosive this one.

[sriracha john]

How very and totally apropos' for a protest at the Foreign Ministry...

PAD Rallies in Foreign Languages at Foreign Ministry

The People’s Alliance for Democracy moved their mobile rally to the Foreign Affairs Ministry this morning to protest against Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama on the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site by Cambodia.

Supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy started to gather in front of the Foreign Affairs Minister since 9 a.m. this morning.

Thousands of PAD members peacefully listened to the speeches by key PAD members from 10 a.m. onwards. PAD members gave speeches in eight languages, such as English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Cantonese, Malay, and Khmer, in protest of Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama.

Two PAD core leaders Somsak Kosaisuk and Pipop Thongchai were present. Somsak read the group’s declaration, citing doubts about Noppadon’s work as he reinstated ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s diplomatic passport as soon as he became Foreign Affairs Minister. He also failed to make an official protest when Thaksin condoned the Thai flag with his name on it to appear at several Manchester City football matches.

However, a key issue that allegedly causes Noppadon to lose his legitimacy as a Mnister is the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site by Cambodia. Noppadon has failed to disclose the details of his negotiation with Cambodia over the issue, as well as the map Cambodia submitted to UNESCO in its registration of the temple. The map was approved by the Thai Cabinet, but not revealed to the public because Noppadon claimed it would hurt the Cambodian government's political position.

At the same time, news broke out about how Thaksin may have received special benefits in his investment on Koh Kong and energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand from Cambodia in exchange for Thai territorial rights around Preah Vihear Temple.

Somsak then issued six demands from the PAD. The first is a call on foreign ministry officials to push for a fair negotiation with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear Temple to protect Thai sovereignty while the second is a demand for the unveiling of Cambodia’s map over the site.

Third is a call for details of the discussion with Cambodia over rights to energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand, while the fourth demand is a promise that any agreement with foreign countries that will affect Thai territorial rights must be made public and discussed in Parliament according to article 190 of the Constitution.

Lastly, the PAD called on the support of Foreign Affairs Ministry officials in protecting Thai sovereignty in conjunction with the military and asked the officials and their families to join the PAD rally.

Reports say Noppadon was scheduled to meet the Danish Ambassador to Thailand at the ministry at 11 a.m. but he postponed the meeting and has no plans to enter the ministry today.

He's scheduled to hold a press conference on the Thailand-Cambodia negotiation at Government House at 3 p.m.

- Thailand Outolook

[hammered]

How very and totally apropos' for a protest at the Foreign Ministry...

PAD Rallies in Foreign Languages at Foreign Ministry

The People’s Alliance for Democracy moved their mobile rally to the Foreign Affairs Ministry this morning to protest against Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama on the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site by Cambodia.

Supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy started to gather in front of the Foreign Affairs Minister since 9 a.m. this morning.

Thousands of PAD members peacefully listened to the speeches by key PAD members from 10 a.m. onwards. PAD members gave speeches in eight languages, such as English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Cantonese, Malay, and Khmer, in protest of Foreign Affairs Minister Noppadon Pattama.

Two PAD core leaders Somsak Kosaisuk and Pipop Thongchai were present. Somsak read the group’s declaration, citing doubts about Noppadon’s work as he reinstated ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s diplomatic passport as soon as he became Foreign Affairs Minister. He also failed to make an official protest when Thaksin condoned the Thai flag with his name on it to appear at several Manchester City football matches.

However, a key issue that allegedly causes Noppadon to lose his legitimacy as a Mnister is the listing of Preah Vihear Temple as a world heritage site by Cambodia. Noppadon has failed to disclose the details of his negotiation with Cambodia over the issue, as well as the map Cambodia submitted to UNESCO in its registration of the temple. The map was approved by the Thai Cabinet, but not revealed to the public because Noppadon claimed it would hurt the Cambodian government's political position.

At the same time, news broke out about how Thaksin may have received special benefits in his investment on Koh Kong and energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand from Cambodia in exchange for Thai territorial rights around Preah Vihear Temple.

Somsak then issued six demands from the PAD. The first is a call on foreign ministry officials to push for a fair negotiation with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear Temple to protect Thai sovereignty while the second is a demand for the unveiling of Cambodia’s map over the site.

Third is a call for details of the discussion with Cambodia over rights to energy resources in the Gulf of Thailand, while the fourth demand is a promise that any agreement with foreign countries that will affect Thai territorial rights must be made public and discussed in Parliament according to article 190 of the Constitution.

Lastly, the PAD called on the support of Foreign Affairs Ministry officials in protecting Thai sovereignty in conjunction with the military and asked the officials and their families to join the PAD rally.

Reports say Noppadon was scheduled to meet the Danish Ambassador to Thailand at the ministry at 11 a.m. but he postponed the meeting and has no plans to enter the ministry today.

He's scheduled to hold a press conference on the Thailand-Cambodia negotiation at Government House at 3 p.m.

- Thailand Outolook

The first four demands seems perfectly reasonable and the government should have no problem in acquiescing to them if all the governments actions have been in line with what they claim.

The fifth demand seems a bit dodgy and blatantly politicking and I cant see a sixth!

The timing of the Thaksin leak and this very unpublic map agreement after a long history of dispute do mean the government should have to address this issue transparently. Alternatively I guess there is an emergency decree, or a complete refusal to inform the public although the constitutional requirement would seem to mean the government cant ratify the map without parliamentary approval which would surely mean releasing the map although I am not sure if parlaimentary approval is needed for anything if the PM declares emergency rule, which seems to be a topic for debate although there really seems to be no jsutification for it at all right now.

[samran]

I was of the opinion - in spite of everything (economics, politics, court cases etc) that the PPP government would be able to muddle along.

This Phra Viharn thing has changed everything. Just like the sale of AIS to the singaporeans pissed off even Thakins hard core supporters, so will the compromise on Thai Soverignty for personal profit and gain.

Thaksin appears not to have learnt his lesson. The Thai populous doesn't give a flying fukc if you kill innocents in the name of a war on drugs, pile unarmed defenseless muslim suspects to suffocate in the back of a truck. He could scam all the money he wanted from the airport. The voting public wouldn't care....

But give away once inch of Thai soil...political suicide.

[Tony Clifton]

PAD has it`s faithful informants amongst the Thai police force, no worries. Should anything erupt, it`s the sudden end of this circus-like government and also immediate immobilization of the police force.

[sriracha john]

Everyone's got it all wrong...he's just a simple civilian humanitarian cum investment advisor cum tourism promoter....

Phongthep says ex-PM is not cause of political problems

Personal spokesman of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Phongthep Thepkarnchana, says Thaksin is not the cause of the ongoing political problems.

Phongthep says the real cause of the problems is the disobedience of laws by some groups of people. *like the Cabinet* He therefore requests people to express their disagreements with these groups rather.

Regarding a remark by Senior Citizen Md. Prawet Wasi that Thaksin should end his political role, the spokesman said the former premier no longer has the power in the Samak government. *nice confession that he did* Phongthep added that Thaksin is now an ordinary citizen pushing to boost investor confidence and tourism in the country.

- ThaiNews (today)

Edited June 18, 2008 by sriracha john

[plachon]

The pressure cooker situation has just gone up a notch or two and I sense something is going to have to give soon, or this could all boil over in an ugly fashion. Noppadon has now got zero credibility as a FM (not that he had v. much to begin with) and I think he's going to have to go, as nothing whips us a storm like giving away Thai land. The trouble is there are ultra-nationalists on both sides of the fence riled up, and it could only take a small incident to set them going. Isn't it traditionally about this time, that the mysterious "third hand" steps into the fray? Hopefully not.

Edited June 18, 2008 by plachon

[hammered]

I was of the opinion - in spite of everything (economics, politics, court cases etc) that the PPP government would be able to muddle along.

This Phra Viharn thing has changed everything. Just like the sale of AIS to the singaporeans pissed off even Thakins hard core supporters, so will the compromise on Thai Soverignty for personal profit and gain.

Thaksin appears not to have learnt his lesson. The Thai populous doesn't give a flying fukc if you kill innocents in the name of a war on drugs, pile unarmed defenseless muslim suspects to suffocate in the back of a truck. He could scam all the money he wanted from the airport. The voting public wouldn't care....

But give away once inch of Thai soil...political suicide.

I just cannot believe that one of the few things the government have actually done is agree to give away what many will see as a piece of Thailand. It is politcal stupidity of the highest order and not just in Thailand.

Why? Are they just overly arrogant, overly stupid, an attempt to publically show we can do absolutley anything or are they trying to cause a violent incident?

Also everytime the PAD seem to be fading or losing appeal this government does something to not only relaunch them but to also increase their appeal.

I too thought the PPP goevrnment would struggle through it all, but am beginning to have severe doubts.

[younghusband]

I was of the opinion - in spite of everything (economics, politics, court cases etc) that the PPP government would be able to muddle along.

This Phra Viharn thing has changed everything. Just like the sale of AIS to the singaporeans pissed off even Thakins hard core supporters, so will the compromise on Thai Soverignty for personal profit and gain.

Thaksin appears not to have learnt his lesson. The Thai populous doesn't give a flying fukc if you kill innocents in the name of a war on drugs, pile unarmed defenseless muslim suspects to suffocate in the back of a truck. He could scam all the money he wanted from the airport. The voting public wouldn't care....

But give away once inch of Thai soil...political suicide.

Really? I think you substantially exaggerate the impact.Anyone with even the shakiest grasp of Thai history would know its borders have constantly changed sometimes ceding several provinces.If you're looking for developments that will destroy this wobbly government look no further than the dark clouds in the world economy and its likely effect.

[hammered]

I was of the opinion - in spite of everything (economics, politics, court cases etc) that the PPP government would be able to muddle along.

This Phra Viharn thing has changed everything. Just like the sale of AIS to the singaporeans pissed off even Thakins hard core supporters, so will the compromise on Thai Soverignty for personal profit and gain.

Thaksin appears not to have learnt his lesson. The Thai populous doesn't give a flying fukc if you kill innocents in the name of a war on drugs, pile unarmed defenseless muslim suspects to suffocate in the back of a truck. He could scam all the money he wanted from the airport. The voting public wouldn't care....

But give away once inch of Thai soil...political suicide.

Really? I think you substantially exaggerate the impact.Anyone with even the shakiest grasp of Thai history would know its borders have constantly changed sometimes ceding several provinces.If you're looking for developments that will destroy this wobbly government look no further than the dark clouds in the world economy and its likely effect.

Personally I wouldnt underestimate the power of naked nationalism linked to the Thai land, or for that matter any other nationalistic issue or symbol, in the current highly charged poltical atmosphere. What has happened in the past may have little bearing on what can be whipped up now. Sometimes even perceived wrongs from the past can lead to latter day crusades over seemingly smaller issues. Unfortuantely both sides in the curent politcal divide have played every nationalist and loyalist card they can think of creating a potential powder keg over an issue like this, which is why I cant understand the timing of the announcement plus of course the to date failure to release details in public although Noppadon seems to have become more defensive on the issue today.

Of course at the end of the day the economic winds could well sweep a far more effective government than this one from power but in the short term the other banana skins seem to be the ones the current government is somewhat ineptly slipping on and at times seemingly putting in place for itself to slip on.

Strange and interesting but necessarily good days seem to await us.

[samran]

I was of the opinion - in spite of everything (economics, politics, court cases etc) that the PPP government would be able to muddle along.

This Phra Viharn thing has changed everything. Just like the sale of AIS to the singaporeans pissed off even Thakins hard core supporters, so will the compromise on Thai Soverignty for personal profit and gain.

Thaksin appears not to have learnt his lesson. The Thai populous doesn't give a flying fukc if you kill innocents in the name of a war on drugs, pile unarmed defenseless muslim suspects to suffocate in the back of a truck. He could scam all the money he wanted from the airport. The voting public wouldn't care....

But give away once inch of Thai soil...political suicide.

Really? I think you substantially exaggerate the impact.Anyone with even the shakiest grasp of Thai history would know its borders have constantly changed sometimes ceding several provinces.If you're looking for developments that will destroy this wobbly government look no further than the dark clouds in the world economy and its likely effect.

Different things we are talking about here. Thailand lost and gained land. These were political deals which at the end of the day protected Thailands soverignty (and of course economic asperations). They gave back Kedah, they got Satun. They negotiated with the French, and gained undisputed recognition of Siams rights to Issan - which is ethnicially Laos. The prevented an even further encroachment by the British and the French.

The difference is here, Cambodia isn't threatening to invade Thailand.

Ultimately, these weren't done for personal gain (although I'm sure there was gain made along the way).

Thailand fought Laos back in the 90's over some land that was disputed up in the North. Encroachments by Laos, even over a few metres are taken extemely seriously, and resulted in force being applied.

Thailand protested heavily over the location of the border wall Malaysia was constructing, even if it encroached even a few cm. into Thai territory. They took Cambodia to international court about Prah Viharn.

The standard diplomatic route with all of these border disputes, especially long running ones, is to get an international arbitrator to settle them

And what where are these protests now for Cambodia? Silent. Give away a few meters maybe, but for what? Casino and petroleum concessions in Cambodia issued to a one Dr Thaksin Shinawatra? Where is the benefit for the Thai people there? Where is the justice for those soldiers sent to fight and die for the few hundered square meters of land that Laos claimed back in the 1990's.

You are also ignoring recent history. The sale of Shitcorp to the Tamasek was what really gave legitimacy and boosted the stocks of the PAD pre-coup.

Thaksin is repeating the same mistake again.....