Security Tightens At Government House To Block Anti-govt Protesters

[AGareth2]

well the elite are not keen on democracy it would seem.

Any update on who is incharge of the ship?

[Nampeung]

Plachon, the 'Assembly of the Poor ' ... what or whom are you regarding with this statement please??? If it is the protesters currently outside Government House please take a back seat and do some research into what you are talking about... if not, do explain...

[Nowhereman60]

If I was Samak national police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan head would be rolling in the streets. This just shows how piss poor the Thai police is. Not one of them worth crap.

[stumonster]

Plachon, the 'Assembly of the Poor ' ... what or whom are you regarding with this statement please??? If it is the protesters currently outside Government House please take a back seat and do some research into what you are talking about... if not, do explain...

I suggest you maybe start here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assembly_of_the_poor

and continue with Google http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%...G=Google+Search

Assembly of the Poor ( Caravan of the Poor ) have been involved in many long term camp in protests in Bangkok over the years.

[Nampeung]

Cool Stumonster, got the point. I am listening to the protests in BKK with great interest, unfortunately the UK has long sonce dampened down such debates. Go for it Thailand !!!

[marshbags]

well the elite are not keen on democracy it would seem.

Any update on who is incharge of the ship?

MOVE ON GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Violence averted as pad leaders claim easy victory

By The Nation

Published on June 21, 2008

Pressure mounts for Samak to resign

As several tens of thousands of supporters of the People's Alliance for Democracy savour an easy victory with their success in surrounding Government House, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is under pressure to resign.

Political sources said Thaksin Shinawatra and the core leaders of the People Power Party have agreed that Samak should step down to pave the way for Education Minister Somchai Wongswat, a brother-in-law of Thaksin, to succeed him.

Samak held a tense, hour-long meeting in the afternoon with Army chief General Anupong Paochinda, police chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan and Lt-General Prayuth Chan-ocha, commander of the First Army Region, at the Army Sports Club on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road.

Sources said Samak was very annoyed with the police, who failed to prevent the PAD from surrounding the heart of his administration.

Samak and top military and police officials discussed the scope of the Emergency Decree and the Internal Security Act, but in the end Anupong and Prayuth signalled that Samak should make his own decision.

Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core leaders of the PAD, vowed to encamp the protesters in front of Government House until Samak resigned "because he is acting as a nominee for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra".

Police and security officials made little effort to block the protesters from surrounding the seat of government, despite warning earlier that they might use tear gas and plastic bullets.

The PAD quickly set up a new stage in front of Government House to hold their rallies, moving from Makhawan Rangsan Bridge. The PAD has been staging street demonstrations since May 25.

The police chief instructed his officers and security forces not to use force against the protesters. They will stop encroachment on Government House, but PAD leaders have said they will only camp around it.

Police estimated the crowd numbers at more than 22,000 but PAD supporters said they could be as many as 100,000. The PAD held a rally against Thaksin in front of Government House in 2006, which eventually led to the military coup.

Political sources indicate there will be a political solution to end the turmoil in the next few days, but it is not yet certain a formula satisfactory to all parties can be found.

Thai shares yesterday rallied 3.56 per cent, the largest single-day surge in five months, as hedge funds unwound positions on hopes that there would be no violence at the anti-government protest.

Jatuporn Prompan, an MP from the People Power Party, said he was afraid bloodshed was inevitable. "The PAD has no choice. They want to create chaos so that the military could come out to stage another coup."

Inside the People Power Party, Thaksin is reported to have signalled to Yongyuth Tiyapairat, deputy leader Newin Chidchob, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan and Sora-at Klinprathum that they should monitor the situation closely in case Samak decides to step down under political pressure.

Unquote

Does that answer your question on who,s in charge ( not a sarcastic response by the way AG )

From day one it has always been apparent who is in charge.

He,s also taken to flight with his family while no doubt still keeping his influence on his surrogate party of unprincipled thieves.

While ever he is part of Thai politics, not judiciously expedited and is allowed to interfere in the running of the country, along with his banned coherts of the TRT we can expect repeat after repeat of unrest ect. ect. ect.

marshbags

Edited June 21, 2008 by marshbags

[stumonster]

well the elite are not keen on democracy it would seem.

Any update on who is incharge of the ship?

Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core leaders of the PAD, vowed to encamp the protesters in front of Government House until Samak resigned "because he is acting as a nominee for ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra".

Inside the People Power Party, Thaksin is reported to have signalled to Yongyuth Tiyapairat, deputy leader Newin Chidchob, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan and Sora-at Klinprathum that they should monitor the situation closely in case Samak decides to step down under political pressure.

From day one it has always been apparent who is in charge.

He,s also taken to flight with his family while no doubt still keeping his influence on his surrogate party of unprincipled thieves.

While ever he is part of Thai politics, not judiciously expedited and is allowed to interfere in the running of the country, along with his banned coherts of the TRT we can expect repeat after repeat of unrest ect. ect. ect.

marshbags

Political sources said Thaksin Shinawatra and the core leaders of the People Power Party have agreed that Samak should step down to pave the way for Education Minister Somchai Wongswat, a brother-in-law of Thaksin, to succeed him.

mrT are just taking the p1ss , mr t is still convinced he can use his puppets to enable him to get access to the dollars and allow him to continue to exert his influence on the Thai political scene - I thin khe is just digging himself in deeper as this gambit will not placate the PAD and probably make them more determined to remove mrT's control of the Thai govenment.

[Prakanong]

Erm, the Tories won the next election, Thatcher was an electoral liability, she was democratically voted out by her own Party - there were no mass protests. In fact, for those of us who remember, she was very shocked.

um...poll tax.

100,000 people in trafalgar square protesting....

next!

Samran - your grasp on English and UK politics of the time and how it works is a bit shakey matey

Get back to shakey economics of the Thai property market - its more your scene

Edited June 21, 2008 by Prakanong

[jumnien]

Samak is bottle-feeding Chamlong's enormous ego right now. Chamlong's chest is pumped up; it'll last about a week then the old man will fall flat. Thank buddha!

[sriracha john]

A no mark little country whose only vistiors are backpackers and sex tourists is anyones view - why would the world care about Thailand?

over-looking the bizarre statement....

on BBC:

Protesters march in Thai capital

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7464941.stm

[sriracha john]

Samak is bottle-feeding Chamlong's enormous ego right now. Chamlong's chest is pumped up; it'll last about a week then the old man will fall flat. Thank buddha!

Who's older?

Samak Sundaravej - born June 13, 1935

Chamlong Srimuang - born July 5, 1935

[sriracha john]

Perhaps you can start a new thread on your 35 year old issue... this one is titled:

Security Tightens At Government House To Block Anti-govt Protesters, Siege in the making

[hammered]

Some feedback from people I know who went to the demonstration.

They think it was the biggest PAD demo yet.

The atmosphere was relaxed mostly.

Toilets are a bit of a problem.

Concerning the authorities: ordinary soldiers at their base were asking demonstrators for PAD paraphenalia and were quite supportive. Probably no surprise. Interestingly I hear that the police at least at one point actually told the demonstrators that they could pass through their lines with specualtion that the police never intended to even try to stop anyone, which would maybe explain Samak's reported anger at them. Some of the police who talked to demonstrators were also saying Samak wouldnt be around for long.

[hammered]

Chavalit makes call for interim govt

BANGKOK: -- Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday proposed setting up an interim national government as a way to end the current political deadlock and avoid violence.

He said other available options such as dissolution of Parliament for a snap election or the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would not solve the conflict.

"To solve the problem, an interim national government must be formed. This will provide a way out for the country," he said.

Chavalit said the proposed interim government should consist of representatives from diverse groups in the population.

In 1997, Chavalit stepped down as prime minister following the economic and financial crisis, thus allowing the opposition Democrat Party to form a new government.

Chavalit warned that the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) might trigger an uprising unless the government issued a clear signal about mending fences with opponents.

If the situation deteriorated and became violent, the military would have to step in to restore normalcy, he warned.

Democrat Party secretary-general Theptai Senpong expressed support for Chavalit's idea, saying it reflected his sincerity towards the country. However, the idea was rejected as "premature" by Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama and Kanchana Silapa-archa, deputy leader of the coalition Chart Thai Party.

"It's not time now. We should wait and see how the protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy will turn. The government and police are confident the situation can be kept under control," Kanchana said. "After the prime minister resigns, who will replace him? General Chavalit?"

Noppadon, an executive of the ruling People Power Party, said: "The government won the support of voters, so it has the legitimacy to be in office. The political problem is caused by groups of people who do not respect the rules. They do not accept people who have been elected by voters."

-- The Nation 2008-06-20

National unity government would make sense with the country so divided. The problem is it means sharing all those ministries between even more parties so it doesnt really appeal to self serving polticians. Sane and serious discussion at politcal level are needed now and hopefully a politcal solution can be found so that the country can move on.

[Prakanong]

Perhaps you can start a new thread on your 35 year old issue... this one is titled:

Security Tightens At Government House To Block Anti-govt Protesters, Siege in the making

as I thought - no substance and no knowledge of context - ignorance and being lazy is not a good excuse

[Prakanong]

Some feedback from people I know who went to the demonstration.

They think it was the biggest PAD demo yet.

The atmosphere was relaxed mostly.

Toilets are a bit of a problem.

Concerning the authorities: ordinary soldiers at their base were asking demonstrators for PAD paraphenalia and were quite supportive. Probably no surprise. Interestingly I hear that the police at least at one point actually told the demonstrators that they could pass through their lines with specualtion that the police never intended to even try to stop anyone, which would maybe explain Samak's reported anger at them. Some of the police who talked to demonstrators were also saying Samak wouldnt be around for long.

its a pity they were not the same in 76 when they murdered to his rebel rousing.

[hammered]

Some feedback from people I know who went to the demonstration.

They think it was the biggest PAD demo yet.

The atmosphere was relaxed mostly.

Toilets are a bit of a problem.

Concerning the authorities: ordinary soldiers at their base were asking demonstrators for PAD paraphenalia and were quite supportive. Probably no surprise. Interestingly I hear that the police at least at one point actually told the demonstrators that they could pass through their lines with specualtion that the police never intended to even try to stop anyone, which would maybe explain Samak's reported anger at them. Some of the police who talked to demonstrators were also saying Samak wouldnt be around for long.

its a pity they were not the same in 76 when they murdered to his rebel rousing.

True. Maybe some people have learned from the past.

[sweetchariot]

Without wishing to trawl through 11 pages of political mudslinging, what was the upshot? I followed this thread until about 6pm last night, but it has ballooned since then. At that time they had surrounded Government House and all was peaceful.

Did it remain peaceful? Are they still there?

[hammered]

Without wishing to trawl through 11 pages of political mudslinging, what was the upshot? I followed this thread until about 6pm last night, but it has ballooned since then. At that time they had surrounded Government House and all was peaceful.

Did it remain peaceful? Are they still there?

Still there although in reduced numbers. Peaceful.

Things now move on to the politcal arena I guess, so we can expect all kinds of gossip, rumour, paranoia and caonspiracy theory.

[sweetchariot]

Without wishing to trawl through 11 pages of political mudslinging, what was the upshot? I followed this thread until about 6pm last night, but it has ballooned since then. At that time they had surrounded Government House and all was peaceful.

Did it remain peaceful? Are they still there?

Still there although in reduced numbers. Peaceful.

Things now move on to the politcal arena I guess, so we can expect all kinds of gossip, rumour, paranoia and caonspiracy theory.

Thanks hammered, for condensing 7 pages into 2 concise sentences. You could get a job for Readers Digest

[younghusband]

Perhaps you can start a new thread on your 35 year old issue... this one is titled:

Security Tightens At Government House To Block Anti-govt Protesters, Siege in the making

as I thought - no substance and no knowledge of context - ignorance and being lazy is not a good excuse

You are absolutely right to emphasize the importance of context, as current events cannot be comprehended without it.Incidentally I shouldn't pay any attention to those who fling flaming accusations at anyone who disagrees with them.They're just talking to themselves.If they could have the courage and intellect to engage in genuine debate, recognising shade and nuance it might be quite an interesting dialogue.But I fear it's not to be

Incidentally my own take on last events was that the police acted very sensibly.

[sriracha john]

And to think all this off-topic rambling and flaming started with simply supplying a link to a BBC article.

Edited June 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[younghusband]

And to think all this off-topic rambling and flaming started with simply supplying a link to a BBC article.

Quod erat demonstrandum

[LeungKen]

And to think all this off-topic rambling and flaming started with simply supplying a link to a BBC article.

Quod erat demonstrandum

I thought all postings had to be in English ?

Edited June 21, 2008 by LeungKen

[younghusband]

And to think all this off-topic rambling and flaming started with simply supplying a link to a BBC article.

Quod erat demonstrandum

I thought all postings had to be in English ?

I'm sorry.I will translate as Churchill, an Old Harrovian, once said in parliament "for the benefit of any Old Etonians that might be present".

It means "Let's quote demonstrations even when they are in error"

[LeungKen]

And to think all this off-topic rambling and flaming started with simply supplying a link to a BBC article.

Quod erat demonstrandum

I thought all postings had to be in English ?

I'm sorry.I will translate as Churchill, an Old Harrovian, once said in parliament "for the benefit of any Old Etonians that might be present".

It means "Let's quote demonstrations even when they are in error"

I don't make the rules.

I'm just here as a straight man to allow you to waffle on...............

[Plus]

Looking through last nights's posts I saw someone saying "democracy is destroyed" again.

In 1997 Chavalit government resigned and Democrats came in. There were no elections and no one cried "coup! elites! overthrow!" like they do today. The reason for government change was poor handling of the economic crisis, similar to today's problems.

Three years earlier, in 1994, Democrat government was forced to resign after Phuket land scandal. There was a massive campaign in the media but they resigned way before it reached the point where people took to the streets. No one cried about destroyed democracy either, it was quite the opposite - government was held to the account by the people (or, actually, the media).

Current PPP government is simply a lot more stubborn.

[younghusband]

Looking through last nights's posts I saw someone saying "democracy is destroyed" again.

In 1997 Chavalit government resigned and Democrats came in. There were no elections and no one cried "coup! elites! overthrow!" like they do today. The reason for government change was poor handling of the economic crisis, similar to today's problems.

Three years earlier, in 1994, Democrat government was forced to resign after Phuket land scandal. There was a massive campaign in the media but they resigned way before it reached the point where people took to the streets. No one cried about destroyed democracy either, it was quite the opposite - government was held to the account by the people (or, actually, the media).

Current PPP government is simply a lot more stubborn.

I certainly wouldn't say democracy was destroyed by yesterday's events.PAD failed to provoke violence on the part of the police.Gen Anupong kept Samak from going off the rails.Let's see how this develops.

I'm not sure your 1994 and 1997 comparisons are valid howver.Whateber the weaknesses of the current government they cannot be compared to the economic incompetence and corruption in the cases you refer to.Apart from having Thaksin's guts for garters and keeping his funds blocked it's quite hard to know what serious issues this group has in mind.Perhaps their awful leadership has a clear agenda.To be fair to both Chavalit and Chuan they didn't need that much pushing and there was no mob pressure, albeit in much smaller numbers than PAD expected, as I recall.Another difference is that Samak or PPP substitute would also win another mandate if there was a general election.Really the opposition will have to fight their case constitutionally and convince the Thai people.Meanwhile time is running out for the dinosaurs.

Edited June 21, 2008 by younghusband

[toptuan]

So sad to see a miniscule minority of 20k elitists trying to impose their will on the majority of 65,000,000 who elected a government, as flawed as it might be. Thai 'democracy' at work again.

"Elitists" is carefully chosen here. Who else would be able to take off a full workday (Fri.) to spend their time parading before TV cameras and waving flags? Most of the Thai I know are too busy trying to earn enough to keep rice on the table.

Edited June 21, 2008 by toptuan

[Plus]

Whateber the weaknesses of the current government they cannot be compared to the economic incompetence and corruption in the cases you refer to

Crash of 1997 was a bigger economic problem, of course, but Phuket land scandal and dropping all cases against Thaksin and unilaterally rewriting a constitution??? Are you serious???

My point is - not long ago Thai politicians were a lot more responsible and a lot more responsive to public demands. PPP simply has no shame whatsoever.

PAD failed to provoke violence on the part of the police

Who said they tried? You? PPP spokesmen?