PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[animatic]

So PAD planned a big, BIG rally today,

and made themselves a target in the process.

How you may ask.

Well tain't so hard to have people collect a 100 or so PAD shirts,

put thos shirts on your own paid hooligans and voila!

they LOOK like PAD protestors...

and then the government can BLAME PAD...

Oh and some 'underground movement"...

and at least one general too.

In Pad's history the leaders have ALWAYS talked down violence and such.

These people talk and disrupt traffic, and not much more than be a BIG thorn

in the current government's side. They have no history of violence,

only being the victims of violence against them.

So one must ask:

Historically WHICH SIDE has been normally disposed to violence

and wild actions to shut up the other side talking...

Of course! The same crew that breaks up PAD rallys in the North

and STARTS fights at Prem's house etc.

Just dress them like PAD and they can be blamed as PAD.

And just enough people will believe it. Maybe.

This is a set up for sure. I don't believe it, it is an excuse to try

and co opt the generals, before they can do the big miltary shuffle next month.

Funny isn't this the same timing as 2 years ago.

They so desparately want to re-write the constitution to

save their collective asses they will try most anything.

Can't do a re-write with PAD looking on LOUDLY...

[neverdie]

Just another day in the zoo

[paul700]

PAD trying to gain control of NBT station

BANGKOK: -- At 8.30 am, the People's Alliance for Democracy renewed the raid of NBT station and disrupted the broadcasting.

Protesters were seen breaking down the police barriers and rushed to the office building and the broadcasting station. They shut down electricity to disrupt the broadcast.

In the pre-dawn raid earlier, police arrested 80 armed men involving in the raid.

The Nation

Did someone mentionned "peaceful portest" ?

"It (the PAD) cited Article 63 of the Constitution, enshrining the right to peaceful assembly, to justify its action ..."

Actually, sorry, it's not that funny.

When someone will have the courage to stop these dangerous clowns ?

Samak should show them who is in charge in Thailand. Certainly not these parasites.

[george]

Schools and govt agencies near Government House closed for safety reasons

BANGKOK: -- All schools and government agencies around the Government House were closed on Tuesday due to the People's Alliance for Democracy's final fight.

They include Rachawinit School, the Phanakhon Commercial School, Wat Benjamabophit School, the head office of the National Counter Corruption Commission, the headquarters of the Civil Service Commission, the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

[didivolk]

Something else. I always wonder where all this anti Thaksin anti Samak knowledge of the English community comes from. Maybe the Nation.PAD or Bangkokpost.PAD or ASTV.2 (TOC.pad.com.)

disgusting.

If this action by PAD causes the price of beer to rise in the capital there is going to be hel_l to pay!

I know that some here on Thai Visa want to compare this situation (perhaps a revolution) to famous communist coups around the world since the 1950's. I prefer to compare PAD to that once infamous German Army corporal, Adolf Hitler.

Be afraid. Be very afraid. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is using scare tactics to mold the opinion of the uninformed populace to their own ends. While complaining and pointing fingers at the elected government about anything and everything they refuse to negotiate on any subject and simply call for an end to present government rule. Sound familiar? Same thing happened two years ago which led to a coup d'état and the ousting of a seated, elected government.

This is nothing new. Many of us remember from our history lessons that back in the 1930's Europe they had their own PAD saying exactly the same thing about the seated government. The Nazi Party used the economic hardships suffered by the Germans to grab power. Adolph Hitler and his ilk fooled the German people into joining their extreme and radical movement to overthrow the government.

Like the Nazi's in Germany PAD has no business in a civilized Thai society. They are trampling on the peoples consciences and revising history to suit their own ends. These extreme, unconscionable leaders are master manipulators, preying on the weak, drunk with power and serve no constructive purpose. It is time to put an end to the madness and remove PAD and their self-serving leaders. They have had their fifteen minutes in the spotlight and have fooled innocent Thai people long enough.

IMHO

It is very disappointing. After 14 years of no-perfect democracy, but still democracy (1992-2006), all forces seem to want to destroy it and prevent democracy to take roots.

In fact, it doesn't matter if me or you or other Thais don't like Samak, but the fact he won the elections and if PAD wants to oust him by the force, they are not worth of being called Democratic party.

Democracy doesn't work this way. Protests , strikes, ok, it is a right in the Constitution, but ousting a government in this way is unaccepatble.

Don't they realize the damage they are doing to Thailand ? I guess many investors will loose their faith in this country.

Economy will start to suffer from all these political turmoils for sure.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Of course non-violent protests work, far better than warfare works. Roughly one third of all people on the planet now live in countries that were liberated through non-violent protest, since 1945. But it takes good planning, excellent execution, and good luck - which PAD may not have.

It also takes good sense, and enough popular support, which PAD definitely don't have!!!

[gymshark]

It is the job of the police to enforce the law and do the clubbing, not us or PAD, understand?

I don't think it would be wise to take advice on the subject of civil disobedience and the reactions to it from somebody who's avatar is a burning skull and who's signature advocates the use of weapons - do you?

Cheers

Civil disobedience is not to be tolerated, it leads to anarchy. Sometimes you need the 'burning skull" bridgade to stand between them and you, but we are used to being looked upon as thugs until you are the one being threatened.

[Jai Dee]

PAD affirms it will station itself in front of Finance Ministry to pressure resignation from minister

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) Liaison Suriyasai Katasila (สุริยะใส กตะศิลา) affirmed that the PAD would hold fast it's protest in front of the Ministry of Finance for an initial one night.

Mr. Suriyasai stated that the act was to pressure the resignation of Finance Minister Doctor Surapong Suebwonglee .

The PAD indicated that evidence had been brought to light that the ministry had spent funds in an nontransparent fashion.

The group is also attempting to egg on support from civil servants within the ministry.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 August 2008

[wxpwzrd]

Something else. I always wonder where all this anti Thaksin anti Samak knowledge of the English community comes from. Maybe the Nation.PAD or Bangkokpost.PAD or ASTV.2 (TOC.pad.com.)

disgusting.

Or maybe: Thai speaking people, our own wisdom and research and our own level of intellegence... Or are you tied to the opinions of those that were bought by Thaksin and Samak?

[Sunderland]

Some posts here are really amazing !

Why those advocates of violence do not take their own golf-clubs (preferably titanium ones) and go out to show to the Police what they have to do ?

It is the job of the police to enforce the law and do the clubbing, not us or PAD, understand?

The job of the police is to police, not to start clubbing people. Understand?

yeah, I'm sure they would listen to reason.

Coverage was live on CNN about 30 minutes ago. Nothing on BBC.

With all due respect, it's unlikely the BBC will consider the story worthy of coverage at the present time. The 'storming' of a TV station, build up of traffic and school kids being sent home only is hardly earth shattering in the context of World News.

While things may escalate, it is not a world news story at present. More serious events elsewhere will continue to dominate the headlines unless something major happens.

For the moment we are looking at a local problem that most of the world are not the slightest bit concerned about. Hopefully the situation will remain that way.

[yoshiwara]

Now that Mr ManCity is definitively moved off the stage, the opposition is now wanting to clear out his team to prevent once and for all any possibility of another return. The opposition think they can force an end-game and are doing so. Ignore all the democracy witterings from elsewhere in this thread. Not even a side-show.

[StevieH]

Both, when you work for the government you stand between them and the agressor, right or wrong that is your duty and when people steam into building and lamp people carrying golf clubs and bats then you stop it, that's your job. Police and military are soldiers not politicians. I've waded in to quell protest before (and I was actualy sympathetic in principle to their cause) because it is a matter of duty to protect those people who are trying to do their job and earn a crust.

you're absolutely wrong. policemen are not soldiers, they are civilians. strange that you didn't know that as you seem to be a man out of uniform.

[Jai Dee]

Supreme Commander says military will not declare emergency

Supreme Commander Gen.Boonsrang Niempradit says the military will not declare emergency and affirms all military area commands are monitoring the situation following a major rally by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) today (August, 26th).

The supreme commander says the declaration of emergency situation depends on the government but the military will come to the government's assistance should the premier announce the emergency decree. However, he says he believes that the premier will not declare emergency as it will only aggravate the situation.

As for PAD’s surrounding of many government places, Gen.Boonsrang says police are responsible in safeguarding the places. He also says he does not want to see Thai people clash with one another and create violence.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 August 2008

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Strange that this has been going on for nearly 3 hours now, but no mention yet on BBC, Sky, CNN, etc. I suppose they are all still fast asleep?

The BBC has always reported very pro-Thaksin. This will only help his bid for political asylum back in the UK. They are probably awaiting some comment from him before putting the story up.

Let me guess: You read The Nation?? Compared to that, anything is pro Thaksin!! I think you should listen to the BBC more, frankly.

[george]

Anti-govt protesters block roads upcountry in northeast and north

NAKHON RATCHASIMA: -- The anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is blocking roads and highways which are the gateway to Thailand's northeastern and northern regions.

About 500 protesters blocked a portion of outbound Mittraparp Road in Sikhiu district of Nakhon Ratchasima, gateway province to the country's northeastern region.

The protesters have gathered at Sikhiu having platform set up on the road while about 100 police have tightened security.

People's Assembly of the Northeast secretary-general Suppapon Iammethawee insisted that the protesters will wait for an order from Bangkok, while denying any attempt to seize the city hall as rumoured.

Pakchong district chief Kaneethip Boonyaket said he has negotiated with the protesters, asking them not to block the highways and roads. Police have opened one outbound traffic lane for motorists travelling to the northeast.

In the northern province of Phichit, PAD protesters have blocked traffic at an intersection in Wachirabarami district, disrupting traffic to the northern region.

-- TNA 2008-08-26

[WinnieTheKhwai]

There is only one word for the PAD. SCUM.

Will people on this forum in general, and on this thread in particular, desist from using that word. It is deeply offensive and rude in the extreme coming from someone who doesn't speak a word of the local language attempting to describe civilians of the country in which they are a guest. Ignorant in the extreme.

Okay.

There's actually two words for PAD: Worthless, and Trash.

[esprit]

Some posts here are really amazing !

Why those advocates of violence do not take their own golf-clubs (preferably titanium ones) and go out to show to the Police what they have to do ?

It is the job of the police to enforce the law and do the clubbing, not us or PAD, understand?

The job of the police is to police, not to start clubbing people. Understand?

yeah, I'm sure they would listen to reason.

Coverage was live on CNN about 30 minutes ago. Nothing on BBC.

With all due respect, it's unlikely the BBC will consider the story worthy of coverage at the present time. The 'storming' of a TV station, build up of traffic and school kids being sent home only is hardly earth shattering in the context of World News.

While things may escalate, it is not a world news story at present. More serious events elsewhere will continue to dominate the headlines unless something major happens.

For the moment we are looking at a local problem that most of the world are not the slightest bit concerned about. Hopefully the situation will remain that way.

If the setting on fire of a nun and the burning down of a Catholic orphanage in India is only "news worthy" enough to get a single mention on BBC.co.uk then these minor protest will hardly warrant much of a mention - that is until perhaps toxin contributes to the certain UK political coffers perhaps that also holds sway at Broadcasting house

Edited August 26, 2008 by esprit

[george]

Live video feeds and hourly English news here:

http://www.astv-tv.com/toc_broadcast.html

[grantbkk]

So PAD planned a big, BIG rally today,

and made themselves a target in the process.

How you may ask.

Well tain't so hard to have people collect a 100 or so PAD shirts,

put thos shirts on your own paid hooligans and voila!

they LOOK like PAD protestors...

and then the government can BLAME PAD...

Oh and some 'underground movement"...

and at least one general too.

In Pad's history the leaders have ALWAYS talked down violence and such.

These people talk and disrupt traffic, and not much more than be a BIG thorn

in the current government's side. They have no history of violence,

only being the victims of violence against them.

So one must ask:

Historically WHICH SIDE has been normally disposed to violence

and wild actions to shut up the other side talking...

Of course! The same crew that breaks up PAD rallys in the North

and STARTS fights at Prem's house etc.

Just dress them like PAD and they can be blamed as PAD.

And just enough people will believe it. Maybe.

This is a set up for sure. I don't believe it, it is an excuse to try

and co opt the generals, before they can do the big miltary shuffle next month.

Funny isn't this the same timing as 2 years ago.

They so desparately want to re-write the constitution to

save their collective asses they will try most anything.

Can't do a re-write with PAD looking on LOUDLY...

With all due respect, are you one of those guys who believe that it was the CIA and Bush who planned and executed 9/11? Just because PAD is acting irrationally, sees themselves above the law and have attacked some of their own countrymen today you see a conspiracy? Just because stupid people are doing stupid things doesn't mean dark forces are at work nor is there any evidence to support your wild conspiracy theory. IMHO.

[fuzedcon]

Maybe we should consider ...

And maybe we should consider simply listening to the PAD's political "philosophy", regardless how one may dislike this government, and judge them based on the nationalist jingoism they sprout.

Attacking a TV station, threaten their staff - armed with sticks and metal bars (as shown on TV coverage), and with even two guns - how the eff is that a peaceful demonstration? That's even worse than pro-Thaksin thugs did to the Nation office.

The PAD has finally shown its undemocratic agenda to all, and so far their plan - creating enough chaos so the army comes out and stages a coup - has completely failed.

Yes, this may very well be a watershed in Thai politics. As far as we can see now, the PAD has alienated with their despicable actions today many people. I do hope that this will be the opportunity for the government to charge the PAD leaders with treason, and to disperse the protest within the next few days. And then maybe the different political parties find ways to oust the government within the constitutional framework, and not by demanding military coups or attacking TV stations.

[Jai Dee]

PM affirms he will excercise patience during PAD rally for benefit of country

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej responded to the upcoming People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) rally by saying that police officers have been tasked with ensuring orderliness and peace for the rally and affirmed that the gathering must be in line with the law or the government will take immediate legal action. He asked that all citizens follow the situation while promising that he would exercise patience for the benefit of the nation.

The PM asked that the press should consider appropriateness when report on the PAD rally and consider who they are supporting. He also asked that morning reports not criticize the govenrment.

Government House area Police Director, Police General Songchai Thepsarn (ทรงชัย เทพสาร) stated that he has made preparations to insure the safety of the building while the PAD protests around it. He said that security measures have been in place since the beginning of the rallies and that 120 officers will be dispatched to the government house to keep a strict watch on it.

The National Police have instructed Metropolitan Police Commander, Police General Assawin Kwanmuang (อัศวิน ขวัญเมือง) to represent the national police in securing the event and have also asked for constant reports on the projected 20-30 thousand protesters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 August 2008

[Chiang Rai Guy]

Something else. I always wonder where all this anti Thaksin anti Samak knowledge of the English community comes from. Maybe the Nation.PAD or Bangkokpost.PAD or ASTV.2 (TOC.pad.com.)

disgusting.

Or maybe: Thai speaking people, our own wisdom and research and our own level of intellegence... Or are you tied to the opinions of those that were bought by Thaksin and Samak?

Yeah, you might want to consider that some people do know their history when it comes to Thai politics, wxpwzrd. Many of us have lived and paid close attention to the political situations as they affect so many of the foreign communities' lives in one form or another.

[percy2]

With all due respect, it's unlikely the BBC will consider the story worthy of coverage at the present time. The 'storming' of a TV station, build up of traffic and school kids being sent home only is hardly earth shattering in the context of World News.

While things may escalate, it is not a world news story at present. More serious events elsewhere will continue to dominate the headlines unless something major happens.

For the moment we are looking at a local problem that most of the world are not the slightest bit concerned about. Hopefully the situation will remain that way.

Its already been on the BBC for 30 minutes

Cheers

[esprit]

So PAD planned a big, BIG rally today,

and made themselves a target in the process.

How you may ask.

Well tain't so hard to have people collect a 100 or so PAD shirts,

put thos shirts on your own paid hooligans and voila!

they LOOK like PAD protestors...

and then the government can BLAME PAD...

Oh and some 'underground movement"...

and at least one general too.

In Pad's history the leaders have ALWAYS talked down violence and such.

These people talk and disrupt traffic, and not much more than be a BIG thorn

in the current government's side. They have no history of violence,

only being the victims of violence against them.

So one must ask:

Historically WHICH SIDE has been normally disposed to violence

and wild actions to shut up the other side talking...

Of course! The same crew that breaks up PAD rallys in the North

and STARTS fights at Prem's house etc.

Just dress them like PAD and they can be blamed as PAD.

And just enough people will believe it. Maybe.

This is a set up for sure. I don't believe it, it is an excuse to try

and co opt the generals, before they can do the big miltary shuffle next month.

Funny isn't this the same timing as 2 years ago.

They so desparately want to re-write the constitution to

save their collective asses they will try most anything.

Can't do a re-write with PAD looking on LOUDLY...

With all due respect, are you one of those guys who believe that it was the CIA and Bush who planned and executed 9/11? Just because PAD is acting irrationally, sees themselves above the law and have attacked some of their own countrymen today you see a conspiracy? Just because stupid people are doing stupid things doesn't mean dark forces are at work nor is there any evidence to support your wild conspiracy theory. IMHO.

I bet you thought the Beijing fireworks were real also !!!!!!

[MengWan]

What amazes me are the contrasts ...

I just heard a thaï reporter telling shyly that "maybe if there was an assault on NBT it is because some people were finding it too one-sided" ...

[Bruce1]

This is very dangerous.

I assume both Samak and Sondhi would quite like the Army to stage a coup, but only if it benefits their side.

So its very good the Army chief is saying "no coup" because this is not a matter which should be resolved by force.

Hopefully the police will arrest some people and everyone will calm down and go home and have a beer and a massage and life will return to normal.

Democracy means government by talking, not shooting. If we can get through this peacefully, it will be a good sign for democracy in the LOS.

[percy2]

Civil disobedience is not to be tolerated, it leads to anarchy. Sometimes you need the 'burning skull" bridgade to stand between them and you, but we are used to being looked upon as thugs until you are the one being threatened.

Civil disobedience is not to be tolerated - I only thought dictators had this point of view.

Sometimes you need the 'burning skull" bridgade to stand between them and you, but we are used to being looked upon as thugs until you are the one being threatened. - A thug is a thug is a thug.

I won't be responding to you any more as you are obviously trolling.

[gymshark]

Civil disobedience is not to be tolerated, it leads to anarchy. Sometimes you need the 'burning skull" bridgade to stand between them and you, but we are used to being looked upon as thugs until you are the one being threatened.

Civil disobedience is not to be tolerated - I only thought dictators had this point of view.

Sometimes you need the 'burning skull" bridgade to stand between them and you, but we are used to being looked upon as thugs until you are the one being threatened. - A thug is a thug is a thug.

I won't be responding to you any more as you are obviously trolling.

Well, I'm not but I'll miss your precious posts.

[cmsally]

On the TV you have still got part of the PAD not willing to say those that took over NBT were their people. Then you have got other parts saying the PAD had taken over NBT. So what exactly are they doing.

They are trying to explain the notch up in violence by basically saying they need to as a means to the end (which is the resignation of the govt.).

Govt is saying the military won't be involved and PAD is saying that if the govt. can't run the country then the military don't have any choice but to step in.

The best bit was a question from a reporter about PAD entering another place (unfortunately didn't catch the name) and he said they weren't trying to force entry, the PAD simply need to use the restroom.

Next port of call seems to be the Finance Ministry. PAD rally point is already telling them to take a packed dinner and teaching them some campfire songs.

[KhaoNiaw]

It is very disappointing. After 14 years of no-perfect democracy, but still democracy (1992-2006), all forces seem to want to destroy it and prevent democracy to take roots.

In fact, it doesn't matter if me or you or other Thais don't like Samak, but the fact he won the elections and if PAD wants to oust him by the force, they are not worth of being called Democratic party.

Democracy doesn't work this way. Protests , strikes, ok, it is a right in the Constitution, but ousting a government in this way is unaccepatble.

Don't they realize the damage they are doing to Thailand ? I guess many investors will loose their faith in this country.

Economy will start to suffer from all these political turmoils for sure.

Reading the thread about the Bangkok Post and the Nation the other day, it made me think back to the aftermath of Black May 1992. Those protests were for the most part spontaneous. There was a real optimism then that things were going to change, that something good was going to come out of it all, that a genuine Thai approach to democracy could emerge.

But Chuan and the Democrats were so inert and too eager to disassociate themselves from the protests, and the Bangkok middle classes forgot about the people that came and protested alongside them. The only real improvement that survived was the much greater freedom enjoyed by the press. And Thaksin put a stop to that.

I think the PAD has some genuine souls among its ranks but they are obviously being manipulated here. The government should be allowed to limp on to its natural end. But there is no cause for optimism, whatever the outcome.