PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[sriracha john]

If they really want to be there so much, let them use the flowerbeds.

mai pen rai.... normal practice here in the land of "public" restrooms

[LivinLOS]

very common....it was the same at the Tibet issues, even on small Austrian elections there are paid people who are posting. It is complete normal.

Here you can see it easily. No one really can believe the current government is good and beeing so happy with it that he/she posts day and night here about the PAD is renting people, how Sondhi and Chamlong are corrupt the same, posting that Chamlong destroys the nice democracy which was since 1992 (Chamlong made this democracy).

So it is very obvious that they are paid......

So do I need a work permit ??

[LivinLOS]

^^You let your staff have time off to demonstrate !? Wow.

Is it unpaid leave?

I don't let....they just do, beside the motorbike guy, they are specialists in their jobs not easy to replace.

Usual days they leave at 5 or 6 PM o'clock to the mob...so no problem with the job.

Just yesterday they left during the day.

I consider it as holidays, as they have the right for holidays (we often open on public holidays, so anyhow everyone has days left).

So if you want to tell that I pay them to go there with the salary....sorry no I don't.

Anyway not much business yesterday as many customer also went there, also our neighbors.

But I allow them (and others) to lock their motorbikes in our company without charging them a rental fee for the place while they take a taxi to the mob....

Long answer short. Paid while there.

Sure you can mealy mouth or dance around it.. But a normal day when they would be expected to be working, they are getting the same salary for goofing off down the park where the free foods at.. Hey who wouldnt be there ??

people have rights on holidays both in Thailand and in Farangland. And they get paid if they sit on the beach, in the bar or if they are on Demonstrations.

Considering the Taxi costs, vs the free food it is a big minus.

So yesterday is being counted as one of their official leave days used up is it ??

I am guessing your not being truthful.. Especially when you make it sound like "oh it is a slow day, most of our clients are closed".. That doesnt sound like using one of thier official holidays to me, especially when they came in from start to lunchtime.

So which is it ?? Paid leave day or just paid anyway ??

[Gary A]

It is difficult for me to view the People "Against" Democracy as credible when all they can say is that they want Samak out. What then? Is there any plan? This is simply a mob action and many people including my own wife are being duped. I never thought I'd see the day when my wife would become an anarchist. If they were serious about a meaningful change, they should be making plans and picking honest people to replace all the crooked politicians. Even with Samak out, it is still the good old boys network. You don't tell on me and I won't tell on you. Many of the children of the present politicians indeed bode ill for the country. Power and money come with being a politician. Sad to say the least. Never trust anyone who became very wealthy AFTER becoming a politician.

[toptuan]

Pumpuiman, I'd say you've been duped with 2nd hand information. You clearly haven't been to BKK lately, like your sister in law.... why don't you take a ride on your buffalo and go check it out before relaying 2nd hand information, miles away from the source.

If anyone has a photo of a collection box, feel free to upload it, eh!

cmsally says very well:

"Take a moment to demand more and maybe push the intellectual level up a notch or two and then maybe the country can make some progress."

That would include information sources for this forum too.

I would be very dubious of pro-PAD newbie posters who've suddenly come out of the woodwork to put most of their posts on this particular thread.

[Jai Dee]

Thai policemen stand guard as anti-government demonstrators protest inside the Government House in Bangkok.

Anti-government demonstrators at a protest inside Government House in Bangkok.

Anti-government protesters wave national flags in Bangkok.

Map of Bangkok showing the location of government house which was stormed by protesters.

An anti-government demonstrator shouts slogans during a protest inside Government House in Bangkok.

Source: AFP - 27 August 2008

[Jai Dee]

Public Health Minister calls on all medical personnel to remain available and to cater to residents' need

Minister of Public Health Chawarat Chanweerakul (ชวรัตน์ ชาญวีรกูล) stated that his ministry has instructed all hospitals in Bangkok to request their staff not take unneeded absences during this period due to the movements of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The minister said that all health personnel and equipment must be ready to deal with any unexpected incidents.

Mr. Chawarat also stated that the ministry has not divided its services and has affirmed to give medical assistance to all citizens who need it. He stated that earlier today medical services were given to help a PAD demonstrator who was injured in an altercation with authorities.

The minister said that the main concern at the moment is the fact that many PAD protesters are of an advanced age and asked that the elderly consider their health above demonstration. He said that the crowded and hot atmosphere of the rally could be detrimental.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 August 2008

[jfchandler]

PAD leaders bracing for their arrests

The People's Alliance for Democracy decided on Wednesday that its five leaders would not flee nor surrender to police if the Criminal Court approved the warrants to arrest them later this afternoon.

PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk said he and his four colleagues would await for police to arrest them at the rally site inside the compound of Government House.

"Police can arrest us anytime as we will be at the Government House and will not use people as shield," he said.

-- The Nation 2008-08-27

[Thai at Heart]

It is difficult for me to view the People "Against" Democracy as credible when all they can say is that they want Samak out. What then? Is there any plan? This is simply a mob action and many people including my own wife are being duped. I never thought I'd see the day when my wife would become an anarchist. If they were serious about a meaningful change, they should be making plans and picking honest people to replace all the crooked politicians. Even with Samak out, it is still the good old boys network. You don't tell on me and I won't tell on you. Many of the children of the present politicians indeed bode ill for the country. Power and money come with being a politician. Sad to say the least. Never trust anyone who became very wealthy AFTER becoming a politician.

They hope only that it will be run by the original group of good old boys.

[Journalist]

I'm evacuating my family out of Thailand next week to join me overseas.

This anarchy is all going to end in tears - its becoming a runaway train.

[jfchandler]

PAD's protest activities disapproved by majority

BANGKOK: - More than 70 per cent of the people condemned the People's Alliance for Democracy for its Tuesday's protest activities, Bangkok University Poll said on Wednesday.

Almost 73 per cent voiced disapproval for blockading main roads linking Bangkok to the North, the Northeast and the South.

About 71 per cent said they disagreed with the raid of the NBT station. And 68 per cent said they found it unacceptable to lay seige at Government House and ministries.

-- The Nation 2008-08-27

[sriracha john]

Public Health Minister calls on all medical personnel to remain available and to cater to residents' need

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 August 2008

With this status change issued by the Public Health Minister and the good folks at TNNBPRD, would this be sufficient for the protesters to go to the amphur office to get put on the house papers for that location?

Edited August 27, 2008 by sriracha john

[jfchandler]

I'm evacuating my family out of Thailand next week to join me overseas.

This anarchy is all going to end in tears - its becoming a runaway train.

Do you think you could possibly be any more consistently alarmist???

The rest of us aren't feeling nervous enough yet... Why not go ahead and add some more fuel to the fire???

Considering that 30,000 people and the Thai police have been involved, thus far, the level of unrest has been remarkably low. That may change, though I certainly hope not... Let's keep a lid on things here....

[basjke]

PAD's protest activities disapproved by majority

BANGKOK: - More than 70 per cent of the people condemned the People's Alliance for Democracy for its Tuesday's protest activities, Bangkok University Poll said on Wednesday.

Almost 73 per cent voiced disapproval for blockading main roads linking Bangkok to the North, the Northeast and the South.

About 71 per cent said they disagreed with the raid of the NBT station. And 68 per cent said they found it unacceptable to lay seige at Government House and ministries.

-- The Nation 2008-08-27

Was that another of those famous polls where they question 23 people and call that a majority opinion.

[sriracha john]

I'm evacuating my family out of Thailand next week to join me overseas.

[Journalist]

I'm evacuating my family out of Thailand next week to join me overseas.

This anarchy is all going to end in tears - its becoming a runaway train.

Do you think you could possibly be any more consistently alarmist???

The rest of us aren't feeling nervous enough yet... Why not go ahead and add some more fuel to the fire???

Considering that 30,000 people and the Thai police have been involved, thus far, the level of unrest has been remarkably low. That may change, though I certainly hope not... Let's keep a lid on things here....

"He who shrieks and runs away; lives to flee another day"

Winston Churchill.

[animatic]

"Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, Wednesday demanded officials to open up the buildings inside Government House compound to allow protesters to answer the call of nature."

So, General Chamlong is threatening to have his employees defecate and urinate on the house of democracy in Thailand. The Army generals, at least this one, has really gone too far in insulting the other 63 million Thai people! If Thaksin supporters threatened to empty their bowels at Army Headquarters, you'd bet that heads would roll. Unfortunately, he who has the armed tanks, calls the shots...

Using the toilets in a government facility is not an unreasonable request, regardless of the context.

He was asking to PREVENT the protestors having to urinate and deficate all over the place.

Essentially the OPPPOSITE of what you are implying.

After breaking down the gate and taking over the Prime Ministers offices you think they should smile and let you use the toilet?? You have got to be kidding me!! Are you serious?? Unbelievable!!

Oh yes, not to please the protestors,

but for public health and clean up afterwards reasons.

It is purely logic, and not partisan feelings.

It will save the tax payers money to do it.

[Moonrakers]

Make of it what you will, but my wife just received a call from the school asking her to pick our daughter up. Apparently the police came along and asked them to close.

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister calls urgent meeting with governors on PAD rally

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Kowit Wattana calls an urgent meeting of provincial governors nationwide and relevant officials via a video conference network to discuss the seizure of various state buildings by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday (August, 27th).

Interior Ministry Spokesman Suphachai Chaisamut (ศุภชัย ใจสมุทร) says the minister will request the governors to explain the situation to the people in their province and be more careful with the protestors’ blocking of roads leading to the capital.

The spokesman says Mr Kowit will also instruct the governors not to use force with the protestors and warn them against third-party people who may create violence, adding that police will take legal action against those who break laws.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 August 2008

[sriracha john]

PAD's protest activities disapproved by majority

BANGKOK: - More than 70 per cent of the people condemned the People's Alliance for Democracy for its Tuesday's protest activities, Bangkok University Poll said on Wednesday.

Was that another of those famous polls where they question 23 people and call that a majority opinion.

A survey of their surveys reveals your facetious number isn't really all that far off from the literal number...

The Bangkok University survey covered 1,985 adult residents of the city

-2000

Bangkok University revealed the survey was conducted on June 28th and 29th, and the samples comprised 1,116 people

-2008

The Bangkok University's Bangkok Poll, interviewed 1,228 people living in Bangkok

-2008

[basjke]

"Chamlong Srimuang, a leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, Wednesday demanded officials to open up the buildings inside Government House compound to allow protesters to answer the call of nature."

So, General Chamlong is threatening to have his employees defecate and urinate on the house of democracy in Thailand. The Army generals, at least this one, has really gone too far in insulting the other 63 million Thai people! If Thaksin supporters threatened to empty their bowels at Army Headquarters, you'd bet that heads would roll. Unfortunately, he who has the armed tanks, calls the shots...

Using the toilets in a government facility is not an unreasonable request, regardless of the context.

He was asking to PREVENT the protestors having to urinate and deficate all over the place.

Essentially the OPPPOSITE of what you are implying.

After breaking down the gate and taking over the Prime Ministers offices you think they should smile and let you use the toilet?? You have got to be kidding me!! Are you serious?? Unbelievable!!

Oh yes, not to please the protestors,

but for public health and clean up afterwards reasons.

It is purely logic, and not partisan feelings.

It will save the tax payers money to do it.

Why not offer them coffee and donuts as well.

[Journalist]

The social fabric is breaking down fast.

The army has to step in and take over. The fact they deny a coup suggests that we should expect one soon. It must be under discussion then if they're ruling it out.

ps on the subject of toilets. I often relieve myself in Soi Nai Lert when i've got a bladderful.

[davejonesbkk]

Why is it not being covered on any of the thai channels anymore?? A bit suspicious that...

[sriracha john]

Why is it not being covered on any of the thai channels anymore?? A bit suspicious that...

Standard Operating Procedure..... nothing preempts soaps and game shows, not even the tsunami.

Edited August 27, 2008 by sriracha john

[scyriacus]

"Rentamob" is back.

I incorrectly reported that my sister in law and her friend were offered 300 baht to take part in PAD protests.

My wife just got off the phone with her sister.....It was 500 baht and free food.

are you trying to tell the forum that your family is part of the 'mob'? and who did offer that money? tax-sin or one of his agents? and who guarantees that your 'report' is correct this time? it was incorrect last time! how much more gossip and hearsay do you want to 'report' tomorrow?

[geovalin]

If Samak keeps his composure, we might suppose that negotiations are going his way.

This is probably going to make Sondhi and Chamlong ever more desperate. Interesting to see Chamlongs acceptance of the NBT incident whereas others were denying it. Even today there doesn't seem to be any decisive agreement.

Internationally there seems to be the view that the PAD are anti democracy and backed by the elite. So some people should be bright enough to see that a PAD victory won't be backed by the international community.

But overall from abroad, people who have heard about the situation simply can't believe that it has been allowed to go far. The view seems to be that if it were in a developed country it simply wouldn't be allowed to happen. Which is pretty correct.

For sure one of the problems is the huge investments made in Thai elections and their consequences, but to suppose these are going to go away with a military government or a Democrat led government is not realistic.

If PAD wants to look even remotely legitimate (supposing that is still possible), they have to lay down some reasonable demands that are open for negotiation and have to look at least remotely intelligent. If you tune in to PAD and listen to the rhetoric for say 10 mins, what do you get? It simply doesn't make sense. First you cut out the "Por, Mae, Pi, Nong" - that in itself is 50% gone.

Then you have a couple of minutes of hoooooing and clapping (have to love the little guy doing the hoooooing, he's a classic).

There really is not a lot else, there is no plan, no constructive criticism, no step by step improvement to the system. All I hear are individual accusations and demands that change as the time line progresses. '

OK so now they want the resignation of the government and the creation of a power vacuum. What comes after that, we would all like to know. What we have heard is about the New Politics of a partly non elected government, coming from Sondhi's mouth, and that is about all we have heard about any future, so not surprising that anybody thinking about the future has locked on to it.

It's interesting to look at the little microcosm that the PAD has created and from that see some of the glaring problems the country is faced with. If the PAD really has an agenda for a better nation perhaps they would like to at least assume their audience is intelligent enough to hear about it and debate on it themselves. The attitude at the moment is that they will be kept happy with a bit of Karaoke, some plastic clapping hands and a few packs of fried rice, not to mention the infamous toilet facilities. On other side of the coin maybe it should be wake up to the Thai population and demand more than the entertainment and maybe a moment of limelight on the stage or in front of the camera. Take a moment to demand more and maybe push the intellectual level up a notch or two and then maybe the country can make some progress.

Excellent post and I feel sad for the sincere Thai people following PAD.

[Tony121]

Did anyone not see the report on the attack on NBT channel the protesters apparently had wooden batons and GOLF CLUBS ! what more proof do you need that the elite are behind this

[pauls2979]

Why is it not being covered on any of the thai channels anymore?? A bit suspicious that...

Standard Operating Procedure..... nothing preempts soaps and game shows.

you are so wright ,

wifey could not be bothered to watch before , now glued to the box

I'm in the other room trying to understand thai on TOC

[Bagwan]

Riots may blow country’s image, shake investors’ confidence

Following the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)’s huge disturbance yesterday (August 26th), the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chairman, Mr. Santi Vilassakdanont (สันติ วิลาสสักดานนท์), expresses his concern that the incident may hit Thailand’s image amongst global eyes and investors’ confidence may be scrapped once again.

More cloud cuckooland thinking. What image is this guy thinking about? An acceptable image and reputation is built up over a period of time - and has to be earned. The image of LoS, as with the rest of the region. is of widespread corruption, cronyism exploitation and the suppression of those brave enough to raise their heads above the parapet. I venture that most investors are smart enough to be fully aware of what a cesspit Thailand is - if they were not that smart they wouldn't have any money to invest - and their only concern is to turn a reasonable profit.

What a nerve some of these PPP people have! Think of the good of the country they preach, which translates to continue to make sacrifices and having rotten lives so that us 'influential people' can live on easy street beyond the reach of the law. On the other hand I don't see any Wat Tyler, Robespierre or Lech Walenska lookalikes in the PAD camp. Democracy and fair dealing in Thailand? Not in my lifetime. I'll sit on the fence and watch the best pantomime in town play out.

[h90]

The social fabric is breaking down fast.

The army has to step in and take over. The fact they deny a coup suggests that we should expect one soon. It must be under discussion then if they're ruling it out.

ps on the subject of toilets. I often relieve myself in Soi Nai Lert when i've got a bladderful.

Well I recall that they were ruling out a coup several times in the past and than they really didn't.....

So you can't trust them to stage a coup if they tell they don't

Actually it would surprise me to hear "Yes we are planning a coup for next Monday!"

(two coup or not two coup, Willi Shakes beer)