PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[Old Man River]

^

Its the 'what if' scenario that is a mystery. Not the fact there was a meeting.

"What if I do send in the cops to keep the peace and a few heads get cracked?" muses Samak.

OK, the answer to your what if is if there was violence, Samak would have called for an SOE. It was the last thing he wanted to do, and he didn't have to, thankfully.

[Samuian]

"The deputy commissioner general affirms that the attack on the NBT compound was definitely not staged, as police officers possess sufficient witnesses and evidence to convict PAD suspects."

If "definitely" wasn't "staged"... how the reference to "PAD and additional suspects" is made - that escapes my imagination!

Interesting is that this incident extends to "damage to the NBT compound is substantial, with a lounge dedicated to HRH Princess Ubol Ratana..." very interesting...

[catmac]

The PAD has revealed their true form today. Can't you admit you've been duped?

I just got off the phone with one of the top fire of PPPs real inner circle and he confirmed that they are hiring westerners without scruples or morals to post 'dirt' about PAD on several larger forums known to be visited by western journalists.

See how easy it is to write things.

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......

Actually, h90, I've a sneaking feeling that it is YOU who is the paid troll here! Everytime you post about your wealthy customers with their Mercs, etc., handing out cash to the poor peasants demonstrating for PAD you just provide ammo for your critics!

That, and your state of denial re. Sondhi's clearly stated belief in a fascist-style, appointed government in place of silly elections (that is to say, "silly" only because those damned peasants keep voting for the wrong party!) are bliss to my ears!

[Old Man River]

I reckon Samak has been told quietly behind closed doors that as soon as the Police spill a bit of PAD blood, then the army are intervening.

Thats the only reason I reckon why he keeps backing off on tough action.

There is no question that Samak had an audience with HM the King yesterday. Samak has been open about this. I don't know why it seems like such a big secret here.

I would be very concerned if he hadn't.

The real question I have is whether he was summoned or whether he graciously asked for the meeting. We will never know.

[onethailand]

The real question I have is whether he was summoned or whether he graciously asked for the meeting. We will never know.

Well, he did say "I was granted" rather than "I was summoned"... but given his limited English ability, it could be either.

[Thai at Heart]

I reckon Samak has been told quietly behind closed doors that as soon as the Police spill a bit of PAD blood, then the army are intervening.

Thats the only reason I reckon why he keeps backing off on tough action.

There is no question that Samak had an audience with HM the King yesterday. Samak has been open about this. I don't know why it seems like such a big secret here.

I would be very concerned if he hadn't.

The real question I have is whether he was summoned or whether he graciously asked for the meeting. We will never know.

I was going to add something similar. I would imagine summoned, but we will never know. I don't even know if one can graciously ask for such a meeting.

[jfchandler]

This report below mirrors reporting on the Thailand Outlook Channel, where they're saying PAD supporters who had been involved in the provinces are now being summoned to BKK....

Provincial protesters unblock public highways

After 16 hours of obstructing traffic on a highway in kilometer 493-494 in Tha Kham Sub-district of Chumporn Province, thousands of People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters eventually abandoned their rally site on the road.

The protesters are expected to gather and bolster major congregation in Bangkok metropolis soon, with their rally costing 5 million baht of economic destruction today (August 27th).

At the same time, PAD protesters in the Northern region have also unblocked highway No. 117 in Wachirabarami District of Phichit province.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-27

[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

Oh yes SJ... I guess all these people in the offices, countryside, and who work through out this are really in full support of this mob....

I'm not saying they do or they don't'... just that in the absence of definitive polling, "public sentiment" and "majority opinions" are whatever individuals experience in their own individual environment.

Thai polls, eg. Bangkok U. and Assumption U., in case you're unaware, have been universally panned as notoriously inaccurate....

Edited August 27, 2008 by sriracha john

[Shah Jahan]

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.

The only forgienners that invest in Thailand come here for the girls and then need a reason to look buzy. its sad, but its the truth.

serious businesspeople - even Thais - keep the financial aspects of their operations in singapore or hong kong where they have such thing as laws.

[sriracha john]

I reckon Samak has been told quietly behind closed doors that as soon as the Police spill a bit of PAD blood, then the army are intervening.

Thats the only reason I reckon why he keeps backing off on tough action.

There is no question that Samak had an audience with HM the King yesterday. Samak has been open about this. I don't know why it seems like such a big secret here.

it's not...in the slightest, except for people that don't read, like journalist.

[simcity]

for people not in thailand, huge storm at this momment in bangkok where the PAD is doing the seige .

Edited August 27, 2008 by simcity

[h90]

The PAD has revealed their true form today. Can't you admit you've been duped?

I just got off the phone with one of the top fire of PPPs real inner circle and he confirmed that they are hiring westerners without scruples or morals to post 'dirt' about PAD on several larger forums known to be visited by western journalists.

See how easy it is to write things.

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......

Actually, h90, I've a sneaking feeling that it is YOU who is the paid troll here! Everytime you post about your wealthy customers with their Mercs, etc., handing out cash to the poor peasants demonstrating for PAD you just provide ammo for your critics!

That, and your state of denial re. Sondhi's clearly stated belief in a fascist-style, appointed government in place of silly elections (that is to say, "silly" only because those damned peasants keep voting for the wrong party!) are bliss to my ears!

are you drunk?

where did you read about wealthy handing out cash to the poor peasants????????

Sondhi spoke about the problem that again and again corrupt politicians get elected and what to do. Than he started a discussion what can be done. I also don't know why this should fascist-style? These appointed one get elected in their part of society. This system was in Italy and in Austria before 2nd Wordwar.

Not that I think that this system will help much, but Sondhi can discuss it....

The peasants vote for the paying party.....thats even more undemocratic.

[Journalist]

I reckon Samak has been told quietly behind closed doors that as soon as the Police spill a bit of PAD blood, then the army are intervening.

Thats the only reason I reckon why he keeps backing off on tough action.

There is no question that Samak had an audience with HM the King yesterday. Samak has been open about this. I don't know why it seems like such a big secret here.

it's not...in the slightest, except for people that don't read, like journalist.

Your jealousy is striking Sriracha's John! Seems to be over nothing more than my handle. Yes, some of us do originate rather than copy and paste other people's work 19000 times.

I'm quite flattered by your interest in me and your enquiries about my beat. Perhaps I could get you a job here - as you have such a passion for print media. We need someone to wash the coffee mugs ! With your love of copying we could get you on the Xerox machine!

Like I said, I daresay Samak has been counselled over the possibility of military intervention if he sends in the riot police. To the best of my knowledge, such a disclosure/warning isn't likely to be made public and will remain therefore 'secret'.

Edited August 27, 2008 by Journalist

[hammered]

It seems today that we are just entering a phase everyone has been through before. Warrants, interrogtaions, courts, talks behind scenes, people drift off home, the rally relocates, new leaders. The calm after the storm. It will all settle down for a while now

[Thai at Heart]

The PAD has revealed their true form today. Can't you admit you've been duped?

I just got off the phone with one of the top fire of PPPs real inner circle and he confirmed that they are hiring westerners without scruples or morals to post 'dirt' about PAD on several larger forums known to be visited by western journalists.

See how easy it is to write things.

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......

Actually, h90, I've a sneaking feeling that it is YOU who is the paid troll here! Everytime you post about your wealthy customers with their Mercs, etc., handing out cash to the poor peasants demonstrating for PAD you just provide ammo for your critics!

That, and your state of denial re. Sondhi's clearly stated belief in a fascist-style, appointed government in place of silly elections (that is to say, "silly" only because those damned peasants keep voting for the wrong party!) are bliss to my ears!

are you drunk?

where did you read about wealthy handing out cash to the poor peasants????????

Sondhi spoke about the problem that again and again corrupt politicians get elected and what to do. Than he started a discussion what can be done. I also don't know why this should fascist-style? These appointed one get elected in their part of society. This system was in Italy and in Austria before 2nd Wordwar.

Not that I think that this system will help much, but Sondhi can discuss it....

The peasants vote for the paying party.....thats even more undemocratic.

Seems there isn't a monopoly on vote buying.

http://bangkokpundit.blogspot.com/2007/09/...and-suthep.html

Who knows?

[jfchandler]

More on Samak's marching orders yesterday to his minions...

PM asks ministers not to resort to the use of force against PAD

Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Anusorn Wongwan, discloses that Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej has asked all sides not to resort to the use of force against protestors from the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) even should they break into state property.

The minister says the premier said during the Cabinet meeting yesterday that all ministers should not obstruct the protestors from entering into state buildings as he does not want to see clashes and violence.

Mr Anusorn says his ministry is not one of PAD’s targets although it is located near the group’s base at Makhawan Rangsan Bridge.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-27

[LaoPo]

This report below mirrors reporting on the Thailand Outlook Channel, where they're saying PAD supporters who had been involved in the provinces are now being summoned to BKK....

Provincial protesters unblock public highways

After 16 hours of obstructing traffic on a highway in kilometer 493-494 in Tha Kham Sub-district of Chumporn Province, thousands of People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters eventually abandoned their rally site on the road.

The protesters are expected to gather and bolster major congregation in Bangkok metropolis soon, with their rally costing 5 million baht of economic destruction today (August 27th).

At the same time, PAD protesters in the Northern region have also unblocked highway No. 117 in Wachirabarami District of Phichit province.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-27

jfchandler................... please, if you wish to be taken serious about what you write, please think about the members who need glasses to read.....

Write normal PLEASE !

Thank you.

LaoPo

[sriracha john]

I reckon Samak has been told quietly behind closed doors that as soon as the Police spill a bit of PAD blood, then the army are intervening.

Thats the only reason I reckon why he keeps backing off on tough action.

There is no question that Samak had an audience with HM the King yesterday. Samak has been open about this. I don't know why it seems like such a big secret here.

it's not...in the slightest, except for people that don't read, like journalist.

Your jealousy is striking Sriracha's John! Seems to be over nothing more than my handle. Yes, some of us do originate rather than copy and paste other people's work 19000 times.

I'm quite flattered by your interest in me and your enquiries about my beat. Perhaps I could get you a job here

Would that require reading about a topic before I wrote about it?

[Journalist]

^I haven't written anything about this particular topic, Sriracha's John. Nor do I plan to.

Nobody cares beyond the frontiers about Thailand and nobody wants to read about it. Everyone assumes its a joke country that does silly things and is becoming a quasi-failed state.

Edited August 27, 2008 by Journalist

[jfchandler]

Stupid comment... No one who's any kind of real "journalist" would say that.... But then again, despite your ID here...you clearly are NOT....

Try sticking to the facts, for a change. The events of yesterday were picked up and reported on by media outlets around the world, including AP, Reuters, AFP, New York Times, International Herald Tribune... and on and on and on....

Anytime a country seems on the verge of a potential regime change... people are going to notice. Thailand is no different on that score.

[ando]

What a charade. Riots in the streets and the government powerless to restore order because the Army will step in and mount another coup.

Any western democracy would have had the riot police out there with water cannons and tear gas by now.

Thailand will never progress to a true democracy until they get the Army under control. If it wernt for the tough economic times and the mess they made of things only several months ago I am sure the generals would want to snatch the power back and get their snouts in the trough again. Pads call for another coup may be premature in that respect. IMHO the best thing Samak could do right now is to declare a state of emergency and temporarily turn the management of the PAD rioters over to the Army.

[catmac]

The PAD has revealed their true form today. Can't you admit you've been duped?

I just got off the phone with one of the top fire of PPPs real inner circle and he confirmed that they are hiring westerners without scruples or morals to post 'dirt' about PAD on several larger forums known to be visited by western journalists.

See how easy it is to write things.

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......

Actually, h90, I've a sneaking feeling that it is YOU who is the paid troll here! Everytime you post about your wealthy customers with their Mercs, etc., handing out cash to the poor peasants demonstrating for PAD you just provide ammo for your critics!

That, and your state of denial re. Sondhi's clearly stated belief in a fascist-style, appointed government in place of silly elections (that is to say, "silly" only because those damned peasants keep voting for the wrong party!) are bliss to my ears!

are you drunk?

where did you read about wealthy handing out cash to the poor peasants????????

Sondhi spoke about the problem that again and again corrupt politicians get elected and what to do. Than he started a discussion what can be done. I also don't know why this should fascist-style? These appointed one get elected in their part of society. This system was in Italy and in Austria before 2nd Wordwar.Not that I think that this system will help much, but Sondhi can discuss it....

The peasants vote for the paying party.....thats even more undemocratic.

There you go again, h90.

Your post #816.....All GIVE there money, my wife usually 1000-2000 Baht. Our staff usually 20-200 Baht in that box to collect money.

Some of our customer also go there, they are all wealthy, have Mercedes, big houses and wouldn't move one finger for 500 Baht.

So Sondhi's proposals "were in use in Italy and Austria before 2nd World War", that is when Italy and Germany (Hitler having annexed Austria to the Greater Reich) were both fascist!

Keep up the good work!

Edited August 27, 2008 by catmac

[scyriacus]

I reckon Samak has been told quietly behind closed doors that as soon as the Police spill a bit of PAD blood, then the army are intervening. Thats the only reason I reckon why he keeps backing off on tough action.

There is no question that Samak had an audience with HM the King yesterday. Samak has been open about this. I don't know why it seems like such a big secret here.

it's not...in the slightest, except for people that don't read, like journalist.

some 'journalist' don't back off on tough actions. they know nothing, read nothing but guess wildly (and call that 'reckon'). i guess he is out in his reckoning.........

[Tony121]

I wonder what Mr Thaksin is thinking about all this ? PAD may actually end up helping more than hindering him after the outcome of these protests.

[LaoPo]

The events of yesterday were picked up and reported on by media outlets around the world, including AP, Reuters, AFP, New York Times, International Herald Tribune... and on and on and on....

Anytime a country seems on the verge of a potential regime change... people are going to notice. Thailand is no different on that score.

The events, happening in Thailand now are a blink of the eye in world's history. Nothing more.

The events were indeed published but let me tell you that nobody in the world cares, apart from them who have an interest in Thailand.

The daily, better: hourly avalanches of news make and made people immune, They don't even blink with their eyes if 10 French soldiers were killed in Afghanistan or 4.000+ US soldiers in Iraq.

The world doesn't give <deleted> about what happens in Thailand or elsewhere.

I posted about an airplane crash in Madrid a few days ago; 150+ people killed. It got mere attention. Nobody cares....

Reality and live goes on !

LaoPo

[hammered]

What a charade. Riots in the streets and the government powerless to restore order because the Army will step in and mount another coup.

Any western democracy would have had the riot police out there with water cannons and tear gas by now.

Thailand will never progress to a true democracy until they get the Army under control. If it wernt for the tough economic times and the mess they made of things only several months ago I am sure the generals would want to snatch the power back and get their snouts in the trough again. Pads call for another coup may be premature in that respect. IMHO the best thing Samak could do right now is to declare a state of emergency and temporarily turn the management of the PAD rioters over to the Army.

A very good summation imho

[Meerkat]

<SNIP>

This time PAD is not trying to pretend that being "fairly elected" makes Samak legitimate. They just had enough of this nonsense - convicted criminal on his last appeal as a PM, covering for tax evading fugitive. Samak has somewhat distanced himself from Thaksin, but then just last week he turned around at that PPP meeting. Some commentators called him two-faced for trying to please both camps.

PAD is having none of it anymore. I think it's very courageous of them to make this stand regardless of what the international media or half-hearted people say. The right thing is the right thing, and now they are trying to do something about it instead of hiding behind "corruption is everywhere, no one is clean" excuses.

Well it would seem that the bulk of not only the international media, but also the domestic media think that the attempted toppling of the elected government is quite clearly not "the right thing" as you and an increasingly shrill sounding group of people think. That even such papers as The Nation, which has hardly gone out of its way to support Samak & Co in the past, is in condemnation of the PAD's illegal acts clearly shows that the they have overstepped the mark this time (not that one needs the media to point out that incitement to commit treason just isn't cricket.)

I'm sorry that "New Politics" refuses to roll over and die as some here would seem to like, but you reap what you sow. I was interested that you believed in an earlier post that at least one editorial used arguments "lifted" from this site in its criticism of the subject. Don't quite buy it myself, but if that's the case, as ThaiVisa's first and perhaps most vociferous critic of this ridiculous rollback of the people's rights, I'm awarding myself a Bronze Star for helping broaden discourse on the matter.

I only wish I'd had enough time to write about Sondhi's breathtakingly bellicose policy initiative on dealing with Cambodia; a "policy" so riddled with flaws that at first I thought it was a piece of satire. Perhaps then it would have led to greater exposure in the English-language mass media (it has garnered virtually none AFAIK; perhaps they all thought it was satire too - heck, perhaps it was satire), and I could afford to give myself a Silver Star instead.

Must dash, apparently there's a Mr. Thaksin on hold...

[Bangyai]

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.

Yes, I was thinking the same. Could all be just one person and I have a fair idea for a likely candidate who found someone ready to agree totally with her rant a bit too easily ?

[LaoPo]

What a charade. Riots in the streets and the government powerless to restore order because the Army will step in and mount another coup.

Any western democracy would have had the riot police out there with water cannons and tear gas by now.

Thailand will never progress to a true democracy until they get the Army under control. If it wernt for the tough economic times and the mess they made of things only several months ago I am sure the generals would want to snatch the power back and get their snouts in the trough again. Pads call for another coup may be premature in that respect. IMHO the best thing Samak could do right now is to declare a state of emergency and temporarily turn the management of the PAD rioters over to the Army.

A very good summation imho

I second that.

Is Thailand a developing country on the way to democracy ?

I have read so many topics before about LOSING FACE; well, I think Thailand loses face towards the world..BIG TIME and Thailand has become nothing more and nothing less than a:

It's all about Power - Greed - Money and E L I T E

Sad but true.

LaoPo

[Journalist]

The events, happening in Thailand now are a blink of the eye in world's history. Nothing more.

The events were indeed published but let me tell you that nobody in the world cares, apart from them who have an interest in Thailand.

True i'm afraid.

And just because I just happen to work as my eponymous handle doesn't mean I have to write about every storm in a Thaicup. There are other important things going on in the world.

"Thai toilet argument topples government"

come on....!

My interest here isn't professional, merely because my family happens to be living (for 6 more days) in a country that might be a ticking time bomb. Be fair!

Edited August 27, 2008 by Journalist