PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[Jai Dee]

Whip Chairman confident Interior Minister can tackle PAD’s protest

Chairman of the Government Whip, Withaya Buranasiri (วิทยา บุรณศิริ), says he believes that the interior minister will be able to tackle the rally initiated by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and warns that the protestors should not move to the Parliament House as they will further violate the Constitution Act.

The chairman says the Whip meeting today (August, 27th) will discuss PAD’s rally and the group’s seizure of many government places. He says the premier’s announcement yesterday to use resolute measures to control the situation is the lest aggressive response to the rally.

Mr Withaya says further that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Kowit Wattana, who was assigned by the premier to control the mob, will be able to improve the situation as he is a former police officer.

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

[Locturian]

I will support any goverment that would build HIGH SPEED networking infrastucture in Thailand, and lay a massive underwater cable to the rest of the world.

So - Anyone knows if 100mbit connections for the people, is in the PAD's agenda? haha - If it is, I would rally along with them!

More Internet to the people!

On a serious note, Thailand needs a new, uncorrupt goverment. I do not see what PAD is going to get from all this. Ok - If Samak backs down, then what? He's gonna be replaced by a puppet, pulled in the strings by Samak and/or Taksin. Does PAD even have a greater plan, or do the just want to show their unhappiness?

On a note, my staff here also supports the PAD, so the general stated opinions regarding PAD being nothing but hooligans and paid farmers, is a load crap. As with any crowd they have their members that BURN for the cause, they are followed by people just wanting in on some action "Whuuhuu, people are going somewhere and screaming, let me join in". And - There are ofcourse also the PAID fillings to just give the whole thing a bit more ShaBang.

Personally I just hope noone gets hurt to bad. But, happy that some people can air their unhappiness with the muppet/puppet Samak!

[Jai Dee]

PAD leaders reveal second string in case of arrest

Following a People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader meeting lasting 1 and a half hours this morning, Major General Chamlong Srimuang (จำลอง ศรีเมือง) emerged to the mass rally to reveal a second string of leaders to take his and the 4 other leaders' place in the event of their arrest.

The second string of leaders revealed were Secretary-General of the Government Agents Union Sawit Kaew-wahn (สาวิทย์ แก้วหวาน), Mr. Sirichai Mai-ngam (ศิริชัย ไม้งาม) and Mr. Sumran Rodpetch (สำราญ รอดเพชร). Major General Chamlong stated that he and his fellow PAD leaders would await their arrests at the Government House.

The leader also threatened authorities that if they did not open the Government house's toiletry facilities for use by the PAD, demonstrators would turn to the grounds' greenery.

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

[Jai Dee]

Buriram authorities come off high alert after no incidents reported yesterday

Buriram province police have begun to reduce police presence at various radio stations and government structures in the province. Police were dispatched to the locations yesterday as the People's Alliance for Democracy conducted its mass rally in Bangkok, affecting such places as the government house and the NBT station. Police feared that groups seeking to cause disturbance would take advantage of the chaotic time.

No incidents were reported throughout yesterday however, and as the situation is settling into place in Bangkok, Buriram officials have decided to take police off high alert.

The province today is retaining a small presence at the Provincial Hall comprised of police and volunteers. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

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

[h90]

^^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....

[Jai Dee]

Protests likely hit tourism industry, says academic

A financial expert from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Mr. Montri Sokatiyanurak (มนตรี โสคติยานุรักษ์), expresses his concern that the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD)’s constant demonstrations may affect the tourism industry in the country.

Mr. Montri says the chaotic incidents yesterday have gloomed the atmosphere in the investment and consumption sectors, especially foreign investments as the riots reflected political uncertainty and unstable national security.

The high season of tourism in Thailand begins in the 4th quarter said Mr. Montri, but the nation may not enjoy lucrative growth due to riots in the Bangkok metropolis. He says a up to 8 percent of the national revenue is largely derived from the tourism segment. He says if demonstrations are ongoing, foreign tourists may delay their trip to Thailand.

The Government is advised to allocate additional budget to stimulate the economy in order to compensate for the costs of sluggish consumption and private investments, resulted from the recent political incident.

Mr. Montri expresses his confidence that the Thai economy in the meantime has been in great shape, especially the figure of export segment and Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)’s investment. He says greater cash inflows will be seen in the Thai economy system once peace is restored.

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

[sriracha john]

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

He's certainly not the only one...

He's also correct about the donation boxes.

[h90]

Maybe it is possible to split that topic in a news topic and an opinion topic.

Both is interesting but at 33 pages in two days it is getting too much to read.

[cmsally]

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.

[JoeInSurin]

"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!!

[grantbkk]

This subject has been raised a number of times in the past on ThaiVisa, and the consensus has always been that ThaiVisa is first and foremost a discussion forum, not a news feed service.

Point noted however, and I will raise it again with Admin for further consideration.

Thanks, Jai Dee. In certain circumstances, though, surely an exception might be made ?

News is coming from so many sources. It would seem a good use of the wide TV membership monitoring those sources.

The "News Only" link was established in principal for the Gary Glitter Circus last week. The link was closed (restricted) by the moderators and only news items were posted on the thread by those moderators. This worked well in that case because it prevented to pro and anti pedophile factions from killing each other I guess.

I think it could be done, but for me I like most of the interaction/discussion on this thread. Sometimes we go too far but you have to take the bad with the good.

[pumpuiman]

"Rentamob" is back.

This is just outright anarchy now.

Looting is usually the next step in the downward spiral.

where is "rentamob"??

The PAD does not pay anything.

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.

You are a big lyer

I trust my sister in law. She has absolutely no interest in politics, so has no hidden agenda...she hadn't been to Bangkok in years, but accompanied her friend and neighbor to the city to take care of some legal issues. They were both approached (probably because they looked "country") They both returned to the village excited to tell the story of the riches to be had.

She's not a "lyer" or a mow-ron or dum.

What makes this so difficult to fathom. Sondhi has repeatedly tried to promote violence by baiting the police and administration. Now he's blatantly breaking several laws...but you believe he's above reaching into his immensely deep pockets to support his followers?

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

[cmsally]

On a more mundane note if PAD need to relieve the call of nature can't one of their backers simply send along some mobile toilets. It's not like Thailand doesn't have them. Problem solved.

Oops sorry forgot that if they were provided , there would be no excuse to break down the door.

So maybe on the next donation box you should write "for provision of mobile toilets only".

[TAWP]

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.

[Jai Dee]

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.

In this connection, the Government and relevant parties are urged to quickly resolve the issue. Mr. Santi views that investments, especially in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), are very fragile and sensitive to political instability.

Mr. Santi adds however that investments in the manufacturing sector will receive fewer impacts from the political situations as Thailand is only recognized as a major production base and a large portion of its products are exported overseas. In this connection, investments in the export sector will likely be more affected by the movement of global oil prices and the global economy, rather than the nation's domestic political direction.

With the recent political incident, the growth of domestic businesses may be unstable. Moreover, if the situation spreads out to the provincial level, many factories that produce export merchandises may experience a slump in production numbers.

Mr. Santi says during previous months, the number of investors’ requiring investment assistance from the FTI has declined. He attributes this trend to decreasing prices of oil and the Government’s six relief measures, which have helped relieve minimum wage workers’ high living cost burdens and may have regain investors’ confidence somewhat.

Mr. Santi advises that the Government should avoid solving problems with violence, and compromise in order to control the political situation and secure investors’ orders from foreign trade counterparts.

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

[animatic]

I really get a laugh when the leftists on this forum complain about vote buying, people vote what they want no matter whose money they might have in their pockets. Ain't no one looking over their shoulders.

Bush is far more dangerous than Samak but US democrats did not ask him to resign.

Agreed Bush is far worse.

There have been MANY calls for his resignation,

and calls for impeachment with in the Democratic part,

of which there are better grounds than there were for Clinton.

But if Bush resigns you get Cheney

and he IS the puppet master with hand

up Bush's butt making the words come out.

He is BIG OIL personified and has a heart condition

and could care less what anyone else thinks.

Cheney with the finger on the button...even scarier...

If they BOTH resign you get Nancy Pelosi as President,

and the Republicans would rather implode the country

than have her as president.

If she refuses then you get Condi Rice. Sec State. Could do worse there.

One aspect of Democracy the Thaksin propagandists skulking here

are up in arms against is FREE SPEACH.

Which includes postulating different government forms and discussing their merits.

I saw no PAD leaders running for government positions in the last election.

None of the big well known ones anyway. They want to be watchdogs,

and run a dialog. Which is what seems most feared by the current regime.

Dirty deeds are best kept in the dark, best to stiffle those that want to

bring them to the light of day. Thaksin game plan 101.

Can't make constitutional changes with a watchdog, dogging your ever move.

If not for PAD they would already have given themselves

and Thaksin a free pass for all crimes and misdemeanors in office.

ie free rein to rape and pillage the country on the sly.

Don't your dare openly discuss issues of the day,

if they disagree with the government,

that would be un-democratic. HUH, purest B.S.

Ted Roosevelt said "Talk Softly, but carry a big stick."

Meaning, talk out ideas, but be prepared to defend yourself if your ideas

make the intolerant violent against your free speech.

<snip>

Edited August 27, 2008 by Jai Dee
Comments about the Thai Royalty deleted.

[coconutmonkey]

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.

[Thai at Heart]

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.

In this connection, the Government and relevant parties are urged to quickly resolve the issue. Mr. Santi views that investments, especially in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), are very fragile and sensitive to political instability.

Mr. Santi adds however that investments in the manufacturing sector will receive fewer impacts from the political situations as Thailand is only recognized as a major production base and a large portion of its products are exported overseas. In this connection, investments in the export sector will likely be more affected by the movement of global oil prices and the global economy, rather than the nation's domestic political direction.

With the recent political incident, the growth of domestic businesses may be unstable. Moreover, if the situation spreads out to the provincial level, many factories that produce export merchandises may experience a slump in production numbers.

Mr. Santi says during previous months, the number of investors’ requiring investment assistance from the FTI has declined. He attributes this trend to decreasing prices of oil and the Government’s six relief measures, which have helped relieve minimum wage workers’ high living cost burdens and may have regain investors’ confidence somewhat.

Mr. Santi advises that the Government should avoid solving problems with violence, and compromise in order to control the political situation and secure investors’ orders from foreign trade counterparts.

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

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.

I think the understatement of the day. The western media has only just woken up in earnest to what is going on.

[Jai Dee]

Economic experts: lingered confrontation results in economic despair

Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board (NESDB) indicates persistent riots will seriously impact the Thai economy and damapen the investment atmosphere at the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). NESDB’s secretary-general, Mr. Amphon Kitiamphon (อำพน กิตติอำพน), also urges authorities to hurriedly end the confrontation.

At the same time, chairman of the International Real Estate Federation Manop Phongsathat (มานพ พงศทัต) views the incidents will create negative repercussions to Thailand's domestic economy and investments. He says the current riots will definitely scrap foreign investors’ confidence and they will be reluctant to plough their money into businesses in Thailand.

Despite the contracts signed, Mr. Manop adds that many projects from overseas investments may face a suspension and foreign investors may wish to observe the situation further before proceeding with businesses, especially scores of projects in the Bangkok metropolis.

Meanwhile, the President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Pramon Suthivong (ประมนต์ สุธีวงศ์), says at the moment, investors will likely wait and see whether or not there will be more violence. Nevertheless, he is certain that the riots will only impact investors’ confidence in the short run.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Chairman, Mr. Santi Vilassakdanont (สันติ วิลาสสักดานนท์), advises that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its organizations overseas should help create better understanding and explain what happened in Thailand to foreign investors in an effort to restore confidence.

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

[jfchandler]

Email Distribution Today from the U.S. Embassy...

August 27, 2008 This warden message is being issued to alert U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of demonstrations by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) throughout Bangkok. Police representatives indicate that early on Wednesday, August 27, there were approximately 10,000 people protesting in the Government House compound and nearby, including the Makawan Rangsan Bridge used by the PAD as the main rallying point. Thus far, the demonstration remains non-violent. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) have deployed police to the area, while pledging not to use force. As of this morning, only Government House and the Makawan Rangsan Bridge area still had PAD demonstrators. On Tuesday, August 26, protesters blocked transportation in the areas surrounding these facilities, several other ministries and government buildings, as well as into and around Bangkok. Transportations routes, including major highways, may continue to be partially or fully blocked by demonstrators as the demonstrations continue. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

[JoeInSurin]

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.

If only everyone could have the "scrupels or morals of the PAD. Armed masked men with illegal substance in their pockets taking over NBT = "good scrupels and morals"???

[sriracha john]

On a more mundane note if PAD need to relieve the call of nature can't one of their backers simply send along some mobile toilets. It's not like Thailand doesn't have them. Problem solved.

except Samak said last night, nothing goes in

[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 ??

[sjaak327]

Read my post again - it doesn't matter if he is right or wrong - he failed as a leader because half the country doesn't recognise him.

35,000 laying siege in Bangkok is not ALL Pad support nationwide. Some people haev difficulty comprehending that for every person out in the street there are many more staying home and cheering them.

Yes, it appears that this time PAD's actions are bewildering to many of its own supporters, BUT

Samak has to go simply for not being able to prevent this confrontation.

Are you being serious, how would he be able to prevent this confrontation. He needs to end this as quickly and without too much violence.

[george]

Thailand tries to put end to anti-govt protests

BANGKOK: -- Riot police took up positions early Wednesday around Thailand's main government compound, as authorities tried to negotiate an end to protests aimed at forcing Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

Scuffles between protesters camped out overnight and police reporting for duty led to a few minor injuries, deputy national police spokesman Major General Surapol Tuanthong told AFP, but insisted there would be no violence.

"They are not going to disperse the crowd -- we are trying to negotiate," Surapol said, adding that warrants for the arrest of key protest leaders were expected to be issued later Wednesday.

On Tuesday, up to 35,000 demonstrators seized a state-run television station, invaded the grounds of Government House and besieged at least three ministries, stepping up their campaign to bring down Samak's administration.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which has been protesting since May, claims Samak is running the country on behalf of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and is barred from holding office.

Surapol said about 8,000 protesters remained within the government compound on Wednesday, while an AFP correspondent at the scene said hundreds of police, some armed with batons and shields, had entered the enclosure.

The security forces appeared relaxed, sitting and watching the ongoing rally on the manicured lawns of Government House, which included speeches and group singing.

Police refused to reveal how many police were stationed in and around Government House, saying only it was enough to maintain law and order.

Army-run Thai television Channel Seven earlier reported that Interior Minister Kowit Wattana had entered the compound to negotiate with leaders.

"So far there is no positive response from them," deputy government spokesman Nuttawut Saikuae told state television.

One protest leader, Chamlong Srimuang, told the crowd: "Police will seek the warrants (for our arrest) today. Don't panic -- if we have been arrested, others will carry on."

Another leader, Somsak Kosaisuk, vowed that demonstrators would not surrender.

"If you want to arrest us, come here and arrest us here -- it is the government who must go," he told the protesters, most of whom were wearing yellow shirts out of allegiance to revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thailand's two English-language newspapers, known for their criticism of the government and anti-Thaksin stance, sharply criticised the PAD's actions.

"Dark days descending once again," wrote The Nation, saying: "The PAD's highly provocative action yesterday was completely uncalled for."

The Bangkok Post described Samak's calm reaction to the crisis as "commendable", while calling the PAD's actions "unjustified, unnecessary, provocative and illegal."

Media rights watchdogs, meanwhile, criticised the raid of the state-run television station on Tuesday, saying the temporary closure and violence at the offices had threatened freedom of the press.

Samak, who was working Wednesday from army headquarters, said Tuesday his approach would be "soft and gentle," and said police would simply surround the seat of government until everyone had left.

"They (the PAD) want bloodshed in the country, they want the military to come out and stage a coup again," Samak told a press conference.

"I will not resign, I will stay to protect this country," he added.

PAD protests in early 2006 helped lead to the putsch that unseated Thaksin, and the entry to government of his ally Samak infuriated the old power elites in the military and palace, who resented Thaksin's hold on rural voters.

-- AFP 2008-08-27

[chuang]

where is "rentamob"??

The PAD does not pay anything.

How naive can one be... .....

[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......

[cmsally]

If they take over a place by force, you can't expect them to provide toilet facilities. At least be a little realistic.

If they need to relieve themselves they will need to use mobile ones placed outside the perimeter.

If they can't get back in, that is their problem, they should have thought it out more thoroughly beforehand.

To rush into a place and demand this and that as if they are invited guests is just bordering on the insane. If they really want to be there so much, let them use the flowerbeds.

Geez, next thing they will be demanding room service and right of entry for the Pizza Hut delivery guy.

[h90]

^^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.

[george]

Court deliberates issuing arrest warrants for PAD core leaders

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Criminal Court judges are now thrashing out a police petition to issue arrest warrants for the core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), who led protesters to seize Government House, several other government buildings and the state-run NBT television station.

Police submitted evidence, including video footage recorded the movements of the PAD supporters who stormed into key state establishments, for the court's consideration.

The five core PAD leaders are Sondhi Limthongkul, Piphop Thongchai, retired Maj. Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, Somsak Kosaisuk, Somkiat Pongpaiboon, PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila, and other three PAD leaders who led protesters in other locations, including Chiwat Sinsuwong, Amorn Amornrattananond and Terdphoom Jaidee.

The nine activists were charged with severe offences including rebellion, rebellious attempt, organising a gathering of 10 or more people to cause a public disturbance and refusing to obey police orders.

The PAD core leaders remain defiant, vowing they will not surrender to police.

However a new batch of PAD leaders has been chosen to carry on the demonstrations in the event the core leaders are taken into custody and unable to participate in PAD's ongoing activity.

In other developments, Prime Minister Office's officials petitioned the Civil Court to grant an immediate injuction ordering the PAD to move out of the Government House compound.

Police tried to negotiate an end to the protests but to no avail. Thousands of protesters still occupied the government seat's compound after camping there overnight.

There have been sccuffles between protesters and police resulting in a few minor injuries, according to deputy national police spokesman Maj-Gen. Surapol Tuanthong, who reaffirmed that the police have no intention to use force to disperse the demonstrators.

Tens of thousands of protesters seized the state-run NBT television station, invaded the Government House compound and besieged three ministries, intensifiying their campaign to topple Samak administration.

Mr. Sondhi told the demonstrators who occupy the Government House compound to rally for two more days.

The PAD, which has been protesting since May, accused Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej of running the country as a proxy of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a 2006 coup.

-- TNA 2008-08-27