PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[jfchandler]

So it seems, Samak has pulled back from the brink... yet again....

Yet.... from what I've read of history here...there's certainly nothing much in his personal background to predict this would be his current approach.

How long can it last? And is Samak really setting the tone here...or is it coming from elsewhere???

Either way, democracy always has the potential to be a messy business.... Whether PAD is right or wrong, it's kind of refreshing to see these things play out thus far (pretty much) without violence. That's a hopeful sign for Thailand.

[thaigene2]

People are always talking about massacres when students get shot, muslims get thrown in trucks and people stand in front of tanks. Guess what, if they do as they are told and go home these things would never happen.

Ah yes, just be good little sheep,

just hand over you cash and your children's futures,

we know what to do with both. Trust us were the bosses.

Don't dare say anything WE disagree with we know better.

We'd still have Kings of France, and English Colonies in Virginia and India,

by this logic. And all those people who suffocated in trucks,

it was THEIR fault for not just going home.

Talk is cheap, until you disagree with the powers that be.

What's your point? We still have a King in Thailand. Any disagreement?

[cedricmiller]

Interesting....

He added that the government decided to shift the official function "116 Days: From Mothers' Day to Fathers' Day," which was planned to be held at the Government House this Saturday, to Suan Amporn.

Interesting in that it comes out after Sondhi had already stated that the Government House venue was never the plan in the first place.

LOL. ditto. Back footed.

Anyone ever see a announcement of this function

BEFORE Samak announced it this week?

There is this.

http://citynewsr.com/2008/08/17/pm-speaks-...rs-day-project/

Bangkok (Thailand), August 17 (CityNewsR): Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej spoke today during his weekly talk show that on the 30th of August a ceremony will mark the 116 days from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day project.

For the ceremony His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will travel to the Government House and hand out a flag bearing the insignia of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen as well as the national flag to governors from every province. The governors will return with the flags and conduct their own rallies within their province and finally return with the flags to present to His Majesty the King on December 3rd. The project is to symbolize the unity of the nation’s citizens.

[Jai Dee]

Police organize free transport for PAD demonstrators who wish to return home

Deputy Spokesman for the National Police, Police Major General Surapol Tuanthong (สุรพล ทวนทอง) stated that the National Police have organized 110 buses and vans to facilitate citizens joining in the People's Alliance for Democracy who may wish to return home. The transport is free of charge and citizens may travel to the Nang Lerng Horse Track to board the vehicles.

Police Major General Surapol asked that citizens considering traveling to the Government House rally should understand that it is an illegal act. He said that police have tried to compromising in the situation and have resorted to negotiating with the PAD leaders to no apparent avail. Nonetheless, police ask that citizens use their better judgment on the matter.

The Deputy Spokesman reiterated that police must uphold their duty to the law and will take action against anyone who infringes upon it but remarked that the current situation requires finesse. He thus asked that citizens understand the situation and compromise with police and not segregate from each other. He promise that police would operate in an orderly manner.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 August 2008

[ThNiner]

I have to laugh when some people on here equate "democrcay" with the current gov't. Didn't anyone listen to the court verdict that's resulted in disbanding TRT and its 111 executive members? And the way this current gov't has tried to interfere independent investigative organizations? The 2 million Baht bribe money to teh judge? The way they wanna bypass the public hearing to change the constutition to serve their master? Etc.. "Democracy" my backside, I'd say. Democracy just doesn't mean elections.

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister closely monitors PAD mob

Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Kowit Wattana closely monitors the demonstration by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The deputy premier has traveled to Metropolitan Police Headquarters today (August, 28th) to monitor the mob situation. He said that police will find a way to deal with the situation. The PAD protestors have remained at the the Government House since August, 26th.

Mr Kowit later attended a meeting with the commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau for an hour before traveling back to the Ministry of Interior.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 August 2008

[Jai Dee]

Senators says govt. overly charged PAD

A group of senators says the government has overly charged leaders of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

More than 20 senators have called a meeting to discuss PAD’s rally and the government’s exercise of power to tackle the protestors. Senator Warin Thiamcharat (รินทร์ เทียมจรัส) said that the government’s issuance of arrest warrants against nine PAD leaders on grounds of rebellion is too aggressive as those charged with rebellion must act to demolish main institutions and destroy sovereignty of the country. He said further that if the alleged people can prove that their actions are not in accordance to the rebellion charge, they can sue the government back.

At the same time, Bangkok Senator Rasana Tositrakul (รสนา โตสิตระกูล) requested the Royal Thai Police to withdraw the rebellion charge filed against the nine leaders of PAD.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 August 2008

[ThNiner]

By the way, I don't believe that anyone on here who's vocally supportive of the current gov't has any good intentions whatsoever for my country. At a glance, they all seem to be the usual who have always been overly critical of my country, the people and the culture. Funny that almost all of them appear to support this PPP-led gov't. Funny indeed.

[sriracha john]

The thing is, this PAD mob does not represent the hearts and minds of the Thai masses. How can such people ever by martyrs if the people aren't behind them? And they aren't.

I agree Jingthing. There was an estimated 30K protesters from a population of 53 Million (as quoted in samak's speech). This is a very small representation of the total Thai population.

Cheers, Rick

Problem is the anti-democratic forces supporting them and bankrolling them are from the most senior families in the land - families who see democracy as an irritant to their closed-circle operations...

Do you have any names?

[scyriacus]

..?..who told him to "enforce the law with extreme caution" and to be "soft and gentle." The utterances of the ..?..carry strong weight in Thailand and these words can be interpreted as a continued ..?..endorsement of the Samak government.

this interpretation is pretty wild. i see that different. samak was obviously summoned and warned. if one tries to interpret diplomatic language, it was perhaps the strongest way to tell him to step down, go out of the way soft and gentle. this would solve the present conflict immediatelly and re-enforce law and order in the softest and most gentle way. if only someone would tell samak......

Edited August 28, 2008 by scyriacus

[thaigene2]

I have to laugh when some people on here equate "democrcay" with the current gov't. Didn't anyone listen to the court verdict that's resulted in disbanding TRT and its 111 executive members? And the way this current gov't has tried to interfere independent investigative organizations? The 2 million Baht bribe money to teh judge? The way they wanna bypass the public hearing to change the constutition to serve their master? Etc.. "Democracy" my backside, I'd say. Democracy just doesn't mean elections.

Democracy means oner person, one vote. The fact your forefathers have paid little or no attention to improving the lives of the 80% of poor people in "your" country is precisely the reason we are all facing this situation today. If they'd tried to make it a more egalitarian nation - spreading the wealth and resources to ensure that the people of the country benefited and not just a clique of guanxi schemers, then TRT/PPP wouldn't have been able to exploit the mass electorate in the way they have.

You deserve it. Now then, will you -- like your pal Sondhi -- also go on the record to say that you no longer want a one-person-one-vote democracy?

[sjaak327]

By the way, I don't believe that anyone on here who's vocally supportive of the current gov't has any good intentions whatsoever for my country. At a glance, they all seem to be the usual who have always been overly critical of my country, the people and the culture. Funny that almost all of them appear to support this PPP-led gov't. Funny indeed.

It's not about supporting the current government or PPP. The agenda of the PAD itself is the main reason why I don't like them, nor do I trust them. They must not succeed.

[Jai Dee]

Buri Ram discourages local people to join PAD rally

Governor of Buri Ram province Santhad Chattuchai (สันทัด จัตุชัย) has requested district chiefs and administrative officials to create understanding amongst residents about the democratic system in Thailand. The move was seen as a bid to discourage residents from participating in political demonstrations led by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

The governor says PAD’s seizure of various state buildings on August, 26th is illegal and the province does not support local people to travel to Bangkok to join PAD’s rally as they will only cause trouble to people in the capital. The governor says he has also instructed all relevant units in the province to prevent people from breaking in government places for political reasons.

The governor says he has asked the district chiefs and village headmen to gather intelligence on political movements in their area and promptly report suspicious acts to the province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 August 2008

[Jai Dee]

Police say PAD leaders may appeal warrants if they wish

Deputy Spokesman for the National Police, Police Major General Surapol Tuanthong (สุรพล ทวนทอง) stated that the People's Alliance for Democracy may file an appeal against the Civil Court's injunction if it wishes, but it must accept the court's decision on the matter and comply with it once it is issued.

The deputy spokesman stated that a problem at the moment is that many protesters are not aware that their actions are in violation of the law. Civil Court employees have been dispatched to distribute notices of the matter in the demonstration area.

Police Major General Surapol also stated that despite arrest warrants out for the 9 leaders of the PAD, police have realized the volatility of the situation and have decided to proceed with the matter with finesse. He also admitted that the PAD leaders can seek to challenge their arrest warrants through the legal system but stated that ultimately it would be in the hands of the court.

Only moments ago an attorney for the PAD heads traveled to the Metropolitan Police Headquarters to begin legal processes in response to the warrants.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 August 2008

[Kerryd]

It's not about supporting the current government or PPP. The agenda of the PAD itself is the main reason why I don't like them, nor do I trust them. They must not succeed.

It appears that it boils down to choosing the lesser of 2 evils then. Or as another saying goes, Better the Evil You Know, Than the One You Don't.

[sriracha john]

Police organize free transport for PAD demonstrators who wish to return home

Deputy Spokesman for the National Police, Police Major General Surapol Tuanthong stated that the National Police have organized 110 buses and vans to facilitate citizens joining in the People's Alliance for Democracy who may wish to return home. The transport is free of charge

police must uphold their duty to the law and will take action against anyone who infringes upon it

Realizing it's not quite Ramadan just yet and that most attendees haven't been fasting (thus diverting a ready explanation), but as part of this "free transportation" offer the government is making, are there any cord-stacking trucks included?

Edited August 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[h90]

By the way, I don't believe that anyone on here who's vocally supportive of the current gov't has any good intentions whatsoever for my country. At a glance, they all seem to be the usual who have always been overly critical of my country, the people and the culture. Funny that almost all of them appear to support this PPP-led gov't. Funny indeed.

It is not a secret that PPP is paying foreigner to make postings.

you also see many new members who only post anti-pad

Edited August 28, 2008 by h90

[sjaak327]

By the way, I don't believe that anyone on here who's vocally supportive of the current gov't has any good intentions whatsoever for my country. At a glance, they all seem to be the usual who have always been overly critical of my country, the people and the culture. Funny that almost all of them appear to support this PPP-led gov't. Funny indeed.

It is not a secret that PPP is paying foreigner to post at several places.

Which of course is an excellent strategy, considering the coverage that some of the foreign websites play in Thailand's mass media landscape. This way they must reach at least a few thousand Thai people...

[h90]

By the way, I don't believe that anyone on here who's vocally supportive of the current gov't has any good intentions whatsoever for my country. At a glance, they all seem to be the usual who have always been overly critical of my country, the people and the culture. Funny that almost all of them appear to support this PPP-led gov't. Funny indeed.

It is not a secret that PPP is paying foreigner to post at several places.

Which of course is an excellent strategy, considering the coverage that some of the foreign websites play in Thailand's mass media landscape. This way they must reach at least a few thousand Thai people...

they do the same in thai language, of course

[ThNiner]

I have to laugh when some people on here equate "democrcay" with the current gov't. Didn't anyone listen to the court verdict that's resulted in disbanding TRT and its 111 executive members? And the way this current gov't has tried to interfere independent investigative organizations? The 2 million Baht bribe money to teh judge? The way they wanna bypass the public hearing to change the constutition to serve their master? Etc.. "Democracy" my backside, I'd say. Democracy just doesn't mean elections.

Democracy means oner person, one vote. The fact your forefathers have paid little or no attention to improving the lives of the 80% of poor people in "your" country is precisely the reason we are all facing this situation today. If they'd tried to make it a more egalitarian nation - spreading the wealth and resources to ensure that the people of the country benefited and not just a clique of guanxi schemers, then TRT/PPP wouldn't have been able to exploit the mass electorate in the way they have.

You deserve it. Now then, will you -- like your pal Sondhi -- also go on the record to say that you no longer want a one-person-one-vote democracy?

It means a whole lot more than that. How simple minded can you be? No wonder you are fervently protecting the crooks. And by the way, I'm all for one-person-one-vote democracy as long as that one vote cannot be bought. Duh.

[Kerryd]

It is not a secret that PPP is paying foreigner to make postings.

you also see many new members who only post anti-pad

Do you need a work permit for that ?

(ps: I've got some free time on my hands. Where do I sign up and how much are they paying ? Is the PAD paying more for the same thing ?)

//edited to change PPP to PAD

Edited August 28, 2008 by Kerryd

[jfchandler]

Police say PAD leaders may appeal warrants if they wish

Deputy Spokesman for the National Police, Police Major General Surapol Tuanthong stated that the People's Alliance for Democracy may file an appeal against the Civil Court's injunction if it wishes, but it must accept the court's decision on the matter and comply with it once it is issued.

The deputy spokesman stated that a problem at the moment is that many protesters are not aware that their actions are in violation of the law. Civil Court employees have been dispatched to distribute notices of the matter in the demonstration area.

Police Major General Surapol also stated that despite arrest warrants out for the 9 leaders of the PAD, police have realized the volatility of the situation and have decided to proceed with the matter with finesse. He also admitted that the PAD leaders can seek to challenge their arrest warrants through the legal system but stated that ultimately it would be in the hands of the court.

Only moments ago an attorney for the PAD heads traveled to the Metropolitan Police Headquarters to begin legal processes in response to the warrants.

-- Govt. Public Relations Dept. 2008-08-28

[Los78]

By the way, I don't believe that anyone on here who's vocally supportive of the current gov't has any good intentions whatsoever for my country. At a glance, they all seem to be the usual who have always been overly critical of my country, the people and the culture. Funny that almost all of them appear to support this PPP-led gov't. Funny indeed.

It is not a secret that PPP is paying foreigner to make postings.

you also see many new members who only post anti-pad

Wow really... I dont see any money coming my way... I guess I better enquire about that. Your ideas about curruption and payments are really so far fetched that no one can take your ideas seriously.... You always talk about someone paying someone to write on a forum???? Come on, wake up and smell the roses and stop watching to much ASTV.... That propaganda rubbish is making you sick.

[sjaak327]

It means a whole lot more than that. How simple minded can you be? No wonder you are fervently protecting the crooks. And by the way, I'm all for one-person-one-vote democracy as long as that one vote cannot be bought. Duh.

Now I understand, you are indeed democratic, but of course the rural poor should be deprived of their voting rights, since they are selling their vote.

In a way, you could say that vote buying is part of democracy, but in other democracies the buying part comes in the form of promises instead of real money.

For me personally, suggesting the above is reason enough to dislike the PAD and I sincerely hope they will not reach their goals, and I'm sure most Thai people would agree.

[scyriacus]

animatic, could you please change your layout? You're either writing poetry or discoursing on the current situation in Bangkok. Not both. It's irritating.

what irritates me is that you do neither. many like 'animatics' little poetry, especially because they are more profound discourses than the joking, trolling and sheer hatred of some other posters........

[sriracha john]

the People's Alliance for Democracy may file an appeal against the Civil Court's injunction if it wishes, but it must accept the court's decision on the matter and comply with it once it is issued.

Does this mean that the PM's must accept and comply with the conviction and subsequent 2-year prison sentence that was issued.... before his appeal is considered?

Edited August 28, 2008 by sriracha john

[h90]

It means a whole lot more than that. How simple minded can you be? No wonder you are fervently protecting the crooks. And by the way, I'm all for one-person-one-vote democracy as long as that one vote cannot be bought. Duh.

Now I understand, you are indeed democratic, but of course the rural poor should be deprived of their voting rights, since they are selling their vote.

In a way, you could say that vote buying is part of democracy, but in other democracies the buying part comes in the form of promises instead of real money.

For me personally, suggesting the above is reason enough to dislike the PAD and I sincerely hope they will not reach their goals, and I'm sure most Thai people would agree.

indeed people who sold their vote, should not allowed to vote again.

There is no place for vote buying in a democracy. Else you could make auction on ebay for the premier, minister positions and distribute that money equal around the country.

Would safe a lot of costs.

[ThNiner]

It means a whole lot more than that. How simple minded can you be? No wonder you are fervently protecting the crooks. And by the way, I'm all for one-person-one-vote democracy as long as that one vote cannot be bought. Duh.

Now I understand, you are indeed democratic, but of course the rural poor should be deprived of their voting rights, since they are selling their vote.

In a way, you could say that vote buying is part of democracy, but in other democracies the buying part comes in the form of promises instead of real money.

For me personally, suggesting the above is reason enough to dislike the PAD and I sincerely hope they will not reach their goals, and I'm sure most Thai people would agree.

Errr, may I ask you to think a bit further and try to investigate the differences in voting for someone because of their policies/"promises" and voting for that person because your family has just received 2,000 from him and pretty much knows jack about the guy and the consequences of the election?

[onethailand]

Chamlong is on stage saying that they are expecting police to come in within the hour.

[catmac]

Interesting....

He added that the government decided to shift the official function "116 Days: From Mothers' Day to Fathers' Day," which was planned to be held at the Government House this Saturday, to Suan Amporn.

Interesting in that it comes out after Sondhi had already stated that the Government House venue was never the plan in the first place.

LOL. ditto. Back footed.

Anyone ever see a announcement of this function

BEFORE Samak announced it this week?

There is this.

http://citynewsr.com/2008/08/17/pm-speaks-...rs-day-project/

Bangkok (Thailand), August 17 (CityNewsR): Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej spoke today during his weekly talk show that on the 30th of August a ceremony will mark the 116 days from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day project.

For the ceremony His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn will travel to the Government House and hand out a flag bearing the insignia of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen as well as the national flag to governors from every province. The governors will return with the flags and conduct their own rallies within their province and finally return with the flags to present to His Majesty the King on December 3rd. The project is to symbolize the unity of the nation’s citizens.

Congratulations, Cedricmiller, for finding that report!

So it seems that yet again Sondhi is the man telling lies (as was the case re NBT, when his fellow PAD leaders had to contradict him!).

I wonder if all those grandmothers in the crowd really know what a liar he is, and whether they approve of this display of disrespect shown to HRH?