PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[lifeisrandom]

I stand by my initial reaction that Samak is finished and knew he was finished from the beginning and we have simply been in the end game since 6 am Tuesday.

Coming shortly -

"Senators request Samak calls snap elections to end political dissolution."

"General A states that while he does not want to stage a coup the current government house situation cannot continue."

Edited August 28, 2008 by lifeisrandom

[Los78]

QUOTE (h90)

Samak can ask HM the King for a temporary appointed government to repair the current problems. Whatever happens than will be accepted by everyone....

I think such things happened in the past.

Why should he? He was elected in with a majority. And what government are you talking about? Fill us in on this magical governement? The Military Junta?

[DP25]

Why should he? He was elected in with a majority.

No he wasn't. The PPP got less than 50% of the seats in parliament, and only 36% of the popular vote. The Democrats actually got MORE votes than the PPP in the national proportional party vote. The PPP rules as a the leader of a weak coalition made of many parties. The majority of Thais, over 60% who cast a vote, did not vote for Samak or the PPP

[jitagon]

In case anyone's interested, no travel between Bangkok and the south via Chumpon. At least tonight. Roadblocks in place.

[scyriacus]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

[ando]

The longer this goes on the more people will become tired of PADs anti-social antics.

Its quite obvious PAD has thrown caution to the wind in this final surge to create chaos in the hope the military would be forced to intervene. Well that didn't happen and now seems more unlikely to happen as the drama drags on.

What we have now is a stalemate waiting game to see who quits first. An anti-climax. The King has told Samak to go softly and gently to avoid violence so it seems certain there will be no major confrontation. Just a game of attrition.

While both the government and PAD have lost face (ironically by PADs aggression and violence and the governments lack of violent response) in the eyes of almost all observers, including those internationally, it seems certain that the elected government of Samak will still be there when the PAD mob eventually decides to pack up and go home.

Edited August 28, 2008 by ando

[h90]

(h90)

Samak can ask HM the King for a temporary appointed government to repair the current problems. Whatever happens than will be accepted by everyone....

I think such things happened in the past.

Why should he? He was elected in with a majority. And what government are you talking about? Fill us in on this magical governement? The Military Junta?

he wasn't elected.....there was massive vote buying!

Fill that government with specialists, academics, some democrats, former government members.

[blaze]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

I respect this post. There are some on this board who simply don't like the very notion of democracy (they are smart enough to understand that 'good governance' and democracy are not nescessarily the same thing). Some think democracy is wrong for Thailand- some think it's wrong for Asia- and some I suspect think it's just---- wrong. These people would do well to put their cards on the table- but rarely do. It would be refreshing if someone were to come right out and say- I'm believe in absolute monarchy... or I subscribe to the economic and social model of Italian fascism- or I want a Christian theocracy- then take the debate from there.

But this rallying around the almighty flag of democracy while exhibiting contempt for its essential theoretical and philosophical underpinnings is simply=- hypocricy. To the credit of the early thirties fascists in Europe- they didn't even pretend to believe in democracy. They believed democracy was divisive by nature. At least you could argue with them. But with the PAD which claims to represent 'democracy' but doesn't seem to value the right of the majority to have the government of its choice meet the terms of its mandate- (ie govern the country till it is constitutionally rejected)- is rank hypocricy.

[h90]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

add 1: for a limited time it would be a good solution, as no one will complain about it and a good constitution can be made.

add 2: won't be able to do something smart+risk that they want to stay long....worst idea

add 3: bad as 2

add 4: chuan was not so bad...he didn't came every day with a new policy which makes Thailand the hub of anything. There could have been done more, but in compare with the government before and after him, he was a shining star...

add 5: also thats possible in Thailand

[animatic]

On NBT, Pallop confirms that if Chamlong is arrested, he will take Chamlong's place.

Ah, the true nature of the beast is beginning to show! Heaven help dear Thailand if that man ever becomes PAD's appointed Prime Minister!

first time i can agree with your choice of foe. i detest the likes of pallop. but:

1. to my knowledge the pad is not planning to build a new government and pm, just oust the incompetent incumbents.

Glad we can agree on something! As I said before, I think most people here do share a common love for this Country, and each in their own way is seeking what they feel is best for Thailand.

Sadly, the New Politics of Sondhi clearly sets out his goal of a new 70/30 appointed/elected parliament, and people like Pallop, if he's riding the triumphant wave of leading the overthrow of the Government just don't have a habit of walking away into retirement. No, you can bet your bottom dollar he'll demand the top job, and from his past record he'll not be afraid of disposing of anyone, friend or foe, who stands in his way.

I hope for the sake of all that my prophesy is wrong, I NEVER want to have to post "I told you so" in this forum.

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

Oh, h90, do wake up. You actually posted on the "new politics and the PAD challenge" thread....

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/new-Politics...ge-t199105.html

let me quote from the opening headline.....

“A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected.”

Source: Manager Online, 25 June 2008

Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

My english is not very good, but I think the word "proposal" means that it is just a proposal.....

OF course it was just a proposal- they were hardly in a position to enshrine it in law. But to make such a proposal is indicative of a contempt for democracy. And comes as no surprise to some of us who have been following their antics over the last few years.

No it automatically doesn't mean that.

I could easily mean there is a pressing need for a time out

while structures are altered to make for fair democracy,

not a recurrant bought and paid for kleptocracy.

Not to mention that just making a proposal means

it is now open to disccussion, and doesn't make it a fact of life,

unless voted on, and ratified FAIRLY.

Democracy also means you can DISCUSS

non-democratic functions or methods without penalty.

Even democracies have martial law and time outs for legitimate reasons

Like New Orleans during the Huricane aftermath.

It comes down to how pressing a need,

and how long a duration,

till things get back on track.

As mentiona above it would be lovely if there was a

SERIOUS attack on vote buying with severe quick penalties ertc.

[LaoPo]

Interesting excerpt:

Wednesday, 27 August 2008 15:54 UK

Samak Sundaravej has proved surprisingly skilful in handling the challenge from the PAD, despite a series of verbal gaffes early on in his term.

He has built a close relationship with the military, in particular with army commander General Anupong Paochinda and General Prayuth Chanocha, the commander of the crucial First Amy Division, based in Bangkok.

The support of these two men would be crucial for any military challenge to the government.

In addition, both are known as staunchly loyal to the monarchy, helping burnish Mr Samak's own royalist credentials. Mr Samak has listened to the police, the army, and most importantly, the king, and handled the protests with restraint.

By contrast the PAD now appears to have overplayed its hand. Mr Sondhi and Mr Chamlong have both called this a last-ditch attempt to overthrow the government, and their actions smack of desperation. Many Thais who once sympathised with the PAD have now turned against it.

The atmosphere in Bangkok, though, remains charged and volatile. The PAD is well-funded, and is believed to have support in some very high circles, including factions of the military.

From: BBC World News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7584369.stm

LaoPo

[h90]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

add 1: for a limited time it would be a good solution, as no one will complain about it and a good constitution can be made.

add 2: won't be able to do something smart+risk that they want to stay long....worst idea

add 3: bad as 2

add 4: chuan was not so bad...he didn't came every day with a new policy which makes Thailand the hub of anything. There could have been done more, but in compare with the government before and after him, he was a shining star...

add 5: also thats possible in Thailand

[onethailand]

BREAKING NEWS: Appeals Court Rejected PAD's Petition to Remain Inside Govt House

UPDATE : 28 August 2008

The Appeals Court rejected the PAD's petition for the court's permission to continue to gather inside Government House.

The Civil Court yesterday granted police's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the PAD from continuing the rally inside the government seat. Legal procedures have been put in motion to enforce the court's injunction.

Hmm... now what?

[h90]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

Thailand should permit itself to be colonised.

By the British.

Even British Malaya (Malaysia) is better than Thailand now - let alone Singapore and Hong Kong

Myanmar and India a bit dicky of course..

hahaha.....great post! But I suggest not by the British.

[animatic]

I stand by my initial reaction that Samak is finished and knew he was finished from the beginning and we have simply been in the end game since 6 am Tuesday.

Coming shortly -

"Senators request Samak calls snap elections to end political dissolution."

"General A states that while he does not want to stage a coup the current government house situation cannot continue."

So there are seemingly three choices:

1 Go in with force. Ruled out of bounds.

Beating a bunch of mothers during the

Queens birthday unty celbration is not a good idea...

A non start beside that you gotta have the Army on

board and the police and HRM and that's not happening these days

2 Samak and cabinet resign

and PPP majority cobbles together a better colaition

Likely with a non PPP PM

3 Samak calls for new elections. And the race is on.

In the last two PAD goes home and back into watch dog mode,

and rides the election commision like a hound from hel_l.

Either one is a viable alternative, except for Samak's political future.

So is it fall on your sword for King and Country,

or hang tight for your own aging ego.

I think it's time he tended the garden.

But keep the the foreign minster.

The Cambodians will want to talk soon,

once the can tell WHO the're supposed to talk with.

Edited August 28, 2008 by animatic

[marshbags]

BREAKING NEWS: Appeals Court Rejected PAD's Petition to Remain Inside Govt House

UPDATE : 28 August 2008

The Appeals Court rejected the PAD's petition for the court's permission to continue to gather inside Government House.

The Civil Court yesterday granted police's request for a temporary injunction to prevent the PAD from continuing the rally inside the government seat. Legal procedures have been put in motion to enforce the court's injunction.

Hmm... now what?

No negative comment intended O.T Just got the latest Breaking News item from The Nation timed at 18.23 and it says seems to indicate a new appeal has been lodged ????

The Nation, Thu, August 28, 2008 : Last updated 18:23 hours

Quote

Civil Court appoints legal executor to evict PAD

The Civil Court ruled on Thursday to name the legal executor for enforcing the injunction to evict the protesters led by the People's Alliance for Democracy from Government House.

The court made the decision at the police's request after the PAD refused to vacate the grounds where protesters gained illegal entry since Tuesday.

In a related development, the PAD defence team lodged an appeal trying to overturn the Wednesday's injunction.

The Nation

Unquote

Could it be a re quote of an earlier development ????

Nothing on the B.Post or T.Nation to indicate either observation.

marshbags

Edited August 28, 2008 by marshbags

[h90]

I stand by my initial reaction that Samak is finished and knew he was finished from the beginning and we have simply been in the end game since 6 am Tuesday.

Coming shortly -

"Senators request Samak calls snap elections to end political dissolution."

"General A states that while he does not want to stage a coup the current government house situation cannot continue."

So there are seemingly three choices:

1 Go in with force. Ruled out of bounds.

Beating a bunch of mothers during the

Queens birthday unty celbration is not a good idea...

A non start beside that you gotta have the Army on

board and the police and HRM and that's not happening these days

2 Samak and cabinet resign

and PPP majority cobbles together a better colaition

Likely with a non PPP PM

3 Samak calls for new elections. And the race is on.

In the last two PAD goes home and back into watch dog mode,

and rides the election commision like a hound from hel_l.

Either one is a viable alternative, except for Samak's political future.

So is it fall on your sword for King and Country,

or hang tight for your own aging ego.

I think it's time he tended the garden.

But keep the the foreign minster.

The Cambodians will want to talk soon,

once the can tell WHO the're supposed to talk with.

2 is only working if there are real other people in power: Banharn (spelling) with PPP Minister will not do the trick

[Samuian]

Samak Sundaravej has proved surprisingly skilful in handling the challenge from the PAD, despite a series of verbal gaffes early on in his term.

He has built a close relationship with the military, in particular with army commander General Anupong Paochinda and General Prayuth Chanocha, the commander of the crucial First Amy Division, based in Bangkok.

The support of these two men would be crucial for any military challenge to the government.

In addition, both are known as staunchly loyal to the monarchy, helping burnish Mr Samak's own royalist credentials. Mr Samak has listened to the police, the army, and most importantly, the king, and handled the protests with restraint.

By contrast the PAD now appears to have overplayed its hand. Mr Sondhi and Mr Chamlong have both called this a last-ditch attempt to overthrow the government, and their actions smack of desperation. Many Thais who once sympathised with the PAD have now turned against it.

The atmosphere in Bangkok, though, remains charged and volatile. The PAD is well-funded, and is believed to have support in some very high circles, including factions of the military.

From: BBC World News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7584369.stm

LaoPo

It reads as straight from the PR machine of a fugitive...."the unseen hands" are wrestling hard...

So is Samak...

[h90]

double post

Edited August 28, 2008 by h90

[harrry]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

Thailand should permit itself to be colonised.

By the British.

Even British Malaya (Malaysia) is better than Thailand now - let alone Singapore and Hong Kong

Myanmar and India a bit dicky of course..

hahaha.....great post! But I suggest not by the British.

Well definaltely not the US. Look at the Phillipines.

[h90]

Samak Sundaravej has proved surprisingly skilful in handling the challenge from the PAD, despite a series of verbal gaffes early on in his term.

He has built a close relationship with the military, in particular with army commander General Anupong Paochinda and General Prayuth Chanocha, the commander of the crucial First Amy Division, based in Bangkok.

The support of these two men would be crucial for any military challenge to the government.

In addition, both are known as staunchly loyal to the monarchy, helping burnish Mr Samak's own royalist credentials. Mr Samak has listened to the police, the army, and most importantly, the king, and handled the protests with restraint.

By contrast the PAD now appears to have overplayed its hand. Mr Sondhi and Mr Chamlong have both called this a last-ditch attempt to overthrow the government, and their actions smack of desperation. Many Thais who once sympathised with the PAD have now turned against it.

The atmosphere in Bangkok, though, remains charged and volatile. The PAD is well-funded, and is believed to have support in some very high circles, including factions of the military.

From: BBC World News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7584369.stm

LaoPo

It reads as straight from the PR machine of a fugitive...."the unseen hands" are wrestling hard...

So is Samak...

I can't see Thais turning against PAD.....Everyone gets more fanatic!

I doubt that the PAD is well funded, they cry all the time for money....ASTV is known for having problems

[Slip]

Treason charges too harsh for PAD leaders: senators

By The Nation

A group of 30 senators on Thursday questioned whether police were too harsh in charging the nine leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for treason.

[snip]

Senator Rosana Tositrakul said 80 per cent of protesters inside Government House were women and children who participated in the rally at their free will.

Rosana called on authorities to avoid using force against peaceful protesters.

She said from her own experience as a former activist, police often exaggerated the charges filed against protesters. She said she once successful sought the judicial intervention to order police to reduce the charges.

It might be worth noting that this Senator, at least, is listed in Wikipedia as being part of the original PAD management committee. She may not be entirely without bias.

[h90]

I don't know why you come again and again with that appointed parliament which is in that way you tell it simply not true.

"A challenging proposal by the leaders of the PAD is the 70:30 model, where 70 percent of political officeholders will be appointed while 30 percent will be elected." Now make up your mind, either I'm making it all up or you are just in denial of the truth!

thailand seems to have quite a few options:

1. return to absolute monarchy

2. return to military dictators

3. return to vote buying crooks like tax-sin and samak

4. return to an integer but impotent 'good faith' like chuan lekpai

5. wait for some miracle coming out of nowhere

or look forward and seriously start to discuss all possibilities better than the 5 above

i personally prefer number 4. but it failed already, sorry enough. i do not believe in this 70:30 crap, but if it will be an interim solution leading to a better constitution, fighting corruption and preparing the thai people for a real democracy.......................why by all heavens not? lets exchange serious arguments and no rants who's wrong or right, who tells the truth and who the lies. we need ideas! obviously new ideas!!!

Thailand should permit itself to be colonised.

By the British.

Even British Malaya (Malaysia) is better than Thailand now - let alone Singapore and Hong Kong

Myanmar and India a bit dicky of course..

hahaha.....great post! But I suggest not by the British.

Well definaltely not the US. Look at the Phillipines.

They are still a colony, just with changing local boss...

[thaigene2]

wow 56 pages of comments!

Thailand's current debacle is glowing proof of the problems that stem from buying votes and endemic corruption. Among other things, PAD supporters appear to be saying they have no faith in the ways things get done in Thailand, and not much faith that anyone (or any group) of politicians have the basic skills needed to govern decently - as PAD haven't put forward a candidate or cabinet to replace the current bunch of crooks and bumblers in the power seats.

Best would be a firm declaration from big shots on both sides of the fence - to do all the can to ensure fair elections - and then go forward on that. Nothing is going to clean up Thai politics anytime soon, but there may be some incremental emprovements over the years - if positive and decent attitudes are given vent.

Do you think that the PAD legions and those funding them would be content to accept the outcome of even the most pristine election that genuinely reflected the aspirations of the majority- which just happens to be poor?

Not a chance. They're going for all or nothing now. That's why Sondhi finally blurted it out - no elections, just elites apponted to Government from now on and and an official oversight by the military.

It's so sad, but perhaps human nature, that the elties in Thailand simply won't face up to the fact that their neglect of the masses for so long has led to this fatal attraction to TRT/PPP. Rather than the Democrats (for example) trying to beat the PPP at their own game by developing good sound policies to improve the lives of ordinary (read poor) Thais who make up the majority of the country, they've tried to fall back on the old elite military-commercial guanxi families to save them - in other words ignore the poor and if they get too pushy then just ban democracy altogether.

It's either incredibly arrogant or incredibly simple-minded. Turn the clock bak 60 years.

[onethailand]

"No Entry" Sign to Be Posted Around Govt House

UPDATE : 28 August 2008

Following the issuance of a court order for PAD to leave Government House, Metropolitan police have posted 5 "no entry, violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law" signs around compound.

The signs have been posted at various gates of the Government House.

This changes the playing field... now people can't get in without directly violating a court order.

[ando]

Thailand's current debacle is glowing proof of the problems that stem from buying votes and endemic corruption. Among other things, PAD supporters appear to be saying they have no faith in the ways things get done in Thailand, and not much faith that anyone (or any group) of politicians have the basic skills needed to govern decently - as PAD haven't put forward a candidate or cabinet to replace the current bunch of crooks and bumblers in the power seats.

Not a chance. They're going for all or nothing now. That's why Sondhi finally blurted it out - no elections, just elites apponted to Government from now on and and an official oversight by the military.

It's so sad, but perhaps human nature, that the elties in Thailand simply won't face up to the fact that their neglect of the masses for so long has led to this fatal attraction to TRT/PPP. Rather than the Democrats (for example) trying to beat the PPP at their own game by developing good sound policies to improve the lives of ordinary (read poor) Thais who make up the majority of the country, they've tried to fall back on the old elite military-commercial guanxi families to save them - in other words ignore the poor and if they get too pushy then just ban democracy altogether.

It's either incredibly arrogant or incredibly simple-minded. Turn the clock bak 60 years.

Sums up the current position pretty neatly IMHO.

Edited August 28, 2008 by ando

[blaze]

Samak Sundaravej has proved surprisingly skilful in handling the challenge from the PAD, despite a series of verbal gaffes early on in his term.

He has built a close relationship with the military, in particular with army commander General Anupong Paochinda and General Prayuth Chanocha, the commander of the crucial First Amy Division, based in Bangkok.

The support of these two men would be crucial for any military challenge to the government.

In addition, both are known as staunchly loyal to the monarchy, helping burnish Mr Samak's own royalist credentials. Mr Samak has listened to the police, the army, and most importantly, the king, and handled the protests with restraint.

By contrast the PAD now appears to have overplayed its hand. Mr Sondhi and Mr Chamlong have both called this a last-ditch attempt to overthrow the government, and their actions smack of desperation. Many Thais who once sympathised with the PAD have now turned against it.

The atmosphere in Bangkok, though, remains charged and volatile. The PAD is well-funded, and is believed to have support in some very high circles, including factions of the military.

From: BBC World News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7584369.stm

LaoPo

It reads as straight from the PR machine of a fugitive...."the unseen hands" are wrestling hard...

So is Samak...

I can't see Thais turning against PAD.....Everyone gets more fanatic!

I doubt that the PAD is well funded, they cry all the time for money....ASTV is known for having problems

You doubt they are well funded? Well maybe things have changed since their previous (successful) attempt to pull down the government. A snippet from an interview with Sondhi just after the last coup...

"...But it always came in: 100,000 [about US$3,000] here, 50,000 there, 100,000 here. There were so many one hundred thousands coming in..."

For those who have not read this interview I strongly urge you to do so. Those who think he is fighting 'the people's fight' might find his enthusiastic admission of being 'the elite's defacto spokesman' interesting.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/ID27Ae01.html

[marshbags]

Treason charges too harsh for PAD leaders: senators

By The Nation

A group of 30 senators on Thursday questioned whether police were too harsh in charging the nine leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for treason.

[snip]

Senator Rosana Tositrakul said 80 per cent of protesters inside Government House were women and children who participated in the rally at their free will.

Rosana called on authorities to avoid using force against peaceful protesters.

She said from her own experience as a former activist, police often exaggerated the charges filed against protesters. She said she once successful sought the judicial intervention to order police to reduce the charges.

It might be worth noting that this Senator, at least, is listed in Wikipedia as being part of the original PAD management committee. She may not be entirely without bias.

With respect and based on highprofile exposure to the multitude of media outlets over several months, irrespective of her Wikipedia listed info, what is reported in the above article is conducive / complimentary to the peacefully inclined demonstrations and protests.

Look for yourself and see if the demonstration is anything other than peaceful.

You can also observe the many women and children are indeed present, and let us add the old and very old while we are at it to add to Senator Rosanas statement, and the fact that the many weak and vunerable groups are not conductive to violence coming from their fellow PAD supporters.

The paid Rogue Elements on the other hand DGAF about the human cost if trouble starts.

They proved that at Udonthani not long ago in no uncertain terms.

Regarding the probable doctoring of video footage at the Government friendly NBT tv station, this is, going on the PPP,s exposure over the same amount of time, a more probable scenario on it and much more, re. their reporting being set up ito favour the government and aimed at dishonestly discrediting the opposing movement.

By the way WHY do the NBT always show old minor disturbances at the start of their news programming to give the impression that it is an ongoing violent scenario.

These also look like / they are, stage managed to mis inform the public and incite bad feeling and unrest ect. ect. as is par for these unprincipled and uncaring B*S*A*DS, top to bottom.

marshbags

Edited August 28, 2008 by marshbags

[blaze]

Treason charges too harsh for PAD leaders: senators

By The Nation

A group of 30 senators on Thursday questioned whether police were too harsh in charging the nine leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for treason.

[snip]

Senator Rosana Tositrakul said 80 per cent of protesters inside Government House were women and children who participated in the rally at their free will.

Rosana called on authorities to avoid using force against peaceful protesters.

She said from her own experience as a former activist, police often exaggerated the charges filed against protesters. She said she once successful sought the judicial intervention to order police to reduce the charges.

It might be worth noting that this Senator, at least, is listed in Wikipedia as being part of the original PAD management committee. She may not be entirely without bias.

...you can also observe the many women and children...

marshbags

the presence of children buffering the protesters from the police (as was reported in this mornings Post) speaks volumes.

[h90]

Samak Sundaravej has proved surprisingly skilful in handling the challenge from the PAD, despite a series of verbal gaffes early on in his term.

He has built a close relationship with the military, in particular with army commander General Anupong Paochinda and General Prayuth Chanocha, the commander of the crucial First Amy Division, based in Bangkok.

The support of these two men would be crucial for any military challenge to the government.

In addition, both are known as staunchly loyal to the monarchy, helping burnish Mr Samak's own royalist credentials. Mr Samak has listened to the police, the army, and most importantly, the king, and handled the protests with restraint.

By contrast the PAD now appears to have overplayed its hand. Mr Sondhi and Mr Chamlong have both called this a last-ditch attempt to overthrow the government, and their actions smack of desperation. Many Thais who once sympathised with the PAD have now turned against it.

The atmosphere in Bangkok, though, remains charged and volatile. The PAD is well-funded, and is believed to have support in some very high circles, including factions of the military.

From: BBC World News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7584369.stm

LaoPo

It reads as straight from the PR machine of a fugitive...."the unseen hands" are wrestling hard...

So is Samak...

I can't see Thais turning against PAD.....Everyone gets more fanatic!

I doubt that the PAD is well funded, they cry all the time for money....ASTV is known for having problems

You doubt they are well funded? Well maybe things have changed since their previous (successful) attempt to pull down the government. A snippet from an interview with Sondhi just after the last coup...

"...But it always came in: 100,000 [about US$3,000] here, 50,000 there, 100,000 here. There were so many one hundred thousands coming in..."

For those who have not read this interview I strongly urge you to do so. Those who think he is fighting 'the people's fight' might find his enthusiastic admission of being 'the elite's defacto spokesman' interesting.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/ID27Ae01.html

that 3000 USD is no money....run a TV station with many channels, rent satellite, well known about the delays with salaries all the time....

With a 50K you don't make big jumps as TV station