PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[blaze]

the presence of children buffering the protesters from the police ... speaks volumes.

what volumes? speak out! you are obviously a stranger who does not have and/or does not love children. the thai people are different! they love their families and children and take them where ever they go. they would never have such a perverted thought. a much better protection against police brutality is holding a certain 'unspeakable' picture over your head and wait for the television to broadcast nationwide how the brutes have to hit this picture first before they can club your head..............

So taking children to civil disobedience and law breaking events where genuine danger lies is indicative of 'Thai love' ??

Marshbags invited me to share the URL of the Post story that included the allusion to children being positioned in front of the gates- Here it is. Sorry if it offends anyone- but if anyone has a problem with the story- take it up with the Post- not me- I just c&p'd. The URL: http://bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=130023

If the reporter was in error- then I would be the first to be happy to know that there are no kids at risk.

[sriracha john]

Thousands of Police Are Raiding Makawan Rally Site

It's been reported that the police have begun a raid at the Makawan rally site. Panic reigned while police used their batons to drive out the protesters.

- TOC

=============================================================

NBT Reporter Adamant Tear Gas Was Not Used

Although PAD protesters claimed tear gas was used to drive out the protesters from the Makawan rally site, an NBT reporter is adamant no tear gas was used during the raid.

The reporters explained that NBT crew on the field at Makawan had wet towels prepared for the possible use of tear gas at the rally site.

But he insists the 'gas' that was sprayed was not tear gas. *mustard?*

- TOC

Edited August 29, 2008 by sriracha john

[ubonjoe]

PM Samak defends police's raid into Government House.

After the meeting at the DSI 12.20 pm on Friday, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said police's raid into Government House was only to comply with the Civil Court's order for the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters to leave the Government House.

"Police still follow my order (not to use force with protesters as said yesterday.)"

However, Samak tightlipped when he was asked if police will arrest PAD leaders today.

Police had taken over almost all areas in Government House compound but the courtyard in front of the Thai Ku Fah Building.

[Thai at Heart]

Thousands of Police Are Raiding Makawan Rally Site

It's been reported that the police have begun a raid at the Makawan rally site. Panic reigned while police used their batons to drive out the protesters.

- TOC

=============================================================

NBT Reporter Adamant Tear Gas Was Not Used

Although PAD protesters claimed tear gas was used to drive out the protesters from the Makawan rally site, an NBT reporter is adamant no tear gas was used during the raid.

The reporters explained that NBT crew on the field at Makawan had wet towels prepared for the possible use of tear gas at the rally site.

But he insists the 'gas' that was sprayed was not tear gas. *mustard?*

- TOC

Maybe it was, but considering that looking at the TV none of the police were wearing gas masks it wouldn't make much sense to use tear gas would it.

[Jai Dee]

PM Samak defends police's raid into Government House.

After the meeting at the DSI 12.20 pm on Friday, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said police's raid into Government House was only to comply with the Civil Court's order for the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters to leave the Government House.

"Police still follow my order (not to use force with protesters as said yesterday.)"

However, Samak tightlipped when he was asked if police will arrest PAD leaders today.

Police had taken over almost all areas in Government House compound but the courtyard in front of the Thai Ku Fah Building.

Source: The Nation - 29 August 2008

[RockerRoller]

Couldn't get the exact translation, but the head of the big Union (electric, etc.) just announced a few minutes ago, that if one of the PAD leaders is taken, all their membership will march on the cops (over 13000 more people), plus there are more buses of protesters arriving as we speak

So how many PAD protesters are there after all? At the beginning they bravely claimed that 300000 at least will join their ranks. It seems that there are much fewer. I wonder how representative is PAD even for Bangkok population, not to mention the rest of the country.

[onethailand]

I believe the bit about "children" is a bit overstated - I have yet to see children anywhere in all of the video I watched. However, yesterday when the PAD were calling for volunteers to move to entrances 4 and 7, the call was very clear at first - women and noom noom (teenagers).

Most likely, the proper phrase should be "women and youths".

[ThNiner]

Couldn't get the exact translation, but the head of the big Union (electric, etc.) just announced a few minutes ago, that if one of the PAD leaders is taken, all their membership will march on the cops (over 13000 more people), plus there are more buses of protesters arriving as we speak

So how many PAD protesters are there after all? At the beginning they bravely claimed that 300000 at least will join their ranks. It seems that there are much fewer. I wonder how representative is PAD even for Bangkok population, not to mention the rest of the country.

Not everyone who supports PAD is at the rally. Plenty of my friends at work who are supportive of PAD are working their jobs right now. You can't really estimate the true support of PAD from the crowds you see on TV.

[sriracha john]

Thousands of Police Are Raiding Makawan Rally Site

It's been reported that the police have begun a raid at the Makawan rally site. Panic reigned while police used their batons to drive out the protesters.

- TOC

=============================================================

NBT Reporter Adamant Tear Gas Was Not Used

Although PAD protesters claimed tear gas was used to drive out the protesters from the Makawan rally site, an NBT reporter is adamant no tear gas was used during the raid.

The reporters explained that NBT crew on the field at Makawan had wet towels prepared for the possible use of tear gas at the rally site.

But he insists the 'gas' that was sprayed was not tear gas. *mustard?*

- TOC

Maybe it was, but considering that looking at the TV none of the police were wearing gas masks it wouldn't make much sense to use tear gas would it.

Thai police? Sense? ... not much would surprise me...

but also, if they did use tear gas at one of locations being stormed.... perhaps they did at another as well. But it's good at least the government reporters were ready at the bridge site. Hopefully they can report just what type of gas was used there.

Thai police fire tear gas at protesters in PM's compound

Thai riot police fired tear gas into the occupied compound of the Prime Minister's office today as they delivered a court order for the eviction of anti-Government protesters, witnesses said.

- ABC News (Australia)

Edited August 29, 2008 by sriracha john

[ubonjoe]

ASTV urges people to join protest by rerunning scenes of police beating up protesters

ASTV kept rerunning scenes of police beating up protesters Friday morning in attempt to urge more people to join the protest at the Government House.

Its footage showed police hitting some protesters with batons while a protest leader was broadcast live from the state inside the Government House compound to join the protest.

The Nation

[Thai at Heart]

Thousands of Police Are Raiding Makawan Rally Site

It's been reported that the police have begun a raid at the Makawan rally site. Panic reigned while police used their batons to drive out the protesters.

- TOC

=============================================================

NBT Reporter Adamant Tear Gas Was Not Used

Although PAD protesters claimed tear gas was used to drive out the protesters from the Makawan rally site, an NBT reporter is adamant no tear gas was used during the raid.

The reporters explained that NBT crew on the field at Makawan had wet towels prepared for the possible use of tear gas at the rally site.

But he insists the 'gas' that was sprayed was not tear gas. *mustard?*

- TOC

Maybe it was, but considering that looking at the TV none of the police were wearing gas masks it wouldn't make much sense to use tear gas would it.

Thai police? Sense? ... not much would surprise me...

but also, if they did use tear gas at one of locations being stormed.... perhaps they did at another as well. But it's good at least the government reporters were ready.

Thai police fire tear gas at protesters in PM's compound

Thai riot police fired tear gas into the occupied compound of the Prime Minister's office today as they delivered a court order for the eviction of anti-Government protesters, witnesses said.

- ABC News (Australia)

Rather tear gas than lethal force.

[Thai at Heart]

Senators addressing the PAD crowd now. The thot plickens.

[onethailand]

Tear gas would have quite a noticeable effect on people exposed. None of the video on either NBT nor ASTV show anyone being affected. ASTV themselves have also reported that the "gas" was actually coming from fire trucks - so it may well be that the "gas" is actually water mist to create effect.

[Thai at Heart]

Senator calling on Samak to resign.

Here lies Democracy, long live Democracy

[h90]

Tear gas would have quite a noticeable effect on people exposed. None of the video on either NBT nor ASTV show anyone being affected. ASTV themselves have also reported that the "gas" was actually coming from fire trucks - so it may well be that the "gas" is actually water mist to create effect.

or the usual good serviced engines of the trucks....

[onethailand]

Sondhi has declared today as judgement day. He calls for people coming in to the protest sites to not try and push their way through police by themselves - either wait for their number to exceed a hundred people before trying to push through, or to call in to PADs team who will be dispatched to assist.

[britmaveric]

Senator calling on Samak to resign.

Here lies Democracy, long live Democracy

Perhaps Senators should resign and join anarchy? Certainly not democracy...

Come on BIB kick the PAD scum in the <deleted> and send them packing!!!

[ubonjoe]

Senators addressing the PAD crowd now. The thot plickens.

Senate conducts urgent debate on clashes at Government House

By Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation

The Senate on Friday interrupted its session to hold an urgent debate after hearing that police were clashing with protesters inside the Government House.

Many senators called for their colleagues to travel to the site in order to ensure there was no violence erupted.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is consulting with Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondet to convent a House-Senate session to debate the issue.

Policemen in full riot gears moved into the back of Government House to post the eviction order and removed protesters on the grounds.

They also cleared the protest site at Makawan Rangsan Bridge which the People's Alliance for Democracy vacated earlier in the morning to move to Government House.

Police have gained control of the bridge, Rajadamnoen Nok Avenue and the Mitsakawan intersection.

The PAD-led rally on the lawn in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building at the frontal of Government House continues without interruption.

The Nation

[esprit]

Tear gas would have quite a noticeable effect on people exposed. None of the video on either NBT nor ASTV show anyone being affected. ASTV themselves have also reported that the "gas" was actually coming from fire trucks - so it may well be that the "gas" is actually water mist to create effect.

I wonder, does Thailand have water cannon for riot control like other nations ? or perhaps Samak couldn't get a "back-hander" for them when he was governor ?

Anyway seems like there is an opportunity here now for their supply.

[Thai at Heart]

Tear gas would have quite a noticeable effect on people exposed. None of the video on either NBT nor ASTV show anyone being affected. ASTV themselves have also reported that the "gas" was actually coming from fire trucks - so it may well be that the "gas" is actually water mist to create effect.

I wonder, does Thailand have water cannon for riot control like other nations ? or perhaps Samak couldn't get a "back-hander" for them when he was governor ?

Anyway seems like there is an opportunity here now for their supply.

Aren't there some very expensive fire boats floating somewhere around?

[JoeInSurin]

It's too bad the PPP followers can't get together and stage a counter protest. With them actually having a life and having to work for a living it seems they don't have the free time to protest like the fat priviledged PAD.

[koosdeboer]

Tear gas would have quite a noticeable effect on people exposed. None of the video on either NBT nor ASTV show anyone being affected. ASTV themselves have also reported that the "gas" was actually coming from fire trucks - so it may well be that the "gas" is actually water mist to create effect.

Fire extinguishers were used by the PAD, that looked like teargas.

[esprit]

Tear gas would have quite a noticeable effect on people exposed. None of the video on either NBT nor ASTV show anyone being affected. ASTV themselves have also reported that the "gas" was actually coming from fire trucks - so it may well be that the "gas" is actually water mist to create effect.

I wonder, does Thailand have water cannon for riot control like other nations ? or perhaps Samak couldn't get a "back-hander" for them when he was governor ?

Anyway seems like there is an opportunity here now for their supply.

Aren't there some very expensive fire boats floating somewhere around?

Didn't realise Parliment House was riverside

[britmaveric]

Prob think it was Songkran with the water canons!!!

[rijkard]

Senator calling on Samak to resign.

Here lies Democracy, long live Democracy

Perhaps Senators should resign and join anarchy? Certainly not democracy...

Come on BIB kick the PAD scum in the <deleted> and send them packing!!!

democracy bought with free bicycles and 100 baht notes in many an Issan village

[ratcatcher]

It's too bad the PPP followers can't get together and stage a counter protest. With them actually having a life and having to work for a living it seems they don't have the free time to protest like the fat priviledged PAD.

They're too busy growing rice to feed the citizens of Bangkok and the trains aren't running. Better they stay in the fields.

[onethailand]

I wonder, does Thailand have water cannon for riot control like other nations ? or perhaps Samak couldn't get a "back-hander" for them when he was governor ?

Anyway seems like there is an opportunity here now for their supply.

Yes, they do, but the police are under instructions not to use them yet.

ASTV/PAD now reporting that Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and others are inspecting the Makawan rally area.

[diehard60]

wow

here we go again. or don't any of you remember. i keep reading what most of you are saying and i don't think you really do know.

remember back in 1992? who was doing it then and who is doing it now?

i think you will find basically the same people.

who is right and who is wrong? May be some of you had better start thinking a little before you open your mouth.

[sylviex]

Summary of recent events from ABC.

<H1>Thai police fire tear gas at protesters in PM's compound

Posted 2 hours 21 minutes ago

Thai riot police fired tear gas into the occupied compound of the Prime Minister's office today as they delivered a court order for the eviction of anti-Government protesters, witnesses said.

Thousands of demonstrators calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's resignation have occupied the Government compound since Tuesday.

Today, hundreds of Thai riot police climbed into the occupied compound of the Prime Minister's office to deliver the order to the protesters trying to overthrow the government.

Scuffles broke out between the police and sentries posted by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), which occupied the seat of Government on Tuesday.

At least 15 protesters were arrested and the police reportedly forced open one padlocked gate into the compound.

The PAD, whose 2005 protests against then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra contributed to his removal in a coup a year later, have vowed to remain inside the Government House compound until the current elected administration falls.

There were up to 4,000 protesters inside the compound as the police moved in, reports said.

The police did not immediately move to evict everyone.

The protesters had barricaded themselves in the compound with razor wire and car tyres and posted sentries armed with bars and golf clubs to repel police.

Guns cache found

Earlier, the protesters besieging Government House expelled about 1,000 police from the compound, rally leaders said.

The large crowd cheered and clapped as about 1,000 officers stationed at the back of the compound were ordered out at 1:00am by protest leaders.

The so-called People's Alliance for Democracy later claimed also to have expelled undercover police officers and discovered a cache of weapons in the on-site police base.

"We have found out 38 plain clothes special branch policemen were mixing with us and we have asked them to leave," said Chamlong Srimuang, who is defying a warrant for his arrest.

"We also have found more than 30 guns. We have filed a complaint with police and demanded the weapons be removed because it would be dangerous if anyone used them."

Amorn Amornattananon, another PAD leader, said they would handle the crowd themselves.

"PAD will take total responsibility for security at Government House so we have asked all police to handover to us," Mr Amorn told the crowd early on Friday.

Rally leader Pibhop Dhongchai said the police had been told to leave for their own safety.

The group says Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej is an illegitimate proxy for Mr Thaksin.

Although the demonstrators and authorities have reached a stalemate around the occupied Government House compound, pressure is growing on the seven-month-old administration with rail workers widening a strike started on Thursday.

- ReutersAFP

</H1>

[onethailand]

PAD reporting that Phuket Airport has been closed.