PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[richm7]

Looks like the stakes are being raised considerably. Time to declare a state of emergency and call the army in to handle the situation. Of course that could be a huge gamble for Samak as no one knows which way they would jump. They could disperse the protesters and restore the country to order, or they could join with the protesters and turn against the elected government. Ultimately, the future of democracy in Thailand is in the hands of those who control the army.

I'm puzzled by this statement. There is no democracy in Thailand (though the government in power is as close as you'll get) and PAD, despite their name, certainly do not advocate democracy. Why would they, after all, because in a free election, as has been demonstrated, they won't get in. So, their solution is to appoint themselves to government and maintain the status quo, i.e. protect their own interests. Those brown people from Issan are too stupid to vote (translation - they won't vote for PAD) so disenfranchise them. Can't see much sign of democracy there.

Anyway, any westerner knows that whether it's Britain, France or the USA (and of course, all the rest of the so called western democracies), 80% of the electorate either don't vote or don't have a clue, so Thailand is no different. Just because the stupidy of people does not suit you, you do not have the right to exclude them from the process. You could always try education, but that apparently doesn't work either; the electorate in the US were stupid enough, twice, to vote for Dubya, who is, to put it as politely as I can, as thick as a brick. I didn't see the (rightfully) indignant self proclaimed intelligencia in the US snarling up DC and demanding a Government of nominees. Samak, like Bush, might be corrupt and might not be to your liking, but his party was elected to power. That's democracy. It is the will of the majority, even if it is a majority of one. So, there will always be a lot of pissed off people. Tough titty. Go back to work and grow up. Anybody who thinks PAD will be better is probably a person who would vote for George Bush. Except with PAD, they wouldn't get the chance.

ummmm... i voted for george bush and if you look at my previous posts, you will see that i am very clearly against the so-called "PAD" and what they are doing.

piss-poor analogy. try again.

That's intelligent. "Piss poor analogy, try again".

a. My post was about democracy, not your beliefs or prior voting patterns. This thread alone is about nine million pages so I'm not going to bugger about looking up your previous posts especially when they are irrelevant to my point.

b. Look up the meaning of analogy.

c. Perhaps, for one having both the wisdom to vote for Dubya and the guts to actually admit to it, you can explain exactly what you mean by "piss poor analogy.

d. I never did personalize this, you did.

[sriracha john]

A report from before the closure of the airports posted above...

Anti-government protesters block roads to resort airports

BANGKOK, Aug 29 (TNA) – Hundreds of anti-government protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) blocked access to the airports at the resort provinces of Phuket, Krabi and the southern transport hub of Hat Yai, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

PAD activists in Songkla gathered at Hat Yai International Airport, blocking entrances and causing traffic congestion.

The protest has not yet disrupted flights to and from Hat Ya, but over 200 police have been deployed to the area and security has been stepped up as reports indicated that anti-government demonstrators from nearby provinces might gather at the site.

Meanwhile, Hat Yai International Airport Manager Wing Commander Nat Homasawin attempted to negotiate with the local PAD leaders, who were joined by lecturers and students from the Prince of Songkhla University'a Hat Yai campus.

Engineering lecturer Somboon Pornpinatepong said some academics had canceled classes and would parade in support of the so-called democracy activists.

PAD leaders warned they would seize Hat Yai International Airport if the government uses force to crack down on protesters at Government House.

At Phuket airport some two thousand PAD protesters led by Prayuth Tiraksa cut traffic to the airport by parking their cars as roadblocks.

A group broke into the Phuket International Airport and seized the runway, preventing planes from taking off.

Tourists trying to board flights were forced to exit their vehicles 500 metres from the outside gates and lug their own bags in they wanted to enter the airport.

Some 200 PAD activists gathered at Krabi Airport, blocking access and impeding traffic, causing congestion in the city, while arriving passengers were stranded inside.

[hammered]

This is the beginning of the end for PAD....

Wrong, it's the beginning of the week-end.

Nice one Tony

[Thaising]

This is the beginning of the end for PAD....

Wrong, it's the beginning of the week-end.

Hopeful those public utility workers don’t abandon their duty and turn off our waters and electricity when they enjoy their weekend at Government house.

[Tony Clifton]

The PR value of the picture of the policeman pointing a rifle at a protestor at point blank range is very high

Indeed it is...

The rifle is behind the persons head as you can see. The person is looking at the barrel from the side as it is pointed at something behind him. Nice try.

Irrespective of what is going on - WHY is the fire-arm shouldered?

I would think that going face to face with a possible violent situation one would probably be trained to be ready to react and not have their gun down where someone could grab it.

[hammered]

Nation reporting Samak considering emergency law. He claims authorites urged him but he want s to wait. Considering Anupong and the supreme commander have both said the time is not right, Who in authority urged him

Oh and we know Metropolitan police chief Assawin is being bypassed

[Tony Clifton]

Remember what Samak declared publicly not long ago regarding the Burmese regime.

[sriracha john]

Protesters close three Thai airports

Thai authorities closed three airports on Friday, stranding travellers at popular beach resorts, the airport operator said.

Tourist-packed Phuket and Krabi airports were closed along with the deep south's Hat Yai airport.

On the southern resort island of Phuket more than 5,000 anti-government protesters invaded Phuket International Airport, storming its two runways and preventing passengers from going in or out, said Airports of Thailand spokeswoman Monrudee Ketphand.

"The director of Phuket International Airport decided to temporarily shut down the airport because protesters have trespassed on the parking spots and blocked the runways," said Monrudee.

"The Phuket Governor is trying to negotiate with protesters now."

Soon after, the company's president Sereerat Prasutanont confirmed two further airports had closed.

"The authority shut down both Hat Yai and Krabi airports soon after Phuket was closed because officials are unable to operate," he said.

"The duration of the closure will depend on how the situation develops," he added.

Monrudee said there was speculation that similar protests were planned for the northern hubs of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

In a further blow for airlines, the union leader at flag carrier Thai Airways called for its 15,000 members to go on strike in solidarity with anti-government protesters in Bangkok.

"We call on our members from every department to exercise their right to take two days' sick leave without a doctor's certificate ... because this morning the government attacked people," said Jaemsri Sukchotsri.

Thailand is a major tourist destination, attracting about 15 million foreign visitors a year.

The airport protests came as thousands of activists laid siege to Bangkok's Government House for the fourth straight day, calling for Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej to resign.

- AFP

[TexasRanger]

I would think that going face to face with a possible violent situation one would probably be trained to be ready to react and not have their gun down where someone could grab it.

It is a waste of time having that weapon, they should just use sticks, most people know they aren't going to be allowed to shoot anyone so why issue the weapons, having that weapon is provocative and near useless unless orders have been given to fire. I think the police are doing well all things considered.

[sriracha john]

"I will not quit. At this moment, I will not declare emergency rule, I will wait and see tomorrow," Samak told reporters later Friday.

Deputy national police spokesman Major General Surapol Tuanthong said the crowds had swelled and 25,000 people were now in the grounds of the compound. He said no one was arrested, but two police officers were hurt in the scuffles.

As the situation spiralled Friday, the powerful army chief again reassured the nation that the military would not intervene unless asked.

"There will be no coup because a coup will not be able to solve the problems," General Anupong Paojinda told reporters, adding: "I am confident that police are able to oversee the situation."

- AFP

[newworks]

Looks like the stakes are being raised considerably. Time to declare a state of emergency and call the army in to handle the situation. Of course that could be a huge gamble for Samak as no one knows which way they would jump. They could disperse the protesters and restore the country to order, or they could join with the protesters and turn against the elected government. Ultimately, the future of democracy in Thailand is in the hands of those who control the army.

I'm puzzled by this statement. There is no democracy in Thailand (though the government in power is as close as you'll get) and PAD, despite their name, certainly do not advocate democracy. Why would they, after all, because in a free election, as has been demonstrated, they won't get in. So, their solution is to appoint themselves to government and maintain the status quo, i.e. protect their own interests. Those brown people from Issan are too stupid to vote (translation - they won't vote for PAD) so disenfranchise them. Can't see much sign of democracy there.

Anyway, any westerner knows that whether it's Britain, France or the USA (and of course, all the rest of the so called western democracies), 80% of the electorate either don't vote or don't have a clue, so Thailand is no different. Just because the stupidy of people does not suit you, you do not have the right to exclude them from the process. You could always try education, but that apparently doesn't work either; the electorate in the US were stupid enough, twice, to vote for Dubya, who is, to put it as politely as I can, as thick as a brick. I didn't see the (rightfully) indignant self proclaimed intelligencia in the US snarling up DC and demanding a Government of nominees. Samak, like Bush, might be corrupt and might not be to your liking, but his party was elected to power. That's democracy. It is the will of the majority, even if it is a majority of one. So, there will always be a lot of pissed off people. Tough titty. Go back to work and grow up. Anybody who thinks PAD will be better is probably a person who would vote for George Bush. Except with PAD, they wouldn't get the chance.

ummmm... i voted for george bush and if you look at my previous posts, you will see that i am very clearly against the so-called "PAD" and what they are doing.

piss-poor analogy. try again.

That's intelligent. "Piss poor analogy, try again".

a. My post was about democracy, not your beliefs or prior voting patterns. This thread alone is about nine million pages so I'm not going to bugger about looking up your previous posts especially when they are irrelevant to my point.

b. Look up the meaning of analogy.

c. Perhaps, for one having both the wisdom to vote for Dubya and the guts to actually admit to it, you can explain exactly what you mean by "piss poor analogy.

d. I never did personalize this, you did.

a. you said "Anybody who thinks PAD will be better is probably a person who would vote for George Bush". i offered myself as proof that you're wrong.

b. a·nal·o·gy (-nl-j)

n. pl. a·nal·o·gies

1.

a. Similarity in some respects between things that are otherwise dissimilar.

b. A comparison based on such similarity. See Synonyms at likeness.

2. Biology Correspondence in function or position between organs of dissimilar evolutionary origin or structure.

3. A form of logical inference or an instance of it, based on the assumption that if two things are known to be alike in some respects, then they must be alike in other respects.

yep, that's what you were doing.

c. i proudly admit that i cast my vote for bush in 2000 and, furthermore, that i will vote for mccain in november. it's a piss-poor analogy both because of a. and b. above and because bush has absolutely nothing to do with this mess.

d. i didn't take it personally. i just told you that it was a bad analogy.

[Thaising]

Police fired teargas toward protesters in front of police HQ. Live report from TNN Live.

Edited August 29, 2008 by Thaising

[animatic]

Remember what Samak declared publicly not long ago regarding the Burmese regime.

Staggering subtilety!!

I actual have seen the last working guilotine in France.

It had a nice paint job a subtle green shade.

In working order too. But retired in 1963.

Maybe Panlop wants to threaten to import it.

I think he was playing a nice fat 'fear card',

'Chill out or you might get ME!

BOO! '

Seems to have worked too.

I wonder if Kuhn Newin has found his bags yet?

[sriracha john]

The Airports of Thailand Public Co., which operates most of the country's airports, said the authorities had raised the security alerts to maximum levels.

- Kyodo News

[ando]

Nation reporting Samak considering emergency law. He claims authorites urged him but he want s to wait. Considering Anupong and the supreme commander have both said the time is not right, Who in authority urged him

Oh and we know Metropolitan police chief Assawin is being bypassed

The country is fast reaching a state of anarchy. Samak has little choice but to invoke a state of emergency now. This will play into the PADs game plan. But still, no one knows for sure which way the the generals will choose to go. I personally dont think the generals want to be handed government again. Perhaps it will end with a house dissolution and fresh elections. Then the whole thing can start over again.

[LaoPo]

BREAKING NEWS - BBC

Thai protesters swamp police HQ

Hundreds of Thai protesters have converged on the police headquarters in Bangkok, say reports.

Police fired teargas in an attempt to break up the protest, says one report. Another says protesters tried to storm the building.

It has been a turbulent week in Thailand, after thousands of protesters occupied the main government compound in Bangkok on Tuesday.

They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

LaoPo

[animatic]

I would think that going face to face with a possible violent situation one would probably be trained to be ready to react and not have their gun down where someone could grab it.

It is a waste of time having that weapon, they should just use sticks, most people know they aren't going to be allowed to shoot anyone so why issue the weapons, having that weapon is provocative and near useless unless orders have been given to fire. I think the police are doing well all things considered.

Well finally we agree on something.

Even if that was a flare gun and aimed at someone else behind,

it STILL was point blank at somebody, and even if a flare gun,

it could still kill at that range AND maim others as the flare burns and bounces.

Bad business. These guys should have been back behind the shields not in front with people.

Don't take out a gun unless you have the authority and will to use it.

If not, less provocation is called for.

No matter how you slice it very bad PR move.

[hammered]

Nation reporting Samak considering emergency law. He claims authorites urged him but he want s to wait. Considering Anupong and the supreme commander have both said the time is not right, Who in authority urged him

Oh and we know Metropolitan police chief Assawin is being bypassed

The country is fast reaching a state of anarchy. Samak has little choice but to invoke a state of emergency now. This will play into the PADs game plan. But still, no one knows for sure which way the the generals will choose to go. I personally dont think the generals want to be handed government again. Perhaps it will end with a house dissolution and fresh elections. Then the whole thing can start over again.

This is moving rapidly into who knows what. The civil court has cancelled the eviction order for government house on the grounds of police brutality according to the Natyion. On TNN protestors are claiming they have been tear gassed again. Numbers are getting huge. Samak is waiting until tomorrow,. All the nmilitary commanders are saying it is not time for SoE.

It does look like Samak is now becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution. Funny just after he signed the militaryies own suggested reshuffle he suddenly seems to be less well supported.

An SoE will only work with a political solution installed at the same time imho. Unfortunately i dont think there is one

Edited to add tear gas was fired at police HQ. Apparently Wongsawat was in command at the time. Police claim they heard gunshots and yet TV shows it looking peaceful. Panic seems to be setting in everywhere

Edited August 29, 2008 by hammered

[ubonjoe]

Police fire teargas at protesters at Metropolitan Police head office

Police fire teargas at thousands of demonstrators at about 6:45 pm Friday.

Police claimed that they took the action after hearing gunfire from protesters.

Thousands of protesters gathered at the Metropolitan Police head office to demand police to hand over police officers who assaulted protesters in the morning.

The protest outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters was held while senior officers, including Police Commissioner-General Pol Gen Phatcharawat Wongsuwan, were holding an urgent meeting inside.

Three persons were injured after the teargas was fired and were seen on TV as being helped from the scene.

The firing of teargas prompted the number of protesters outside the Metropolitan Police head office to grow.

About 1,000 police officers were trying to block the angry protesters from storming into the compound.

The Nation

[Crushdepth]

But still, no one knows for sure which way the the generals will choose to go. I personally dont think the generals want to be handed government again.

Neither the generals or police will use force because HM has spoken against use of violence. Samak can't declare a state of emergency because it would reveal him to be totally impotent. His only option is to find a political solution and its a bit too bloody late for that now.

[sriracha john]

Thai protesters launch attack on Bangkok police HQ

BANGKOK, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Protesters trying to overthrow Thailand's government launched an attack on Bangkok's police headquarters on Friday before being repulsed by what appeared to be teargas, a Reuters reporter at the scene said.

After the assault by around 2,000 people, protesters were seen vomiting, the reporter said.

[Artisi]

I would think that going face to face with a possible violent situation one would probably be trained to be ready to react and not have their gun down where someone could grab it.

It is a waste of time having that weapon, they should just use sticks, most people know they aren't going to be allowed to shoot anyone so why issue the weapons, having that weapon is provocative and near useless unless orders have been given to fire. I think the police are doing well all things considered.

Well finally we agree on something.

Even if that was a flare gun and aimed at someone else behind,

it STILL was point blank at somebody, and even if a flare gun,

it could still kill at that range AND maim others as the flare burns and bounces.

Bad business. These guys should have been back behind the shields not in front with people.

Don't take out a gun unless you have the authority and will to use it.

If not, less provocation is called for.

No matter how you slice it very bad PR move.

But good for PAD - just goes to show what idiots are in charge trying to bring about a solution that changes nothing for the populous

[LivinLOS]

Well these images of tear gas, protesters, airport chaos... I know if I was sitting in Europe, thinking of where to book for my winter holidays exactly what my thoughts would be.

When this island has, along with all the other headwinds in poor global economy, rising ticket prices etc, a truly sucky low season.. We know where the blame lies.

[ando]

I would think that going face to face with a possible violent situation one would probably be trained to be ready to react and not have their gun down where someone could grab it.

It is a waste of time having that weapon, they should just use sticks, most people know they aren't going to be allowed to shoot anyone so why issue the weapons, having that weapon is provocative and near useless unless orders have been given to fire. I think the police are doing well all things considered.

Well finally we agree on something.

Even if that was a flare gun and aimed at someone else behind,

it STILL was point blank at somebody, and even if a flare gun,

it could still kill at that range AND maim others as the flare burns and bounces.

Bad business. These guys should have been back behind the shields not in front with people.

Don't take out a gun unless you have the authority and will to use it.

If not, less provocation is called for.

No matter how you slice it very bad PR move.

Does that apply to tanks also?

[Tony Clifton]

The police cleared the Makawan site quite easily, a rather small crowd. Women complain that their purses were checked and money grabbed in their faces. Quite possible when they've all been pulled from the highways and side of the roads. also probable that riff raff citizens dressed as police as well to swell up the ranks and do some of the dirty work as the Thai police often does.

On the other hand, their presence at the parliament only makes things more tense now when everyone knows Samak and his puppet PPP government have reached a dead end. Faithful to their old TRT-PPP habits, denial prevails over anything else. We'll soon see Samak on tv as his usual self in his usual weuh weuh weuh style, complaining with non-constructive arguments, pointing at and blaming others without ever mentioning the faults of his despicable government and the ones before that made this situation possible.

The crowd has apparently swelled so much outside that police have retreated even further, even finding themselves between both crowds in places, and they keep coming.

Edited August 29, 2008 by Tony Clifton

[Old Man River]

It has been said over and over again. The northeast elects governments and Bangkok removes them.

[ubonjoe]

Thai protesters launch attack on Bangkok police HQ

BANGKOK, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Protesters trying to overthrow Thailand's government launched an attack on Bangkok's police headquarters on Friday before being repulsed by what appeared to be teargas, a Reuters reporter at the scene said.

After the assault by around 2,000 people, protesters were seen vomiting, the reporter said.

Note the word overthrow. I think its appropriate.

[george]

Update:

Egat workers to join protest

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand's labour union promised that though some Egat employees would join the People's Alliance for Democracy protest and though power cut is possible, the majority of public would not be disturbed.

Somkuan Yavichai, secretary-general of the Egat labour union, said that as of Friday, about 500 employees have joined PAD. He expected that thousands could follow as they have filed "leave" applications.

He said the union would discuss with other unions of 43 state enterprises on joint actions, but the actions are not yet finalised, depending on future situation. He noted that even though Egat, Metropolitan Electricity Authority and Provincial Electricity Authority, join the protest, the generator would run as usual so as not to disturb the public. Egat union does not want the government to use force against protesters, he said.

"We insist that we won't cut power or cause troubls to the public who are Egat's clients. But if the government uses forces, we may launch some actions including cutting power. But the majority of the country would not be troubled by that," Somkuan said.

Egat's management issued a circulation, urging the employees to avoid the protest or break the law.

-- The Nation 2008-08-29

[Artisi]

According to ASTV - a couple / 3 people shot by police and now on their way to hospital - any confirmation of this from any other source

[blaze]

Nation reporting Samak considering emergency law. He claims authorites urged him but he want s to wait. Considering Anupong and the supreme commander have both said the time is not right, Who in authority urged him

Oh and we know Metropolitan police chief Assawin is being bypassed

The country is fast reaching a state of anarchy. Samak has little choice but to invoke a state of emergency now. This will play into the PADs game plan. But still, no one knows for sure which way the the generals will choose to go. I personally dont think the generals want to be handed government again. Perhaps it will end with a house dissolution and fresh elections. Then the whole thing can start over again.

This is moving rapidly into who knows what. The civil court has cancelled the eviction order for government house on the grounds of police brutality according to the Natyion. On TNN protestors are claiming they have been tear gassed again. Numbers are getting huge. Samak is waiting until tomorrow,. All the nmilitary commanders are saying it is not time for SoE.

It does look like Samak is now becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution. Funny just after he signed the militaryies own suggested reshuffle he suddenly seems to be less well supported.

An SoE will only work with a political solution installed at the same time imho. Unfortunately i dont think there is one

Edited to add tear gas was fired at police HQ. Apparently Wongsawat was in command at the time. Police claim they heard gunshots and yet TV shows it looking peaceful. Panic seems to be setting in everywhere

It could be argued that the real conflict here is not clean politics versus dirty politics- certainly not Thaksin vs Sondhi- not Issan versus the city/south- but rather constitutionally designed mechanisms for changing governments vs non-constitutional mechanisms of changing governments.

And if Samak doesn't stand fast- in three short years the score will be non-constitutional:2. Constitutional: 0

In a developing democracy- that is quite a lead for the non-constitutional mechanisms