PAD Lay Siege On Government House, NBT TV Station

[paul700]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

The leaders should be put in prison....now.

[blaze]

Is anybody aware of a plan after the govt has resigned? Military command, even though everybody acknowledges it would be far from the best choice for the country?

As much as I despise the current lot - Thaksin, Samak, Chalerm - I can understand how this can be viewed as anarchy.

Not every body agrees that military rule "would be far from the best choice..." In this morning's Post, Sondhi L made it very clear that he would welcome a coup provided it reflected his agenda.

"

[kedawi]

I see the all resident pundits in socio-political science obviously with a specialty in S/E Asian studies have crawled out from under the carpet and weighed in with their 2 satang worth.

The insightful and discerning observations are truly mind wobbling, as are the helpful hints on what should be done. I for one, am certainly glad you're foreigners and have less than ZERO say in what actually happens in this country. Of course the witty dissertations and verbose language is a tedious read at times, as is plodding through endless posts of drivel by both the hawks and the doves.

Don't get your panties in a twist, let the diminutive ever smiling thais sort it out; after all it is their country, hence the appropriate name-> "thai-land". Also don't forget (depending on how you count 'em) the glorious "Land 'O Thais" has had at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts BEFORE the 2006 ouster of Thaksin. It's the status quo, so suck it up & deal with it.

You guys get keyed up way too easily. As the thais say, "Don't t'ink too mut"; everyone knows it can hurt your brain, IF you actually have one.

good post!

[konangrit]

If this action by PAD causes the price of beer to rise in the capital there is going to be hel_l to pay!

I know that some here on Thai Visa want to compare this situation (perhaps a revolution) to famous communist coups around the world since the 1950's. I prefer to compare PAD to that once infamous German Army corporal, Adolf Hitler.

Be afraid. Be very afraid. The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) is using scare tactics to mold the opinion of the uninformed populace to their own ends. While complaining and pointing fingers at the elected government about anything and everything they refuse to negotiate on any subject and simply call for an end to present government rule. Sound familiar? Same thing happened two years ago which led to a coup d'état and the ousting of a seated, elected government.

This is nothing new. Many of us remember from our history lessons that back in the 1930's Europe they had their own PAD saying exactly the same thing about the seated government. The Nazi Party used the economic hardships suffered by the Germans to grab power. Adolph Hitler and his ilk fooled the German people into joining their extreme and radical movement to overthrow the government.

Like the Nazi's in Germany PAD has no business in a civilized Thai society. They are trampling on the peoples consciences and revising history to suit their own ends. These extreme, unconscionable leaders are master manipulators, preying on the weak, drunk with power and serve no constructive purpose. It is time to put an end to the madness and remove PAD and their self-serving leaders. They have had their fifteen minutes in the spotlight and have fooled innocent Thai people long enough.

IMHO

with respect, likening the PAD to the third reich is so spectacularly misinformed as to be downright offensive.

Whilst comparing PAD to the Third Reich may be a stupid analogy, PAD are fair game.

[StevieH]

hmm no one reading this thread!!!!! lol keep trying to get to the last post but can't

Armed with golf clubs???? that is funny in an unfunny situ

that's some seriously middle class revolutionaries right there. apparently they're also armed with shuriken made from their mercedes badges.

[paul700]

Police to file treason charges against five PAD leaders

BANGKOK: -- Police announced that they would take legal actions against the five leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy for alleged treason.

Police said they are in the process of gathering evidence for taking the action.

But PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said he was not afraid and ready to be arrested.

He said his arrest would mean the defeat of the government.

-- The Nation 2008-08-26

His arrest means he goes to prison for a long time.

[ianh68h]

PAD. People Against Democracy... Taking over tv stations? I though they are a law abiding mob.... I guess we can almost compare this to how Lennin or Hitler got into power back in the day.... Maybe a lot different today but still the same ideas are being used. Taking over tv stations, police station etc... Im dissappointed that some members on this forum are out there now supporting these people... Let's hope it will just be a minor event....

It is more about what is happening behind the scenes and away from the rally that will determine what happens. Though dramatic and maybe inflammatory the PAD demonstration is just a minor event in the real war, but it does send a message and it does distract from other players and issues.

Quite correct, the only hope is that the PAD will be seen to become merely troublesome and not a means to the end. If this happens be prepared to see its leaders in very hot water or maybe a long holiday in somewhere like China. In Thai politics what goes up must come down. The higher up it goes the further it has to fall. Or maybe they will just trip themselves up in the process, we shall see.

Wasn't it Thaksin who said: "Let them play their games. I prefer to stand aside and watch."?

[t.s]

I see the all resident pundits in socio-political science obviously with a specialty in S/E Asian studies have crawled out from under the carpet and weighed in with their 2 satang worth.

The insightful and discerning observations are truly mind wobbling, as are the helpful hints on what should be done. I for one, am certainly glad you're foreigners and have less than ZERO say in what actually happens in this country. Of course the witty dissertations and verbose language is a tedious read at times, as is plodding through endless posts of drivel by both the hawks and the doves.

Don't get your panties in a twist, let the diminutive ever smiling thais sort it out; after all it is their country, hence the appropriate name-> "thai-land". Also don't forget (depending on how you count 'em) the glorious "Land 'O Thais" has had at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts BEFORE the 2006 ouster of Thaksin. It's the status quo, so suck it up & deal with it.

You guys get keyed up way too easily. As the thais say, "Don't t'ink too mut"; everyone knows it can hurt your brain, IF you actually have one.

good lord, stop the the drivel flowing from your own mouth and then you can call others verbose

[Meerkat]

its founder owns a media empire - it can punch well above its weight.

(i dont know so much about this story or PAD)... so the PAD founder owns a media empire? really? do you know which papers or media he/she owns? is it based within thailand? and if so,, do you know if they continually print and show anti-government stuff in their papers?

Sondhi Limthongkul owns the Manager newspaper in Thailand. He also owns the ASTV TV network which includes TOC (Thailand Outlook Channel) which is Thailand's only English language news channel. It broadcasts on the NSS6 satellite or you can see it online. Prepare yourself for some ridiculously partisan editorial though!

I bet episodes like today's must do wonders for his advertising rates...

[ilyushin]

I see the all resident pundits in socio-political science obviously with a specialty in S/E Asian studies have crawled out from under the carpet and weighed in with their 2 satang worth.

The insightful and discerning observations are truly mind wobbling, as are the helpful hints on what should be done. I for one, am certainly glad you're foreigners and have less than ZERO say in what actually happens in this country. Of course the witty dissertations and verbose language is a tedious read at times, as is plodding through endless posts of drivel by both the hawks and the doves.

Don't get your panties in a twist, let the diminutive ever smiling thais sort it out; after all it is their country, hence the appropriate name-> "thai-land". Also don't forget (depending on how you count 'em) the glorious "Land 'O Thais" has had at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts BEFORE the 2006 ouster of Thaksin. It's the status quo, so suck it up & deal with it.

You guys get keyed up way too easily. As the thais say, "Don't t'ink too mut"; everyone knows it can hurt your brain, IF you actually have one.

good post!

Agree!

[hammered]

its founder owns a media empire - it can punch well above its weight.

(i dont know so much about this story or PAD)... so the PAD founder owns a media empire? really? do you know which papers or media he/she owns? is it based within thailand? and if so,, do you know if they continually print and show anti-government stuff in their papers?

Sondhi Limthongkul owns the Manager newspaper in Thailand. He also owns the ASTV TV network which includes TOC (Thailand Outlook Channel) which is Thailand's only English language news channel. It broadcasts on the NSS6 satellite or you can see it online. Prepare yourself for some ridiculously partisan editorial though!

I bet episodes like today's must do wonders for his advertising rates...

One thing is for sure all media outlets love this kind of drama

[quiksilva]

Given the amount of readers here its plainly obvious that this thread is of interest to vast group of people, and I venture to say that most of us have a vested interest in this country. Today's demonstrations are an important event the result of which will contribute to the shape of Thailand's future. So whilst we may not be able to vote or play a part in any other way, we can at least discuss it here, in this open forum.

If you find the topic dull or tiresome then I suggest you add something meaningful to the conversation or click the red square with the white cross at the top right of your screen or visit one of the other thousands of interesting threads on this site.

[Old Man River]

Given the amount of readers here its plainly obvious that this thread is of interest to vast group of people, and I venture to say that most of us have a vested interest in this country. Today's demonstrations are an important event the result of which will contribute to the shape of Thailand's future. So whilst we may not be able to vote or play a part in any other way, we can at least discuss it here, in this open forum.

If you find the topic dull or tiresome then I suggest you add something meaningful to the conversation or click the red square with the white cross at the top right of your screen or visit one of the other thousands of interesting threads on this site.

Good post!

[grantbkk]

I see the all resident pundits in socio-political science obviously with a specialty in S/E Asian studies have crawled out from under the carpet and weighed in with their 2 satang worth.

The insightful and discerning observations are truly mind wobbling, as are the helpful hints on what should be done. I for one, am certainly glad you're foreigners and have less than ZERO say in what actually happens in this country. Of course the witty dissertations and verbose language is a tedious read at times, as is plodding through endless posts of drivel by both the hawks and the doves.

Don't get your panties in a twist, let the diminutive ever smiling thais sort it out; after all it is their country, hence the appropriate name-> "thai-land". Also don't forget (depending on how you count 'em) the glorious "Land 'O Thais" has had at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts BEFORE the 2006 ouster of Thaksin. It's the status quo, so suck it up & deal with it.

You guys get keyed up way too easily. As the thais say, "Don't t'ink too mut"; everyone knows it can hurt your brain, IF you actually have one.

Great post! You are certainly entitled to your opinion and so are the other posters on TV. You should relax and maybe avoid reading things that are objectionable to you. I for one like to sort through all this stuff and get some news from the front. I think it is you who may have somehow got your "panties in a twist". This is an international website and people (you call them foreigners) have different styles of English. Give them a break. This is an important time in Thailand today and you complain about posters here and "....the witty dissertations and verbose language..." I think "drivel" is a bit strong. perhaps you are just attempting to show us just how much smarter you are than the common man.

[Meerkat]

Given the amount of readers here its plainly obvious that this thread is of interest to vast group of people, and I venture to say that most of us have a vested interest in this country. Today's demonstrations are an important event the result of which will contribute to the shape of Thailand's future. So whilst we may not be able to vote or play a part in any other way, we can at least discuss it here, in this open forum.

If you find the topic dull or tiresome then I suggest you add something meaningful to the conversation or click the red square with the white cross at the top right of your screen or visit one of the other thousands of interesting threads on this site.

Good post!

Seconded!

[Los78]

News anchorman Kitti punched by protesters

News anchorman Kitti Singhapad said he is now safe after being attacked by protesters during a commotion at the NBT station on Tuesday morning.

Kitti said he went to observe around the People's Alliance for Democracy's rally this morning because he had long good relationship with the PAD's leaders.

He did not think any bad thing would have happened to him. he was hit by a punch and poured water on.

However, when the protesters saw him, they booed at him before tried to hurt him.Kitti said the protesters misunderstood that guards of People's Alliance for Democracy took him into their custody so many attacked him by pouring water on him and booing him.

He said the guards helped him out of the scene during which he was punched one time. He thanked PAD security staffs who helped him get out to a taxi.

Nation 26/8/08

Hmm, So much for peaceful PAD protests. They have gone too new lows. Its time the police stepped in and started being a little more serious with these hooligans.

[Jamesjimmy]

I see the all resident pundits in socio-political science obviously with a specialty in S/E Asian studies have crawled out from under the carpet and weighed in with their 2 satang worth.

The insightful and discerning observations are truly mind wobbling, as are the helpful hints on what should be done. I for one, am certainly glad you're foreigners and have less than ZERO say in what actually happens in this country. Of course the witty dissertations and verbose language is a tedious read at times, as is plodding through endless posts of drivel by both the hawks and the doves.

Don't get your panties in a twist, let the diminutive ever smiling thais sort it out; after all it is their country, hence the appropriate name-> "thai-land". Also don't forget (depending on how you count 'em) the glorious "Land 'O Thais" has had at least 10 successful coups and 7 abortive attempts BEFORE the 2006 ouster of Thaksin. It's the status quo, so suck it up & deal with it.

You guys get keyed up way too easily. As the thais say, "Don't t'ink too mut"; everyone knows it can hurt your brain, IF you actually have one.

Great post! You are certainly entitled to your opinion and so are the other posters on TV. You should relax and maybe avoid reading things that are objectionable to you. I for one like to sort through all this stuff and get some news from the front. I think it is you who may have somehow got your "panties in a twist". This is an international website and people (you call them foreigners) have different styles of English. Give them a break. This is an important time in Thailand today and you complain about posters here and "....the witty dissertations and verbose language..." I think "drivel" is a bit strong. perhaps you are just attempting to show us just how much smarter you are than the common man.

your post is even better,,,,, well said mate!

[gymshark]

News anchorman Kitti punched by protesters

News anchorman Kitti Singhapad said he is now safe after being attacked by protesters during a commotion at the NBT station on Tuesday morning.

Hmm, So much for peaceful PAD protests. They have gone too new lows. Its time the police stepped in and started being a little more serious with these hooligans.

Careful, you might upset the delicate ones on here with that kind of talk. They should be in riot gear now not stood around with their thumbs up their holes.

[ianh68h]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

Learn history......From France, Russia to Cuba and and and all was done by protests....

Yeah, but they were "popular" uprisings by the ordinary guy in the street. This is just one bunch of rich bastards trying to usurp another bunch of rich bastards. The danger will arise when Somchai from Nakhon Nowhere gets involved, that's the time to worry. At the moment though I don't see ordinary Somchai's showing much interest.

Spot on. You can't apply the norms of Western democracy here because we don't have one. This is Thailand.

[StevieH]

Careful, you might upset the delicate ones on here with that kind of talk. They should be in riot gear now not stood around with their thumbs up their holes.

which, again, would undoubtedly cause violence to escalate. if this thing can be resolved as peacefully as possible then that's the way to do it.

[shawndoc]

Thought it was interesting, the news host on the Thailand Outlook Channel just mentioned that if today's protest organizers fail to achieve their objectives, the PAD party will probably dissolve or be severely weakened. As I understand it from this thread, the Thailand Outlook Channel is actually owned by the head/founder of the PAD. They also mentioned its now too hot for any more activity, and don't expect the "second attack" until it cools down. (Attack was their word.)

[esprit]

Thought it was interesting, the news host on the Thailand Outlook Channel just mentioned that if today's protest organizers fail to achieve their objectives, the PAD party will probably dissolve or be severely weakened. As I understand it from this thread, the Thailand Outlook Channel is actually owned by the head/founder of the PAD. They also mentioned its now too hot for any more activity, and don't expect the "second attack" until it cools down. (Attack was their word.)

So guess that means October !!

[gymshark]

Careful, you might upset the delicate ones on here with that kind of talk. They should be in riot gear now not stood around with their thumbs up their holes.

which, again, would undoubtedly cause violence to escalate. if this thing can be resolved as peacefully as possible then that's the way to do it.

And if it can't then that's when firmly executed tactical removal of ringleaders is required. A show of reasonable force that let's the country see that it is not a free for all.

[bangkokrick]

THE SAD TRUTH.

I have just been trying to follow this story on Thai TV. My wife (Thai) changed the channel to watch a re run of the Thais recieving their medals at the Olympic games. That justs about sums up what the majority of normal Thais think about. Nationalism not Politics.

When i asked her why she is not interested she replied 'what can we do'?

Cheers, Rick

[gymshark]

THE SAD TRUTH.

I have just been trying to follow this story on Thai TV. My wife (Thai) changed the channel to watch a re run of the Thais recieving their medals at the Olympic games. That justs about sums up what the majority of normal Thais think about. Nationalism not Politics.

When i asked her why she is not interested she replied 'what can we do'?

Cheers, Rick

Outstanding. Now That is Thailand.

[quiksilva]

Given the amount of readers here its plainly obvious that this thread is of interest to vast group of people, and I venture to say that most of us have a vested interest in this country. Today's demonstrations are an important event the result of which will contribute to the shape of Thailand's future. So whilst we may not be able to vote or play a part in any other way, we can at least discuss it here, in this open forum.

If you find the topic dull or tiresome then I suggest you add something meaningful to the conversation or click the red square with the white cross at the top right of your screen or visit one of the other thousands of interesting threads on this site.

I find you short sited and thinking of yourself and Real Estate You must known this can not be good for the Market and do not tell be now is the time to buy. You want to keep the people in dark shame on you.

Realtors all over the world are less trusted than BG.

Hmmm, no, quite the opposite Phil, please read my post again. My post was directed at someone who was calling for everyone here to cease discussion and let the Thai's sort it out themselves.

And where did I ever say that it was a good time to buy? Or say that this was in any way good?

[nohave]

If I were Samak I'd order in the military to restore order and arrest these hooligans. It's really getting out of control with schools and unies shut. For what?

[rayw]

with respect, likening the PAD to the third reich is so spectacularly misinformed as to be downright offensive.

Well said that man!

Anybody who chooses to refer to the deeply corrupt Taxin government, or his current puppet regime as democratically elected is also severely misinformed.

Taxin bought his way into power by wholesale vote purchase from the rural Thais. 1M Baht per village buys a lot of votes. He retained power the second time by7 simply threatening to demand repayment of the loans etc. every villager took out from his 1M Baht scheme. Democracy? My @ss!

What has that to do with armed PAD thugs storming a TV station and ordering personal off their desks?

And if you watch TV news - you can clearly see the arms they carried during that raid.

If you read their "new politics", their position regarding the temple issue, and listen to their nationalistic rants - then comparison to Fascist and Nazi ideology is not too far off.

Just because they are against a corrupt government doesn't make their own philosophy any less fascist.

Maybe we should consider that those protesters may be neither fascists nor communists or any other such "bad evil folk" who do not share your viewpoint. Maybe PAD are just people of the centre and NOT the extremes you quote, who are fed up with what they feel is a corrupt fascist style Government who got in by buying votes and corrupting the course of democracy. Maybe they realise that if they do not have the courage to protest and show some level of threat of force then they would not be taken seriously and that nothing will then ever change or happen. In all democracies protest has been shown to be the only way when democracy (i.e. will of the majority of citizens) is being seen to be raped. We have seen it in the UK and in USA too (Vietnam where the majority were clearly against it, Thatcher's hit the poor Poll Tax too) and lo and behold it worked and things changed for the better !!! It is too easy to glibly blame the protesters as maybe the current Government, clinging to office yet knowing that they are really in power without the true will of the people, are the very people maybe more responsible for the current troubles. So should the current PPP Government not stand down and ensure that we now get fair elections with NO vote buying ?? New elections monitored by an invited in UN (or internationally accepted) based unbiased observation team too, sure it wont happen but I know in my heart that it really should if we want to see true democracy here for the Thai people. Anyone caught vote buying or rigging is then banned from Thai politics for LIFE.

I can look back at my country the UK and a hundred years ago or so we were ruled by the extreme right wing elitist ruling class, very much a them and us society who kept the poor in poverty for their own ends, much as we appear to see here today. The people in the UK got together and not without protests formed the Labour Party, and this at least, even when they were only the opposition in Parliament, repressed the elite ruling class from having their own way so much. Then there was a true valid alternative to the ruling class and no more (or at least a lot less) immoral suppression of the ordinary working folk who after all were and still are the majority, we now have a so much fairer and morally just society than those bad old days. Maybe that is what is happening here and if so in the long term it may be just what is needed.

I am purely a bystander being a guest here in LOS and just an observer taking neither side and just raising more points as food for thought, BUT in my heart I feel it would be nice to get rid of all unelected and cheat vote rigging elected extremist corrupt Governments in any countries in the world. I want to see justice for the poeple, and crap low life like Toxin (and even the far worse corrupt criminals), who care only about themselves and not their country, brought back to face true and moral justice (internationally monitored if necessary) and not harboured in so called "morally high ground" countries.

I just hope there is no bloodshed over this and that the outcome whatever it is will be good for Thailand, the country that I love and chose to live in for my retirement. I feel sorry for the normal decent Thai folk who are having to go through this turmoil. They are stuck with it, we as guests if push comes to shove have our own countries we can return to if we do not like what we see, so lets all think about the ordinary Thai folk and not just ourselves here hmmm.

[catmac]

There is only one word for the PAD. SCUM. People who do not understand how democracy work. people who prevent hundreds of thousands of people from going to work and make a living.

When ill the government and the courts seize the money used to pay these professional protestors. it is obvious that they have never ever worked themselves. They are for hire. Cutting electricity in a BTS station is not only illegal it is dangerous and endagers lives. They need to be sentenced to life inprisonment

Will people on this forum in general, and on this thread in particular, desist from using that word. It is deeply offensive and rude in the extreme coming from someone who doesn't speak a word of the local language attempting to describe civilians of the country in which they are a guest. Ignorant in the extreme.

Unlike the kind, Gentlemanly language used by the PADisters to describe the democratically elected Government of this Country ("pig-face" Samak is just one that I recall from a recent thread!). In case you are unable to comprehend plain English, the word scum was used to describe the private army of paid thugs now running rampant in Bangkok, and was not used to describe the civilian population. Scum they are, and scum they should be called!

[thaigene2]

These people are a pain in the arse. Protests never solve anything.

Learn history......From France, Russia to Cuba and and and all was done by protests....

No - you learn history mate. All of the above were absolute monarchies or dictatorships. Thailand has a democratically elected Government. BIG difference