State Of Emergency Announced In Bangkok

[animatic]

Now Thaksin has sold his share of Man City to The Abu Dahbi clan,does this mean he can use his money too fund these riot even further??

Makes you think eh??

So let's see, according to you Samak is Thaksin's puppet and so Thaksin is funding the people who are trying to provoke violence to bring down Samak's government which is Thaksin's puppet; what was that about thinking?

I hope Thailand gets past this okay, and further hope their political leaders can learn to accept that they won't always be in charge in a democracy. Thailand's people deserve better than this constant attempting to bring down a democratically voted in government via any route other than voting in the next election.

Thaksin is funding the PPP whicvh is funding the DAAD to cause disorder

so that Samak can make the Emergency degree ansd hopefully the army would have backed him up.

They didn't, so DAAD is quiet tonight.

Samak has over played his hand 4-5 times SO FAR this week,

and gotten it slapped. He is technically in charge, but functionally isolated more and more each day.

But like a cornered animal he is biting back at anyone in his face. CNN reporters included,

not matter how bad that makes him look on the world stage.

Now the back room deals are starting divide and conquer

and Samak is not included it's a question of time.

[Soontorn]

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

During an emergency session of Parliament on Sunday, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej could have made history if he had chosen to step down or dissolve Parliament after the 12-hour debate. Instead, he ended up as an angry-looking leader who wanted to cling to power, come what may.

Less than 24 hours after the end of the debate, pro-government elements, armed with sticks and clubs, broke through unarmed police barricades. They moved towards Government House, where People's Alliance for Democracy protesters have camped for the past week.

The violent clash killed one man and injured nearly 40 people.

The police almost turned a blind eye to the pro-government elements' move towards the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge during the early hours where they confronted and clashed with anti-government protesters.

Samak used the confrontation as the raison d'etre to declare the state of emergency. The situation, violent as it might look, did not justify a state of emergency as we did not experience widespread riots or clashes beyond the normal control of police.

Under the executive order, all the emergency power to restore order will be transferred to Army Chief General Anupong Paochinda, but Anupong made it clear at Army headquarters that the Army would use only dialogue and negotiations to restore order without resorting to using force.

This looked like a snub to Samak, who would prefer the Army to use decisive measures to quash the protest at Government House.

At this dangerous moment, we have the following recommendations for all sides to consider in taking the necessary steps to end the political crisis.

First, the prime minister must revoke the state of emergency as quickly as possible. The longer this stern measure is imposed, the more damage it will create to confidence in the Thai economy and in the country as a whole.

Second, Samak must step down or dissolve Parliament to take responsibility for the fatal clashes on Tuesday and to bring an end to the political crisis. The Law Society of Thailand has issued a statement expressing doubt over the clash, which looked as if it was a plot written solely to lead to the declaration of the state of emergency. At the same time, the nine leaders of the PAD must turn themselves in to police to face allegations of treason against the state. Then the protesters must disperse in peace.

Third, all the coalition partners must consider pulling the plug if Samak insists on hanging on in office.

Fourth, an impartial committee must investigate the violent incident to find out who was the mastermind behind the clash between pro-government forces and the PAD.

Fifth, ASTV, the cable-TV broadcasting mouthpiece of the protesters, and NBT, the mouthpiece of the Public Relations Department, must stop disseminating news and information that incites further confrontation in Thai society.

We believe these crucial steps would help restore peace and order to society as a whole, for now at least.

[mogoso]

In America every man, woman, minority, land owner or not has the right to vote and the majority will rule. With this kind of democracy we have a very stable government that people will invest in and have become the worlds #1 economy.

To be politically correct (so to speak) the US isn't a democracy, but a republic with democratically elected representatives. Founding fathers weren't keen on democracies finding them to be akin to mob rule. A good example of democracy is two tigers and a goat deciding whats for dinner.

The US operates under a system of laws, that even if an election is disputed such as the one in 2000, the country follows the courts ruling. GW Bush has managed to win reelection and will complete his term of office in Jan of 2009 dispite strong vocal opposition, some protests. But even the Democrat party would not allow protesters to come close to the actions of those in Thailand without demanding that something be done.

[farang prince]

Samak interview in which he threatens CNN's Dan Rivers when he's confronted with a lie...

"You don't use this word to me, eh? Don't use this word to me again. This is an insult to me", said in a threatening and menacing tone while pointing his finger at the interviewer...

Thai PM speaks about clashes

CNN's Dan Rivers talks with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej about political tensions and unrest.

Interview Video Link:

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world...ref=videosearch

Did we watch the same video? Samak pointed his finger at Rivers after Rivers said some people consider him a puppet of Thaksin. It was not while he was confronted with a lie. At least that is what I saw on the video on my screen.

Perhaps you forgot the part where Rivers reminded Samak that in their last interview, Samak claimed that there was nothing wrong with being Mr. Big's puppet.

No, I didn't forget it. But Samak didn't react to that. He got mad at the follow-up question. Perhaps he was fuming at the reminder and then reacted when Rivers wouldn't let the subject drop. But SJ said he got mad at being confronted in a lie. I didn't see it the same way.

[animatic]

I just don't trust the PAD leadership, too much contradictions and bullshit.

Agreed. Anyone that stages mass protests, raids TV stations, occupies the parliament, closes down airports, threatens to cut off electricity, water and telecommunications is not qualified to run a government, but belongs in a mental institution.

Sounds like any number of national leaders in earlier incarnations.

Charles DeGaule for instance. Some of this fits Mandela too.

Abraham Lincoln ordered many of the above or the equivalent for the time.

Everything is situational.

'Right' in history is written by WINNERS.

Think of the things Samak did in past incarnations too.

And now tries to denie....

Seems he isn't winning this round.

Old dog, old tricks; new times.

[h90]

just saw the Samak interview! Another masterpiece of a great comedian.

[thaigene2]

EDITORIAL IN YESTERDAY'S FINANCIAL TIMES: (Mods - can you pin this as its own news report - rather than burried here?). Yet again, it takes the quality international press to put things in perspective. Why can't Thailand's media see the forest for the trees?

Thailand must resist mob rule

Published: September 2 2008 22:07 | Last updated: September 2 2008 22:07

Less than a year since elections restored democratic rule after a military coup in 2006, Thailand has plunged into fresh instability. The worst violence seen in Bangkok for 16 years leaves Samak Sundaravej, the Thai prime minister, with few options. Clashes between anti-government protesters and supporters of the administration have left one dead and dozens injured. With air and rail services badly affected, tourism suffering and public sector unions threatening a national strike for Wednesday, the imposition of emergency rule in the capital on Tuesday was inevitable and justified.

The protests began a week ago when supporters of the People’s Alliance for Democracy occupied and barricaded Government House. The PAD accuses Mr Samak’s People Power Party of being a front for Thaksin Shinawatra, exiled former prime minister, and of buying votes in last December’s election. It says it wants to clean up the electoral system.

If so, it is going the wrong way about it. The PAD is subverting parliament by provoking a bloody confrontation with the government designed to bring about its collapse and the intervention of the army.

The opposition group may have miscalculated. Its proposals for a parliament with 70 per cent of its members appointed and 30 per cent elected are less a recipe for democratic reform and more a throwback to authoritarian rule. They have not won broad public support and newspapers have criticised the group’s actions. The Election Commission’s decision to recommend the Supreme Court disband the PPP for election fraud could fuel suspicions that a Bangkok elite, including elements of the army, bureaucracy, court and palace officials, is conspiring to stifle the country’s fragile democracy.

Mr Samak, who has sensibly built bridges with the generals in his short tenure, should stand firm. Whether or not he is a Thaksin proxy, he is still Thailand’s elected and legitimate leader. Moreover, despite the presence of several PAD backers, the army, which has a low tolerance of political disorder, is reluctant to become involved. The government is hopeful that the army will enforce emergency rule, giving the prime minister a breathing space.

Thailand should pause. If Mr Samak is to fall from power, it should be by parliamentary means. Ruling coalition politicians may have grounds for ousting the prime minister in the event he mishandles the crisis. That would mean fresh elections. But the removal of Mr Samak by an alliance of street protesters and a reactionary elite would mean mob rule in Thailand.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008

Link: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8c613ffa-7920-11...0077b07658.html

[Pierrot]

From the Nation :

"Acacdemics and educators call for House dissolution"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30082399

Should I add anything ?

Actually I've an other good one but I lost the link: A Thai "acacdemic" oppose the arrest of PAD leaders because then the PAD will be without leader ...

I look forward to read that a Harvard professor opposes of the hunt of Bin Laden because then Al Queida will be without leader ...

Edited September 3, 2008 by Pierrot

[Siripon]

Yew, the subheading of this thread is misleading to say the least, Samak has very little control, General Anupong has made it clear he won't break up the rally by force.

Samak's making blunder after blunder, the overreactive State Of Emergency announcement has obviously hurt business, several business leaders have been calling for Samak to resign even before that.

His anger in the CNN interview showed how the interviewer had hit a nerve-is Thaksin still pulling strings?!

The coalition partners are standing firm behind him now because they're waiting for the annual budget distribution,after that,who knows?

Dissolution or resignation I think it won't be long before Samak has gone, he's an embarrassment to all Thais. An example of the level of his thinking was seen on Sunday in Parliament, when accused of letting police manhandle the PAD demonstrators at Makhawan bridge he retorted the Democrats killed 10 Karen-God's army at Ratchaburi hospital years ago. He didn't mention the Karen had seized the hospital with 800 patients and personnel inside and were holding all as hostages.

So Prapat's to run for PPP in the Bangkok governor's election. If I remember rightly he is an old school friend of Pongthep, Thaksin's close buddy.

Talking of school, Newin was once in trouble at Suan Kularb for being in possession of an illegally modified gun, such a naughty boy!

[kurtgruen]

... PPP whicvh is funding the DAAD to cause disorder

so that Samak can make the Emergency degree ansd hopefully the army would have backed him up.

They didn't, so DAAD is quiet tonight.

Samak has over played his hand 4-5 times SO FAR this week,

and gotten it slapped. He is technically in charge, but functionally isolated more and more each day.

But like a cornered animal he is biting back at anyone in his face. CNN reporters included,

not matter how bad that makes him look on the world stage.

Now the back room deals are starting divide and conquer

and Samak is not included it's a question of time.

I agree with the above. I also highly suggest reading the article from "Asia Times Online", which has the interview with Sondhi (PAD), after the first coup. If what he claims is true, it is very interesting, how the powers behind the scenes used him to get rid of Thaksin and take control again.

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

Yes, I think that Samak has definitely overplayed his hand.

I don't think that he will still be Prime Minister by the end of the week.

I think Sondhi could be a powerful leader of the poor, but if he chooses to stick with the upper-middle class, his talents are wasted. He did show the poor how to organize though, which is a big plus for him.

Either way, I support him in getting rid of Samak and the corrupt PPP.

[Jai Dee]

Egat governor says over 100 staff on leave, but power generating not affected

Kraisee Kannasut, governor of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, said over 100 Egat employees went on leave Wednesday but the power generating was not affected.

He said Egat workers have their rights to be on leave to join demonstrations but their leave would not affect the operations of Egat.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Ports' services not disrupted: chief

The director-general of Port Authority of Thailand said Wednesday that some workers of the PAT took a leave but the services of PAT's ports were not affected.

PAT director-general Sunida Skulratana said only some of PAT employees used their right to take a leave but their leave did not affect the services of the PAT.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

[eastwest]

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

.....

At this dangerous moment, we have the following recommendations for all sides to consider in taking the necessary steps to end the political crisis.

First, the prime minister must revoke the state of emergency as quickly as possible. The longer this stern measure is imposed, the more damage it will create to confidence in the Thai economy and in the country as a whole.

Second, Samak must step down or dissolve Parliament to take responsibility for the fatal clashes on Tuesday and to bring an end to the political crisis. The Law Society of Thailand has issued a statement expressing doubt over the clash, which looked as if it was a plot written solely to lead to the declaration of the state of emergency. At the same time, the nine leaders of the PAD must turn themselves in to police to face allegations of treason against the state. Then the protesters must disperse in peace.

Third, all the coalition partners must consider pulling the plug if Samak insists on hanging on in office.

Fourth, an impartial committee must investigate the violent incident to find out who was the mastermind behind the clash between pro-government forces and the PAD.

Fifth, ASTV, the cable-TV broadcasting mouthpiece of the protesters, and NBT, the mouthpiece of the Public Relations Department, must stop disseminating news and information that incites further confrontation in Thai society.

We believe these crucial steps would help restore peace and order to society as a whole, for now at least.

Isn't this a tad unrealistic? The chances that the nine indicted PAD leaders will turn themselves in to the police to face treason charges are slim and none. If the protest succeeds in pressing Samak to resign it will only be the beginning. Sondhi and Chamlong will then demand that the PPP-led Parliament be dissolved. If and when that happens, a enormous political vacuum will be created in the country, one that will be ripe for exploitation by PAD or the military.

Edited September 3, 2008 by eastwest

[Jai Dee]

Suwit holds meeting of Puea Pandin MPs to discuss party's stand

Puea Pandin Party leader Suwit Khunkitti held a meeting of party MPs at a hotel Wednesday morning to discuss the party's stand toward the declaration of state of emergency.

Waemahadin Waedaoh, a Narathiwat MP of the party, said the meeting was held at the Rajabhat Suan Dusit Hotel at 10:30 am.

Waemahadin said his group disagreed with the declaration of the state of emergency in Bangkok.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

[sriracha john]

PAD blockade: Hat Yai airport cancels more flights

SONGKHLA, Sept 3 (TNA) - Thailand's Hat Yai airport cancelled at least three flights to Bangkok on Wednesday morning after anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters blockading the facility's entrance refused to disperse after blocking the main entrance to the airport for the second day.

The three cancelled flights were THAI Airways, Air Asia, and Nok Air.

The PAD protesters vowed to continue their blockade until midnight and threatened to storm into the terminal if the authorities use force to disperse them.

More PAD supporters are expected to join the protest at the venue, the commercial hub and crossroads of Thailand's southern region, later on Wednesday.

Songkhla PAD leader Banjong Na-sae said the group intended to gather again until the prime minister dissolves the House of Representatives.

Hat Yai Airport Authority director Wing Commander Nat Homasawin said as a result of the demonstration, seven flights bound for Bangkok were cancelled on Tuesday.

The question of whether flight services can resume as scheduled on Wednesday is subject to the outcome of negotiations with the demonstrators, he said.

Songkhla governor Sonthi Techanan tried to negotiate with the protest leaders Wednesday morning to persuade them to end their blockade.

Thai Airways International President Apinan Sumanaseni said four THAI flights between Bangkok and Hat Yai were cancelled. However, other domestic flights operated by THAI are not affected.

[hammered]

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

.....

At this dangerous moment, we have the following recommendations for all sides to consider in taking the necessary steps to end the political crisis.

First, the prime minister must revoke the state of emergency as quickly as possible. The longer this stern measure is imposed, the more damage it will create to confidence in the Thai economy and in the country as a whole.

Second, Samak must step down or dissolve Parliament to take responsibility for the fatal clashes on Tuesday and to bring an end to the political crisis. The Law Society of Thailand has issued a statement expressing doubt over the clash, which looked as if it was a plot written solely to lead to the declaration of the state of emergency. At the same time, the nine leaders of the PAD must turn themselves in to police to face allegations of treason against the state. Then the protesters must disperse in peace.

Third, all the coalition partners must consider pulling the plug if Samak insists on hanging on in office.

Fourth, an impartial committee must investigate the violent incident to find out who was the mastermind behind the clash between pro-government forces and the PAD.

Fifth, ASTV, the cable-TV broadcasting mouthpiece of the protesters, and NBT, the mouthpiece of the Public Relations Department, must stop disseminating news and information that incites further confrontation in Thai society.

We believe these crucial steps would help restore peace and order to society as a whole, for now at least.

Isn't this a tad unrealistic? The chances that the nine indicted PAD leaders will turn themselves in to the police to face treason charges are slim and none. If the protest succeeds is pressing Samak to resign it will only be the beginning. Sondhi and Chamlong will then demand that the PPP-led Parliament be dissolved. If and when that happens, a enormous political vacuum will be created in the country, one that will be ripe for exploitation by PAD or the military.

Nobody is going to be found guilty on treason charges imho.

If Samak goes but PPP get to rejoggle their cabinet there will be a breathing space. Right now all anyone is playing for is time in the hope that somebody will find th miracle cure. The reality is if the military smash the PAD or shut down ASTV chaos will ensue and the military know that. Equally if they launch a coup and throw out PPP you get the same. All anyone is hoping on both sides is that someone will change sides to end the logjam in a poltical manner. Right now it looks unilkely but as the Amnesty guy on BBC said coup government, elected goevrmnet, mob imposed government none of them can run the country unless they resolve the underlying problems.

[ThNiner]

From the Nation :

"Acacdemics and educators call for House dissolution"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30082399

Should I add anything ?

Actually I've an other good one but I lost the link: A Thai "acacdemic" oppose the arrest of PAD leaders because then the PAD will be without leader ...

I look forward to read that a Harvard professor opposes of the hunt of Bin Laden because then Al Queida will be without leader ...

I'm Thai, but in my humble opinion, your seemingly perfect English might need some polishing as well. I might be wrong though as I know nothing about the English language, unlike you the native speaker.

By the way, it's an abosulte joke to compare the PAD to Al-Qaeda.

Edited September 3, 2008 by ThNiner

[animatic]

Suwit holds meeting of Puea Pandin MPs to discuss party's stand

Puea Pandin Party leader Suwit Khunkitti held a meeting of party MPs at a hotel Wednesday morning to discuss the party's stand toward the declaration of state of emergency.

Waemahadin Waedaoh, a Narathiwat MP of the party, said the meeting was held at the Rajabhat Suan Dusit Hotel at 10:30 am.

Waemahadin said his group disagreed with the declaration of the state of emergency in Bangkok.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

Yes the cracks are showing already.

There have been there as faultlines,

but when it hits the press it's a done deal,

only the details being worked out.

And wasn't Nostrildamas's prediction that they would be out of

government house by LAST wednesday...

[hammered]

Suwit holds meeting of Puea Pandin MPs to discuss party's stand

Puea Pandin Party leader Suwit Khunkitti held a meeting of party MPs at a hotel Wednesday morning to discuss the party's stand toward the declaration of state of emergency.

Waemahadin Waedaoh, a Narathiwat MP of the party, said the meeting was held at the Rajabhat Suan Dusit Hotel at 10:30 am.

Waemahadin said his group disagreed with the declaration of the state of emergency in Bangkok.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

Yes the cracks are showing already.

There have been there as faultlines,

but when it hits the press it's a done deal,

only the details being worked out.

And wasn't Nostrildamas's prediction that they would be out of

government house by LAST wednesday...

It'll be amazing if anyone jumps ship before the budget bill is passed. They need that to fill their coffers.

[h90]

From the Nation :

"Acacdemics and educators call for House dissolution"

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30082399

Should I add anything ?

Actually I've an other good one but I lost the link: A Thai "acacdemic" oppose the arrest of PAD leaders because then the PAD will be without leader ...

I look forward to read that a Harvard professor opposes of the hunt of Bin Laden because then Al Queida will be without leader ...

I'm Thai, but in my humble opinion, your seemingly perfect English might need some polishing as well. I might be wrong though as I know nothing about the English language, unlike you the native speaker.

By the way, it's an abosulte joke to compare the PAD to Al-Qaeda.

I agree! It gets boring....PAD=Al-Queida, Sondhi=Hitler, Chamlong=crazy corrupt monk.....

Again what policy have user who write such bs? Even uninformed and silly does not lead to such an hate.

What is going on......are they paid?

[blaze]

First night of emergency state passes with no violent incident for PAD

The People's Alliance for Democracy continued its demonstration in the Government House throughout the night without any violent incident.

But rumours spread throughout the night that either pro-government protesters or security officials would raid the Government House to evict PAD demonstrators.

When the morning came, the tension apparently eased and many protesters left the rally site while many others had breakfast provided by the PAD.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

It's positive note that there was no repeat of this....

...and in this topsy turvy world, if we can't depend on four photographs posted by one of the only non-partisan members of this forum- what can we depend on?

I agree!

Think People...the above are pictures of DAAD, the PPP sponsored (and paid for) group that violently attacked the peaceful PAD protest at Government House. How can anyone still claim that the PPP are the good guys????

.... and if we can't depend on four pictures posted by one of the only really non-parisan members of this forum to give us a clear understanding of the conflict- what can we depend on?

Edited September 3, 2008 by blaze

[Pierrot]

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

Isn't this a tad unrealistic?

Please read the second line : "By The Nation". What do you expect ?

I remember the answer of TV adm. responding to critics questioning their impartiality because of their frequent use of The Nation articles : Because it's free !

You pay peanuts, you get monkey !

[Insight]

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

Isn't this a tad unrealistic?

Please read the second line : "By The Nation". What do you expect ?

I remember the answer of TV adm. responding to critics questioning their impartiality because of their frequent use of The Nation articles : Because it's free !

You pay peanuts, you get monkey !

I don't pay a satang to read your posts.

[hammered]

Shawn Crispin with a piece worth a read as always imho

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JI03Ae01.html

[Jai Dee]

High ranking police officials meet

The Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police and Interim Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner, Pol. Gen. Chongrak Chuthanon (จงรัก จุฑานนท์), Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police (2) Pol. Gen. Wirote Phahonwet (วิโรจน์ พหลเวช), Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Pol. Maj. Gen. Suchart Muenkaew (สุชาติ เหมือนแก้ว), Metropolitan Police Division 1 Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Amnuay Nimano (อำนวย นิ่มมโน), and other high ranking police officials are conducting a meeting to assess demonstrations by the People's Alliance for Democracy, which have been ongoing for 102 days now.

PAD members have not been deterred by implementation of the Emergency Decree within the Bangkok Metropolitan area. Pol. Gen. Chongrak declined to comment on the details of the meeting, due to military authority over the current political situation.

The Deputy Commissioner General did reveal that major targets for water and electrical sabotage by the PAD include the Royal Thai Police headquarters, and the Metropolitan Police Bureau headquarters, although so far demonstators have been unable to achieve their objective.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 September 2008

[h90]

Five Crucial Steps for Ending Crisis

By The Nation

Isn't this a tad unrealistic?

Please read the second line : "By The Nation". What do you expect ?

I remember the answer of TV adm. responding to critics questioning their impartiality because of their frequent use of The Nation articles : Because it's free !

You pay peanuts, you get monkey !

we got you already....where to pay the peanuts?

[blaze]

... PPP whicvh is funding the DAAD to cause disorder

so that Samak can make the Emergency degree ansd hopefully the army would have backed him up.

They didn't, so DAAD is quiet tonight.

Samak has over played his hand 4-5 times SO FAR this week,

and gotten it slapped. He is technically in charge, but functionally isolated more and more each day.

But like a cornered animal he is biting back at anyone in his face. CNN reporters included,

not matter how bad that makes him look on the world stage.

Now the back room deals are starting divide and conquer

and Samak is not included it's a question of time.

I agree with the above. I also highly suggest reading the article from "Asia Times Online", which has the interview with Sondhi (PAD), after the first coup. If what he claims is true, it is very interesting, how the powers behind the scenes used him to get rid of Thaksin and take control again.

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

Yes, I think that Samak has definitely overplayed his hand.

I don't think that he will still be Prime Minister by the end of the week.

I think Sondhi could be a powerful leader of the poor, but if he chooses to stick with the upper-middle class, his talents are wasted. He did show the poor how to organize though, which is a big plus for him.

Either way, I support him in getting rid of Samak and the corrupt PPP.

Sondhi showed the poor how to organize? I hope by the 'poor' you aren't referring to the PAD membership.

But actually- a real fear for Thailand in the future is that in fact, he has shown the poor how to organize- not directly- but by precedent (this is twice now) and by example: that with a charismatic leader and a bunch of people who are sufficiently dedicated- regime change needn't follow the strict rules set out by the consitution.

Edited September 3, 2008 by blaze

[jongkolkhoo]

How ever allegedly corrupt a former leader was. ??????

How somebody with a little bit of brain can be of the side of a bankrupt billionair which runs 24/7 propaganda on his ASTV . NO one opinion how to solve anything only NAZI style shouting and blackmailing.

Peaceful protesting my goodness. Clearly he an his companions want to get rid (they say so openly )of a whatever good or bad functioning democracy for the good of a 'elite" dictatorship .

But if you want to be on that side of the fence, good luck. But once they reach their goals they might stop paying the daily wage for protesting.

By the way: never liked Samak (thought bit old for that business ) but any time, better then that PAD leaders

Sad times.

Just ask yourself if this were your own country and the goverment which was in power was saturated with corruption and was'nt prepared to bring an ex leader to justice even though he had ripped off millions of tax payers money. Which side of the fence would you be on?

I totally agree.

[h90]

High ranking police officials meet

The Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police and Interim Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner, Pol. Gen. Chongrak Chuthanon (จงรัก จุฑานนท์), Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police (2) Pol. Gen. Wirote Phahonwet (วิโรจน์ พหลเวช), Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau Pol. Maj. Gen. Suchart Muenkaew (สุชาติ เหมือนแก้ว), Metropolitan Police Division 1 Commissioner Pol. Maj. Gen. Amnuay Nimano (อำนวย นิ่มมโน), and other high ranking police officials are conducting a meeting to assess demonstrations by the People's Alliance for Democracy, which have been ongoing for 102 days now.

PAD members have not been deterred by implementation of the Emergency Decree within the Bangkok Metropolitan area. Pol. Gen. Chongrak declined to comment on the details of the meeting, due to military authority over the current political situation.

The Deputy Commissioner General did reveal that major targets for water and electrical sabotage by the PAD include the Royal Thai Police headquarters, and the Metropolitan Police Bureau headquarters, although so far demonstators have been unable to achieve their objective.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 September 2008

That means the labor unions are on the way to cut electric and water and it means that these offices did not pay their bill for more than 1 month.

(the unions made it clear that they only cut places with open invoices, so I think it is complete legal to cut them)

[Journalist]

"PAD Peace Feeler

Bangkok Post

Mr Sondhi said the government must promise not to amend the charter in its favour; to observe the Constitution Court's order regarding Preah Vihear temple; to suspend all mega-projects; and to commit to political reforms and increased public participation in politics.

Mr Sondhi said the four-point demand was strictly his own proposal, not the PAD's. He had yet to put the matter to other core members.

"They must accept the four-point demand - and only if the prime minister is either Somchai Wongsawat or Surapong Suebwonglee," said Mr Sondhi."

This guy has gotten far too big for his boots; with his unilateral demands. Someone should remind him that he's not the Head of State.

Edited September 3, 2008 by Journalist