State Of Emergency Announced In Bangkok

[Jai Dee]

Abhisit proposes debate to find solution

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva Wednesday called for the House debate to find a way out of political unrest.

Abhisit said the House should interrupt its session on the budget and map out a political solution, as suggested by Army chief General Anupong Paochinda.

Anupong, who is in charge of enforcing emergency measures, said on Tuesday the state of emergency could only ensure no more bloodshed between opposing crowds, but politicians are duty-bound to end the unrest.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

[h90]

Why rely on newsbits chewed and spat out by others? PAD said this, PAD plans that - look at their plans are as they themselves announce them.

Also, look at four demands put out by Sondhi - 70:30 plan is simply not there.

OK

Let's forget what PAD said.

Let's focus on what they did.

Regarding the other dark point of their program: create the conditions of a war against Cambodia, THEY INDEED acted.

3 of their friends entered in the no mans land: this provocation nearly obliged the 2 countries to declare the war.

Then PAD guy did take their cars and drove to the temple to create troubles. No need big troubles to make the war erupt.

They DID that, it was not only words. They want the war and they'll do all to succeed.

PAD created conditions of a war against Cambodia

It wasn't the government who signed some strange things???

Edited September 3, 2008 by h90

[Jai Dee]

DPM says demonstrations by students permissible

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education says that political demonstrations by university and secondary school students are permissible, although students should do so in a safe and orderly manner.

In response to calls for his resignation from students due to his perceived disagreement with their demonstration, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) said that he was not personally opposed to political expression among students, but merely wished for youths to exercise safety and caution when demonstating. Mr. Somchai said that political demonstrations among students is not forbidden, but safety concerns do exist. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the decision on whether to demonstrate or not is of course up to students.

Mr. Somchai said that he would like People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators to sort out political issues peacefully instead of blockading Government House and the Ministry of Education. Mr. Somchai said that demonstrators should not view that all politicians wished for personal gain, as he himself aimed to improve Thailand's education system and work for the nation.

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

[RedQualia]

So what's the way out? Any viable long term solution would seem to need some sort of "legitimacy." Something that at least sounds like "The Rule of Law." Given the EC's decision that the PPP should be disbanded because of vote buying (as well as the many rumors of some sort of Samak/Thaksin partnership), it doesn't look like Samak has a very strong appeal for representing any Rule of Law. Except, of course, he's the Prime Minister.

At the same time, PAD is "the mob." Sure, "Sondhi fights for the King." But then, so would Samak say, and anyway, who doesn't fight for the King? It's a vacuous phrase, unless one is trying to wrap oneself in the flag or some such ("I'm more patriotic than YOU!").

PAD cannot appeal to legitimacy, and nor, it seems, can Samak.

Then there's that tricky matter of "saving face," or at least, of not losing too much of it. To what degree is this a sticking point at present, and how does the Thai system allow both Sondhi and Samak to approach this detail, in any way?

Can the government do anything other than wait the situation out? Bad as the option may sound? Each man actually having to move his own chess pieces, constantly looking for checkmate. Looking for the opposition to blow it. What a slog. And the people grow weary, as do the chess pieces.

Any other solution must likely come from the courts and/or legal system (such as it is, at present), and not the military. Crafting a workable solution will surely take considerable time and skill, if it can be done at all.

[Jai Dee]

PAD assembly area at Government House remains lively

The People's Alliance for Democracy assembly area in front of Government House remains lively, with different PAD activists taking the stage and verbally attacking the government.

PAD demonstrations in front of Government House continues despite the implementation of the Emergency Decree within the Bangkok Metropolitan area. PAD activists on Government House grounds are current using makeshift stages to denounce the government and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej (สมัคร สุนทรเวช), while PAD activists outside the Government House compound are following the speeches through amplifiers.

Reports observed groups of female secondary school students distributing food to People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators at the Chamai Maruchet Bridge (สะพานชมัยมรุเชฐ). A large number of PAD activists were seen resting within their tents. A continuous flow of PAD supporters are arriving at Government House throughout the day.

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

[ubonjoe]

Commando police positioned at intersections around Government House

Commando and metropolitan police were positioned at intersections around Government House Wednesday, the eight day after the People's Alliance for Democracy seized the compound.

Some 20 to 30 policemen were also positioned at about 200 metres away from each gate of the Government House.

The PAD staff have piled up rubber tiles on roads around Government House and deployed its guards, who were armed with iron bars or batons, at each gate.

[Jai Dee]

CAT Telecom threatens to cease operations if Cabinet does not resign

The CAT Telecom Company Labor Union is threatening to shut down international telephone and internet services in Thailand if the Cabinet does not resign.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union, Mr. Somboon Supsarn (สมบูรณ์ ทรัพย์สาร), reports that some portions of the company's labor union have sided with People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrations. More than 3,000 CAT Telecom workers are expected to join PAD demonstrators today (September 3). Mr. Somboon said that the rest of the CAT Telecom Labor Union will wait for clarification on the government's stance after today before acting.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union affirms that if the Cabinet does not resign by today (September 3), the union will cease all internet gateway and international telephone services in Thailand. Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Man Pattanotai (มั่น พัธโนทัย), said that the Army Commander in Chief maintained most peacekeeping authority and would be responsible for handling the CAT Telecom Labor Union. Mr. Man said that his ministry can only levy its computer laws against the Labor Union.

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

[animatic]

'No representation without taxation' would be a better platform.

LOL. one of the few that MIGHT work here.

Actual; stake holds vote.

But those being ripped blind by up country kamnans

to finance loans they can't pay back get a raw deal

no matter how you slice it. Can't make enough profit to pay taxes...

the big hand comes and takes it.

[hammered]

DPM says demonstrations by students permissible

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education says that political demonstrations by university and secondary school students are permissible, although students should do so in a safe and orderly manner.

In response to calls for his resignation from students due to his perceived disagreement with their demonstration, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) said that he was not personally opposed to political expression among students, but merely wished for youths to exercise safety and caution when demonstating. Mr. Somchai said that political demonstrations among students is not forbidden, but safety concerns do exist. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the decision on whether to demonstrate or not is of course up to students.

Mr. Somchai said that he would like People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators to sort out political issues peacefully instead of blockading Government House and the Ministry of Education. Mr. Somchai said that demonstrators should not view that all politicians wished for personal gain, as he himself aimed to improve Thailand's education system and work for the nation.

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

Thailand's next PM?

[kurtgruen]

Yesterday the army chief said the sides shoudl negotiate. PAD come back with this. The ball is in Samak's court. He cant just keep refusing to move.

The whole idea of Negotiations is to ask for more than you really expect to get, so you can come up with a compromise that all parties involved can live with, after the other party makes a counter offer or suggestion.

That's why I believe, that in the end, Samak will end up having to resign and the rest of the PPP coalition will have to promise not to amend the Charter and to abide by the decisions of the courts, whatever they may be.

The PPP isn't really in a position to make a lot of demands on their own, given the situation. At best, if they agree to the above, the PAD will move it's peaceful demonstration to a neutral location and stop blocking Airports, etc.

I think that the above would be the best possible outcome from negotiations at this time, given all the facts at the moment.

In such a case, the PPP coalition would survive until (if the courts decide such) the courts decide that they should be disolved....

Then elections could be called and hopefully, there will be less vote buying and election fraud, given the consequences.

If in another election, the candidates and party can't refrain from vote buying and corruption again, then maybe something similar as this PAD protest will have to happen again. As they say, Rome wasn't build in one day. This will be a long, drawnout process, before we eventually might end up with a less corrupt government :-(

Sondhi has said repeatedly that negotiations can only start after Samak resigns. Hardly much of a negotiation is it.

The government could I suppose say the same thing. ; negotiations can start only after PAD withdraw from GH

Back to the old stalemate.

The PAD, seems to be holding most of the Cards right now, they are coming from a position of power.

[Moonrakers]

CAT Telecom threatens to cease operations if Cabinet does not resign

The CAT Telecom Company Labor Union is threatening to shut down international telephone and internet services in Thailand if the Cabinet does not resign.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union, Mr. Somboon Supsarn (สมบูรณ์ ทรัพย์สาร), reports that some portions of the company's labor union have sided with People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrations. More than 3,000 CAT Telecom workers are expected to join PAD demonstrators today (September 3). Mr. Somboon said that the rest of the CAT Telecom Labor Union will wait for clarification on the government's stance after today before acting.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union affirms that if the Cabinet does not resign by today (September 3), the union will cease all internet gateway and international telephone services in Thailand. Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Man Pattanotai (มั่น พัธโนทัย), said that the Army Commander in Chief maintained most peacekeeping authority and would be responsible for handling the CAT Telecom Labor Union. Mr. Man said that his ministry can only levy its computer laws against the Labor Union.

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

That'd throw a spanner in the works.

[hammered]

CAT Telecom threatens to cease operations if Cabinet does not resign

The CAT Telecom Company Labor Union is threatening to shut down international telephone and internet services in Thailand if the Cabinet does not resign.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union, Mr. Somboon Supsarn (สมบูรณ์ ทรัพย์สาร), reports that some portions of the company's labor union have sided with People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrations. More than 3,000 CAT Telecom workers are expected to join PAD demonstrators today (September 3). Mr. Somboon said that the rest of the CAT Telecom Labor Union will wait for clarification on the government's stance after today before acting.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union affirms that if the Cabinet does not resign by today (September 3), the union will cease all internet gateway and international telephone services in Thailand. Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Man Pattanotai (มั่น พัธโนทัย), said that the Army Commander in Chief maintained most peacekeeping authority and would be responsible for handling the CAT Telecom Labor Union. Mr. Man said that his ministry can only levy its computer laws against the Labor Union.

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

That'd throw a spanner in the works.

We wouldnt be able to waste hours debating every last development

[Jai Dee]

Ramkhamhaeng students calls on 5 government coalition parties to withdraw

The Student Power Network for a Better Society of Ramkhamhaeng University is calling on 5 coalition parties to withdraw from the government in order to end the nation's political stalemate.

Representatives of the Student Power Network for a Better Society of Ramkhamhaeng University, led by network coordinator Mr. Sikanan Noolek (สิกขนันท์ หนูเล็ก), conducted a press conference calling on the government's 5 supporting parties to withdraw from their coalition. The student network views that the government has lost the right to administer the nation due to lack of good governance, and use of violence against the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Students said that if the Prime Minister continutes to refuse calls for his resignation and for the dissolution of Parliament, the nation's political crisis will continue. The Student Power Network for a Better Society also opposes the government's implementation of the Emergency Decree, due to the reduction of freedom and rights of citizens and the press. Students admit that they do not support the People's Alliance for Democracy's ideology of new politics.

The student network is calling on all sides to maintain order and to unite to prevent undemocratic changes from occurring in the nation.

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

[Thai at Heart]

The definition was bandied about earlier, but not necessarily accurately.:

Politician

–noun

1. a person who is active in party politics.

2. a seeker or holder of public office,

who is more concerned about winning favor or retaining power than about maintaining principles.

3. a person who holds a political office.

4. a person skilled in political government or administration; statesman or stateswoman.

5. an expert in politics or political government.

6. a person who seeks to gain power or advancement within an organization in ways that are generally disapproved.

I highlighted the ones I feel most apply here.

Seems relevant for most of the protagonists on both sides

A politician (from Greek "polis") is an individual who is involved in influencing public decision making through the influence of politics or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics. This includes people who hold decision-making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election, coup d'état, appointment, electoral fraud, conquest, right of inheritance (see also: divine right) or other means. Politics are not limited to governance through public office. Political offices may also be held in corporations, and other entities that are governed by self-defined political processes.

Considered a politician

A person who is active in party politics.

In a state, a member of the executive branch of government, or the office of Head of State, as well as the legislative branch, and regional and local levels of government.

Any person influencing group opinions in his or her favor can be termed a politician. For example, a worker participating in office politics is a politician, but only so far as the operations of his or her workplace are concerned.

Some law enforcement officers, such as sheriffs, and many judges who are elected or appointed because of their political views or popularity.

[sriracha john]

Why rely on newsbits chewed and spat out by others? PAD said this, PAD plans that - look at their plans are as they themselves announce them.

Also, look at four demands put out by Sondhi - 70:30 plan is simply not there.

OK

Let's forget what PAD said.

Let's focus on what they did.

Regarding the other dark point of their program: create the conditions of a war against Cambodia, THEY INDEED acted.

3 of their friends entered in the no mans land

Strange how no where in the 505 posts of the topic-specific thread, Thai Troops Enter Cambodia, was that proffered, but thanks for that exclusive scoop.

[hammered]

Ramkhamhaeng students calls on 5 government coalition parties to withdraw

The Student Power Network for a Better Society of Ramkhamhaeng University is calling on 5 coalition parties to withdraw from the government in order to end the nation's political stalemate.

Representatives of the Student Power Network for a Better Society of Ramkhamhaeng University, led by network coordinator Mr. Sikanan Noolek (สิกขนันท์ หนูเล็ก), conducted a press conference calling on the government's 5 supporting parties to withdraw from their coalition. The student network views that the government has lost the right to administer the nation due to lack of good governance, and use of violence against the People's Alliance for Democracy.

Students said that if the Prime Minister continutes to refuse calls for his resignation and for the dissolution of Parliament, the nation's political crisis will continue. The Student Power Network for a Better Society also opposes the government's implementation of the Emergency Decree, due to the reduction of freedom and rights of citizens and the press. Students admit that they do not support the People's Alliance for Democracy's ideology of new politics.

The student network is calling on all sides to maintain order and to unite to prevent undemocratic changes from occurring in the nation.

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

Jatuporn is going to go thermonuclear. Ram students are not allowed to criticise the party of the truly and only principled democracy loving mighty and odious little Jatuporn!

[Jai Dee]

Puea Pan Din Party to remain in government coalition for time being

The Spokesperson to the Puea Pan Din (เพื่อแผ่นดิน) Party, Mr. Chaiyot Chiramethakorn (ไชยยศ จิรเมธากร), conducted a press conference following a meeting of administrators, ministers, and parliament members, of the party, headed by Puea Pan Din Party leader Suvit Khunkitti (สุวิทย์ คุณกิตติ). Mr. Chaiyot reports that the meeting involved analysis of current events in the nation, and the party has expressed concern over ongoing conflicts which have resulted in deaths and injuries. The Puea Pan Din Party would like to call on all sides to resolve their differences peacefully and in a democratic manner in order to protect the nation's interests.

The Spokesperson to the Puea Pan Din (เพื่อแผ่นดิน) Party said that the party has established a 4 member Whip Committee to closely monitor the political situation. Whip members can call a party meeting at any time to respond to future events. Mr. Chaiyot affirms that his party will remain in coalition with the government at this time, despite Mr. Suvit's suggestions that the party withdrawy. Mr. Chaiyot said that the Puea Pan Din Party leader's stance was a personal opinion and not representative of the entire party's stance.

The Spokesperson to the Puea Pan Din (เพื่อแผ่นดิน) Party adds that the party's Whip Committee will update members on a daily basis.

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

[sriracha john]

Chai considers House debate for crisis solution

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said Wednesday he was thinking about talking with all parties to call a session to map out a solution to political turbulence.

Chai said he was consulting the coalition and the opposition over another debate. Sunday's session ended in a failure.

He denied son Newin masterminded progovernment demonstrators to clash with the antigovernment faction on Tuesday, where one man was killed and others injured.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

If it wasn't so sad, it'd be almost comical how the House Speaker seems to always have to qualify any statement he makes with denials about his banned son's involvement in any event of the day...

[Moonrakers]

Chai considers House debate for crisis solution

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said Wednesday he was thinking about talking with all parties to call a session to map out a solution to political turbulence.

Chai said he was consulting the coalition and the opposition over another debate. Sunday's session ended in a failure.

He denied son Newin masterminded progovernment demonstrators to clash with the antigovernment faction on Tuesday, where one man was killed and others injured.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

If it wasn't so sad, it'd be almost comical how the House Speaker seems to always have to qualify any statement he makes with denials about his banned son's involvement in any event of the day...

I can just see it now.

Chai considers extra funding for schools.

Oh, and by the way, Newin didn't do it.

[jitagon]

Abhisit proposes debate to find solution

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva Wednesday called for the House debate to find a way out of political unrest.

Abhisit said the House should interrupt its session on the budget and map out a political solution, as suggested by Army chief General Anupong Paochinda.

Anupong, who is in charge of enforcing emergency measures, said on Tuesday the state of emergency could only ensure no more bloodshed between opposing crowds, but politicians are duty-bound to end the unrest.

Source: The Nation - 03 September 2008

Hear, hear.

[kurtgruen]

CAT Telecom threatens to cease operations if Cabinet does not resign

The CAT Telecom Company Labor Union is threatening to shut down international telephone and internet services in Thailand if the Cabinet does not resign.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union, Mr. Somboon Supsarn (สมบูรณ์ ทรัพย์สาร), reports that some portions of the company's labor union have sided with People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrations. More than 3,000 CAT Telecom workers are expected to join PAD demonstrators today (September 3). Mr. Somboon said that the rest of the CAT Telecom Labor Union will wait for clarification on the government's stance after today before acting.

The Chairman of the CAT Telecom Labor Union affirms that if the Cabinet does not resign by today (September 3), the union will cease all internet gateway and international telephone services in Thailand. Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Mr. Man Pattanotai (มั่น พัธโนทัย), said that the Army Commander in Chief maintained most peacekeeping authority and would be responsible for handling the CAT Telecom Labor Union. Mr. Man said that his ministry can only levy its computer laws against the Labor Union.

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

That'd throw a spanner in the works.

We wouldnt be able to waste hours debating every last development

Hmmmm...maybe some of us will go out and have a real life for a change.....Naaaaah, this too shall pass and soon we will all be glued to our computers again. There are also the computer games, for those of us who will go through internet withdrawals. If all else fails...take the dog for a walk or talk to the wife ;-)

[geovalin]

thanks for that exclusive scoop.

you're welcome

[sriracha john]

DPM says demonstrations by students permissible

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education says that political demonstrations by university and secondary school students are permissible, although students should do so in a safe and orderly manner.

In response to calls for his resignation from students due to his perceived disagreement with their demonstration, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) said that he was not personally opposed to political expression among students, but merely wished for youths to exercise safety and caution when demonstating. Mr. Somchai said that political demonstrations among students is not forbidden, but safety concerns do exist. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the decision on whether to demonstrate or not is of course up to students.

Mr. Somchai said that he would like People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators to sort out political issues peacefully instead of blockading Government House and the Ministry of Education. Mr. Somchai said that demonstrators should not view that all politicians wished for personal gain, as he himself aimed to improve Thailand's education system and work for the nation.

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

Just the same as his banned for 5 years wife and his banned for 5 years fugitive brother-in-law who coincidentally was Education Minister himself due to his remarkable ability to multi-task as PM.

Edited September 3, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

thanks for that exclusive scoop.

you're welcome

Due to its breaking news status, you should update that topic-specific thread.

[Koo82]

didn't the people of Thailand elect the PPP as their government with a majority and more than any other party? If so, why is a minority protesting? Let's face the truth here for a second, the majority of Thais have voted for the PPP. Why is their choice not being respected? And occupying government buildings and TV stations and threatening to cut off electricity and water supplies is hardly democracy, but anarchy.

Well said. If they understood it, the mess would stop.

[Koo82]

Elections -> Vote Buying Allegations -> Coup -> Elections -> Vote Buying Allegations -> Revolution -> lections -> Vote Buying Allegations -> Coup -> Elections -> Vote Buying Allegations -> .....

Excellent!

[LuckyFive8888]

didn't the people of Thailand elect the PPP as their government with a majority and more than any other party? If so, why is a minority protesting? Let's face the truth here for a second, the majority of Thais have voted for the PPP. Why is their choice not being respected? And occupying government buildings and TV stations and threatening to cut off electricity and water supplies is hardly democracy, but anarchy.

Well said. If they understood it, the mess would stop.

funny... like you didn't heard about rampant election fraud.

[onethailand]

Fashion or political statement?

On my journey from home to work today (Ekamai to Victory Monument), I observed about 5-600 people on the BTS, on the street and in shopping centers.

Normally one would expect quite a number of yellow shirts allowing to the recent trend of people wearing yellow to show their support for the King.

On Monday, the normal day for wearing yellow, that number had dropped from 3 in 4 to 1 in 4 (if that).

Today - I saw a total of 5 people wearing yellow - about 1 in 100. Only one was wearing red and that looked more like part of a company uniform than a statement.

The predominant colors being worn today were white, black, gray, pink and light blue, the last two mostly also showing support for the King.

I believe that this sudden change in fashion is a political statement of a sort - not to show support for either side, but to show Bangkokians are not interested in provoking conflict. Undoubtedly there will be many PAD and/or DAAD supporters amongst these people - but they're not interested in provocation or attracting attention to themselves.

Edited September 3, 2008 by onethailand

[sriracha john]

DPM says demonstrations by students permissible

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education says that political demonstrations by university and secondary school students are permissible, although students should do so in a safe and orderly manner.

In response to calls for his resignation from students due to his perceived disagreement with their demonstration, Deputy Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat (สมชาย วงศ์สวัสดิ์) said that he was not personally opposed to political expression among students, but merely wished for youths to exercise safety and caution when demonstating. Mr. Somchai said that political demonstrations among students is not forbidden, but safety concerns do exist. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the decision on whether to demonstrate or not is of course up to students.

Mr. Somchai said that he would like People's Alliance for Democracy demonstrators to sort out political issues peacefully instead of blockading Government House and the Ministry of Education. Mr. Somchai said that demonstrators should not view that all politicians wished for personal gain, as he himself aimed to improve Thailand's education system and work for the nation.

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

Thailand's next PM?

Between him and his MP daughter, they'd be in good positions to absolve Mom Yaowapa's and Uncle Thaksin's bannings.

[hammered]

Fashion or political statement?

On my journey from home to work today (Ekamai to Victory Monument), I observed about 5-600 people on the BTS, on the street and in shopping centers.

Normally one would expect quite a number of yellow shirts allowing to the recent trend of people wearing yellow to show their support for the King.

On Monday, the normal day for wearing yellow, that number had dropped from 3 in 4 to 1 in 4 (if that).

Today - I saw a total of 5 people wearing yellow - about 1 in 100. Only one was wearing red and that looked more like part of a company uniform than a statement.

The predominant colors being worn today were white, black, gray, pink and light blue, the last two mostly also showing support for the King.

I believe that this sudden change in fashion is a political statement of a sort - not to show support for either side, but to show Bangkokians are not interested in provoking conflict. Undoubtedly there will be many PAD and/or DAAD supporters amongst these people - but they're not interested in provocation or attracting attention to themselves.

I think it is fair to say people dont want to take a right mullering on their way to work because of misidentification. Also if the authorites happened to be telling porkies they could be whipped off to jail if there were a crackdown too.

Still I wouldnt waste too much time counting what people were wearing. You may get reported for being some kinda perv if you aint careful;)