Protesters Clash With Airport Security As Pm Arrives In Surat Thani

[george]

Protesters clash with airport security as PM arrives in Surat Thani

SURAT THANI: -- People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters here clashed with airport security shortly after the arrival of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Saturday.

The incident took place after Mr. Somchai, appointed prime minister on September 18 and his party were leaving the airport and confronted a group of PAD protesters.

Minor clashes between security personnel and the PAD took place but no casualties were reported.

Mr. Somchai is making a day-visit to his hometown in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, near Surat Thani.

The PAD protesters had earlier threatened to close airports in the region in civil obedience against Mr. Somchai, a brother-in-law of ousted, fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, now seeking political asylum in Britain.

Mr. Somchai told journalists at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport before leaving for Surat Thani that a proposal made jointly by 24 rectors of state and privately-run universities following their meeting Thursday asking him to promote political reform by establishing an independent four-point Reform Commission was "interesting" but he preferred not speak much on politics at present.

He said opinions on resolving local political turmoil could be discussed without a problem but the country must adhere to the democratic system having the king as the pillar.

-- TNA 2008-09-27

[TAWP]

but he preferred not speak much on politics at present.

Where is the thumbs-up smailie when one needs it...

[JUDAS]

but he preferred not speak much on politics at present.

Where is the thumbs-up smailie when one needs it...

I would like to think something was lost in translation here but somehow I doubt it

[PeaceBlondie]

Clash? Not the rock group..."Minor clashes between security personnel and the PAD took place but no casualties were reported." If that report were reliable, no casualties means not even a contusion or scratch. Not much of a clash.

[TAWP]

They might have been shouting hurtful things...

Edited September 27, 2008 by TAWP

[Scott]

Oh, Oh, hurling insults--when will the defamation suits start?

[geriatrickid]

PAD has every right to protest, but blocking airports and harming innocent people is not the way to go. I'm at the point now where they should just gather up the PAD and antiPad or whatever, issue them foam rubber clubs and tell the idiots to go get out their anger down at the playground.

[h90]

PAD has every right to protest, but blocking airports and harming innocent people is not the way to go. I'm at the point now where they should just gather up the PAD and antiPad or whatever, issue them foam rubber clubs and tell the idiots to go get out their anger down at the playground.

Minor clashes between security personnel and the PAD took place but no casualties were reported.

[annamaria4711]

Well that's one sure way of keeping the tourists at bay from Thailand, hope the local businesses reliant on tourism, hotels, boats, chefs, waiters, cleaners, taxis etc etc have a paddy field that they can farm some rice, so that they can carry on feeding their families ..... Very astute of the PAd to do that....notice how the PAD in Bangkok has already distanced themselves from this action..not entirely a united front..or rather..turn your back on your supporters if its likely to come back on you..not exactly a stalwart party for its people !!!!!

PAD GO HOME and let honest people get on with their honest every day work to help their families...the poor people need work they don't have their parents trust funds to pay their way

[animatic]

PAD has every right to protest, but blocking airports and harming innocent people is not the way to go. I'm at the point now where they should just gather up the PAD and antiPad or whatever, issue them foam rubber clubs and tell the idiots to go get out their anger down at the playground.

Minor clashes between security personnel and the PAD took place but no casualties were reported.

You don't become PM of Thailand and remain an innocent...

You don't become a guard for the PM without knowing the score.

These guys made a lot of noise and tried to block a car,

so that they could yell at it's occupant longer.

Part of the political turf Somchai signed on for.

You get more violence at anti-abortion rallys.

Edited September 27, 2008 by animatic