Police Fire Tear Gas At Protesters In Front Of Parliament

[Plus]

Aren't we all adults? Why some heavy language?

I voted TRT and PPP because of what they did and are doing for Thailand.

I don't vote for the other party because they caused the Tom Yum Koong Crisis in 1997.

I don't vote for another coup because it proved that 2 years after Khun Thaksin went, they worked mei dai ruang (they don't work successfully).

Hmmm, but dear Koo, all the politicians who caused 1997 crisis ended up with TRT, starting with Chavalit.

Also 2 years after the coup - the anniversary was just a month ago, I totally agree that the government is "mei dai ruang", and it's of course PPP government.

[sylviex]

I think that poster had their tongue in cheek.

shhhh..... you'll ruin all the funny replies from those too slow on the uptake....

But I think there was more than a grain of truth in what was implied.

Anyway, to answer my own question about the numbers at the stadium:

Show of force begins

By The Nation

Tens of thousands of supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra gathered at the Rajamangala Stadium Saturday to hear the speech of their ousted leader.

The supporters in red T-shirts occupied half of 70,000 seats in the stadium by 1:45 pm and their number kept rising amid stepped-up security by police.

Most of them came arrived on buses from northern and northeastern provinces. Thousands came to wait outside the Hua Mak stadium even before the compound of the stadium was open

Edited November 1, 2008 by sylviex

[Koo82]

Dear Plus,

I don't think you're right. The PPP only cleared what were done during Mr. Pom Kit Wa's time.

[Plus]

The PPP only cleared what were done during Mr. Pom Kit Wa's time.

I think I lost you here. Are you talking about PPP or TRT? If you mean 1997 crisis, Democrats have absolutely nothing to do with it - even the IMF terms were negotiated by Thanong Bidaya, who eventually became Finance Minister in Thaksin's government.

Democrats took power in December that year and had no other options but follow the agreements. And where was our dear Thaksin at that time? He made a lot of money when the country has lost so much.

And what was the first order of business when he came to power - use nation's money to save rich businessmen (who actually led the economy to the crisis) from bankrupsy. Thaksin and his pals has also bought lots of cheap assets reposessed from those businessmen - Ratchada land, for example.

[Samuian]

Wonder why the Pro-Government Supporters having signs in english language...? Anyone?

And what the fuss about...

By The Nation

Published on October 31, 2008

Amid fears that the political situation may spin out of control, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra might opt for a tactical retreat from his planned live speech tomorrow in the "Today's Truth" mobile talk show.

Key leaders of People Power Party and the programme's organisers were reportedly divided over the issue, a source said.

One side suggested that Thaksin should not phone-in to the talk show but his speech would be recorded instead and released later on the show to supporters.

"Positive reactions such as cheering up and clapping from the audience are likely to encourage Thaksin to make harsher remarks if he is allowed to make his speech live," the source said.

But the other group, the organisers, wanted to proceed with their original plan as they had already promoted the phone-in.

Moreover, Thaksin may avoid the use of harsh words in his remarks to avert any provocation.

Will he weep on screen about the bad, rude boys who got this honest man and his queen of the poor and underprivileged chased out of his home country?

I really feel with him, there is still so much more to privatise and the Mega Projects aren't yet on their way to help the poor and develop Thailand into the economic power house ofsouth east asia, eradicate under paid labor, free health care, free satelite tv, free mobile phones for ALL!

[tig28]

I think that poster had their tongue in cheek.

Thank you.

[sriracha john]

Supporters of ousted PM Thaksin arrive for rally amid tight security

BANGKOK, Nov 1 (TNA) -- Supporters of nonviolently ousted, fugitive former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have arrived in Bangkok from upcountry to attend a Saturday afternoon rally organised by a political TV talk show programme in to be held in a stadium venue, even as police tightened security for fear of possible clashes between pro- and anti-government supporters.

The upcountry arrivals have been flowing in from many provinces, arriving in the Thai capital Friday night to

listen what the recently convicted ex-prime minister had to say in his defense during an advertised live telephone call from abroad during the gathering organised by his staunch supporters and members of the pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

Media reports quoted UDD leaders as saying that Thaksin would telephone at about 8 pm and will be given unlimited time to speak during the show. According to other sources, the former prime minister has pre-recorded a video message, which may, or may not be aired, depending on the decision of the programmme sponsors.

For security measures, security personnel and police allowed participants to enter the stadium at 8 am Saturday after the Bangkok Metropolitan Police had done a security sweep for unusual objects or bombs on the premises.

Suriyasai Katasila, coordinator of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), said late Friday that his supporters now occupying Government House would not march or otherwise go to the stadium where their rivals are meeting in order to avoid possible violence.

UDD leaders said that they expect about 100,000 people, most wearing red, would attend the gathering which will close at 10 pm.

The Supreme Court earlier this month sentenced Thaksin to two years imprisonment for violating the anti-corruption law over his wife Pojaman's purchase of land in Bangkok from the Bank of Thailand's Financial Institutions Development Fund.

Pojaman was earlier sentenced to three years in jail in another tax evasion case.

The couple are now staying in Britain and have recently sought political asylum from that country.

[sriracha john]

Thousands of Thais gather to hear former PM Thaksin's address

BANGKOK: Thousands of supporters of exiled prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra traveled across Thailand Saturday to a sports stadium ahead of his audio address, raising fears of clashes with rival protesters.

Clad in red shirts signaling their pro-government stance, the loyal Thaksin fans began arriving at Rajamangala stadium in Bangkok's eastern outskirts early in the morning.

The former premier, who fled to Britain in early August following his wife's conviction for tax evasion, is due to telephone the rally from an undisclosed location abroad at 8pm (1300GMT).

"We expect around 100,000 people - with 49,000 on seats and 50,000 on the football field and track - attending today's rally," Jatuporn Prompan, an MP from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) told AFP.

"Thaksin... will speak for an unlimited time on whatever topic he wants to talk," he said.

It will be Thaksin's first address to supporters since leaving the kingdom and being sentenced in absentia on October 21 to two years in jail for violating corruption laws.

Thai society is split between those who love or loathe the twice-elected multi-millionaire.

His fans, calling themselves the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) come mostly from the country's majority rural poor and say they are upholding democracy.

His detractors, represented by the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), have occupied the grounds of the prime minister's offices since August calling for the government to step down.

They claim the PPP, which was elected in December last year, is running the country on behalf of Thaksin, whom they accuse of corruption and nepotism.

Thailand's current prime minister, Somchai Wongsawat - Thaksin's brother-in-law - has been under increasing pressure to resign since bloody clashes on October 7 between PAD supporters and police left two people dead and nearly 500 others injured.

On Thursday further violence left two volunteer PAD security guards in a critical condition after a hand grenade was tossed at one of their protest camps in front of the regional UN headquarters in Bangkok.

A grenade was also thrown at a judge's house and a man was found shot dead near the rally site.

Around 2,000 policemen were deployed at Rajamangala stadium on Saturday amid fear of further clashes, but PAD organiser Suriyasai Katasila said the group would not confront the pro-government rally.

"The PAD will not move from its stronghold at Government House to confront the UDD. The PAD has stepped up security measures to the maximum," Suriyasai wrote on the group's website.

"PAD will monitor closely the phone-in by Thaksin," he added.

- AFP / 2008-11-01

[Siripon]

Some see the UDD rally today as a dress rehearsal for the real battleground- the changing of the constitution, today's topic, anti- coup is just an excuse to test turnout.

A lot of people are depending on Thaksin's financial support as a nice wage earner, all these rallies cost a lot of money which is not easily accountable, there's every financial incentive for Thaksin's minions to urge him to continue the fight.

If I knew someone in Bangkwang prison I would urge him, as a convicted criminal like Thaksin, to ask NBT for broadcasting time to proclaim his innocence.

[tig28]

What concerns with PPP will be judged tan tee (immediately), but what concerns with the other party has been delayed for 10 years already,

Actually vote buying case against Democrat party exec has been already solved - dismissed for the lack of evidence, but a couple of other Democrat members involved in the same case got punished. PPP's case is still in the works, almost a year after elections.

I don't know why only Prachateepad Party (Democrat) is clean and good and the Thai Rak Thai and Palang Pracha Jon always are wrong.

Because all the scammers fled to TRT/PPP - it sucks them like a hoover. Ten years ago TRT was a very attractive project supported by some really promising people devoted to reforming Thai society.

They all have gone and have been replaced by the likes of Youbamrungs and Yoongyuths. Yongyudh started off as a Democrat, if I remember correctly. Also Noppadon, and Veera Musigapong, the cheif UDAAD mobster.

The politics are polarised along good/evil lines - there are no visible bad apples among the Democrats, and there's not a single man left amond PPP ranks, it's filled with asswipes and thugs.

Who appoints that 70%?

The question is not who appoints them but where these 70% come from. Under PAD proposal they would come from non-political, professional and socially active circles. The goal is to purge the system from the likes of wannabe kung <deleted> warriors with fake university degrees like Karun (last time heard talking about kicking the shit out of a woman senator). I'd take any proposal that would keep him in some cheap snooker bar where he rightfully belongs instead of national parliament.

Well .... it maybe is a reasonable question.

Oh --- hang on a moment: "Under PAD proposal they would come from non-political, professional and socially active circles."

Now I feel a whole lot better ---- the new politics government appoints these paragons of virtue who are no doubt selected (partially at least) because of their independence of thought and now all is well with the world.

When in the future the people are disatisified with their government and are unable to change them at the ballot box as they are 70% self appointed ----- what do you imagine might happen?

[midas]

The Nation today

Show of Thaksin's support begins

The organisers also gathered signatures of the participants to file a petition to seek a royal pardon for Thaksin who has been given a jail term for committing conflicts of interest.

But WHY ?? What give them the impression they should even ask for this

[sriracha john]

a surprise guest... Samak?

Anti-govt protesters unperturbed by 'useless' Thaksin phone-in at talk show

BANGKOK, Nov 1 (TNA) -- Core leaders of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) coalition said the group is paying no special attention to the planned phone-in by ousted, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during a gathering organised by a TV political talk show programme Saturday evening at a Bangkok stadium.

Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang told a press conference Saturday that security for the Peoples' Alliance now holding Government House had not been reinforced even though the rival pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) will hold its "Truth Today" talk show at a suburban Bangkok stadium in the evening.

Media reports quoted the pro-government activist UDD leaders as saying that Thaksin will call at about 8 pm and will speak for an unlimited amount of time during the show.

"There's nothing to be afraid of because Thaksin is useless. He's only a convicted politician who has escaped overseas," Chamlong said. The PAD core leader said his group believed that most of the Thai people do not trust the former prime minister and would also not harm the Peoples' Alliance.

Regarding warnings by Army Maj-Gen. Kattiya Sawasdipol that the PAD should let women and children vacate Government House because violence is expected after Thaksin talks to his supporters Saturday night, Chamlong said that the outspoken general's superiors should take action against him because his threats were a violation of army discipline.

Touching on the ruling People Power Party (PPP) proposal that Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, privy council chairman and statesman, should be middleman at negotiations aimed at defusing political turmoil in the country, Chamlong said he did not know whether Gen. Prem, also a former prime minister, would accept the proposal.

The PAD is ready to negotiate with every party on condition that the present government leave office and the 2007 Constitution must not be amended.

At Rajamangala National Stadium, the gathering was gathering numbers and the programme began at 3 pm with a concert.

PPP MP Jatuporn Phromphan, a talk show programme host, said former prime minister Samak Sundaravej may appear at the rally but it depended upon his health. Samak may telephone if he could not come in person, Jatuporn said.

He said the main theme for Saturday's rally is to oppose the coup, a theme he believed the former prime minister would touch this issue. Jatuporn affirmed that the rally would definitely end at 10 pm, and that there would be no violence as the people who attend the rally believed in the peaceful way and were unarmed.

[sriracha john]

It seems like his supporters who have worried about him getting over emotional and carried away during a live event have won the day if the stories about a pre-recorded version are true. This is probably a good thing.

"Is it live or is it Memorex?".... seems it will be live, afterall....

Jatuporn confirms Thaksin will address supporters live

People Power Party MP Jatuporn Promphan said Saturday that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make a phone call to address his supporters live.

Jatuporn said Thaksin would call the talk show at 8 pm to talk to his supporters.

He would criticise coup and would address the economic problems, Jatuporn said.

- The Nation / 2008-11-01

[Jai Dee]

Jatuporn confirms Thaksin will address supporters live

People Power Party MP Jatuporn Promphan said Saturday that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will make a phone call to address his supporters live.

Jatuporn said Thaksin would call the talk show at 8 pm to talk to his supporters.

He would criticise coup and would address the economic problems, Jatuporn said.

Source: The Nation - 01 November 2008

[sriracha john]

Truth Today mobile talk show remains peaceful

The atmosphere of the "Truth Today" or "Kwam Jing Wan Nee" mobile talk show at the Rajamangala National Stadium remains undisturbed despite concerns on violence.

Over 20 police officers from the all Woman Riot Control Unit are keeping strict watch over the event.

The 2nd mobile edition of "Truth Today" which started at 8 AM this morning has remained vibrant and positive with citizens from across the nation traveling to take part in the program.

Riot police from Metropolitan Police Command 4 are monitoring security there. Police officer Duangsuda Wannaphap stated that officers are focusing on checking for weapons for every citizen entering and reported that overall the situation is normal.

More police may be dispatched to the Rajamangala National Stadium to assist officers already stationed there.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-01

Edited November 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Some see the UDD rally today as a dress rehearsal for the real battleground- the changing of the constitution, today's topic, anti- coup is just an excuse to test turnout.

A lot of people are depending on Thaksin's financial support as a nice wage earner, all these rallies cost a lot of money which is not easily accountable, there's every financial incentive for Thaksin's minions to urge him to continue the fight.

If I knew someone in Bangkwang prison I would urge him, as a convicted criminal like Thaksin, to ask NBT for broadcasting time to proclaim his innocence.

That is certainly the thinking by some of the organisers. This one is supposedly also not only not endorsed by Newin but also with his supporters told to stay away. I dont doubt that the government side can bus supporters in for one off huge demos. The problem is keeping them there. The PAD have a big advantage in keeping numebrs over prolonged periods and also in rapid reinforcement.

Sure will be lot of leakage of the funds for the rallies but most of Thaksin's upcountry escapades have a leakage problems so nothing new there

[Samuian]

The Nation today

Show of Thaksin's support begins

The organisers also gathered signatures of the participants to file a petition to seek a royal pardon for Thaksin who has been given a jail term for committing conflicts of interest.

But WHY ?? What give them the impression they should even ask for this

extraordinary smart move this one, it seems!

But then it could apply pressure in the wrong direction!

Hasn't the army always mentioned NOT to drag HM into this...?

[sriracha john]

First up to be investigated are:

National Police Chief Police General Phatcharawat Wongsuwan

and

Metropolitan Police Chief Police Lieutenant-General Suchart Muankaew

and

Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Police Major-General Amnuay Nimmano

NCCC to probe police over crackdown on protesters

The National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) agreed Tuesday to set up a panel to investigate National Police Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Metropolitan Police Chief Suchart Muankaew and his Deputy Amnuay Nimmano over the lethal crackdown on People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators last Tuesday.

updated Amnuay words.... and a supplement the 20-strong all Woman Riot Control Unit....

1,500 police posted at political talk show on concerns of violence

BANGKOK, Nov 1 (TNA) -- Some 1,500 police officers have been deployed to provide security for participants at a mass rally -- to be televised as a political talk show -- in a major Bangkok stadium, while another 2,000 are on standby to respond in case of violence which could occur after the event end late Saturday evening, a senior police officer said.

Pol. Maj-Gen. Amnuay Nimmano, Deputy Bangkok Police Chief, said that so far no violence had erupted as police on duty provided security to participants at the 'talk show' which has already begun.

The programme, organised by staunch supporters of ousted, fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has drawn enthusiasm among his loyalists as organisers have said that Thaksin would phone-in from overseas during the programme at about 8 pm and would be given unlimited time to speak during the show.

Bangkok police commander Pol. Lt-Gen. Suchart Muankaew said combined government forces were also on standby because the stadium could accommodate up to 100,000 people and "anything could happen" after the programme ends.

Reinforcements from the army, navy and air force could be called to help, he said.

The pro-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship which organised the programme has said the gathering would close at 10 pm.

Edited November 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[hammered]

The Nation today

Show of Thaksin's support begins

The organisers also gathered signatures of the participants to file a petition to seek a royal pardon for Thaksin who has been given a jail term for committing conflicts of interest.

But WHY ?? What give them the impression they should even ask for this

extraordinary smart move this one, it seems!

But then it could apply pressure in the wrong direction!

Hasn't the army always mentioned NOT to drag HM into this...?

It does get to the crux though. A conviction by a court and a jail term cannot just be disappeared. That is one little issue that Mr. Thaksin will have to think about. He can say what he wants about the court and try to distract as much a spossible, but it still remains a fact that he has been convicted by a Thai court. Appeals aside there are not many ways around it. In the past he has usede I am popluar therefore I am innocent, but this doesnt really hold water. An amnesty is a possibility as is a pardon. However to receive a pardon one must accept one did something wrong. People are not pardoned for not doing anything and this approach seems to go against his arguement to date. Why are his supporters asking for a pardon if they argue he didnt do it? Or maybe they accept the decison now, or maybe his supporters are not on message.

[plachon]

Convicted criminal Thaksin's live/pre-recorded phone-in to his adoring disciples is all very reminiscent of a certain Osama Bin Laden's antics and justifications for past/future violence.

The only difference being OBL has to broadcast from the depths of a cave on the Pakistan/Afghan border, while Toxin will no doubt do it from the depths of Harrods or a King's Road cafe or perhaps one of his cavernous cash vaults in Hong Kong. When will Interpol be put into action to bring this serious criminal to book for his economic crimes and crimes against humanity is a valid question. If violence follows his whipping up the crowds today, then it is a clear indication that he is a menace to humanity.

[Jai Dee]

Thailand braces for phone call from Thaksin

THAILAND'S military and police were on alert on Saturday as the country braced for fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to speak by telephone at a rally that many fear could spark more political violence.

Thousands of supporters poured into a Bangkok stadium for the seven-hour rally, with the highlight expected to be the phone call from Thaksin in the evening.

The rally comes after several recent outbreaks of violence in Thailand's extended political crisis, which remains focused on Thaksin despite his ouster in a 2006 military coup and a criminal conviction last month.

Thaksin, who fled to Britain in Aug, remains the country's most influential politician. He is adored by the poor who benefited from his populist policies, but reviled by many of the educated elite in the cities, where his administration was seen as deeply corrupt.

Many people at the rally traveled from the north and northeast, the rural heartland where Thaksin built up a political base during his six years in power.

Several Thai newspapers reported that Thaksin had flown to Hong Kong to be closer to his supporters for the telephone call. The reports could not be immediately confirmed.

Anti-government protesters are seeking to rid Thailand of Thaksin's political legacy. They accuse current Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, of being his proxy.

Authorities fear the rally, organised by the pro-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, could spark trouble between the two sides.

'About 1,000 crowd control police are deployed at the site and 2,000 more are on standby, ready for reinforcement if we see signs of trouble,' said Maj. Gen. Amnuay Nimmano, Bangkok's deputy police chief.

Thai army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkumnerd said the military will be on alert to back up police.

On Thursday, a grenade attack wounded 10 members of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy. The attack occurred near the prime minister's office compound, which has been occupied by the alliance since Aug.

The prime minister has been forced to work out of Bangkok's old international airport.

The Office of the Judiciary says it will monitor Thaksin's address to see if his remarks amount to contempt of court.

The Supreme Court convicted Thaksin on Oct 21 of violating a conflict of interest law while in office and sentenced him in absentia to two years in prison. Thaksin is now a fugitive, with several arrest warrants against him. Prosecutors have said they will seek his extradition.

Newspaper editorials have urged Thaksin not to speak at the rally.

'This long-distance address by the ousted prime minister will be a declaration of war,' The Nation newspaper said in a Saturday editorial.

Mr Jatuporn Phromphan, one of the UDD organisers, said Thaksin 'will be talking about the benefits of a democratic system and how the coup has thwarted that.'

'This demonstration will be a peaceful show of force by those who support Thaksin and those who support democratic values in Thailand,' Mr Jatuporn said on Thursday.

On Sept 2, a street clash between government supporters and opponents left one person dead and several others seriously hurt.

More serious violence occurred on Oct 7, when the anti-government alliance tried to blockade Parliament, and police efforts to disperse them with tear gas led to running street battles. Two people died and more than 400 were injured.

Source: Straits Times - 01 November 2008

[Jai Dee]

Tens of thousands attend pro-government rally in Bangkok

Rajamangala National Stadium to attend the much-anticipated 'Truth Today' demonstration, the highlight of which promises to be a message from Thaksin, who faces a two-year jail term in Thailand on an abuse of power charge.

'I'm here because I love Thaksin and pity him as a victim of politics,' said Chai Wichit, 62, a farmer from Udorn Thani in North- east Thailand.

Chai said he and 3,000 other Thaksin fans had travelled by buses from Udorn Thani to attend the rally.

'Thaksin was the only Thai prime minister who gave to the poor,' said Pradit Paengsaen, 53, from Ubon Ratchathani, recalling Thaksin's populist policies when he was prime minister between 2001 to 2006.

Thaksin was toppled by a coup on September 19, 2006, accused of mass corruption, and on October 21 was sentenced to two years in jail for abuse of power, the first of many charges to stick against him.

He now lives in self-exile in London with his wife Pojaman, who faces a three-year jail sentence in Thailand on tax evasion charges.

Thaksin, currently in Hong Kong, was scheduled to deliver a message to the audience at 9:30 pm Saturday in a pre-recorded video, according to organizers of the event.

His message will be keenly followed not just by the audience but by Thailand's Supreme Court for Political Office Holders. Last month it sentenced Thaksin to two years in jail for abusing his powers as prime minister in 2003 by allowing his wife to bid on a plot of land put up for public auction.

The court has threatened Thaksin with another seven-year jail term if he says anything Saturday night critical of the verdict that might amount to 'contempt of court.'

The event, organized by the 'Truth Today' show and the so-called United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), comes at a time when Thailand's government is extremely fragile.

Thailand's Army Commander-in Chief General Anupong Paojinda has warned of a possible coup if there is any violence in Bangkok in coming weeks, in effect prohibiting a government crackdown on the anti-government PAD which seized Government House on August 26 and has occupied it since.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin's brother-in-law, has been the target of nearly daily protests led by the PAD, calling for his resignation and the dissolution of parliament.

Somchai has been sharply criticized by the military and a broad swathe of Thai society for allowing police to attack PAD-followers with teargas canisters on October 7 after the anti-government movement had surrounded Parliament in an effort to prevent the official launch of the new administration.

Two PAD followers died in the melee and 400 others were injured.

The PAD, a loose coalition of groups fanatically opposed to Thaksin and his political allies, sees Somchai as a nominee for the now fugitive politician who has been living in exile in London with his wife since August 11.

Thaksin's recent conviction on abuse-of-power charges was deemed a major victory for the PAD, which accuses the former telecommunications tycoon-turned-politician of monopolizing Thai politics through populist polices during his premierships from 2001 to 2006 for his own personal benefit and those of his cronies.

But many in Thailand, especially the rural and urban poor who benefited most from Thaksin's efforts to spread benefits to the grass roots, continue to view the controversial politician as a saviour and the PAD as a conservative, undemocratic movement bent of returning Thailand to a system of appointee governments typified by past military-led governments.

'We think we need to show that there are many people who disagree with the PAD,' said Chaturon Chaisaeng, a former acting head of the Thai Rak Thai Party, Thaksin's now disbanded party.

'This rally is an important turning point for Thai politics,' said Chaturon, who is one of the speakers at Saturday's rally. 'If it can be held without violence it will make it harder for the military to stage a coup in the future.'

Source: DPA - 01 November 2008

[JetsetBkk]

Wonder why the Pro-Government Supporters having signs in english language...? Anyone?

...

The sign stating that they missed "Taksin" () were clearly talking about someone else.

[JetsetBkk]

Well lets see, the Rajamangala Stadium is a rather large one, may be really funny if only a few hundred "supporters" show....

You wish!

So I wonder how many of them got paid to go there?

[Thanh-BKK]

Hey.

I wonder who these people in that stadium are. They cheer for and wish for return of a CONVICTED CRIMINAL, who used to lead a party called "Thai Love Thai" but abandoned his home country as soon as he felt trouble coming, seeking political asylum in England and jumping bail in the process (which by itself is a criminal offense, if i'm not wrong). How come he, as xenophobic as he is, he can be a refugee in a foreign (eek!!) country and, at the same time, get people at home to cheer for him????

"Puppet Master" comes to mind, and those red shirts in that stadium are just that - puppets.

And how come that this CONVICTED CRIMINAL who is a REFUGEE in a foreign country STILL has a DIPLOMATIC passport of Thailand (or a Thai passport at all!) and can freely travel around??

If any person in Europe had committed tax evasion or fraud at the same level as Thaksin, Interpol would be combing the PLANET for that person. But Thaksin is free, jetting around, running the Thai government (oops..... you don't believe that? It's true, dears....) and loved by all (who received and continue to receive money from him, which is/was taken from others very much against their will).

Can't he just get overrun by a bus in England, or something like that??

Best regards.....

Thanh

[Sunderland]

It is a farce indeed. Hard to take a government seriously when it makes zero effort to revoke the passport of a wanted criminal.

[sriracha john]

It's now a "police order"....

Polices prepared to handle any violence, if occurred

Metropolitan Police Commissioner prepares for any potential violence, while affirming that the situation will be controllable.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Police Lieutenant General Suchart Muenkaew visited the security preparation teams for the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rally attending the “Today’s Truth Mobile” programme at Rajamangala Stadium.

He assured that the situation will remain under control. However, he believed any violence, if occurred, would be instigated by a third party. Also, since a bomb attack has become the most concern, police authority thus have prepared with highest security measures for appropriate responses.

Police Lieutenant General Suchart also demanded both UDD and People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to become harmonized as both sides are Thai people.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-01

[Jai Dee]

All seats in front stage occupied

Supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have occupied all seats in front of the stage in the Rajamangala Stadium at 5 pm.

There were still vacant seats behind the stage at 5 pm.

The organisers of the Truth Today rally also put projectors around the stadium for people outside to monitor the event.

Source: The Nation - 01 November 2008

[Sunderland]

So everyone got paid today ... PAD, UDD, DAAD, the police and army got paid over-time. The shops will be full tomorrow with happy shoppers. Good for the economy this political crisis!

[Sunderland]

TNN (who are not pro-govt.) seem to have given much more coverage to the rally today than NBT.

Very colourful in their red shirts. Are they showing the Liverpool and Manchester United games on a big screen after the rally ends at 10pm? Seems the logical thing to do to keep the peace.