Pad Rallies At British Embassy In Bangkok

[sriracha john]

PAD declares it's under attack

Bombs, shootings leave two dead in Bangkok

Tensions between anti- and pro-government camps are on knife edge with more violence predicted following the bombing and shooting of supporters of the PAD in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The PAD declared yesterday it was now under attack. A bomb thrown at the Makkhawan Rangsan bridge protest area killed a PAD security guard, Sathian Tabmalipol, and wounded five others early yesterday. A bomb also exploded at the home of Jarun Pukditanakul, a judge of the Constitution Court. A man identified as Sangwian Rujimora, 46, was also found dead under a tree on a footpath near Misakawan intersection, behind the Metropolitan Police Bureau and close to the rally site, shot through the right eye. PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said the alliance was now under attack. He said police and the government were not remaining neutral and accused them of negligence of duty in failing to prevent violence. Suriyasai believed further attempts would be made to provoke violence in the lead-up to tomorrow's pro-government meeting at Rajamangala Stadium, where Thaksin Shinawatra will address his supporters by phone from London during the Kwam Jing Wan Nee (The Truth Today) political talk show. Government Spokesman Nattawut Saikua said the government was not involved. He said PM Somchai had instructed national police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Suchart Muankaew to speed up the investigations. Witnesses said two men wearing black jackets rode a motorcycle up to the Makkhawan Rangsan bridge about 3am and the pillion rider hurled the bomb at a group of PAD guards, killing one of them. About 4am, a group of men in black turned up near Misakawan intersection and opened fire on PAD supporters and security guards. Nobody was hurt. Earlier, PAD guards detained a man carrying a petrol-soaked rag about 2am. Kittichai Saisa-ard, head of security team, said the man admitted he was paid 200 baht by a police officer to disrupt the PAD. Earlier, around midnight, the bomb exploded in the garden of the home of judge Jarun, in Khlong Tan area, damaged an air compressor and smashed a glass window and a plate glass door. Nobody was hurt.

In Chiang Mai, a PAD supporter's car was destroyed by fire in a garage near a local radio station in Muang district about 4am yesterday. The car belonged to Therdsak Jiamkitwattana, who hosts a radio show which relays the ASTV broadcasts of the PAD rallies. Police said the fire seemed to have been caused by an incendiary device.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/311008_News/31Oct2008_news01.php

[kumsamut]

no need to road block

[MalandLee]

Security forces have been deployed in the capital Bangkok following violent clashes between police and anti-government protestors on 7 October. In the early hours of 30 October, there were further instances of violence including a grenade attack in Bangkok, which killed one person and injured several others, and a grenade attack in Chiang Mai, which destroyed a vehicle. Further violence cannot be ruled out.

Source: smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand

Any more news on the Chiang Mai grenade attack?

Mal

09:00 Thai Time 31st Oct 08

[Jai Dee]

References to the Thai Royal Family have been deleted from this thread in accordance with Forum Rules.

[sriracha john]

90% of the PAD protesters are also bought. And PAD does not advocate Democracy for all only for the self righteous...get a clue!

This is a big lie, simply

All PAD supporters are there because of their own volition - they are not there simply because someone is paying them to be there.

If you think they are there solely becuase of money then you don't know anything about the PAD and it's agenda and have also - in all probability - never been anywhere near any of the protest sites.

Yes - they CAN receive free food - medical attention and small amounts of money for everyday incidental items - but a lump sum in their pocket to guarantee their continued support - no way -

Spot on. You said it yourself. The small amount (some say 300, others say 500 per day), might be little to you, but it is definately much higher than the minimum wages that most factory workers in Bangkok gets. Tax free, food and lodging provided. Why work, just join the PAD.

Exactly, the importance of, say a right foot for example, pales in comparison to the big bucks of 300 baht.... well worth it. I'm surprised with that sort of big incentive that there aren't millions of people lining up to receive these huge payments.

As for the poster who says that 90% of PAD are bought, there seems to be some on this Forum who are disputing your figures. Therefore, it might advance the debate if you could offer us any proof. In any case, they are still campaigning for what they perceive to be a fairer system, so I say let them get on with it!

The GF's whole housing estate in Bangkok have been approached by PAD recruiters, offering them 500b per day if they join the protests, a lot of them have taken the offer and joined in (i have personally witnessed it!) whilst the figure "90%" may be inaccurate, the fact still remains that PAD (who are against a government accused of vote buying) are paying people to join in their protests. Pot calling the kettle black, dontcha think?

Thanks Wolfie - nice to have a first hand report, straight from the horse's (wolf's?) mouth, so to speak.

From my father-in-law, who goes to the PAD rallies: 300 Bahts per protester per day of protest. Plus free food and free daily transportation from his province neighboring Bangkok. The mini-bus drivers who shuttle him and his friends get 3000 Bahts per load of protesters.

He mentioned these numbers back in June, maybe the rates have gone up since then.

In any case, 300 or 500 Bahts is a very good wage compared to factory work, 200 Bahts per day for 8 hours, no free food, no sitting around chatting with your mates.

Indeed, it's hard to imagine that most people wouldn't gladly trade a right foot for 300 baht.... but especially 500 baht plus free som tam... afterall, it's just a foot...

[plachonubon]

Please provide photographic evidence of PAD protesters being handed money. There are thousands of cameras there every single day and night. Shouldn't be hard for you anti PAD rumour mongers to provide. Also some one point me to the line the protesters stand in to get their money, I have many friends who go there and they will be upset to learn that everyone else is being paid except for them.

DP25 - spot-on -

Again - PAD supporters are not paid to be there - I don't know how many more times we'll be required to reiterate this?

Obviously you will both have to keep reiterating "this" until you stop beleiving that these people aren't PAID..........

Many people have family and freinds that have been paid or offered money from PAD!!!!!!

Not all protesters but a large number are PAID......

WAKE UP.

[jdinasia]

I am wide awake and I still fail to see even the pro-gov't side making claims that PAD supporters are paid. Random claims not withstanding

[Splatter]

<<<Copy of the letter given to the British Embassy by the PAD yesterday....>>>>

as on 2Bangkok.com

October 30, 2008

His Excellency Quinton Mark Quayle

Ambassador of the United Kingdom

Thailand, Bangkok, British Embassy

14 Wireless Road

Lumpini, Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

We, the People’s Alliance for Democracy, believe your government will be making a grave mistake by allowing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojamarn Shinawatra, asylum in the United Kingdom. We ask that you forward this letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Members of Parliament in the UK and consider your decision carefully.

Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claims the charges against him are unfounded and politically motivated by “enemies of democracy”.

In a landmark ruling on October 21, 2008, he was found to have violated conflicts of interest rules in helping his wife Khunying Pojamam Shinawatra buy land from a state agency at one third the market price and sentenced to two years in jail. According to the Thai Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, Thaksin was found guilty of breaching Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act by aiding his wife in 2003 while he was still Prime Minister.

The court stated that as Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin had been entrusted to administer the state for the highest benefit of the state and the people, but instead chose to break the law. As the head of government, he should have set a good example, been honest, and behaved with good political ethics.

The Ratchapisek land ruling is the first in a series of cases against Thaksin Shinawatra. Other cases still pending in the Thai Supreme Court are abuse of power allegations linked to a two and three digit government lottery scheme, abuse of power related to irregularities in a 4 billion baht loan given by state controlled Export Import Bank of Thailand to the military government of Burma which alleged to have benefited his family business, and amending tax policies to enrich his business empire (Shin Corporation), as well as concealing assets.

In addition, on July 31, 2008 the Criminal Court sentenced Pojamarn Shinawatra to 3 years in prison for tax evasion over a 546 million baht transaction, and falsifying statements, and the same for her adopted brother, and her secretary with no probation. In its reading, the court reprimanded her, saying that with her high economic, social, and political status - as wife of the prime minister - she should have acted as a role model for society.

Thaksin has claimed in his bid for asylum that he cannot receive a fair trial in Thailand, yet in June 2008, the Thai Supreme Court sentenced three lawyers working for him to a six-month jail term for trying to bribe a C-7 court official by presenting the official with a snack box containing two million baht. But at the same time, his lawyers are petitioning Thai Courts in several other cases while he claims the Thai Courts are unfair.

Thaksin claims the people fighting against him do not believe in democracy, yet in May 2007 his Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved due to violating electoral laws (vote buying). 111 of the party’s executives including Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra were barred from voting and holding public office for five years. Even after his party was dissolved, things are, however, much more complicated.

For instance, the People's Power Party, which is Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party in a new guise, came close to controlling the majority in the House of Representatives and won the right to set up a new government, but not without controversy. People’s Power Party party executive and House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of electoral fraud. Mr. Yongyuth was caught on video tape paying local village leaders 20,000 baht each to influence them in voting and canvassing for votes in their regions.

His brother-in-law is now the Prime Minister. His close allies occupy key government and bureaucratic positions and control key businesses. He is still one of Thailand’s richest and most powerful person. However, he still claims that the “priveliged elite” is set to destroy him. In reality, it is he who is a leading member of the "various groups of privilege elites" that quite literally control Thailand.

Thailand and Great Britain have long enjoyed close and longstanding relations at all levels and in all aspects. Our two countries should not allow an individual to test the strength of our partnership. More importantly, the British Government should not exchange its broader national interests and opportunities to expand its cooperation with Thailand for Thaksin.

Thaksin Shinawatra must thus be brought back to Thailand not simply to face the Supreme Court's ruling but also, and more importantly, to help secure the future of justice in the country. A wrong decision on the part of the British government and judiciary system will help make the functioning of justice in Thailand difficult.

We, the People’s Alliance for Democracy, call for the extradition of Thaksin and Pojamarn Shinawatra from the United Kingdom in order to face the guilty verdict and serve time in prison and appear in court for the other charges against them.

Expel them from the UK and return these fugitives to Thailand.

The People’s Alliance for Democracy

[SiriusBlack1]

Ummmmm

1) It was not Thaksin's 30 baht health scheme

Yes it was -- the soldiers continued it because of its popularity

2) All gov'ts here have done some debt relief

Not so's you'd notice. Tell that to an Isaan peasant.

3) The village loan scheme hurt more Thais than it ever helped

False. Thaksin got many rural people out of debt and they remain grateful.

4) Buying votes isn't democracy

As close as Thailand ever got

it's amazing what people don't know

Quite.

Edited October 31, 2008 by SiriusBlack1

[KKK]

The only people this inconveniences are the local residents. None of whom have anything to do with Thaksin's flight.

I'm sure that most of the residents are Thai citizens and some of those had voted for "Toxin"..so it has everything to do with them. If they hadn't voted this crook into power in the first place perhaps none of this would have happened. They (Toxin voters) can only blame themselves for the current mess.

[jdinasia]

Ummmmm

1) It was not Thaksin's 30 baht health scheme

Yes it was -- the soldiers continued it because of its popularity

2) All gov'ts here have done some debt relief

Not so's you'd notice. Tell that to an Isaan peasant.

3) The village loan scheme hurt more Thais than it ever helped

False. Thaksin got many rural people out of debt and they remain grateful.

4) Buying votes isn't democracy

As close as Thailand ever got

it's amazing what people don't know

Quite.

You should go back and do some fact checking .... and there is a reason that debt is UP in Isaan and not down ... and it all revolves around Thaksin But there are some nice 2 year old TV's and Mobiles to be had cheap up there if you are willing to travel!

[KKK]

If they plan to walk from Wireless Road to Emporium, that's a long walk and Bangkok will be paralysed all day. What a bunch of inconsiderate nit wits!

They have the right to demonstrate......remember the Tolpuddle marchers of 1834..

Perhaps it is you that is the "inconsiderate nit wit" as you seem only concerned with your rights and not the rights of others.

[KKK]

Thaksin stuffed up Thailand, Bush the whole world.

Hear! Hear!. Well said.....

[koosdeboer]

Please provide photographic evidence of PAD protesters being handed money. There are thousands of cameras there every single day and night. Shouldn't be hard for you anti PAD rumour mongers to provide. Also some one point me to the line the protesters stand in to get their money, I have many friends who go there and they will be upset to learn that everyone else is being paid except for them.

DP25 - spot-on -

Again - PAD supporters are not paid to be there - I don't know how many more times we'll be required to reiterate this?

Obviously you will both have to keep reiterating "this" until you stop beleiving that these people aren't PAID..........

Many people have family and freinds that have been paid or offered money from PAD!!!!!!

Not all protesters but a large number are PAID......

WAKE UP.

Some of my experiences:

Here in Chiang mai are many people pro PAD but they are afraid of raising their voice because of the aggressive government supporters. Many of these people, my wife included have send money to support the PAD. I never heard these people talk about killing people but they think Taksin and his family and cronies are crooks and thieves, that's why they want this government out.

A neighbor who is pro government said after my wife asked her opinion that they had to throw a bomb into government house to kill all these PAD supporters. All these pro government supporters like to see blood.

I have been to Korat to visit my wife's family and in the village they are all anti PAD. They don't watch TV or read newspapers but listen to the kamnan, phu yai and the monks(they are getting paid for sure). They know for sure (because they've been told) that the PAD supporters get paid but don't have proof.

In the bigger cities in Khorat you see more PAD supporters because they can read newspapers and watch non government TV. They told me to know many people who go to Bangkok to join the PAD without payments because they are fed up with the corrupt government and Thaksin.

I don't like Sondhi but dislike Taksin more and it's not just Sondhi in the PAD, there's also chamlong. I also don't like all the ideas of chamlong but I know for sure he's not there for the money or power. If he has money he shares it and he lives a totally different live as this spoiled shinawatra's. Taksin can complain that he's working that hard always(playing golf and eating sharkfinsoup). I would like to see Thaksin one week working in the ricefield then he will know what hard working is.

If you like blood then you choose red.

[KKK]

<<<Copy of the letter given to the British Embassy by the PAD yesterday....>>>>

as on 2Bangkok.com

October 30, 2008

His Excellency Quinton Mark Quayle

Ambassador of the United Kingdom

Thailand, Bangkok, British Embassy

14 Wireless Road

Lumpini, Pathumwan

Bangkok 10330

We, the People's Alliance for Democracy, believe your government will be making a grave mistake by allowing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife, Pojamarn Shinawatra, asylum in the United Kingdom. We ask that you forward this letter to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Members of Parliament in the UK and consider your decision carefully.

Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra claims the charges against him are unfounded and politically motivated by "enemies of democracy".

In a landmark ruling on October 21, 2008, he was found to have violated conflicts of interest rules in helping his wife Khunying Pojamam Shinawatra buy land from a state agency at one third the market price and sentenced to two years in jail. According to the Thai Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, Thaksin was found guilty of breaching Article 100 of the National Counter Corruption Act by aiding his wife in 2003 while he was still Prime Minister.

The court stated that as Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin had been entrusted to administer the state for the highest benefit of the state and the people, but instead chose to break the law. As the head of government, he should have set a good example, been honest, and behaved with good political ethics.

The Ratchapisek land ruling is the first in a series of cases against Thaksin Shinawatra. Other cases still pending in the Thai Supreme Court are abuse of power allegations linked to a two and three digit government lottery scheme, abuse of power related to irregularities in a 4 billion baht loan given by state controlled Export Import Bank of Thailand to the military government of Burma which alleged to have benefited his family business, and amending tax policies to enrich his business empire (Shin Corporation), as well as concealing assets.

In addition, on July 31, 2008 the Criminal Court sentenced Pojamarn Shinawatra to 3 years in prison for tax evasion over a 546 million baht transaction, and falsifying statements, and the same for her adopted brother, and her secretary with no probation. In its reading, the court reprimanded her, saying that with her high economic, social, and political status - as wife of the prime minister - she should have acted as a role model for society.

Thaksin has claimed in his bid for asylum that he cannot receive a fair trial in Thailand, yet in June 2008, the Thai Supreme Court sentenced three lawyers working for him to a six-month jail term for trying to bribe a C-7 court official by presenting the official with a snack box containing two million baht. But at the same time, his lawyers are petitioning Thai Courts in several other cases while he claims the Thai Courts are unfair.

Thaksin claims the people fighting against him do not believe in democracy, yet in May 2007 his Thai Rak Thai party was dissolved due to violating electoral laws (vote buying). 111 of the party's executives including Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra were barred from voting and holding public office for five years. Even after his party was dissolved, things are, however, much more complicated.

For instance, the People's Power Party, which is Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai party in a new guise, came close to controlling the majority in the House of Representatives and won the right to set up a new government, but not without controversy. People's Power Party party executive and House Speaker Yongyuth Tiyapairat was found guilty of electoral fraud. Mr. Yongyuth was caught on video tape paying local village leaders 20,000 baht each to influence them in voting and canvassing for votes in their regions.

His brother-in-law is now the Prime Minister. His close allies occupy key government and bureaucratic positions and control key businesses. He is still one of Thailand's richest and most powerful person. However, he still claims that the "priveliged elite" is set to destroy him. In reality, it is he who is a leading member of the "various groups of privilege elites" that quite literally control Thailand.

Thailand and Great Britain have long enjoyed close and longstanding relations at all levels and in all aspects. Our two countries should not allow an individual to test the strength of our partnership. More importantly, the British Government should not exchange its broader national interests and opportunities to expand its cooperation with Thailand for Thaksin.

Thaksin Shinawatra must thus be brought back to Thailand not simply to face the Supreme Court's ruling but also, and more importantly, to help secure the future of justice in the country. A wrong decision on the part of the British government and judiciary system will help make the functioning of justice in Thailand difficult.

We, the People's Alliance for Democracy, call for the extradition of Thaksin and Pojamarn Shinawatra from the United Kingdom in order to face the guilty verdict and serve time in prison and appear in court for the other charges against them.

Expel them from the UK and return these fugitives to Thailand.

The People's Alliance for Democracy

Please add my signature to the above.

British Citizen/Thai Resident.

[hammered]

Please provide photographic evidence of PAD protesters being handed money. There are thousands of cameras there every single day and night. Shouldn't be hard for you anti PAD rumour mongers to provide. Also some one point me to the line the protesters stand in to get their money, I have many friends who go there and they will be upset to learn that everyone else is being paid except for them.

DP25 - spot-on -

Again - PAD supporters are not paid to be there - I don't know how many more times we'll be required to reiterate this?

Obviously you will both have to keep reiterating "this" until you stop beleiving that these people aren't PAID..........

Many people have family and freinds that have been paid or offered money from PAD!!!!!!

Not all protesters but a large number are PAID......

WAKE UP.

Some of my experiences:

Here in Chiang mai are many people pro PAD but they are afraid of raising their voice because of the aggressive government supporters. Many of these people, my wife included have send money to support the PAD. I never heard these people talk about killing people but they think Taksin and his family and cronies are crooks and thieves, that's why they want this government out.

A neighbor who is pro government said after my wife asked her opinion that they had to throw a bomb into government house to kill all these PAD supporters. All these pro government supporters like to see blood.

I have been to Korat to visit my wife's family and in the village they are all anti PAD. They don't watch TV or read newspapers but listen to the kamnan, phu yai and the monks(they are getting paid for sure). They know for sure (because they've been told) that the PAD supporters get paid but don't have proof.

In the bigger cities in Khorat you see more PAD supporters because they can read newspapers and watch non government TV. They told me to know many people who go to Bangkok to join the PAD without payments because they are fed up with the corrupt government and Thaksin.

I don't like Sondhi but dislike Taksin more and it's not just Sondhi in the PAD, there's also chamlong. I also don't like all the ideas of chamlong but I know for sure he's not there for the money or power. If he has money he shares it and he lives a totally different live as this spoiled shinawatra's. Taksin can complain that he's working that hard always(playing golf and eating sharkfinsoup). I would like to see Thaksin one week working in the ricefield then he will know what hard working is.

If you like blood then you choose red.

This upcountry control of information and hence manipulation of thought has always been a central and quite brilliant plank of Thaksin's plan to basically inbuild a majority enabling control of the country for a very long time. Even TRT/PPP operatives have explained to me that controlling the village headmen etc is far more importnat than vot buying (which is overrated) or policies. Denying the opposition any voice is crucial to retaining power under this scheme. As brilliant as that campaign is, even if lacking in democratic principle, the way it is also enforced by violence or threats there of to keep voices of dissent down is not so good. This dates back to 2001 even by my experience. The message is this is our turf and dont think you can say anything we dont agree with here.

[Jai Dee]

Human rights committee to conclude report on October 7th incident next week

A Special Committee for Human Rights investigating the October 7th incident reveals that it will conclude its report within next week after recieving testimony from the Prime Minister.

Member of the National Human Rights Commission and Chairman of the Special Committee investigating the October 7th clash between police and protestors, Surasee Kosolnawin (สุรสีห์ โกศลนาวิน), revealed that Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat gave his testimony to the committee last night. The PM gave details of a Cabinet meeting preceding the October 7th event and affirmed that police dealings with protestors were lawful, assuring that he had not ordered the dispersal.

Mr. Surasee however stated that a probe into the weaponary used during the incident found a variety of armaments prompting the committee to contact military experts to review the details of each weapon. The committee is attempting to conclude its report on the incident by next week but reminded that it was not formed to point blame at any group for the incident, rather only to find any infringements on human rights. The comittee's report will be reviewed by the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 31 October 2008

[AlKing]

If they plan to walk from Wireless Road to Emporium, that's a long walk and Bangkok will be paralysed all day. What a bunch of inconsiderate nit wits!

They have the right to demonstrate......remember the Tolpuddle marchers of 1834..

Perhaps it is you that is the "inconsiderate nit wit" as you seem only concerned with your rights and not the rights of others.

I also remember Mao's long march.

"They have the right to demonstrate". I agree with you. Let exercise our right to demonstrate by doing it on the runway of Phuket airport AGAIN. Also Had Yai airport, Krabi airport, and last but not least DON MUANG & SUWANNAPHUMI airports.

[fidelio]

If they plan to walk from Wireless Road to Emporium, that's a long walk and Bangkok will be paralysed all day. What a bunch of inconsiderate nit wits!

They have the right to demonstrate......remember the Tolpuddle marchers of 1834..

Perhaps it is you that is the "inconsiderate nit wit" as you seem only concerned with your rights and not the rights of others.

I also remember Mao's long march.

"They have the right to demonstrate". I agree with you. Let exercise our right to demonstrate by doing it on the runway of Phuket airport AGAIN. Also Had Yai airport, Krabi airport, and last but not least DON MUANG & SUWANNAPHUMI airports.

There was piece on CNN yesterday where they interviewed one of the PAD demonstators.

When asked why she was demonstrating , she said, I quote : " Thaksin is worse than Hitler" .

Someone stupid enough to say such a thing deserves no respect whatsoever.

[pete_r]

As for the poster who says that 90% of PAD are bought, there seems to be some on this Forum who are disputing your figures. Therefore, it might advance the debate if you could offer us any proof. In any case, they are still campaigning for what they perceive to be a fairer system, so I say let them get on with it!

The GF's whole housing estate in Bangkok have been approached by PAD recruiters, offering them 500b per day if they join the protests, a lot of them have taken the offer and joined in (i have personally witnessed it!) whilst the figure "90%" may be inaccurate, the fact still remains that PAD (who are against a government accused of vote buying) are paying people to join in their protests. Pot calling the kettle black, dontcha think?

Thanks Wolfie - nice to have a first hand report, straight from the horse's (wolf's?) mouth, so to speak.

From my father-in-law, who goes to the PAD rallies: 300 Bahts per protester per day of protest. Plus free food and free daily transportation from his province neighboring Bangkok. The mini-bus drivers who shuttle him and his friends get 3000 Bahts per load of protesters.

He mentioned these numbers back in June, maybe the rates have gone up since then.

In any case, 300 or 500 Bahts is a very good wage compared to factory work, 200 Bahts per day for 8 hours, no free food, no sitting around chatting with your mates.

Indeed, it's hard to imagine that most people wouldn't gladly trade a right foot for 300 baht.... but especially 500 baht plus free som tam... afterall, it's just a foot...

What is the chance of losing a foot at the protests? Maybe 1 in 100? The picture you show is scary (nobody wants that kind of injury!), but all things considered, 300-500 Bahts per day may seem worth the risk for the poorer demonstrators. Even after the events of 7 October, father in law is still going. Only, he stays away when the police show up.

[pete_r]

Please provide photographic evidence of PAD protesters being handed money. There are thousands of cameras there every single day and night. Shouldn't be hard for you anti PAD rumour mongers to provide. Also some one point me to the line the protesters stand in to get their money, I have many friends who go there and they will be upset to learn that everyone else is being paid except for them.

I don't think anyone seriously believes individual PAD demonstrators are being paid to protest.

What is widely believed, and in fact cannot be contested, is that PAD has access to very substantial funding indeed.This and its mysterious immunity from being subject to the law has been widely reported, and again isn't seriously disputed.

Good point younghusband -

Where does this funding come from?

And why is the PAD - in all respects - immune from being subject to the laws of the land?

The million dollar questions - me thinks -

I think the answers to these questions were made clear when a prominent member of a certain family attended the funeral of a PAD protester on 13 October.

[sriracha john]

I don't think anyone seriously believes individual PAD demonstrators are being paid to protest.

See above and several other posts.... they do believe it, when, against all common logic, people are posting that protesters are weighing the odds of losing a limb or even one's life in exchange for 300 baht and opting to still go ahead with the gamble.

Edited October 31, 2008 by sriracha john

[Jai Dee]

Bangkok Governor calls for 24 hour security

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is ready for any incidents that may occur after yesterday's several bombings with the governor of Bangkok ordering police and security personnel to keep stringent watch 24 hours a day.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin has ordered all police in the capital to attend to their duties at the utmost and tackle all possible problems. He has called for tight security to areas that were attacked yesterday such as the Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge where some ten people were injured by an explosive. Police have been instructed to closely monitor the situation 24 hours a day and report back to Mr. Apirak or the BMA permanent secretary directly.

Mr. Apirak also commented on those severely injured in yesterday's attacks, one of who is 53 years old Sathien Tupmalipol (เสถียร ทับมะลิผล). The governor has entrusted medical staff to care for him and has donated money to aid him.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 31 October 2008

[Jai Dee]

Constitution Tribunal calls emergency meeting

The Chairman of the Constitution Tribunal has called a meeting of all the court's judges to establish security measures for the court and its members after an attack against a house of Constitution Court Judge Charan Phakdithanakul (จรัญ ภักดีธนากุล).

After an explosive device was tossed towards the house of Constitution Court Judge Mr. Charan early Friday morning, the court has scheduled an emergency meeting to decipher security measures and review the situation. The court has tasked police with providing security to its premises as well as strict watching over all its judges' houses.

Despite the events, however, all of the court's judges have affirmed that they would not be intimidated and would be pushed forward with their duties.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 31 October 2008

[h90]

Please provide photographic evidence of PAD protesters being handed money. There are thousands of cameras there every single day and night. Shouldn't be hard for you anti PAD rumour mongers to provide. Also some one point me to the line the protesters stand in to get their money, I have many friends who go there and they will be upset to learn that everyone else is being paid except for them.

DP25 - spot-on -

Again - PAD supporters are not paid to be there - I don't know how many more times we'll be required to reiterate this?

Obviously you will both have to keep reiterating "this" until you stop beleiving that these people aren't PAID..........

Many people have family and freinds that have been paid or offered money from PAD!!!!!!

Not all protesters but a large number are PAID......

WAKE UP.

it is still not true. My staff and my are there every day and know approx. 100 people and no one is paid. All would share 50 % with you if you can tell them where to get something.

Fact is and that was also told on the stage one time, that people try to spread the rumor. They may even offer money to people who won't go for sure to make it more probable.

But it is still not true. If you really know something, PM me the phone number, I can send 50 paid people tomorrow.

[sjaak327]

Does it really make one blind of difference if the PAD protestors are paid or not ?

They still break the law, they still hold Thailand hostage, and the support amongst the Thai population might be at an all time low.

Time to go home, go back to work, and make yourself heard at the next elections...

[jdinasia]

Does it really make one blind of difference if the PAD protestors are paid or not ?

They still break the law, they still hold Thailand hostage, and the support amongst the Thai population might be at an all time low.

Time to go home, go back to work, and make yourself heard at the next elections...

I see more sympathy for PAD and no less support than I have seen in the past. The recent funerals gave them sme credibility (even though the need for the funerals were sad). Being shot by tear gas with RDX and then guns .. bombs ... grenades ... shows people what the stakes are.

[Jai Dee]

PAD says no to Chavalit's proposal of national Govt

The People's Alliance for Democracy Friday rejected former deputy prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyuhd's proposal to set up a government of national unity.

Pipop Thongchai, a PAD co-leader, said the PAD insists in its goal to push for new politics.

Chamlong Srimuang, another PAD co-leader, said the PAD could not accept any government headed by Prime Minster Somchai Wongsawat.

He said Somchai had to resign because he had lost legitimacy to govern.

Source: The Nation - 31 October 2008

[Jai Dee]

PAD calls on Army to deploy soldiers to protect protesters

The People's Alliance for Democracy Friday called on the Army deploy military police to protect its PAD supporters from attacks by its opponents.

Chamlong Srimuang, a PAD co-leader, said the PAD only wants three or four military police to be deployed at each road checkpoint of the PAD to help keep security for the demonstrators.

He said the PAD was willing to pay for the special allowance of the soldiers and take care of their foods.

"But if the Army does not help us, it'll be fine. We'll be able to take care of ourselves," Chamlong said.

Source: The Nation - 31 October 2008

[koosdeboer]

Does it really make one blind of difference if the PAD protestors are paid or not ?

They still break the law, they still hold Thailand hostage, and the support amongst the Thai population might be at an all time low.

Time to go home, go back to work, and make yourself heard at the next elections...

Sorry Sjaak

The support is growing and growing, believe me. And I live between them and can read and understand Thai. They don't raise their voice because they are afraid of this pro government thugs. In red they attack you with handclappers, in yellow prepare for the worst.