Thaksin Begs For "Royal Kindness"

[sriracha john]

Thaksin says Thai enemies make return impossible

Thailand's exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told tens of thousands of supporters in his homeland Saturday that he cannot return as long as he has a jail sentence hanging over him. * "cannot" or will not? *

Thaksin, who served as the country's elected leader from 2001 until he was ousted by a military coup in September 2006, was this year convicted in absentia to two years in prison on conflict of interest charges. He spoke in a phone call broadcast to his supporters attending a rally at a Bangkok stadium.

The event represented the biggest response yet of Thaksin's followers to a rival movement that is seeking to demolish his political legacy. Thaksin's opponents in the People's Alliance for Democracy accuse him of corruption and demonstrated for his ouster in 2006. The alliance has occupied the prime minister's office since late August and is seeking the resignation of current Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, whom they call Thaksin's proxy.

It was Thaksin's first opportunity to address the Thai public since he fled the country in August.

"I want to return but I can't, although I miss you all," he said to a crowd that appeared to total about three-fourths of the stadium's 65,000-seat capacity.

Thaksin said he had been persecuted by his political enemies, and that there was nothing that could allow him to return "except for the king's mercy or the power of the people."

- Associated Press / 2008-11-01

Edited November 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[Scott]

I have no doubt that payment was made. I have a friend who is a PAD supporter and he is paid--by his former employer, to attend. I think this argument is getting old on both sides. The system in Thailand is those to whom you owe loyalty, take care of you, and that means food, clothing and money. In this case a new red shirt, I guess.

I am just happy if this rally doesn't result in any violence. The leaders of both sides are far from being the honorable people that some folks would portray them as being. It seems there really isn't a Ghandi in the wings anywhere in sight.

[sriracha john]

A timely reminder of the televised fugitive's sphere of influence...

PM to nominate Khunying Pornthip as head of investigating panel on October 7th clashes

Prime Minister and Defense Minister Somchai Wongsawat will nominate Director of the Central Institute of Forensic Science Khunying Pornthip Rojanasunand as chairperson of a panel investigating police’s operations to disperse demonstrators in front of the Parliament House during the Cabinet meeting today.

The Cabinet meeting today will be presided over by the premier. Apart from the premier’s request for the Cabinet to approve the nomination of Khunying Pornthip as head of the investigating panel, the meeting will review progress of the two committees conducting tests on police’s use of tear gas to disperse the protesters and assisting people affected by the October 7th incident.

All's fair in work and law

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that the investigation into the police using tear-gas canisters filled with explosives against PAD supporters on Oct 7 will come to nought. Call me Nostradamus - but then again don't, since I'm not a 16th century French seer - as sure enough, the police have called off the independent investigation by forensic expert Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan, choosing instead an internal investigation of their own. The PM's office and the police have also said that they would not rest until they find the masterminds behind the bombing and shooting attacks against PAD supporters and Constitutional Court Judge Jarun Pukditanakul. But I would suggest that you, dear readers, shouldn't hold your breath waiting, otherwise the unintentional mass suicide of Bangkok Post readers would really damage our circulation, and that may jeopardise my imaginary bonus.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/021108_News/02Nov2008_news18.php

[auserb]

One day he will be back. People power will dictate that.

He was the legally elected P.M that was ousted by a fasist minority gang of thugs.

This is what the ruling elite, that is backed by the army, does when the common people start to get some power in Thailand.

And they have the audacity to call themselves "Peoples alliance for Democracy"

What a joke.

Long live Khun Thaksin

good on ya.. well done .. I am with you 100% and also I do support Mr. Taksin 100% as well.

good luck to him and Isan

[soundman]

This is all a game of chess to MrT.

By asking for special consideration he is throwing down the gauntlet and drawing a line in the sand where the opposing side can't be seen not to act or they will have to contend with a couple of million brain washed taksinites.

I can't believe he has been allowed to get away with this speech. It is blatantly calling for his supporters to come to his rescue by any means if he is not invited home to a red carpet welcome befitting a celebrity.

Its almost as if he is advocating a path that could lead to a civil war.

IMO the guy has lost the plot.

[sriracha john]

It's not only Thaksin they want to receive a Royal Pardon...

The highlight was a live phone-in call by former PM Thaksin, who talked to show host Veera Musikapon. It was followed by a video-recording of Thaksin. The pro-government supporters also launched a campaign to collect signatures seeking a royal pardon for Thaksin and fellow former prime minister Samak Sundaravej. Thaksin was convicted in the Ratchadaphisek land purchase case. Samak was convicted in a defamation case.

- Bangkok Post / 2008-11-02

[Pierrot]

It's a shame that such an historical event doesn't get its own thread (that's it largely deserves) but it's a reminder that when it comes to communication, Sondhi's boys are much more organized that Thaksin supporters.

On the other hand, it gives us the opportunity to compare PAD protests and Thaksin support rally.

- First, the HUGE difference of number of people who attend these rallies. It doesn't matter for PAD supporters who don't give a d@mn about democracy but for others it's a warm reminder that when it comes to count its own, Thaksin still come first, and by far.

- A peaceful rally. From the BP : "Security fears fade : Good-natured supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra ...". Where were the heavily armed thugs who populate PAD rally ? I'm sure Sondhi's boys who are never short of pictures to tell us "their" side of the story will have already published them. Or maybe it takes longer to "photoshop" a peaceful crowd in a hostile mob. Honestly the easiest way would be to take a picture of a PAD rally and "paint" the yellow shirts in red .

- A legal rally. When PAD thugs highjack government buildings and turn peaceful neighborhood into war zone, Thaksin supporters rent a stadium. When PAD thugs, like a plague of locusts, trash whatever place they say, Thaksin supporters "were camping on the football pitch and running track, which were covered for protection." Then after the rally, the place weas returned to the public and the crowd peacefully dispersed. Definitively NOT a PAD rally.

Edited November 2, 2008 by Pierrot

[marshbags]

This is all a game of chess to MrT.

By asking for special consideration he is throwing down the gauntlet and drawing a line in the sand where the opposing side can't be seen not to act or they will have to contend with a couple of million brain washed taksinites.

I can't believe he has been allowed to get away with this speech. It is blatantly calling for his supporters to come to his rescue by any means if he is not invited home to a red carpet welcome befitting a celebrity.

Its almost as if he is advocating a path that could lead to a civil war.

IMO the guy has lost the plot.

We should not forget when the dust settles down on this party political broadcast and in particular for the criminal in exile.

There is still pending many more charges to be served and appearances due before the supreme courts of Thailand.

The neck of this EVIL, DEVIOUS, SELF SERVING BASTARD

Should his proposterous demands be met, then there are thousands of petty criminals who have already served mega jail time for what amounts to nothing in comparison to not only his offences, *** but those of his ilk who are already sentenced ( and surprise! surprise! are still out on indefinite bail or like this crepin on the run from justice ) should surely be given the first consideration and released accordingly, while those in bold should be put behind bars in their places.

If not then the whole legal sytem and the constitutions of Thailand, along with the honourable law abiding citizens of this country would be considered worthless.

This whole unfortunate episode brings this present government into disrepute and consequently IMHO they are not fit to govern, legally or otherwise

Last of all let us remember he has had lots of time to prepared and make this PPB along with the imput of those around him, including the surrogate government and this is what was left of his initial thoughts to feed to his Paid to do so on while attacking the very institutions that found him justly guilty of this, his first crime, before the highest court in the land.

I hope they him and his ilk up big time

marshbags

Let us not forget either the matter of the crimes against humanity that he and some of his associates " are guilty " of, evidence and self incrimination shows their guilt and is stacked up awaiting the day they are eventually brought before the either the courts or if not their maker !!!!!

Edited November 2, 2008 by marshbags

[Pierrot]

By asking for special consideration he is throwing down the gauntlet and drawing a line in the sand where the opposing side can't be seen not to act or they will have to contend with a couple of million brain washed taksinites.

I can't believe he has been allowed to get away with this speech. It is blatantly calling for his supporters to come to his rescue by any means if he is not invited home to a red carpet welcome befitting a celebrity.

Its almost as if he is advocating a path that could lead to a civil war.

IMO the guy has lost the plot.

The problem with this kind of argument is, outside of the original context, it's difficult to realize you're not talking about Sondhi and his friends

[Jai Dee]

Huge show of strength by DAAD

The "rally of the red-shirted people" yesterday was nothing short of a show of force by those supporting the government and ousted and convicted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. It also sent a message against more military coups and the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

What's more, it stood as a proof of how polarised Thai politics is.

While most of the more than 20,000 people or so who showed up yesterday at Rajamangala National Stadium to express their support for the government and Thaksin donned red, not all were wearing red from the outset.

A 30-something woman from Bangkok's Din Daeng district wore white, only to change once she arrived at the rally site at around 1pm.

"There're a lot of PAD supporters around my neighbourhood," the woman, who asked not to be named, told other rally-goers. "I like my neighbours, but on politics we don't see eye to eye."

A large privately owned parking lot behind the stadium was closed, with the security guard saying the owner feared there might be trouble.

In the rally vicinity, yellow shirts, the colour used by the PAD, which has occupied Government House for more than two months now, are conspicuously absent, and some convenience-store customers made jokes with counter staff, calling them PAD supporters.

Some other red-clad rally-goers complained that the taxi-driver who took them to the site refused to drive all the way to the stadium's entrance and must be a PAD supporter.

Inside the stadium, all kinds of pro-government, pro-Thaksin, anti-coup and anti-PAD paraphernalia were for sale. Foot-clappers, the pro-government group's answer to PAD hand-clappers, were offered in different sizes and designs.

There were also red T-shirts with messages ranging from support for Thaksin, opposition to the coup and praise for |HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Many photographs of Thaksin in various postures and costumes, videos of Thaksin's speech at a past political rally and a big banner where rally-goers could write a message to Thaksin were conspicuous.

Books criticising the PAD and the Supreme Court's role were also on sale.

"Compilation of PAD Bad Deeds" was one title.

And for those not having had enough of Thaksin, despite the fact that he was due to tele-address the crowd later in the evening, a Thaksin supporter was wearing a Thaksin paper mask to greet and shake hands with supporters.

"Democracy doesn't belong to one single group. Others have hearts too," said a voice from a loud speaker, welcoming rally-goers as a stream of red-wearing people continued to stream into the rally site.

Source: The Nation - 02 November 2008

[sriracha john]

"No one can bring me home apart from royal kindness or the power of the people," he said in a videophone appearance.

Actually, there are many, many airline pilots working for many airlines that can bring him home....

If he's that short of funds, a number of fishing boat or freighter captains could bring him home at a lower cost.

Edited November 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[fidelio]

It's a shame that such an historical event doesn't get its own thread (that's it largely deserves) but it's a reminder that when it comes to communication, Sondhi's boys are much more organized that Thaksin supporters.

On the other hand, it gives us the opportunity to compare PAD protests and Thaksin support rally.

- First, the HUGE difference of number of people who attend these rallies. It doesn't matter for PAD supporters who don't give a d@mn about democracy but for others it's a warm reminder that when it comes to count its own, Thaksin still come first, and by far.

- A peaceful rally. From the BP : "Security fears fade : Good-natured supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra ...". Where were the heavily armed thugs who populate PAD rally ? I'm sure Sondhi's boys who are never short of pictures to tell us "their" side of the story will have already published them. Or maybe it takes longer to "photoshop" a peaceful crowd in a hostile mob. Honestly the easiest way would be to take a picture of a PAD rally and "paint" the yellow shirts in red .

- A legal rally. When PAD thugs highjack government buildings and turn peaceful neighborhood into war zone, Thaksin supporters rent a stadium. When PAD thugs, like a plague of locusts, trash whatever place they say, Thaksin supporters "were camping on the football pitch and running track, which were covered for protection." Then after the rally, the place weas returned to the public and the crowd peacefully dispersed. Definitively NOT a PAD rally.

It's exactly the PAD's definition of democracy.

It's OK to illegally occupy the Government house and paralyze a country's executive power .

It's unacceptable to peacefully and legally demonstrate in a stadium.

Fascists.

[Pierrot]

"No one can bring me home apart from royal kindness or the power of the people," he said in a videophone appearance.

Actually, there are many, many airline pilots working for many airlines that can bring him home....

If he's that short of funds, a number of fishing boat or freighter captains could bring him home at a lower cost.

From the first page of the BP : "from royal kindness AND the power of the people".

Regarding airline pilots, is it an early morning joke ?

[angiud]

Before yesterday in Italy a protest against Berlusconi's right wing government gathered a 1,5 milions people in Rome, But sadly that doesn't means the majority of the italians have voted for the centre-left coalition party.

A not full stadium doesn't have a great meaning.

BTW, I can see many resemblances between Silvio Berlusconi and Thaksim Shinawatra, but unfortunately the first better manage to finish untouched by the italian tribunals....

[cmsally]

Video/sound of Thaksin speech

There is a sound clip here, but sound a bit sketchy.

BBC report

[cmsally]

"No one can bring me home apart from royal kindness or the power of the people," he said in a videophone appearance.

Actually, there are many, many airline pilots working for many airlines that can bring him home....

If he's that short of funds, a number of fishing boat or freighter captains could bring him home at a lower cost.

From the first page of the BP : "from royal kindness AND the power of the people".

Regarding airline pilots, is it an early morning joke ?

“No one can make me return to the country apart from His Majesty the King’s sympathy and the power of the people,”

Quoted from Bangkok Pundit , that is in turn quoting the BKK Post

The quote says "and" not or, it also does not say Royal it says HM the King specifically.

[sriracha john]

"No one can bring me home apart from royal kindness or the power of the people," he said in a videophone appearance.

Actually, there are many, many airline pilots working for many airlines that can bring him home....

If he's that short of funds, a number of fishing boat or freighter captains could bring him home at a lower cost.

From the first page of the BP : "from royal kindness AND the power of the people".

Regarding airline pilots, is it an early morning joke ?

No, it's just a suggestion that Thaksin should speak more straight-forward. It's not a matter of he "cannot" come home, it's a matter of him voluntarily CHOOSING not to come home. He's putting the onus on royal kindness or (which, btw, is the translation other news services, like Bernama, used and not word "and") the power of the people.

It should be straight-more about that, as well. If he wants a "royal kindness" he should do like all convicted criminals do and formally request, in writing, for a Royal Pardon.

Edited November 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[brahmburgers]

I'm so happy seeing I'm not the only one who loves Khun Thaksin and Thai Rak Thai / PPP.

90,000 people is not minority.

90,000 people is a respectable number, though quite a few to pack in to a stadium that seats 70,000. Will be interested to get some qualification whether the attendees were paid to attend and bussed in as alleged. However, in comparing demonstrations, it's a bigger deal to have a sustained demonstration of tens of thousands lasting months (PAD, through all types of weather and various venues) than to have a one-off event with paid attendees.

This is very dangerous ground that Toxic is skating on asking for Royal Kindness, as it publicly seeks to put HM on the spot. Then the latter is for all intents and purposes above politics and such matter of clemency are done via the Privy Council.

I agree. Plus, by widening the playing field to include a Royal pardon, Thaksin and wife stand to lose face if they don't receive such pardons - particularly at such times (King's b'day) when pardons are handed out en masse.

Koo82, you're entitled to love whom you please, but I for one, have trouble loving someone who so effectively turned Thailand in to his personal fiefdom, squeezing ever larger amounts of lucre toward his own purse. A man who, after the first massacre of Moslem protestors in Thailand's south, declared "from now on, whenever such problems arise, I will be personally in charge" - ......yet, when the second, larger massacre took place a few months later, and Khun Thaksin was directly involved with moment by moment proceedings, ....and when things went tragically wrong, and dozens of young men died as the direct result of mishandling, Thaksin took no responsibility. He did not even reprimand the officials in charge of that second massacre - nor even direct that an investigation of the matter.

The list of ways he seriously harmed Thailand goes on and on. I could not love a man like that.

Edited November 2, 2008 by brahmburgers

[cmsally]

"ไม่มีใครที่จะเอาผมกลับประเทศไทยได้หรอก นอกจากพระบารมีที่จะทรงมีพระเมตตา หรือไม่ก็พลังของพี่น้องประชาชนทุกท่าน จริงไหมครับ" อดีตนายกรัฐมนตรี กล่าว

Matichon.

Supposedly this is the Thai version which I would translate as meaning HM the King rather than Royal and as saying "if not the King's pardon then the power of the people".

Probably the only way to get the exact words is to listen to the tape , as everywhere seems to have a different version.

[animatic]

One day he will be back. People power will dictate that.

He was the legally elected P.M that was ousted by a fasist minority gang of thugs.

This is what the ruling elite, that is backed by the army, does when the common people start to get some power in Thailand.

And they have the audacity to call themselves "Peoples alliance for Democracy"

What a joke.

Long live Khun Thaksin

Other than the fact PAD was against him and brought his malfeasence to light publicly,

PAD did not actuate the coup, they aren't army, and PAD faded away during the coup government.

PAD only came back when PPP won, and the constitution rewrites came onto the agenda,

and the obvious reasons for the rewrites..

If you want to talk of Thaksin, fine,

but try facts.

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin Says He Could Return to Thailand With King's Clemency

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told about 100,000 supporters via telephone that he would stay away for 10 years unless the king showed him mercy or a majority wanted him back.

"The term of my legal case is 10 years, so that means they want to keep me out of the country for 10 years,'' he told a Bangkok stadium packed with his supporters late yesterday. "Will you allow me to stay abroad that long?''

Thailand's Supreme Court found Thaksin, 59, guilty last month of helping his wife buy land from the government, his first conviction since the military ousted him in a 2006 coup. Thaksin skipped bail in August and fled to the U.K. with his wife, Pojamarn Shinawatra, who was sentenced to jail for tax evasion.

Thaksin's speech may inflame an increasingly violent political standoff between anti-government protesters who despise him and the ruling People Power Party led by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, the former leader's brother-in-law. The mostly middle-class People's Alliance for Democracy opposes any party linked to Thaksin and has vowed to protest until the People Power Party is out of power.

"There are only two things that can bring me back into the country,'' he said. "The first is the king's mercy and the second is a request from the majority.''

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest reigning monarch, is revered as a symbol of continuity and stability in the nation of 66 million people. As a constitutional monarch, he is head of state while the prime minister and parliament govern.

`Same Old Thing'

The People's Alliance has occupied the prime minister's office since Aug. 26. They clashed with police last month after they surrounded the parliament building, leading to two deaths. They want Thaksin's allies ousted and seek a new political system that would reduce the influence of his powerbase of poor, rural voters.

"What Thaksin said is just the same old thing,'' Suriyasai Katalisa, a People's Alliance leader, told Nation TV. "Nothing new at all. He simply blamed the coup. He never looks at himself and acknowledges that he abused his power when he was in power.''

The People Power Party, the successor to Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai, won last year's elections with the help of farmers in northeast Thailand attracted to its policies of cheap health care and micro-credit. The government has increased spending in rural areas to counter the effects of slowing global economic growth.

"The division in the country is only because a group of people wanted to get rid of one man,'' Thaksin said.

Rallies

The pro-government group plans continuous rallies to counter the People's Alliance for Democracy and pre-empt any coup attempts. Thailand has had 10 coups since scrapping its absolute monarchy 76 years ago.

"There is no peaceful resolution to this crisis unless one side backs down,'' said Ismail Wolff, an analyst with PSA Asia, a Bangkok-based security and risk assessment consulting firm. "History is likely to repeat itself here, and violence, it seems, is becoming increasingly inevitable.''

Thaksin also faces criminal charges over his cabinet's 2003 approval of a state-run lottery, a loan extended to Myanmar to buy equipment from his family's former business and alleged manipulation of telecommunications and tax policies for personal gain. A related civil case against him is seeking to confiscate almost $2.2 billion.

Source: Bloomberg - 02 November 2008

[skiman1]

It just shows what huge numbers are against PAD mob rule of BKK and what would happen if the military ever tried to take over again.

Nope.

All it shows that the one paying the red shirts has a LARGE wallet. Think about it - PAD protests on the streets (ok Government house, but they had to seize that first!) while UDD or DAAD or whatever they call themselves (red shirts) can rent a whole stadium? And bus in TENS OF THOUSANDS of people from upcountry??

Money talks, nothing else.

Thanh

PAD,DAAD,PPP,UDD - its getting boring can't you get more exciting names all these letters are just confusing, give a real name for your disgruntled group of sheep and be more recognisable in the world press - maybe something like

Morons R us

Whocaresparty

Shortimeparty

Givemebaht

Anothercoup Party

It will give you more credibility and you will be taken seriously, while the Country's reputation will continue its downward spiral - idiots

[thaigene2]

Yes well the farang pro-PAD right-wingers on this forum can keep dreaming up excuses and trot out the tired old suggestion that the pro-Thaksin-pro-democracy supporters were paid to attend, blah, blah..

But just have a look at all the responses in the Forum section of the new Bangkok Post on Sunday (I'm regaining some faith in the Post) from what appears to be Thais and NOT farangs (I'm assuming Thais from their writing styles). They want democracy - they want Thaksin - they will NOT accept an elite appointed government or another right-wing coup.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=131755 (the comments are below the sidebar story at the top)

Edited November 2, 2008 by thaigene2

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin calls for reconciliation, forgiveness

Ousted and convicted ex-premier of Thailand Thaksin Shinawatra, playing a psychological game during his much-anticipated phone-in to Bangkok last night (November 1), asked his supporters if they would simply allow him to remain in exile for 10 years.

"May I ask you, brothers and sisters, if you wish me to remain abroad for that long period of time?" he asked the 50,000-plus red-clad supporters at Rajamangala National Stadium.

He was referring to a 10-year statute of limitations on the two-year jail sentence handed down against him by the Supreme Court for conflict of interest in the Ratchadaphisek land-scandal case.

"The nation has been in ruins since the 2006 coup," he said.

The ex-PM added that any salvation would now come from either the "compassionate" guidance of His Majesty the King or the power of the people.

He said democracy was essential for a peaceful and cultured Thailand, however, and urged both sides in the political conflict to "forgive one another" and "reconcile". In the West, said Thaksin, political differences don't lead to political division.

Thaksin, believed to be making the call from Hong Kong, said he was suffering from karma not of his making. He also criticised the judicial system for "ending justice" instead of serving it. He was introduced before speaking as "convicted criminal Thaksin Shina-watra" and made wry play of the tag.

The former premier, still hugely popular, especially in rural areas, said the current political turmoil was a result of the coup, an assassination attempt and other moves against him despite his having been a popularly elected prime minister. "It goes against the feeling of the people, and that's why the situation is as messy as it is today."

"The injustice is the reason why people had to gather to fight, so justice may return to society," the controversial ex-premier told the electrified crowd.

Thaksin said he missed the people and the political stage where he could feel the hearts of others and said: "Without such moral support I wouldn't have survived to this day."

He added that his family's travail was as nothing compared to that faced by Thailand since the 2006 coup which ousted him.

His brief talk was followed by a short recorded video in which he criticised the coup-makers for having caused much damage to the economy and democratic system "in order to get rid of one person", a reference to himself.

"We shall oppose coups d'้tat together," he said, adding that now that the world was entering an economic crisis Thailand could not avoid being affected but must try to lessen the impact.

Meanwhile, emboldened by the high turnout of pro-government, pro-Thaksin supporters, red-clad speakers at yesterday's rally announced that they would not allow the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to dictate the course of politics any further. "They have pushed us to the point where we have no place to stand, and the only thing we can do now is fight them," said Chatuporn Phromphan.

The People Power Party MP and co-host of the "Truth Today" television programme on the state-controlled NBT channel was speaking at the rally at the Rajamangala National Stadium.

"The only solution is to amend the goon 2007 charter, and if the PAD or a group of 40 senators opposes it, then we say: "To hel_l with them!" From now on, the majority voice will not allow the minority voice to pressure it."

Sean Boonpracong, a member of the anti-coup pro-Thaksin war room, told The Nation on Sunday that the rally was a success because of the high turnout. He added that the group was now trying to court "sophisticated" middle-class people who were against the PAD and coup. About 90 per cent of seats in the stadium, which has a seating capacity of 49,000-plus, were occupied. The main field area on the ground, estimated to accommodate some 10,000, was 80 per cent full.

Suthachai Yimprasert, a historian at Chulalongkorn University, was one of those who attended the rally wearing red. He said the rally signified that the majority of the people would no longer put up with the PAD.

Former deputy premier Chaturon Chaisaeng told the gathering that while the group would remain peaceful, there could be no compromise in terms of ideology with the PAD. "It's a matter of black and white," he said.

Source: Asia News Network - 02 November 2008

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin plays victim

Deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told ecstatic but peaceful supporters on Saturday that only royal kindness and people's power would allow him to return home. He spoke by telephone to tens of thousands of pro-government backers who filled the 60,000 seats in a sea of read and overflowed onto the entire football pitch and running track at Rajamangala National Stadium.

"Good evening fellow citizens who love democracy. Can you remember my voice? I miss you."

- Mr Thaksin begins his address. He told his supporters that he could not return to Thailand because he had been sentenced to prison. But he suggested a royal pardon could allow him to come home. "No one can bring me home apart from royal kindness or the power of the people," he said in a videophone appearance. It was unclear whether he planned to seek a royal pardon.

"Injustice has risen because of a need to get one man and one party. Democracy is being challenged. We must stand up to resist a military coup because democracy is the soul of national administration. The economy will stabilise only when the political system is just," he said. "The political system is marred with injustice. Law enforcement is futile. The government is helpless. This is all the fruits of a coup."

More from the Bangkok Post here.

[sriracha john]

The way to receive a Royal Pardon is to formally request one in a respectful, subdued written application. It is not to request one by broadcasting it openly in a phone call to a mobbed stadium.

As a convicted criminal, he has to apply, but as a current fugitive and when coupled with the consideration that he has (or perhaps he has not, as there are contradictory reports on the issue, like many aspects dealing with Thaksin are) requested political asylum in a foreign country which he did so in a highly insulting and derisive manner to his own country... the odds of a successful Royal Pardon application might appear to be a bit slim.

Edited November 2, 2008 by sriracha john

[Plus]

- Do you want me to stay abroad for 10 years?

- I can't come back now, they want me out for 10 years

- There are two options

1. The King forgives me

2. People power brings me back

Wow!

Was it a threat?

I think it was a brilliant move - PAD folks would think it was, ant-Monarchy elements would think it was, and vast majority of his own fans wouldn't notice, so that they could be exploited further.

>>>>

90,000 is not that many - for a very similar rally in 2006 they brought 300,000 to Sanam Luang, all nicely bussed in and out and very well organised. Kudos to government MPs and their organisational skills.

>>>>

Nation's front page is entirely written by Pravit - a staunch anti-coup, anti-PAD journalist, and he did a rather good job today. Interestinly he wrote that some people were afraid of wearing red outside and donned their shirts only in the safety of the stadium. They obviously don't feel like they are majority among the general population and ashamed of their political affiliations.

Pravit also wrote a few paragraphs about worshipping Thaksin there - photos, videos, t-shirts, personal messages for him.

There's no denying that HE was the main attraction there, all other ideas about democracy, coup, PAD, constitution were secondary, but they were very cleverly used to associate Thaksin with them, even though they have very little in common.

Take the example of Const. rewrite - very easy to rally the crowd for it - it came from the junta, but in reality they want to make it MORE dictatorial, with more powers to politicians and less power to the people.

While tehe fans are obsessed with Thaksin they sweettalk them in the ways of democracy but want to make the country less democratic than the junta itself.

>>>>

All in all, Daad leaders have tested their power, they feel euphoric now. And they are hel_l bent on getting their way - roll over PAD, push through amendments, bring Thaksin back.

It's not Thaksin speech that should be widely reported, it's DAAD's leaders calls for war.

They feel empowered now - care to guess what they will do next in their drive to take the country back from PAD?

[sinom]

Lots of Red $hirt$ ..........!

...... being cynical ..... same story for the yellow $hirt$ ......!

or am I being too cynical ?

Edited November 2, 2008 by sinom

[Sathip2008]

I go jogging every day and I have 2 beautiful shirts (Ad.... and Ni..), problem is that one shirt is yellow and the other one is red... It sucks, because I don't know which car or bike is going to hit me . Seriously, I'm half joking here and it's becoming a problem for those, like me, who follow the traditional colour of the day thing. What do I wear on Monday and Sunday now ?

For your information.

Day Color of the day Planet God of the day Sunday red Sun Surya Monday yellow Moon Chandra Tuesday pink Mars Mangala Wednesday green Mercury Budha Thursday orange Jupiter Brihaspati Friday blue Venus Shukra Saturday purple Saturn Shani

[Jai Dee]

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