4 Grenades Explode Near Thailand's Anti-government Tv Station

[jdinasia]

cmSally ... unless you wish to put me through Law school at Chula ..... we are stuck with taking the 'expert's word' for most everything! in most cases if something comes out that is not factual there is a rebuttal somewhere else .. in this case there is not. The evidence is that they Could not (word of the experts) the supposition on your part is that because this fits with what we all seem to believe about the desires of the people in question that it must mean they could have ... but that is where there is zero statements on record.

You also fail to answer .... what could they have done?

Your supposition that the EC would want observers escapes me. Why would they want people cluttering up the system? There is no way that observers could have been effective in any meaningful way except to point out where basic mistakes were made and who in Thailand would want very basic mistakes pointed out publicly? (Say badly positioned polling booths etc ...) It would only make the EC bosses look bad AND the local political parties monitor that and contest it in front of the EC and court anyways!

anyways .... we are WAY WAY off topic

[jdinasia]

Thank you for posting that BLOG Bangyai .. I love blogs with one unsubstantiated source!

(edit -- it was well written though. Far better than anything in the Post or Nation. Sadly it makes you wonder even more than it would if it were poorly written!)

Eeeek I beg my forgiveness from the BP http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=124756

Edited November 24, 2008 by jdinasia

[LaoPo]

Yes, I don't suppose the military govournment would have welcomed what the EU might have said about soldiers in the 9th infantry division being told how to vote by their commanding officers:

http://www.imeem.com/people/e2YmZDJ/blogs/...o_voted_for_ppp

Not that it did the democrats any good. Nice to see the ordinary soldiery taking an independant stance. Makes you wonder what they might refuse to do in the event of a coup.

I am not able to judge whether the content of your link is true or not so I can't possibly have an opinion.

BTW: as far as I know, private blog links are forbidden on TV because of possible spam hidden in such links.

Mods ?

LaoPo

[MiG16]

You didn't address the fact that observers wouldn't have been able to see anything that didn't occur in the voting stations and that the language barriers and cultural barriers would have been all but insurmountable (unless they could find Thai speaking locals that knew the situation in any given political area and were willing to return to Thailand and run the risks of affronting those political machines in a place where they would likely still have family living!)

I didnt really want to enter into this debate, and not really saying what should or should not have been done with allowing external observers as ...I dont really think theres much point in debating this now...as no matter if we all can agree if the EU observers could have or could not have ...its all already in the past

BUT I just thought I would say that these external observers are a team of experts, whether its from the EU, other government or other non government groups - they have done these kind of things, and in fact do it regularly, so I think we can give them some credit that they will know how to deal with language and cultural barriers (I have met a young intern that works with one of these groups...and even the intern is smart and perceptive enough...)

ofcourse, limited resource would mean that they wont be able to monitor every polling station...but thats why the country has the EC. external observers are an added method of monitoring, its not suppose to replace existing system within the country

[jdinasia]

Mig .. yes they ARE intelligent. There is still no way for them to look into what happens away from the polls. They are good with all the rest though!

I really would welcome any suggestions on how a team of foreigners could determine if a local kanman was vote buying etc! (or extorting votes etc)

[LaoPo]

Don't even try, I am not one of your lambs... fish n bait elsewhere

Cheers!

..how could I possibly have been so naive as to expect another answer ?

Your repeated and very obvious promotion for posting links of the PAD-supportive channels are probably a reason ?

Tip: if I would run a commercial business in Thailand like your Baht & Sold, I wouldn't take such obvious PRO sides

A commercial business needs clients from all sides and colours...don't you think ?

Nothing wrong with having a personal opnion mr. B&S, but NEVER EVER link your own business name to a political opinion; that's a golden rule in business land, worldwide.....

LaoPo

[jdinasia]

LaoPo .. there is no need for you to be taking all these digs at people instead of the ideas presented. His business is his issue, not yours and totally OFF TOPIC.

[baht&sold]

Don't even try, I am not one of your lambs... fish n bait elsewhere

Cheers!

..how could I possibly have been so naive as to expect another answer ?

Your repeated and very obvious promotion for posting links of the PAD-supportive channels are probably a reason ?

Tip: if I would run a commercial business in Thailand like your Baht & Sold, I wouldn't take such obvious PRO sides

A commercial business needs clients from all sides and colours...don't you think ?

Nothing wrong with having a personal opnion mr. B&S, but NEVER EVER link your own business name to a political opinion; that's a golden rule in business land, worldwide.....

LaoPo

My business is really none of yours LaoPo (but thanks for trying to prejudice and stain mine, anonymously no less). Also, imho more business owners whom have more than 'short time' aspirations for Thailand should voice their thoughts as well (smart business view is if this mess isn't sorted, it's set to repeat and repeat and repeat). What is right shall prevail over whom is right regardless of those whom seek to protect and defend a system of corruption, collusion, cronies and nepotism at ALL costs...

You 'may' be surprised to learn I have a more balanced and broad view than you 'choose' to see (or rather paint).

EG, in my own mini newsletter yesterday I commented on a brazen gang attack with the following current observation:

Debt-collector' gang sows mayhem on Nonthaburi soi

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/11/23...ss_30089122.php

***Fairly brazen act and obviously done without much fear of reprisal. Don't normally post these kinds of stories but recently it seems there's an increasing sense of 'lawlessness' creeping into Thai society. This is not surprising as the very fabric of Thai society is tearing, by example.

What with protesters previously blocking airports, then taking over Govt House, pro-Govt protesters 'directed' to attack anti-Govt protesters, Govt leaders whom blatantly abuse the law, Cabinet appointees of suspected or convicted criminals, an ex-Pm whom flaunts the law after he can't buy it and now almost daily reports of so-called 'bombs' etc, etc... thus it's not surprising all this 'sanctions' the common criminal elements whom appear to act with lessened fear of reprisal (perhaps even instilling a feeling of 'encouragement')...

Thailand still remains a fantastic place to live and moreover a safe place to live or visit. However, the general 'tone' of society is set by it's leaders and needs a Govt which leads by good example. HM The King has spent a lifetime setting fine examples but this is unfortunately eroded by examples from the Govt of the day which has a direct influence on the general tone of current society. Until Thailand has a Govt which sets a higher example, expect the fabric of the society which they serve to continue to tear further...

++++++++++++++++++++++

- I might add, I've also been highly critical of many of the PAD's actions, documented Sondhi's ongoing telecoms and loans fall-out feud with Thaksin in detail and much more. Yet a person with an obvious vested interest prefers to draw finite conclusions based on supposition, ala: 'yer either fer us or agin us pardner'... very telling indeed and thought you 'might' be above this type of nonsense... Ah well, there's always a everywhere one goes.... Mais bpen rais.

EDIT/PS: Unlike some other property related businesses in Thailand, I don't always 'put on a happy face' nor do I sell-out to ANY side to attract clients. It is what it is, tell it like it IS and if that puts some off (like you apparently) so be it.

Edited November 24, 2008 by baht&sold

[Sarge]

Anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy leader Chamlong Srimuang said on Monday protesters’ march to seal off different locations in Bangkok on Monday is simply a prelude, as the group planned more intense coordinated protests on Tuesday and vowed to topple the government by Wednesday.

Earlier Monday, key PAD leaders declared victory after their mass protests at Parliament prompted the cancellation of Monday's joint session of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Police arrested six men dressed as PAD protesters, who allegedly hijacked a Bangkok Mass Transit Authority bus and drove it to the PAD protest site to be used as a road blockade.

The protesters also marched to seize the Chart Thai Party Headquarters and Finance Ministry and later changed their target to the temporary seat of government at Don Mueang Airport.

The PAD protesters seized the rooftop of the terminal building and announced its victory. The protesters also booed and attacked Deputy Metropolitan Police Chief Police Col Patchara Boonyasit, while he was walking to the Government’s temporary office.

The protesters planned to camp out at Don Mueang airport Monday night while more supporters would join the group at 4 am on Tuesday. Scores of police were on standby to prevent a possible break-in by the demonstrators.

this is getting out of hand any government worth its salt cannot allow to go on; send the counterinsurgency troops in and crack down hard on these ragtag, unwashed rioters and imprison the leadership. This unlawful movement is doing permanent damage to the economy and Thailand reputation abroad. I find deliciously funny reading nonentity foreigners doubting how other qualified foreigners (EU officials) could understand local Thai politics. Priceless! if not only because they're oblivious to the irony of it

[hungryhippo]

EDIT/ PS: I also posted the article 'Ex-Thai PM hits out at UK' which was THEN picked up by the Bkk Post & Nation, credible or made up?

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/539193-ex-t...-hits-out-at-uk

Interesting news, does this mean Taksin will be coming back to try and run as prime minister again? According to this news article and his quotes that was my impression.

We'll have to wait and see what is released in the newspaper on the 27th I guess.

[PanzerJohn]

If Toxin gets back in power I wouldn't like to be a UK citizen living in LoS and needing a visa, in fact I think I would be assessing my long term future there, especially once the unmentionable and inevitable comes to pass and the big power struggle kicks off.

[jdinasia]

I am sure there are plenty of Londoners getting worried about exactly that! There are some great benefits to having strong ties to the Kingdom and having learned the language etc. But overall I am certainly glad I am not from Blighty. The thing is even though I doubt Thaksin will be back and certainly not in power, people in isaan will certainly remember this 'insult'. Pretty soon I expect some up there to start claiming they are from Oz or South Africa!

[JetsetBkk]

I am sure there are plenty of Londoners getting worried about exactly that! There are some great benefits to having strong ties to the Kingdom and having learned the language etc. But overall I am certainly glad I am not from Blighty. The thing is even though I doubt Thaksin will be back and certainly not in power, people in isaan will certainly remember this 'insult'. Pretty soon I expect some up there to start claiming they are from Oz or South Africa!

I'm glad to see your signature still has that "have a sense of humour" line in it, because what you just wrote is hilarious.

[owengeary]

There can only be one family who can pay 500 baht a day to each protester.

Who are you referring to? Given the protesters are anti Thaksin.

I'm not referring to the Thaksin. Think harder. A clue, when a member of the upper class goes to the funeral of a low class person.

[vahack]

The first bombs exploded at about 3:50 am at the police booth at the Bang Lamphu Intersection.

The second bomb exploded five minute later at 3:40 am at the road-island park between Wat Soamanus and Bang Lamphu.

The station said two more explosions occurred behind the office of ASTV at 3:45 am.

can anyone else count? lol

This is definitely a primitive country.

Not ready for democracy.

[LaoPo]

Four-partite meeting agrees to convene special session on Dec 8-9

November 25, 2008

The caretaker primer minister, opposition leader, House speaker and Senate speaker agreed Monday to convene a special Cabinet meeting on December 8 and 9 to endorse the legal framework concerning Asean.

The meeting was held Monday afternoon after the People's Alliance for Democracy blocked the joint sitting of the House and Senate for fear that the government would slam a charter amendment bill through Parliament.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, House Speaker Chai Chidchob and Senate Speaker Prasopsook Boondej held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul, caretaker prime minister, and agreed upon the special session.

-The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

BURNING ISSUE

The PAD and the govt are holding the common man hostage

By Avudh Panananda - The Nation - Published on November 25, 2008

A rethink hasbecome an imperative to put an end to the political turmoil. The struggle between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy has proved to be a never-ending saga that is futile and a drain on society.

If the PAD wants to topple the government, then it is evident that the rousing of the crowds has led to nowhere. A much-anticipated uprising remains the elusive goal after six months plagued by a number of bloodshed incidents.

If the government is sincere about forging reconciliation, then it should start acting in a tangible manner to co-exist with the PAD instead of trying to quash its civil disobedience.

It is time for all sides to stop the political melodrama and face the reality of how to make the most of the situation in which the rival camps cannot defeat or make one another disappear.

The entire society is the collateral damage every time the PAD organises a mass rally to heave-ho the government out of office. And Thai citizens are living in unnecessary suspense at every sabre-rattling both by the government and the PAD.

The October 7 blockade of Parliament ended with a violent crackdown and blood being spilled. Although Monday's siege on the legislative seat has been peaceful, it is likely to reinforce the political deadlock.

The PAD cannot bring the government to its knees and its continuing protests are like howling winds falling short of developing into storms. The government, in turn, is at its wits' end on how to pacify the PAD-led crowds.

The government and the PAD both should look to the elections as the contest grounds to fight one another instead of perpetuating the turmoil.

Even though the PAD claims to have no aspirations for political office, it is entitled to endorse electoral candidates to bring about the political changes as deemed necessary. The government can seek a fresh mandate instead of being a lame duck.

A snap election will allow rival camps to redirect their fight in a more constructive manner to vie for votes rather than being mired by animosity.

Should the two opposing sides decide to designate the elections as their new battlefield, a clean break from fractious politics is deemed necessary to pave the way for a free and fair outcome.

A key issue to be done away with is the fate of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. As a Thai citizen, Thaksin has an inalienable right to pursue his life and justice as per his aspirations. But it is unjustifiable for the PAD and politicians of all stripes to invoke his name to incite the crowds for self-serving gains.

Politics should be about serving the people's aspirations. The turmoil is persisting because all sides have become obsessed with the rise and fall of one individual leader, allowing it to eclipse society.

Politicians, be they in the government or the opposition, should try to inspire and advance the country forward. The bickering about Thaksin's legacy is like trying to bring back the dead. For better or worse, the former prime minister is not in a position to maintain a direct presence on the political scene.

Thaksin is banned from the electoral process. Although he may try to resume his political career, this is not happening any time soon as the expiry of his ban is still four years away. The fuss about Thaksin's leadership is a moot point when the country is in a dire need for leadership to steer through the global economic turmoil.

The government appears to have alluded to the good old days under Thaksin in order to cover up the fact that it had no fresh ideas to overcome the economic and political woes.

The PAD seems to cling to its past success of fighting the autocratic leadership of Thaksin. And it is learning a costly lesson that it is about to commit political suicide if it continues with the same old tactics of rousing the crowds.

Yesterday's turnout for the PAD-led "final battle" was lower than expected. The siege on Parliament achieved nothing and the marches to various agencies, including the temporary seat of government at Don Mueang, appeared lacklustre.

For participatory democracy to flourish, it is imperative for the PAD to advocate issues with immediacy and relevancy. If the PAD refuses to adjust its tactics and advocacy topics, it is risking a sharp turn of sentiment. The people are beginning to see the PAD as troublemaker instead of a champion to clean up politics.

-The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Napoleonic blunder by protesters

By Thanong at nationgroup dot com - Published on November 25, 2008

The anti-government protesters, at this hour, appear to be facing a setback in their attempt to seize the capital. They might be able to lay siege to Parliament and block the session. But it is a futile exercise as the police forces are keeping their cool.

What is going to happen next?

The anti-government protesters could be making the same mistake as Napoleon, who decided to invade Russia and suffered a devastating defeat. Napoleon's armies could seize the territories, but they could not occupy them for long.

If the situation continues, the protesters could run out of steam.

Let's take a look at Napoleon's disastrous attempt to attack Russia. This is from geographia.com

In June 1812, Napoleon began his Russian campaign, a landmark in history of the destructive potential of warfare. Virtually all of continental Europe was under his control, and the invasion of Russia was an attempt to force Tsar Alexander I to submit once again to the terms of a treaty that Napoleon had imposed upon him four years earlier. Having gathered nearly half a million soldiers, from France as well as all of the vassal states of Europe, Napoleon entered Russia at the head of the largest army ever seen.

The Russians, under Marshal Kutuzov, could not realistically hope to defeat him in a direct confrontation. Instead, they began a defensive campaign of strategic retreat, devastating the land as they fell back and harassing the flanks of the French. As the summer wore on, Napoleon's massive supply lines were stretched ever thinner, and his force began to decline. By September, without having engaged in a single pitched battle, the French Army had been reduced by more than two-thirds from fatigue, hunger, desertion, and raids by Russian forces.

Nonetheless, it was clear that unless the Russians engaged the French Army in a major battle, Moscow would be Napoleon's in a matter of weeks. The Tsar insisted upon an engagement, and on September 7, with winter closing in and the French army only 110 km from the city, the two armies met at Borodino Field. By the end of the day, 108,000 men had died, but neither side had gained a decisive victory. Kutuzov realised that any further defence of the city would be senseless, and he withdrew his forces, prompting the citizens of Moscow to begin a massive and panicked exodus.

When Napoleon's army arrived on September 14, they found a city deserted and bereft of supplies, a meagre comfort in the face of the oncoming winter. To make matters much worse, fires broke out in the city that night, and by the next day the French were lacking shelter as well.

After waiting in vain for Alexander to offer to negotiate, Napoleon ordered his troops to begin the march home. Because the route to the south was blocked by Kutuzov's forces (and the French were in no shape for a battle) the retreat retraced the long, devastated route of the invasion. Having waited until mid-October to depart, the exhausted French army soon found itself in the midst of winter - in fact, in the midst of an unusually early and especially cold winter.

Temperatures soon dropped well below freezing, cossacks attacked stragglers and isolated units, food was almost non-existent, and the march was 800 km. Ten thousand men survived. The campaign brought about Napoleon's downfall and Russia's status as a leading power in post-Napoleonic Europe. Yet even as Russia emerged more powerful than ever from the Napoleonic era, its internal tensions began to increase.

-The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Govt banks on public

Leaders hope sentiment will turn against PAD

BANGKOK POST AND REUTERS

Tuesday November 25, 2008

The government is now banking on public sentiment to turn against the People's Alliance for Democracy and pressure the PAD to end its proclaimed "final battle" to unseat Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat and his administration.

After forcing the postponement of the joint session of parliament yesterday, the PAD, which already occupies Government House, then briefly took over the government's interim offices at Don Mueang airport.

The alliance also cut electricity and water supplies at several state offices, including parliament, the Finance Ministry and the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

PAD member Sirichai Mai-ngam told supporters who arrived at the airport to stay there for at least three days and to prevent the cabinet from meeting there tomorrow after the prime minister returns from overseas.

PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang said he would lead more supporters to Don Mueang airport today.

"The PAD will intensify its demonstration activities to make sure the government will soon step down," said Maj-Gen Chamlong.

PAD coordinator Suriyasai Katasila said a large group of supporters would join their comrades at Don Mueang today. Several other groups of protesters would fan out to rally at other places to disrupt the government's operations.

"Everything will finish by the end of this week," said Mr Suriyasai.

Continues here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/251108_News/25Nov2008_news01.php

LaoPo

Edited November 24, 2008 by LaoPo

[LaoPo]

D. Mueang security beefed up

AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

Tuesday November 25, 2008

Security has been beefed up around Don Mueang airport's passenger terminals after the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) yesterday blocked part of the airport, which is being used as a temporary Government House.

Flying Officer Wisit Iewprapa, the deputy director of Don Mueang airport, said security staff had been put on full alert.

He suggested passengers arrive early as Vibhavadi Rangsit road was expected to be congested.

He spoke after the PAD said it would lay siege to the temporary government offices at the airport for three days.

Thai Airways International labour union president Jamsri Sukchotrat yesterday said some members of the THAI labour union had joined the PAD rally on Sunday night. She did not expect this would affect the airline's services.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) labour union president Ruengsak Khengkhan said he and about 100 other union members had joined the PAD rally, in line with a resolution passed by the Confederation of State Enterprises.

Continues here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/251108_News/25Nov2008_news02.php

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Protesters told to travel to Don Muang

November 25, 2008 : Last updated 05:27 am

Chamlong Srimuang, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, told protesters to move to rally at the temporary Cabinet office at the Don Muang Airport.

At 4 am, protesters were told to gather at the Nanglerng stadium to ride buses to Don Muang.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

PAD vehicles not allowed to use expressway without paying fees

November 25, 2008 : Last updated 05:34 am

Several vehicles of the People's Alliance for Democracy caused traffic snarls in front of the Yommaraj gate of the expressway after the protesters refused to pay toll for using the expressway.

By 5 am, the protesters failed to negotiate the expressway officials to allow them to pass the tollgate without paying.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

Govt strategy takes wind out of PAD's sails in 'final battle'

By Naya Jaikawang, Somroutai Sapsomboon - The Nation

Published on November 25, 2008;Tue, November 25, 2008 : Last updated 5:34 hours

The People Power Party-led government relied on a strategy of stillness and non-resistance in reply to yesterday's 'final battle' of the People's Alliance for Democracy protesters.

In what members called a wise tactic, the government chose to stand still and not confront the PAD protesters, avoiding any clashes.

A source from the PPP said party leaders, wary of a PAD trap, instructed PPP MPs not to mobilise government supporters to confront the PAD at Parliament.

PAD violence, they felt, could backfire on the anti-government protesters. Continued protest would damage the country's image, and the cause of this damage would be laid on the PAD. Government supporters believed if there was no bloodshed, their tenure in office would stay firm.

The reason for PAD's unopposed siege of Parliament lay with Army Chief Anupong Paochinda, the source said.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat called Anupong from Peru on Sunday and discussed how to handle the PAD's plan to seize Parliament.

"If we can't control the situation we have to let them enter Parliament. We won't prepare any weapons to prevent the violence," Anupong was quoted as saying to Somchai. The PM reportedly agreed not to use the force adopted in the October 7 clash.

Many had feared PAD's final battle could be a repeat of the October 7 violence that left two PAD protesters dead and many seriously injured by tear gas fired by riot police.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob cancelled yesterday's joint Parliament meeting after thousands of PAD protesters besieged the Parliament building - but the crowd received only a mild reaction from the police. Authorities even removed barricades, allowing demonstrators to get close to the front of Parliament.

In a similar tactic, police at the Metropolitan Police Bureau allowed two buses of PAD members to enter in front of the office and there was no other police response, even though the PAD cut off the electricity in all official buildings they besieged. Earlier, police had threatened to prepare tear gas, but there were no reports of its use.

When the PAD headed to the prime minister's temporary office at Don Mueang Airport to disturb the special Cabinet meeting, ministers left the office to avoid confrontation.

Jatuporn Promphan, a People Power Party party-list MP, said the PAD would have won in yesterday's demonstrations if there had been violence, but they did not achieve their goal.

He said in future the government would let the PAD do as it liked, leaving society to judge them from the consequences.

"We should learn a lesson from the October 7 clash, in which the government became a victim," he said.

"People don't deserve to die or get injured at the PAD's expense. [Victory] is up to whoever has the most patience," he said.

PPP spokesman Kudeb Saikrachang called for PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang to keep his word that he will end the protest if he could not bring down the government within two days.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[LaoPo]

A game of who blinks first

By The Nation - Published on November 25, 2008; Tue, November 25, 2008 : Last updated 5:34 hours

Is the "Last Battle" turning into a game of who will blink first?

With the government content yesterday with playing mouse for the People's Alliance for Democracy to catch, what was initially dubbed as the most decisive week for Thai politics might end up back at square one.

The PAD had hoped to muster a crowd massive enough to stun the Somchai government. That didn't happen. Neither did violence that could have turned the tide in the movement's favour. As it turned out, yesterday seemed an ordinary day for Thai politics, which is growing accustomed to sabotage, death and injury.

Now, what will the PAD do next? Was yesterday a victorious day as the movement declared, or was the alliance outsmarted by the government?

It depends on how you measure a parliamentary postponement and the reduced chances for charter amendment. Win or lose, the PAD yesterday forced Parliament to postpone an important session, and sowed more seeds of doubts on the government's controversial plan to amend the Constitution. Yet it's a far cry from the movement's ultimate goal of toppling the administration within the next few days.

Obviously, despite its declaration of victory, the PAD was not satisfied. And predictably, another rallying cry yet was made by one of its key leaders. Chamlong Srimuang said the PAD would step up concerted street campaigns again today, starting as early as 4am. He didn't elaborate, but it was believed protesters would again target key public places, probably with the help of state enterprise workers who may lay down tools or stop certain utility services.

But what if the government remains calm? The tactic worked well yesterday and the PAD, having anticipated turmoil and thus didn't give importance to logistics, reportedly had to scramble for food for protesters sent to besiege Parliament. What if the government refuses to blink?

Key PAD leaders downplayed speculation that the movement was provoking violence in order to "end it quickly". "We managed to block their constitutional amendment moves that might scale down powers of the Privy Council and pave the way for Thaksin's return. Of course, we have had a successful day," said Phipob Thongchai.

Chamlong, who had portrayed yesterday as D-Day, is now saying the real D-Day is today. "What we have done is just a big rehearsal. Everyone will take a rest now and tomorrow we will go places, starting at 4am. If you have a car, bring it here and take other protesters with you," he said.

Now it appears that the situation has gone back to the "whoever causes trouble first stands to lose" suspense. The government cannot afford more bloodshed. The PAD, on the other hand, can be provocative up to a point, but rioting or vandalising will only undermine its goal.

Adding Army chief Anupong Paochinda as peacekeeper and the uneasy stalemate is likely to drag on. He has been appointed by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to lead a task force to monitor the PAD's activities in what might prove to be the latter's masterstroke.

By giving Anupong the responsibility to recommend measures to cope with the PAD, Somchai has given himself a good political cushion. Anupong had come out strongly against the fatal police use of force on October 7 and even made an implicit call for Somchai's resignation. The general is now in an awkward situation, and he, too, cannot blink first.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[plachon]

PAD vehicles not allowed to use expressway without paying fees

November 25, 2008 : Last updated 05:34 am

Several vehicles of the People's Alliance for Democracy caused traffic snarls in front of the Yommaraj gate of the expressway after the protesters refused to pay toll for using the expressway.

By 5 am, the protesters failed to negotiate the expressway officials to allow them to pass the tollgate without paying.

- The Nation

LaoPo

What not even enough change for the expressway fare? That kinds of knocks on the head the idea that PAD are rolling in dosh. If it's because they are refusing to pay because they do not want to pay, then I agree, they should not be allowed to enter the expressway. Trying to fare dodge is not a good tactic. Somebody must be able to lend them 100 baht for the toll?

[LaoPo]

Final battle begins?

By The Nation - Published on November 25, 2008; Tue, November 25, 2008 : Last updated 5:34 hours

After a day of chaotic besieging of the capital without achieving any meaningful political results, the anti-government protesters have vowed to continue the siege today by focusing on the temporary seat of government at Don Muang and other locations.

At the same time, Chavarat Charnveerakul, the deputy prime minister, has appointed Kowit Wattana, the interior minister, to devise a plan to reclaim the government office in Don Muang from protesters.

Chavarat yesterday blamed the authorities for allowing the protesters to besiege the temporary seat of government in Don Muang because the government has already lost the Government House.

Chamlong Srimuang, the leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, retreated to the Government House and called upon his fellow protesters to lay siege to the government office in Don Muang early this morning again.

The protesters have faced a setback in their strategy of the final showdown, in which they hoped to topple the Somchai government in a swoop. But their aggression was met with carrots rather than sticks by the Somchai government, which instructed the police to avoid any clashes and give way to the protesters.

Without a fight and bloodshed, there was no cause for any political accidents to happen. Without military support, the protesters would have no chance of forcing radical political change.

The yellow-shirt protesters began to lay siege at different locations early yesterday morning by marching from the Government House to Parliament, the Metropolitan Police Command Centre, the Finance Ministry and the Chat Thai Party's office.

The number of the protesters was estimated at between 20,000 to 30,000, fewer than the previous major gatherings.

To their surprise, the police did virtually nothing to hinder their advance as they blocked Parliament at the Royal Plaza.

House Speaker Chai Chidchob postponed a joint parliamentary session. The protesters quickly declared victory by claiming that they had succeeded in preventing Parliament from amending the charter to pave the way for ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to return to power.

Chai later on met with Deputy Prime Minister Chaovarat Charnveerakul, Prasopsuk Boondej, the Senate president, and Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat leader, to agree to postpone the joint parliamentary session to Dec 8-9 to ratify the agreements that Thailand would need to commit to the Asean Summit.

Pipob Thongchai, a PAD leader, reiterated that the protesters would not resort to violence at any place.

The protesters retreated back to the Government House, which they had been occupying since August, while others made their way to Don Muang to besiege the temporary seat of government there. Again, the police did not give any hard time to the protesters, who easily occupied the front part of the office building of Don Muang.

A source said Somchai Wongsawat, the prime minister, who is now in Peru attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Meeting, called up Gen Anupong Paochinda, the army chief, to discuss the crisis situation. They agreed that authorities should not try to resist the protesters and should refrain from arming themselves to avoid violent clashes.

- The Nation

LaoPo

[sassienie]

This all seems rather cat and mouse.

But I`m confused, who are the cats? And who are the mice?

PAD: 0 - Government: 0 or is it?

Edited November 24, 2008 by sassienie

[dee123]

...I wish I knew what was going on.....it all seems as clear as mud at the moment,.....the only thing I know for sure is that Thailand has still not got freedom of press.....oh well!....thats life

[sassienie]

Last night I was in the city of Chiang Mai.

Should be packed with tourists as it`s the height of the season.

It was like a ghost town with many entertainment, massage parlours, restaurants closing early.

Just been viewing all 6 Thai TV channels, not a mention of this crisis. Thailand a democratic country, my ass.

Whether you like Thaksin or not, if he really loved his country, Thaksin should fade away for the sake of the people. That would be the decent thing to do.

Edited November 24, 2008 by sassienie

[Nampeung]

May I remind everyone of something - knowledge because this was/is my job - any news that you read in The Nation or The Bangkok Post has been written by Thai journalists and then translated by Thai translators and the rewritten by Western journalists based in BKK. A wee reminder that language in reporting can be misunderstood