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

[Jai Dee]

PAD Leader Somsak: PAD to March to Royal Thai Army HQ

PAD leader Somsak Kosaisuk announces on the PAD stage at Don Muang Airport that the PAD protesters will march to the Royal Thai Army Headquarters to prevent tomorrow's Cabinet meeting from taking place.

The People's Alliance for Democracy had surrounded Don Muang Airport, the government's makeshift headquarters since Sunday night in an attempt to prevent the Cabinet meeting from convening.

Somsak announces that the PAD will march to wherever the government plans to hold the Cabinet meeting.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 25 November 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM Somchai: Uprising against Govt Is Treason

PM Somchai Wongsawat warns the People's Alliance for Democracy that its uprising against the current government is considered to be treason.

PM Somchai says he doesn't know the PAD's motive for laying siege to the temporary government's headquarters at Don Muang Airport.

He added that he could only be removed from his post by the voters. Citing the Constitution, PM Somchai says the PAD's attempt to overthrow the urrent government is considered to be an act of treason.

As soon as he returns to Thailand, PM Somchai is expected to call a meeting between relevant agencies to map out the government's next move.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 25 November 2008

[Plus]

However, Mr Abhisit said the parliament could not have a meeting unless it showed its sincerity by withdrawing Dr Weng's bill first.

Up until this point the article could have been dismissed as a rumor and a hoax.

It's unbelievable that both Chai and the government openly lied to the public just a few days earlier and they tried to sneak in the amendments.

It is pointless to talk about "rules" and "laws" with lying bastards like these. The justice system was never designed to safeguard the country from such blatant abuse, people have the right, and in fact it's their duty to remove this shame of a government.

[sriracha john]

The PAD has failed, or at least it seems so to me. After many months of whipping up the easily manipulated masses, Sondhi’s final battle achieved nothing of substance.

Did Parliament meet?

Were the Constitution amendment changes approved by Parliament?

Have you read this thread?

[Los78]

However, Mr Abhisit said the parliament could not have a meeting unless it showed its sincerity by withdrawing Dr Weng's bill first.

Up until this point the article could have been dismissed as a rumor and a hoax.

It's unbelievable that both Chai and the government openly lied to the public just a few days earlier and they tried to sneak in the amendments.

It is pointless to talk about "rules" and "laws" with lying bastards like these. The justice system was never designed to safeguard the country from such blatant abuse, people have the right, and in fact it's their duty to remove this shame of a government.

People have the right at the ballot box to remove governments. Any other way it is called Coup or revolution. And there are many more people against the alternative then the PAD mob out there this time around. Again the government has the electoral mandate to ammend the Junta Charter and a lot of people also support a ammendment. So its just depends on which way you look at the situation.

[Jai Dee]

Opposition Leader Willing to Act as Mediator

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's willing to act as a mediator between the government and the People's Alliance for Democracy if he's approached to do so by either party.

Deputy PM Chaovarat Charnweerakul, in his capacity as the acting PM, says the government is willing and ready to enter into a negotiation with the PAD. Chaovarat proposes for Democrat party leader and Opposition chief Abhisit Vejjajiva to act as the mediator between the two opposing sides.

Abhisit has also said the PAD and the government needs to negotiate to end the current political conflicts. He added that he's willing to act as the mediator between the two parties if he's approached to do so by either side.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 25 November 2008

[CuttySark]

Rally not disrupt services of Don Muang Airport: deputy director

Wisit Iewprapha, deputy director of the Don Muang Airport, said Tuesday that the protest of the People's Alliance for Democracy did not disrupt domestic flights at the airport.

He said the protesters restricted their demonstration at the temporary Cabinet office so passenger terminals were still in service.

He urged passengers to arrive early for fear of traffic congestions.

Source: The Nation - 25 November 2008

I suggest PAD to shut down Suwanapumi, so that Somchai cannot return tomorrow.

[Plus]

People have the right at the ballot box to remove governments. Any other way it is called Coup or revolution.

Yeah, that was the first thing I said this morning:

A little perspective here - from Declaration of Independence:

"..whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on.."

[Denim]

Someone said this before: "If you go into a battle, you have to prepare to die". So be in. PAD girl, UDD guy, American soilder in Iraq, British soilder in Falkland. They all deserves to die, because they die for a cause, and all of them are honored for their death. They volunteer (or paid in the case of solider) to go to battle knowing the chances of the consequence.

None of them deserved to die.

deserved

–adjective

justly or rightly earned; merited:

a deserved increase in salary.

They died because they believed in a cause,

but that doesn't automatically mean they must die for it

to still be doing the right thing.

They merited acclaim and praise for their actions,

they did NOT merit death.

A person who rapes and dismembers small children

to avoid being caught might deserve death, or not.

That slime would certainly deserve harsh punishment.

Agreed, nobody deserves to die in this conflict, least of all the pawns in the front line of both sides. Some of the pigs fighting around the trough deserve something unpleasant though.

[sriracha john]

You spout things that aren't based on facts.

Let's take the quick correction so we can see how you treat the truth:

- The young girl killed by the teargas grenade was unarmed. Probably was so several of the others with maimed legs and feet, or atleast one couldn't see any weapons from the footage by the news crews.

- The car didn't contain a bomb.

< previoiusly posted and disproven/discredited points snipped >

This was all previously addressed in other threads over a month ago.

Bottom line. as the Senate's investigative Committee states, the Police and Government were responsible for Oct 7. There's even specific posts you may wish to search on that.

We just hope it's not repeated 7 weeks later.

[sriracha john]

Must have come as a bit of a shock to them, though. After all, clown Sondhi said that all the state workers were ardent PAD-lovers, sems he was wrong yet again. By the way, whatever happened to that general strike that was also supposed to be taking place?

Lost as usual I see.

What day was the strike proposed to occur?

What state workers proposed joining the movement?

What state entity is in charge of the tollway?

Edited November 25, 2008 by sriracha john

[quiksilva]

Someone said this before: "If you go into a battle, you have to prepare to die". So be in. PAD girl, UDD guy, American soilder in Iraq, British soilder in Falkland. They all deserves to die, because they die for a cause, and all of them are honored for their death. They volunteer (or paid in the case of solider) to go to battle knowing the chances of the consequence.

None of them deserved to die.

deserved

–adjective

justly or rightly earned; merited:

a deserved increase in salary.

A person who rapes and dismembers small children

to avoid being caught might deserve death, or not.

That slime would certainly deserve harsh punishment.

Poor example, that person would justly deserve death. No question about it.

A soldier or a protester does not deserve to die simply for doing their job or supporting a cause, but if they do go into "battle" they should understand what they are potentially letting themselves in for.

If they then bravely choose to go ahead and support their cause, knowing full well what they face, their display of courage still does not mean that they deserve to die, because somehow that would infer that the person responsible for the act would be less accountable for their actions, when clearly that is not the case, regardless of whether you believe in their cause or not.

But if the protester / soldier somehow threatened an innocent life, then that would be different.

As to the PAD's cause I find it disgraceful that the leaders of PAD are maintaining their misguided short sighted selfish strategy when innocent people are dying for it, especially when the legal avenue to solve the problems hasnot been fully pursued.

I get their counter arguments, that the TRT (or whoever they call themselves these days) will just go back to their nefarious ways, sure they will. So get out there and DO something about it. Eg take the 100,000 PAD supporters into the countryside and start educating people about the choices they are making, treat them with respect, you know treat them like you really value them, give them an solid alternative choice, like say the Democrats who really should be doing more to help, playing mediator is not enough.

They are a viable choice too, in fact they only just lost in the last election, it was not a landslide win by any stretch of the imagination, so its very feasible. they just have to win over a small margin of voters, but do it properly.

Setting an example, of how to win an election fairly by truly winning hearts and minds of the Thai people will accomplish so much more than crying and stamping feet.

I agree with what PAD are trying to do but this is not the way to do it, in fact the leaders of PAD should be punished for what they have done to the image of this country.

[Jai Dee]

Don Mueang continues operation despite PAD presence

Don Mueang Airport continues normal operation today despite being surrounded by protesters from the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)attempting to seize the temporary Government House.

Deputy Director of Don Mueang Airport Lt.Wisit Ew-Prapha (วิศิษฐ์ อิ้วประภา) acting on the behalf of the airport's director revealed that all passenger terminals of Don Mueang will continue standard service. He stated that operations can carry on despite the presence of PAD demonstrators as security personnel have been dispatched to oversee the orderliness of the situation and assist passengers.

He noted however that passengers departing on flights from the airport should travel to the airport earlier as traffic on Viphavadee road is especially congested. The deputy director asked that passengers use the entrance at the original cargo.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 25 November 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM to deal with PAD's rally at Don Muang

The Prime Minister has expressed puzzlement over the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s rally at the temporary Government House at Don Muang airport, saying he has made preparation to meet with relevant agencies to deal with the situation.

Prime Minister Mr. Somchai Wongsawat stated today (November 25) that he was unaware of the PAD's objective in seizing the temporary Government House at Don Muang airport. He added that the action could be considered an interference of government's work on public property. He also assured that it would not add pressure for him to resign as that matter was in the hands of the general public. Mr. Somchai stated that upon his return to the nation, he would call on all relevant authorities to discuss PAD's appropriate action.

The premier personally noted that the seizure of an airport was greatly detrimental to the nation, asking that the PAD should be aware of this fact. He affirmed that he would return as scheduled despite the possibility of being surrounded by protesters. Mr. Somchai was scheduled to return from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting held in Lima, Peru, to Suvannabhumi airport on Wednesday.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 25 November 2008

[sriracha john]

General Kattiya Warns of More Attack against ASTV Headquarters

source: TOC 24 November 2008

General Kattiya Sawasdiphol has warned ASTV staff of more attacks against the ASTV headquarters on Phra Arthit Road.

baht&sold: can you please provide other news-links, other than from the TOC/ASTV who are owned/co-owned by Sondhi Limthongkul the founder of PAD, since I didn't read of any of such ''warnings'' in the other press sources.

Thanks.

LaoPo

You have a good point. Many articles that are posted from TOC/ASTV or in other words (PAD news channel) It has to be the most one sided news in the country. At least post a few more independent articles from other sources to support the TOC article to make it a little more truthful and believable. It shows a lot of TV members are so caught up in Sondhi's Propaganda ASTV that they cant see the difference between yellow and blue.

In any mega-thread of politics (of which there are numerous), a multitude of news sources get cited and referenced, both internationally and locally. It's on you to assist in that effort to post articles in the News Clippings Forum if you and others are truly interested in a good discussion and not just rankling.

An important aspect with much of what comes from TOC is breaking news and they have brought to light many aspects that are not reported by local press until hours and internationally only the next day or later. Is it biased? Sure. Every news source has its angle and its particular limitations. The best thing to do is take all news sources into account, which I believe most people do inherently... despite the repeated, but never based in reality, accusation that posters are blindly following ASTV and no other source of information. It makes for a cheap, inflammatory, and baiting post...but it's not based in reality.

Edited November 25, 2008 by sriracha john

[grandpops]

If PAD comes into power will the tolls be free to everyone?

For the 1000's time....THE PAD ARE NOT TRYING TO COME TO POWER!

The are simply protesting the res erection of the criminal Thaskin and his clan.

(If you speak Thai, listen to the chants.....GET OUT< GET OUT)

We are not all glued to ASTV. When we watch BBC, CNN, FOX, Bloomberg, NKG etc, we see another group of people calling for his return.

Get out more mate or learn to use your remote control on the TV.

Speaking of listen to chants, you are lucky that they can be heard. After the coup it was illegal to gather in groups of four or more or to protest against the Army.

Careful what you wish for here guys.

[sriracha john]

The best thing to do is take all news sources into account, which I believe most people do inherently... despite the repeated, but never based in reality, accusation that posters are blindly following ASTV and no other source of information. It makes for a cheap, inflammatory, and baiting post...but it's not based in reality.

more of the same...

We are not all glued to ASTV. When we watch BBC, CNN, FOX, Bloomberg, NKG etc, we see another group of people calling for his return.

Get out more mate or learn to use your remote control on the TV.

[sriracha john]

Don Mueang continues operation despite PAD presence

Deputy Director of Don Mueang Airport Lt.Wisit Ew-Prapha revealed that all passenger terminals of Don Mueang will continue standard service.

Don Muang airport crowded as PAD rallies

Don Muang airport has begun to become crowded as anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s demonstrators have begun to rally to the site with the group's leaders affirming the gathering was not wielding weapons.

The PAD rally at Don Muang airport this morning (November 25) picked up steam as additional members made their way to the country's former international airport, crowding much of the passenger terminals.

PAD guards have laid out strict security measures at all entrance and exit points with routine weapons checks and patrols.

Leaders of the protesting group have assured that no weapons would not be presented among the protesters today. But they have not revealed the agenda of the day's demonstration.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-25

[Thai at Heart]

Don Mueang continues operation despite PAD presence

Deputy Director of Don Mueang Airport Lt.Wisit Ew-Prapha revealed that all passenger terminals of Don Mueang will continue standard service.

Don Muang airport crowded as PAD rallies

Don Muang airport has begun to become crowded as anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s demonstrators have begun to rally to the site with the group's leaders affirming the gathering was not wielding weapons.

The PAD rally at Don Muang airport this morning (November 25) picked up steam as additional members made their way to the country's former international airport, crowding much of the passenger terminals.

PAD guards have laid out strict security measures at all entrance and exit points with routine weapons checks and patrols.

Leaders of the protesting group have assured that no weapons would not be presented among the protesters today. But they have not revealed the agenda of the day's demonstration.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-25

Does this mean they are in the active domestic terminal, or they are in the "inactive" international terminals?

[sriracha john]

Thai Protesters Extend Action, Occupy Prime Minister’s Office

Nov. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Thousands of anti government protesters occupied Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat’s temporary office, three months after taking over the official Government House compound in central Bangkok.

“We may step up and expand the demonstration if more people join,” Parnthep Pongpourpan, a spokesman for the People’s Alliance for Democracy, said in an interview on Channel 3 TV today. “Our aim is to end the power of this government.”

The protesters yesterday blockaded parliament, forcing lawmakers to abandon a legislative session, and said they may confront Somchai at Bangkok’s new international airport tomorrow when he returns from an Asia Pacific summit in Peru.

The premier has rejected calls for his resignation, and police have avoided clashing with the PAD after an Oct. 7 incident at parliament in which two people died and 470 were injured.

“We will have to negotiate for the return of our office,” said government spokesman Nattawut Saikua, estimating that several thousand protesters were at the temporary offices in the former Don Mueang Airport.

Somchai, Thaksin’s brother-in-law, said before his trip to Peru that he won’t resign and called for national unity as Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy is facing a slowest growth in eight years.

Thailand’s gross domestic product may expand as little as 3 percent next year, the National Economic and Social Development Board, said yesterday. That would be the slowest pace since a 2.2 percent rate in 2001 and less than the central bank’s lowest estimate of 3.8 percent.

[CuttySark]

Don Mueang continues operation despite PAD presence

Deputy Director of Don Mueang Airport Lt.Wisit Ew-Prapha revealed that all passenger terminals of Don Mueang will continue standard service.

Don Muang airport crowded as PAD rallies

Don Muang airport has begun to become crowded as anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s demonstrators have begun to rally to the site with the group's leaders affirming the gathering was not wielding weapons.

The PAD rally at Don Muang airport this morning (November 25) picked up steam as additional members made their way to the country's former international airport, crowding much of the passenger terminals.

PAD guards have laid out strict security measures at all entrance and exit points with routine weapons checks and patrols.

Leaders of the protesting group have assured that no weapons would not be presented among the protesters today. But they have not revealed the agenda of the day's demonstration.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-25

As least Don Muang have lots of toilet for the protesters to release, unlike Ministry of Finance or ex-Govnt House. That's very good for PAD. To be fair, PAD should be contribute some airport fee for using the facilities, not to swift all the burden to all who really use the airport for travel.

I find it funny that the black PAD guards have to search protestors for weapons. I thought the PAD are peaceful unarmed people. Or do some carry some form of weapon just in case the police show up with their explosive tear gas again?

[sriracha john]

the highly astute Mr. Know Nothing is still living up to his nickname...

Prime Minister Mr. Somchai Wongsawat stated today (November 25) that he was unaware of the PAD's objective in seizing the temporary Government House at Don Muang airport.

Does he really not have even the slightest inkling as to what this is all about? Does he know about Thaksin?

[Thai at Heart]

Don Mueang continues operation despite PAD presence

Deputy Director of Don Mueang Airport Lt.Wisit Ew-Prapha revealed that all passenger terminals of Don Mueang will continue standard service.

Don Muang airport crowded as PAD rallies

Don Muang airport has begun to become crowded as anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)'s demonstrators have begun to rally to the site with the group's leaders affirming the gathering was not wielding weapons.

The PAD rally at Don Muang airport this morning (November 25) picked up steam as additional members made their way to the country's former international airport, crowding much of the passenger terminals.

PAD guards have laid out strict security measures at all entrance and exit points with routine weapons checks and patrols.

Leaders of the protesting group have assured that no weapons would not be presented among the protesters today. But they have not revealed the agenda of the day's demonstration.

- ThaiNews / 2008-11-25

As least Don Muang have lots of toilet for the protesters to release, unlike Ministry of Finance or ex-Govnt House. That's very good for PAD. To be fair, PAD should be contribute some airport fee for using the facilities, not to swift all the burden to all who really use the airport for travel.

I find it funny that the black PAD guards have to search protestors for weapons. I thought the PAD are peaceful unarmed people. Or do some carry some form of weapon just in case the police show up with their explosive tear gas again?

To be fair, I think this is turning into an absolute farce. This may well win them some friends, but looking at the pictures of the traffic mayhem near Rangsit today, this could probably well end up losing them the "hearts and minds" of many "undecided"s.

[sriracha john]

I find it funny that the black PAD guards have to search protestors for weapons. I thought the PAD are peaceful unarmed people. Or do some carry some form of weapon just in case the police show up with their explosive tear gas again?

For those unaware, either intentionally or unintentionally, various Non-PAD elements have infiltrated and are infiltrating PAD gatherings.

Edited November 25, 2008 by sriracha john

[CuttySark]

A revolution started by the rich and elite. Cart before the horse? Most of the revolution that I am familiar of were started by poor farmers who have nothing to loose anyway. They (the poor famers) will rather die than to be subjected to the bully of the rich and powerful.

I just hope that I am wrong. I have a feeling that the situation in Bangkok right now is abit like the begining of the Chinese Culture Revolution. Instead of sending rich chinese people to the country side to chinese farm, PAD is trying to get the poor Thai farmers into Bangkok. However I am not knowledgable enough to comment more on this subject.

[MrSnrang]

I've heard that the PAD are going to be moving to Suvarnabhumi next.

Close to home, want to know in advance if there's going to be traffic disruption. Can anyone confirm this?

[sriracha john]

Mr. Know Nothing continues... except he knows the constitutional amendments for Thaksin have to happen...

PM uncertain about extra parliamentary session as PAD plans obstruction

LIMA, Nov 25 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said he was not confident that the extraordinary parliamentary session scheduled for December 8 and 9 can be convened as anti-government protesters plan to obstruct it.

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Monday surrounded Parliament and prevented a joint session of Representatives and Senators from convening.

The PAD supporters also have taken physical possession of the country's temporary Government House at Don Mueang Airport, which it says is one of the steps in its plan to topple the government.

Seizing the temporary Government House at Don Mueang Airport was aimed are preventing the Cabinet from meeting.

The Government, the Opposition, House Speaker, and the President of the Senate agreed jointly to hold an extraordinary parliamentary session on December 8 and 9, a session that will deal only with drafted international conventions and treaties to be approved at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Chiang Mai in December.

Somchai said he told about the PAD's movements, but said he did not understand what the protesters wanted.

He said the Parliamentary session would benefit the nation, not any individual person.

The prime minister said the PAD's action was damaging to the country and that he would not bow to the pressure to resign.

A majority of the people would decide whether he should resign, he said, adding that everyone should abide with democratic principles. He added that under the Constitution, anyone who topple government was considered rebel, therefore the PAD could not force him to resign.

After returning from Peru, the prime minister said, he would immediately discuss with the security concerned agencies on measures to deal with the PAD.

As Somchai is on an overseas trip, the PAD has announced it will rally at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday morning to protest the prime minister's return from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru.

He was scheduled to return to Bangkok on Wednesday at noon.

Meanwhile, the PAD who had protested at the temporary Government House said they would dispatch a smaller group to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters in Nonthaburi as it was reported that the Cabinet planned to meet there on Wednesday.

The PAD said it would obstruct any location where the Cabinet planned to meet.

[Thai at Heart]

I've heard that the PAD are going to be moving to Suvarnabhumi next.

Close to home, want to know in advance if there's going to be traffic disruption. Can anyone confirm this?

Traffic near Don Muang this morning was horrendous. But then again that can happen without PAD sticking their oar in.

Are their any reports about the actual operations of the domestic terminal. Any disruption? If it is Survanabhumi next, the odds on the army coming out have to rise.

[sriracha john]

I've heard that the PAD are going to be moving to Suvarnabhumi next.

Close to home, want to know in advance if there's going to be traffic disruption. Can anyone confirm this?

tomorrow, especially around noon, might not be so good...

As Somchai is on an overseas trip, the PAD has announced it will rally at Suvarnabhumi Airport on Wednesday morning to protest the prime minister's return from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru.

He was scheduled to return to Bangkok on Wednesday at noon.

Edited November 25, 2008 by sriracha john

[grandpops]

Anti-government protests have entered a second day in the Thai capital Bangkok.

The opposition People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has sent thousands of people to the temporary cabinet offices based at the old international airport.

A strike announced by public sector workers in sympathy with the PAD appears to be causing little disruption with few workers joining the strike.

Organisers say the protest is a "final battle" to fell the government, but may be losing steam.

The mass sit-in by protesters at the prime minister's office in Bangkok has now turned into a rowdy caravan, as the People's Alliance for Democracy fans out across the city in search of targets.

But targets are proving frustratingly elusive.

On Monday MPs abandoned parliament, and the police simply stood aside and allowed the PAD to besiege an empty building.

The caravan has since moved north, to the old airport, which is being used by the cabinet as its own offices are still under PAD occupation. But there were no cabinet ministers in evidence.

Losing steam?

The government appears to have decided to let the PAD move freely wherever it pleases, and avoid the kind of confrontation with police, which caused so many injuries last month.

The tactic seems to be working.

The PAD has called this week's protests their final showdown to oust the government - but the numbers are smaller than they predicted, and the government shows no signs of buckling. Without any dramatic clashes, the chances of a military coup - always slim - are non-existent. After six months of almost continuous demonstrations, the yellow-shirted movement that has all but paralyzed the government, may be running out of steam.

Sorry I had to use the BBC for this source, but ASTV don't seem to be reporting this in the same fasion.

bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7747320.stm