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

[catmac]

"Beyond the day's immediate chaos, the impact of the PAD's reckless action on the country's tourism industry will be immense and difficult to rectify." Bangkok Post editorial.

"I bet there are celebrations in the streets in Phuket tonight!" jdinasia.

There speaks a man with Thailand's true interest at heart. As I said before, when the tourist industry on Phuket and Samui is in tatters, remember that it was PAD who struck the fatal blow.

[Ricardo]

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.

Better hope he hasn't got one of his employees reading Thai Visa and bribing ISP's for names and addresses !

This would be entirely consistent with Dr T's current crazed state-of-mind, but forgive me if I don't quite see, what you appear to find so funny about it ? We farangs & TV-posters are all just on-lookers, broadly anti-corruption, and don't vote here. So why should we become victims, because Dr T gets himself banned from decent countries, due to his convicted-criminal on-the-run status ?

Can govt hold on until charter is rewritten?

source: Bangkok Post Nov 25 2008

The government hid its plan to start the process of rewriting the charter under the cover of Asean pact legislation but the plan was exposed. Now it wishes to push for the charter amendment again on Dec 8-9, but will it survive until then?

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) declared victory after foiling the House-Senate meeting at the parliament yesterday. Although the alliance did not totally put paid to the charter-rewriting plan, at least it pushed the session back to Dec 8-9 which is close to the time when the ruling People Power party (PPP) is expected to hear a ruling on its dissolution case, possibly on Dec 15.

Although Parliament Speaker Chai Chidchob earlier claimed the parliament needed a meeting yesterday only to endorse the Asean pact legislation, he did not expect MPs to study the issue thoroughly before voting on it at all.

He scheduled Asean pact legislation as the second issue on yesterday's agenda. Its details had just been sent to MPs on Friday although it was set for voting on yesterday.

Importantly, Mr Chai placed the constitutional amendment bill that Dr Weng Tojirakarn, a pro-government activist, proposed as the first issue of yesterday's parliament agenda.

Mr Chai included the bill, although that seemed to be illegal because Article 291 of the present constitution has not been rewritten to pave the way for any further constitutional amendment.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/251108_News/25Nov2008_news05.php

my highlight above.

So the government indulges in an illegal & sneaky attempt to force through Constitutional-changes, while the PM is out of the country, is this really a democracy ... or is it democrazy in action ?

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

Did PM Somchai really expect this attempt to change the Constitution to go through, without protest or worse, on the streets ? Does he really not understand that the PAD, and many other ordinary people, will resent what they see as an attempt to white-wash Thaksin by rushed-through hole-in-the-wall politics like this ? Is he really that out-of-touch ? I don't think so. In another era, and venue, he would be protesting that he is just following orders.

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.

Sadly prophetic suggestion here, so yet another name for Dr T's little list, but I personally would have preferred to see a small peaceful protest to greet the PM's return, rather than shutting-down the capital's main airport.

Hope that not too many people get hurt, as this sad situation plays out, on the streets.

[Ricardo]

"Beyond the day's immediate chaos, the impact of the PAD's reckless action on the country's tourism industry will be immense and difficult to rectify." Bangkok Post editorial.

"I bet there are celebrations in the streets in Phuket tonight!" jdinasia.

There speaks a man with Thailand's true interest at heart. As I said before, when the tourist industry on Phuket and Samui is in tatters, remember that it was PAD who struck the fatal blow.

my highlight above.

Whereas PM Samak's declaration, widely publicised round the world, of a 'State of Emergency', generated no adverse effect or harm at all, to Thailand's reputation as a tourist-destination ?

There are many reasons, some internal & controllable but most external & global in nature, for the current & short-term future dip in Thai tourism, the current actions of the PPP/UDD in government & PAD on the streets are only one.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Ricardo

[canuckamuck]

Pinheads Against Democracy now international terror cell

Congratulations to PAD sympathizers everywhere: enjoy your momentous achievement.

[womble]

Those grenades were thrown by a "third" hand working for PAD, they are trying to force the military to step in.

[Plus]

Hard to believe PAD would bomb itself when they hold all the cards and neither the govt nor military response to shutting down the airport is known.

How a third hand bombing taxi radio to pin on PAD? Together with the airport saga the govt can get a lot of mileage from that initial incindent.

With news coming so fast no one has any time to think beyond the initial knee-jerk response.

[Scott]

Oh how I long for the good ol' days when motorcycle racing on the streets was a big deal!

[grandpops]

Probably been said before but a note to all the hard line PAD haters etc out there as well as the hard line red shirts - faction fighting happens at many demonstrations. What happened today between yellow and red at Vipawadi was either a set up or faction male thugs (from both sides) venting anger for the sake of it, male thugs with low educational levels at that

Plenty of girls and ladies there as well Mssssssssssssssssss I'm afraid.

Its a right wing coup in place and is it ever going to cost Thailand dear.

Remember we had a real coup and it achieved absolutely nothing whatsoever positive and didn't even get rid of Thaksin and TRT which was its main goal.

This coup will fail more spectatucarly then maybe the Army and the big bangkok backers will realise that democracy sometimes being on the side of the losing party.

I really hope it hurts them so much they never think of doing it again in their lifetimes. The good thing about this chaos is it is that the rich will bear the brunt of it. The poor are already poor!

[Jai Dee]

Govt Spokesman: Cabinet Meeting to Be Held Today

Government Spokesman Nutthawat Saikua insisted today's planned Cabinet meeting will go ahead as usual. He also put pressure on the military to deal with the PAD rally.

It was speculated yesterday that the Cabinet meeting will be held via video conferencing so ministers can stay home as the PAD has pledged to travel to block the Cabinet meeting wherever it's held.

Nutthawut refused to disclose the location of today's planned Cabinet meeting, which will be presided over by Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat upon his return to Thailand from attending the APEC Leaders' Summit in Peru.

His arrival time and location is still unknown but he's believed to be landing at Chiang Mai Airport at around 7 pm before catching an Army plane to Bangkok.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 26 November 2008

[Plus]

So the govt keeps doing its job while PAD had stopped "Save Thaksin" agenda - perfect.

>>>

The coup didn't achieve anything? How can you say that when in Sep 2006 Thaksin was the PM and now he's a homeless fugitive. Ok, he hasn't given up yet, but his latest attempts look increasingly desperate.

[Jai Dee]

House meeting to be held 1:30 pm: Chai

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said the House of Representatives will hold its weekly meeting at 1:30 pm Wednesday.

At 9:40 am Wednesday, no protesters rally outside Parliament.

The House is scheduled to deliberate several bills, mostly related to local administrations.

Source: The Nation - 26 November 2008

[Ricardo]

Remember we had a real coup and it achieved absolutely nothing whatsoever positive and didn't even get rid of Thaksin and TRT which was its main goal.

With respect, the 2006 coup did achieve a few things :

1. The rigged election, planned by Thaksin to take place a few weeks later, was avoided.

2. Thaksin, who was then the appointed-caretaker (although not elected) PM, has since been brought to court, at least in a few cases, and convicted & subsequently did-a-runner. That he is still pouring his poison, currently from Dubai, and threatening chaos unless he is pardoned and allowed to return, just shows that some posters were right to doubt his saint-hood !

3. The military learned that, even with a coup, things do not always go their way. Surely their current reluctance, to have another coup, represents progress of some kind ? Although with violence on the streets like this, perhaps a coup now is the best way forward, unless you have some other solution ?

[Bangyai]

"Beyond the day's immediate chaos, the impact of the PAD's reckless action on the country's tourism industry will be immense and difficult to rectify." Bangkok Post editorial.

"I bet there are celebrations in the streets in Phuket tonight!" jdinasia.

There speaks a man with Thailand's true interest at heart. As I said before, when the tourist industry on Phuket and Samui is in tatters, remember that it was PAD who struck the fatal blow.

True enough catmac but no doubt they will say it is all Thaksins fault, just like the Tsunami which was caused by Thaksins black magic.

Ironicaly, the PAD are now doing a pretty good job of driving people into support of Thaksin so strong is the general abhorance most Thais feel towards their violent protests. If he ever gets back in power they will have to take some of the credit.

[grandpops]

House meeting to be held 1:30 pm: Chai

House Speaker Chai Chidchob said the House of Representatives will hold its weekly meeting at 1:30 pm Wednesday.

At 9:40 am Wednesday, no protesters rally outside Parliament.

The House is scheduled to deliberate several bills, mostly related to local administrations.

Source: The Nation - 26 November 2008

Big test for the Army protecting Elected Governemts from rioting grannies. Sure the Cambodians will be watching this.

There was talk of the a Cambodian Boy Scouts bridage clearing the Thai army out of the disputed border area near Prah Vihar Temple and pushing them back possibly as far as the Burmese Boarder!.... By teatime!

Ging gang goolie!

Edited November 26, 2008 by grandpops

[Jai Dee]

FLASH NEWS: Cabinet Postpones Meeting to Tomorrow

The Cabinet has cancelled its planned Cabinet meeting today and postpone it to tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 26 November 2008

[grandpops]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people. With all manner or yellow shirted idiots and masked men helping in this heroic struggle against one unarmed man!

Some muppet blowing a whistle throughout it.

At least when the dust settles, there is plenty of evidence to convict them. Lets see if these "New Courts" really do have the balls to judge!

Heard a lot about the legal system clamping down on Tax evasion. Lets see where it stands on guns in the street, raids on airports, treason, sedition, rioting, mob beatings. You know, crimes committed by people other that Thaksin. What about the masive financial losses we are facing while these appointed Senior Judges stand by bleating about Tax Law.

Hope these big business backers have overseas interests, then when we know who they are we can start chasing some compensation for ruined holidays, ruined business etc.

Edited November 26, 2008 by grandpops

[Moonrakers]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people. With all manner or yellow shirted idiots and masked men helping in this heroic struggle against one unarmed man!

Some muppet blowing a whistle throughout it.

At least when the dust settles, there is plenty of evidence to convict them. Lets see if these "New Courts" really do have the balls to judge!

Heard a lot about the legal system clamping down on Tax evasion. Lets see where it stands on guns in the street, raids on airports and the masive financial losses we are facing.

Hope these big business backers have overseas interests, then when we know who they are we can start chasing some compensation for ruined holidays, ruined business etc.

Sustained beating, get off it will you!

Sure what the PAD is are doing is wrong but stop sensationalising the situation to suit yourself.

[grandpops]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people. With all manner or yellow shirted idiots and masked men helping in this heroic struggle against one unarmed man!

Some muppet blowing a whistle throughout it.

At least when the dust settles, there is plenty of evidence to convict them. Lets see if these "New Courts" really do have the balls to judge!

Heard a lot about the legal system clamping down on Tax evasion. Lets see where it stands on guns in the street, raids on airports and the masive financial losses we are facing.

Hope these big business backers have overseas interests, then when we know who they are we can start chasing some compensation for ruined holidays, ruined business etc.

Sustained beating, get off it will you!

Sure what the PAD is are doing is wrong but stop sensationalising the situation to suit yourself.

We have a legal system that is obsessed with a bit of outstanding Tax while all else falls around their ears. And lets be clear about this. Any outstanding tax from the Thaksins is a drop in the ocean to what the country has lost this past 24 hours due to these muppets.

They were put in place to deal with Thaksin and everything else is a complete mystery to them and they are not independent. They are idle because they only act when they are told to.

Another nail in the coffin for the appointment system is this.

The picture of two PAD supporters trying to slash the throat of a man is getting quite an airing as well round the world. They really did try to kill him and one on the right seems to have stopped him being killed by pointing out the camera. Lovely people the PAD, lovely people.

I know you don't want to see it but its here if you decide to turn away from ASTV once in a while. With the ones of them driving cars into police lines etc from last month.

Edited November 26, 2008 by grandpops

[Jai Dee]

PPP MPs Condemn PAD for Besieging Airports

Parliament officials have returned home, after rumors emerged that the People’s Alliance for Democracy would return to besiege Parliament once again.

Meanwhile, a number of People Power Party MPs have come out to condemn the PAD protests.

After the People’s Alliance for Democracy has besieged Parliament on Monday, and pressured House Speaker Chai Chidchob to postpone the planned soint House-Senate session, security has been tightened inside the Parliament compound.

And as it was reported that the protesters will return to the Parliament soon, officials and MPs have decided to pack their belongings and go home.

Previously, a group of People Power Party MPs have held a press conference to condemn the PAD rallies.

Maha Sarakham MP Suthin Klangsaeng tearfully asked the protesters how they feel after the country’s economy has been seriously damaged from their movements.

He also asked if the Administrative Court has considered carefully before issuing an injunction to let ASTV continue to broadcast, and suggested the court to review the bail it granted to key PAD leaders.

In addition, Suthin questioned an 'unnamed' political party about its stance under the current circumstances.

He went on to ask Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda if he has not really been active in politics as he has claimed.

The Maha Sarakham MP does not believe that the upcoming phone interview by ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra is the cause behind the current unrest, while commenting that the previously-announced state of Emergency Decree was ineffective because the government lacked co-operation from related agencies and because there was the 'power that be' prevening the government from carrying out the Emergency Decree.

And, Chiang Mai MP Surapong Tovichakchaikul is calling on both the government and the armed forces to launch a decisive action to end the conflict, while stating that the PAD has apparently violated the rights of the public by closing down the Suvarnabhumi Airport. He also asked Opposition Leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to stop suggestion that a House Dissolution is the only solution.

Meanwhile, Government Chief Whip Wittaya Buranasiri doubts if the PAD’s besiegement of the Suvarnabhumi Airport was the appropriate exercise of the protesters' legal rights, and asked the police and the armed forces to ensure peace and national security.

PPP Nakhon Ratchasima MP Boonjong Wongtrairat said that, during the House Session this afternoon, there would be a discussion on an alternative meeting venue for the postponed joint House-Senate session.

He added that the government is still willing to negotiate with the PAD, while asking Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva to act as a mediator, as one of the PAD leaders is a Democrat MP.

PPP MPs also expressed their support fpr Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to continue to perform his duties as the premier of Thailand.

Source: Thailand Outlook - 26 November 2008

[TAWP]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people.

25 people beating a single man? What event are you talking about? Do you even know how many 25 people is? In language so you understand it; it's the number your fingers on both hand, toes on both feet and the fingers on the hand touching you for money amass to.

Did they stand in line waiting for their turn? Or shoulder to shoulder in a big ring? Throwing rocks since he would be far away one would presume...

[grandpops]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people.

25 people beating a single man? What event are you talking about? Do you even know how many 25 people is? In language so you understand it; it's the number your fingers on both hand, toes on both feet and the fingers on the hand touching you for money amass to.

Did they stand in line waiting for their turn? Or shoulder to shoulder in a big ring? Throwing rocks since he would be far away one would presume...

If you watch it you will see there are probably more than 100 people trying to attack this man. I now it hurts to see your beloved PAD behaving like this but if you could just do us a tiny favour and watch one minutes TV that is not from ASTV You may actually learn something.

oops wrong one Its a bit slow but it does show them for what they are... A bunch of out of control mad people!

Please watch it before you bother us with another ill informed ramble.

Edited November 26, 2008 by grandpops

[permanent_disorder]

The PAD is disrupting billions of dollars worth of international commerce, and costing companies around the world billions in revenue. This is BAD.

At a time when global businesses are struggling with falling demand and lower forecasts, the PAD are pouring salt on the wounds. How will we attract new customers to establish business with Thai exporters with this kind of instability? It seemed like Thailand's reputation as a solid place to do business was growing. These event are like taking 10 steps back in that regard.

The PAD is doing more economic damage to Thailand and the world right now than Thaksin and all his lowbrow cronies have ever done.

PAD: THINK! Change your tactics!

--T.

from a PAD point of view and according to their ideas of "new economics" export trade is not part of their concepts.PAD is also a backward ultra nationalistic anti globalisation movement.

they also not care asecond about what the "international community think" just remember, the conflict over the temple with cambodia. the PAD demanded from the PM somchai "to free Thailand from any obligations with the UN and UNESCO". or their demonstrations in front of the singapore embassy, burning flags and pictures of singaporean politicians. their propaganda and rallies and stage speeches are full of xenophobic rhetoric.

PAD don't want international business, PAD don't care about it, they want destroy it. they are fanatics. remember, thaksin main fault, in the PAD eyes, was to conduct business with foreigners 'and sell out the kingdom'.

[animatic]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people. With all manner or yellow shirted idiots and masked men helping in this heroic struggle against one unarmed man!

Some muppet blowing a whistle throughout it.

At least when the dust settles, there is plenty of evidence to convict them. Lets see if these "New Courts" really do have the balls to judge!

Heard a lot about the legal system clamping down on Tax evasion. Lets see where it stands on guns in the street, raids on airports and the masive financial losses we are facing.

Hope these big business backers have overseas interests, then when we know who they are we can start chasing some compensation for ruined holidays, ruined business etc.

Sustained beating, get off it will you!

Sure what the PAD is are doing is wrong but stop sensationalising the situation to suit yourself.

We have a legal system that is obsessed with a bit of outstanding Tax while all else falls around their ears. And lets be clear about this. Any outstanding tax from the Thaksins is a drop in the ocean to what the country has lost this past 24 hours due to these muppets.

They were put in place to deal with Thaksin and everything else is a complete mystery to them and they are not independent. They are idle because they only act when they are told to.

Another nail in the coffin for the appointment system is this.

The picture of two PAD supporters trying to slash the throat of a man is getting quite an airing as well round the world. They really did try to kill him and one on the right seems to have stopped him being killed by pointing out the camera. Lovely people the PAD, lovely people.

I know you don't want to see it but its here if you decide to turn away from ASTV once in a while. With the ones of them driving cars into police lines etc from last month.

It shows them corralling the man and immobilizing him with a knife at his throat.

It does not show them trying to slash his throat.

It is totally disgusting to see,

but it is not the attempted murder you that are trying to sensationalize it as.

With those numbers around him, he would be dead and we'd know it.

It was assault with a deadly weapon for sure.

There's more than enough bad stuff for you to rail on about,

without making stuff up to make it seem worse.

Edited November 26, 2008 by animatic

[quiksilva]

What I found most interesting was the advert to "Invest in Korea" which came right before it!

[Plus]

I watched that CNN video - there were people attacking a man, but we have no idea why - there were thousands of others who weren't attacked at all.

Also there were just about as many PAD supporters trying to save the man as there were those who wanted to punch him.

Also at one point he appears to have charged into PAD crowd himself.

It's nothing like "25 thugs beating an innocent man" report by some clearly biased members.

http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/world...rport.demo.mcot

That was about the airport incindent.

As for Vibhavadi clash yesterday - there are reports that PAD convoy was ambushed and iron bars were thrown at the vehicles. Pity those who got caught by the pissed off PAD guards, they are not likely to check for fingerprints.

Edited November 26, 2008 by Plus

[TAWP]

The CNN video footage they are showing looks like what it is.

A brutal and sustained beating of one man by around 25 people.

25 people beating a single man? What event are you talking about? Do you even know how many 25 people is? In language so you understand it; it's the number your fingers on both hand, toes on both feet and the fingers on the hand touching you for money amass to.

Did they stand in line waiting for their turn? Or shoulder to shoulder in a big ring? Throwing rocks since he would be far away one would presume...

If you watch it you will see there are probably more than 100 people trying to attack this man. I now it hurts to see your beloved PAD behaving like this but if you could just do us a tiny favour and watch one minutes TV that is not from ASTV You may actually learn something.

oops wrong one Its a bit slow but it does show them for what they are... A bunch of out of control mad people!

Please watch it before you bother us with another ill informed ramble.

Ill-informed ramble would indeed signify your postings.

Before your trite rambling takes another replay, here is the low-down: I have yet to see any minute of ASTV (I even gave our tv to our workers since I don't need it anyway) and PAD isn't my beloved anything. Yet again we have a PAD-hater that want to see everything in black and white.

Now I saw the video from CNN, showing the 'fight' as the first 30 seconds. Is that your idea of 100 people trying to attack him? Your abuse of the truth is astonishing.

We don't know the background to the struggle. First thing we see is the 'other guy' doing a swing for someone, who themselves are trying to grab this man. Others swing for him and people break them apart. If there would be 100, or even 25, that tried to hit him and did so he wouldn't be standing up.

Please be objective.

[StreetCowboy]

How has Thaksin managed to engineer this civil war so that it looks as if PAD started it?

He's certainly done it effectively

SC

[Plus]

Easy - just tell his government to be as stubborn as possible.

I wonder if the Democrats resign en masse - would that automatically trigger a House Dissolution? I think they don't have enough numbers, but that would be one easy way out.

[animatic]

How has Thaksin managed to engineer this civil war so that it looks as if PAD started it?

He's certainly done it effectively

SC

Ditto.

[permanent_disorder]

As for Vibhavadi clash yesterday - there are reports that PAD convoy was ambushed and iron bars were thrown at the vehicles. Pity those who got caught by the pissed off PAD guards, they are not likely to check for fingerprints.

NO, forget it. that was just the first kneejerk style of apologizing what happend.

it was an ambush planned by the PAD. try to break into a taxi radio station. read here.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132291

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters on Tuesday evening clashed with a group of pro-government taxi drivers on Vibhavadi Road, which left at least 11 injured. Two of the taxi drivers suffered gunshot wounds.

According to the police, the PAD demonstrators attempted to break into the Khon Rak Taxi (Taxi Lovers) radio station on Vibhavadi Road, Soi 3, but a group of taxi drivers prevented them. As a result, both sides exchanged blows and threw things at each other until more than 60 policemen arrived to settle the situation.

did you see in the video?

watch here again

did you see how PAD fired with guns from the loudspeaker truck? that is attempted murder. did you see how they destroyed the moto bike?did you see all those gangsters in rage there with clubs on the street? how they confront the camera man, stop him to do his filming? how they catch one moto cyce taxi driver and hold a long knife on his throat? another case of scum action from the violent and armed PAD thugs. how sick one must be trying to justify this? sick and disgusting. PAD are SCUM. puke on them.

no pity with them if they have to face police force.