Army Chief Urged To Stage Coup

[moo9]

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat will declare state of emergency specifically for the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International airports to empower police to break the demonstrations, a source said.

The prime minister would not use military forces to deal with the protesters but would use police.

The source said forces from the Metropolitan Police Bureau would be deployed to crack down on protesters at the Don Mueang airport and police from the Provincial Bureau 1 would be used to deal with protesters at the Suvarnabhumi.

The Nation

Options:

1. As the Police thinks that this government will not survive the next days, why ignite the fire and risk loss of lifes?

2. The Police closely follows the order and there will be blood (hope not)

3. If the Police attacks, the Military would step in to protect the country, then we would have a 4 party fight government-PAD-Police-Army = absolute Chaos!

I think the army should step in now, before all this sxxx happens!

[solent01]

Cnannel 3 News just now, Coalition MP saying if the army stages a coup he would urge Bangkok residents to oppose it by doing such things as putting their cars in front of Tanks....

Thai Chamber of Commerce urging PM to resign.

Good Idea.....

How to get your car converted to a low rider in 1 easy lesson

[grandpops]

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat will declare state of emergency specifically for the Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi International airports to empower police to break the demonstrations, a source said.

The prime minister would not use military forces to deal with the protesters but would use police.

The source said forces from the Metropolitan Police Bureau would be deployed to crack down on protesters at the Don Mueang airport and police from the Provincial Bureau 1 would be used to deal with protesters at the Suvarnabhumi.

The Nation

Masterstroke Somchai. Divide and conquer.

Spread the sheep round 4 or 5 locations then... Who needs a giant wooden elephant.

[notime]

NO to the Coup!

There may be a better sollution.

New and groundbreaking proposal to end the turmoil in Thailand and make everybody happy:

Let Somchai/Taksin govern the North from Chiang Mai while Sondhi and his Yellow People can govern the rest from Bangkok. The North can than separate and be known as Lana-land or Lalaland. Issan can join them if they wish after a referendum. The Bangkok run part may be called Krungthep-land or Moomooland.

Actually the South may split from Bangkok as well. Apart from Patani state which will surely go to Muslims the Phuket and Samui islands can perhaps became independent Farang Kingdoms. The names for them can be decided later after few drinking competitions.

[anothertorres]

can somebody pass me the gravy?

[pammy123]

Being as there are so many PEOPLE AGAINST DEMOCRACY at the airports could it not be arrangrd to fly them to Burma and leave them there,

[Mosha]

Just to let you all know, some people caught up in this are browsing here looking for info. The expats all know how useless our embassies are. So some less flippant posts may help.

[OlRedEyes]

Those of us who have weathered umpteen coups and coup attempts and have seen life here go on as usual know that it's still a great place. The country's struggle to build towards a working democracy has been underway for less than 80 years, pinned by historical roots that run very deep. Don't forget that Thailand didn't have a Western political infrastructure to build upon like other countries in the region, most of which nonetheless boast one-party rule.

It would, sadly, appear though that in those 'less than 80 years' (is this a short period?) very little or no progress has been made.

[turbopinda]

Being as there are so many PEOPLE AGAINST DEMOCRACY at the airports could it not be arrangrd to fly them to Burma and leave them there,

30 emergency medical teams prepared for police's operation to clear airports: Chalerm

Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoombamrung said he instructed the permanent secretary for Public Health to prepare 30 emergency medical teams in the aftermath of expected police's crackdown on protesters.

He said police would try to negotiate with protesters first.

"But if the negotiations fail, let's keep our fingers crossed," Chalerm said.

"I want the negotiations to be successful because I don't want to see bloodshed."

The Nation

[toptuan]

Hitler was democratic elected and some military considered a coup. It would have been a good idea. A military coup does not mean military dictator. See the last coup in Thailand. There was no ugly dictator, just a temporary (stupid, but in compare to now not so stupid) government and than elections again.

I partially concede your point about Hitler although the strong-arm tactics by his thugs that led up to his election didn't exactly follow the classic democratic political campaign. I think you're trying to make a point with an historical exception rather than the rule. Most dictators are not elected as a result of a classic mutli-party campaign.

Lastly, every time Thailand throws a coup party, it throws the doors wide open to end up like Burma. Once "the gun" rules, all bets for a better Thailand are off. Thailand has just been lucky to have dodged "the bullet" up until now. The Thai military's chummy relationship with Burma's murderous junta worries me. It's just too great a risk, IMHO.

[anothertorres]

how would less flippant posts help anyone? no one seems to know anything more than what's being posted on the Nation or the Post. the rest is all speculation. a smile can go a long way when we're all confused...

[jdinasia]

Toptuan,

Thaksin was beyond censure and destroyed the checks and balances needed for a democracy to function. He was an elected dictator

[AsiaCheese]

In the US, the whole election propaganda was absorbed by (let's be generous here) equally well-educated people across the country, to be digested & turned into votes...

That's incorrect, seeing that it was poorer black people, the young and women that were the backbone of Barrack Obama's support.

Point accepted, but: while the poorer black people's education might not be on par with "richer, whiter quarters", I would dare say that the average up-country education is WAY WAY below that of kids in/around BKK, CM and similar. Makes for a difference.

[TukTukDriver]

The PAD is shooting itself in the foot. They are pisssssing off travellers ...tourists ...businesses ...relatives ...neighborhoods ...friends ...allies ...enemies...pilots...

flight attendants...hotels...taxis......EVERYONE!

You forgot "freelance bargirls"....and you don't ever want to piss one of them off. This may hurt them more than help them when people start losing money(the almighty).

[FatherF]

Of course. There are people who:

- need to go home and work (or face losing their jobs).

- need to go to business meetings.

- (children) who need to go to school.

Many people, especially with the financial crisis, have planned their holidays and especially their budget very carefully. Not everyone can afford to stay an additional few days or weeks in Thailand and pay for food, hotel, etc.

This is ruining not only Thailand's economy, but also the lives of people who came here looking to relax and enjoy their holidays from their hard earned money. They don't deserve this.

PAD needs to clear the airport NOW. Punishing innocent people is NOT the answer.

There is no government and no PPP at the airport. Only innocent people who want to go home.

Totaly agree! Also, I thought that the PAD took the airport to prevent the PM from landing there? Well, he did'nt so why are the PAD still there?

FF

[grandpops]

UDD threatens to take action against PAD

BangkokPost.com) - The pro-government United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) will call its red-clad supporters to disperse the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) demonstrators at Suvarnabhumi airport, if the government does not take direct action against them, UDD leader and political talk show host Veera Musikhapong said on Thursday.

Mr Veera, referring to national army chief Anupong Paojinda’s suggestion for the government to dissolve the parliament and the PAD to leave Suvarnabhumi airport, said the proposal is deemed void since both sides have rejected it.

He said the best solution is for the cabinet to take legal action against the PAD by exercising the police authority and letting the army impose the Emergency Decree to restore the situation. Otherwise, supporters of the UDD will take care of the PAD themselves because the country would face more damage, if the crisis prolongs, according to the UDD leader.

People Power party (PPP) MP Jatuporn Promphan said if the government does not receive cooperation from the police and military by driving the protesters out of Suvarnabhumi airport, the police and army chiefs may have to reconsider their roles.

Mr Jatuporn said he is afraid that the Civil Court’s injunction ordering the PAD to leave Suvarnabhumi airport will not be followed, similar to the Government

==========================================================================

Bout time there was an army reshuffle as well. Appalled at their in action and if they try to stop the police at the airport we really will know where they stand.

[TukTukDriver]

can somebody pass me the gravy?

Just had my Thanksgiving dinner here in Japan and it was so good I completely forgot about Thailand and it's little problems. So nice and organized here in Japan I'm wondering if not going to Thailand in 2 weeks would be such a loss.

[benjamat]

As an expat I have no mandate to vote in any poll.

But it seems very sad that thailand is unable to resolve its differences without making itself into a laughing stock with the civilised world. A coup here will represent an admission of the total inability of politicians to put the interests of thailand as a whole above their own personal interests.

As usual in the end it will be the poor who will pay the price in lost tourism income and international confidence.

[ironhut]

Bloodshed at the airports?

How about a few water cannons, tear gas canisters, and trucks to pick up the weary after the assault. No blood...just some very strong persuasion that should have happened two days ago. Thailand needs to realize we're not living in the middle ages.

Think Paris a couple of years ago. There wasn't major bloodshed. But...there were water cannons and tear gas. The police would orderly grab the worst instigators and drag him behind the lines...then the next...then the next. Not bloodshed, but rather and end to the madness using some strong and determining means.

[toptuan]

Someone please educate me:

Why does a cabinet meeting need to be held, and an official "Emergency Decree" need to be made for the government to have the power to call the police to clear an airport of illegal squatters who have closed down the country's main international artery of transportation and tourism?

Imagine Beijing's airport being paralyzed for two days while the fretful government runs around, collecting it's Party members, to proclaim a decree in order to have the power to move on protesters?

Am I missing something here? Isn't there a happy medium somewhere in this scenario? A police and/or military ready to protect the country's interests at a moment's notice?

Not a coup. Just a normal protection of the nation's infrastructure.

The glacial pace of the protection of Thailand's critical and immediate interests during the last two days leaves me dumbfounded.

[h90]

Hitler was democratic elected and some military considered a coup. It would have been a good idea. A military coup does not mean military dictator. See the last coup in Thailand. There was no ugly dictator, just a temporary (stupid, but in compare to now not so stupid) government and than elections again.

I partially concede your point about Hitler although the strong-arm tactics by his thugs that led up to his election didn't exactly follow the classic democratic political campaign. I think you're trying to make a point with an historical exception rather than the rule. Most dictators are not elected as a result of a classic mutli-party campaign.

Lastly, every time Thailand throws a coup party, it throws the doors wide open to end up like Burma. Once "the gun" rules, all bets for a better Thailand are off. Thailand has just been lucky to have dodged "the bullet" up until now. The Thai military's chummy relationship with Burma's murderous junta worries me. It's just too great a risk, IMHO.

Problem is that what happens in any other country every 50-100 years happens in Thailand every 5-10 years.

Nobody regards the constitution and changes it complete to his ideas.

I am sad to tell that a military coup might be a short time fix but how many coups did Thailand have 17??

What did Thailand learn? Nothing (beside there might be the best coup specialists).

Solution: I don't know, if I someone writes the world best constitution a few years later it will be replace by someone.

[LB1]

Civil war - thats the best option!

Machete's and elephants at dawn. Spectators welcome.Seeing as the PAD has both airport why not have both sides fighting on the runways - you already have the stands for viewing.

Thailand poilitics are so so laughable that its only inevitable that this is happening. It's to do with the nations childish psyche,the lack of accountability,men being over pampered by Mummy and Grandma.The superficial smile,man I don't trust no one who smiles all the time.

After living in Thailand for 15yrs,I know I made the right decision taking my wife,2 kids back to England - how can you build a future on sand!

Good luck to you all,get you kevlar jackets ready..............Thailand is DOOMED!

lb1

And you STILL know sod all about Thailand?

Yes - thankfully,I have kept my sanity.

LOL!!

[BEENTHEREDONETHAT]

Being as there are so many PEOPLE AGAINST DEMOCRACY at the airports could it not be arrangrd to fly them to Burma and leave them there,

Good idea pammy, they could even put the leaders in first class. Bet the PPP would pick up the cost. And maybe even give each of them 1,000 Baht.

[favre360]

This is all starting to look like a very intricate chess match

[legalyes]

The People's Alliance for Democracy insists it will continue its airport occupation and other protests until Somchai resigns. It also has rejected the general's proposal for elections, pushing instead for the appointment of a temporary government.

I didn't hear anything about the PAD rejecting fresh elections....

In any case Khun Anupong has been admirable in trying to resist calls for a coup, but now it is time for him to do so.

He is a steadfast and trustworthy man to take over at this point, and infinitely superior to the current corrupt regime.

Also, can people please stop saying that PAD want power. They do not. They want free and fair elections, and a government free of corruption. They have voluntarily disbanded once, and will do it again.

If fresh elections is being held PPP will win again and PAD will start troubbles again. I do NOT think PAD will want new elections because they know they will loose. And YES PAD WANT POWER and this is the only way they can get it.

They have already caused damages to Thailand worth $billions and who knows how many Thai's will loose their jobs

[toptuan]

Toptuan,

Thaksin was beyond censure and destroyed the checks and balances needed for a democracy to function. He was an elected dictator

So the pro-coup boys would say, "Hey, I got a great idea! Let's replace the 'elected' dictator with a military one!" (And let's hope to God he's a good 'un!).

Doesn't compute.

The risk is too great.

Pandora and her box are still around in the course of human events.

Best to anticipate her moves before she unlatches the hasp.

Edited November 27, 2008 by toptuan

[turbopinda]

Of course. There are people who:

- need to go home and work (or face losing their jobs).

- need to go to business meetings.

- (children) who need to go to school.

Many people, especially with the financial crisis, have planned their holidays and especially their budget very carefully. Not everyone can afford to stay an additional few days or weeks in Thailand and pay for food, hotel, etc.

This is ruining not only Thailand's economy, but also the lives of people who came here looking to relax and enjoy their holidays from their hard earned money. They don't deserve this.

PAD needs to clear the airport NOW. Punishing innocent people is NOT the answer.

There is no government and no PPP at the airport. Only innocent people who want to go home.

Totaly agree! Also, I thought that the PAD took the airport to prevent the PM from landing there? Well, he did'nt so why are the PAD still there?

FF

Yes I also agree!!!!!!! I see so many people on the news, who has to go home for work, but stuck at the airport.... What do you think they will tell when they are back at ther homeland? This will damage the image of thailand.

PAD members should be ashamed !!!!!

[churchill]

The People's Alliance for Democracy insists it will continue its airport occupation and other protests until Somchai resigns. It also has rejected the general's proposal for elections, pushing instead for the appointment of a temporary government.

I didn't hear anything about the PAD rejecting fresh elections....

In any case Khun Anupong has been admirable in trying to resist calls for a coup, but now it is time for him to do so.

He is a steadfast and trustworthy man to take over at this point, and infinitely superior to the current corrupt regime.

Also, can people please stop saying that PAD want power. They do not. They want free and fair elections, and a government free of corruption. They have voluntarily disbanded once, and will do it again.

If fresh elections is being held PPP will win again and PAD will start troubbles again. I do NOT think PAD will want new elections because they know they will loose. And YES PAD WANT POWER and this is the only way they can get it.

They have already caused damages to Thailand worth $billions and who knows how many Thai's will loose their jobs

yes and now they all realise these people aren't holding the government hostage they are holding Thailand and their people hostage - Very soon this protest will be reversed not by the Military but by the majority .

[regfrancis]

What another coup and ellection? That will be the fourth ellection in the last few years.

The military keep forgetting to change the constituton --so that only PAD supporter's votes are counted.

That will fix the problem

Edited November 27, 2008 by regfrancis

[seri thai]

A military coup is already underway, and has been for some time. Unlike the previous coup, this one is not being accomplished overtly through acts of commission, but rather through acts of omission. Namely, the military and the police are not fulfilling their their mandated responsibilities to protect the peace and follow the rule of law. The military and police leaders would prefer not to have to overtly overthrow the government, so they have been doing so by refusing to obey orders. If things continue to spin out of control they will be forced to take steps to finalize the coup, all the while claiming they are only doing so reluctantly. PAD are only the front men in this game, backed by powerful interests paying lip service to the principles of democracy and clean government, but in reality very opposed to those concepts as they are in direct conflict with the lucrative game they have been playing for many years. Thaksin and his cronies were/are indeed corrupt and have/had many faults, but PAD and its backers are not White Knights coming to Thailand's rescue. I would advise PAD backers to remember that the enemy of your enemy is not necessarily your friend.

Spot on!

It's amazing the number of expat contributors who don't have a clue about "how things work here". Put down the beer bottle and use 5 minutes googling "20th century Thai history" while you still have internet access chaps!