Suvarnabhumi PAD Protest Continues

h90 · November 29, 2008

Need to remove the PAD from the airport by any means possible... this isnt rocket science, this isnt that hard.
-Cut power/water

-blockade roads into the airport

-rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons

-jam mobile phones

Overwhelm them with a superior force. If you need to use force do so - after warning them what will come if they do not disperse.

there does n't seem to be any back bone for it though.

-Cut power/water: no support from the unions+backup systems at the airport

-blockade roads into the airport: failed

-rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons: not tried yet

-jam mobile phones: can if they have the equipment but can't jam the satellite uplink As well DTac won't help after they got told to be attacked by the red shirts.

most probably only border police is following orders, normal police does not anymore.

There were reports of just 200 policemen, what you can't call superior force.

hungryhippo · November 29, 2008

That is how Jonathan Head described the protesters. He did mention as well that his information was from his government sources. His admission about his sources doesn't give a lot of credibility to his reporting, IMHO.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7755345.stm

Also I am surprised they didn't make it clear that the ASTV station was shot up by government protesters.

All they mention is

Meanwhile, in what is being seen as a sign of the growing tensions in the country, Thai TV has shown footage of a television presenter apparently coming under fire while on air.
The ASTV station, which broadcasts on behalf of the PAD, said the presenter sustained light injuries during the attack

Apparently?! They got the dam_n video showing it!

No mention of who might be responsible and the video is misplaced to make it look like the PAD did it. It's stuck halfway in some text about the PAD protesting at the airport.

As usual more misplaced "facts" from the BBC.

bubba · November 29, 2008

From the Al Jazeera report that just aired, from their correspondent who (unlike BBC's Jonathan Head) is reporting live from the entrance at Suvarnabhumi:

Police checkpoints have been taken down and all police at the entrances have disappeared. "The police are unwilling to do anything."

Jai Dee · November 29, 2008

Sondhi vows to fight off police if they raid ASTV office

Sondhi Limthongkul, No-1 leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy and owner of astv satellite TV, vowed Saturday morning to fight off police if they raid astv head office to shut it down.

Speaking on the TV at 10:16 am, Sondhi said he learned that Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muenkaew will deploy policemen to shut down ASTV.

"We will not open our doors to police. If they storm in to shoot at us, we'll shoot back. We'll be ready to die," Sondhi said.

Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

h90 · November 29, 2008

PAD guards detain policeman
Guards of the People's Alliance for Democracy detained a police senior sergeant major Saturday morning.

Pol Senior Sgt Maj Sompop Nathee, an officer from the Border Patrol Police Region 1 was arrested when he rode a motorcycle to a scene where police crashed with protesters at a police checkpoint on Kingkaew Road.

Sompop was taken to be questioned by Samran Rodphet, a leader of the PAD.

Samran ordered the guards to continue to detain the police officer after the questioning.

Sompop told Samran tht he happed to drive his car past the Kingkaew checkpoint when the clash occurred and he was forced to retreat along with other policemen.

He later decided to ride a taxi motorcycle to the spot to retrieve his car but found that it had been damaged by the protesters. He was captured by the PAD guards at the spot.

When PAD guards took him to Samran inside the Suvarnabhumi Airport, reporters and photographers tried to follow him to interview and take photos but the guards and other protesters booed at the newsmen and did not allow them to follow the guards.

Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

Does anyone see anything wrong with this article? The PAD arrested a Police Senior Sergeant, shouldn't it be the other way around where the police arrest the PAD? And when they took him back to be "questioned", reporters and and camera men where not allowed to follow. It just shows that the PAD has no respect for the law and think that can whatever they please.

But I'm curious to know if when push comes to shove where will Sondhi Limtongkul, Chamlong Srimuang and the other leaders of the PAD will be if there will bloodshed. I'm sure they will be safely hiding behind there puppets.

Things are changing as it seems.....Continue this way for another 2 month and PAD is the legal force and the police is illegal.....

But I hope we don't need to watch this longer than a few more days.

ratcatcher · November 29, 2008

Police/Army can cut this off.

The P.A.D. have very powerful backers in high places.

The police are incompetent and the army won't attack P.A.D.

The government in Chiang Mai is going down soon. Count on it.

hammered · November 29, 2008

Airport Activists Capture Copper
Anti-government protesters in Thailand have taken a police officer captive as tensions at an airport standoff escalate.

The trouble occured when 1,000 activists moved in on a police checkpoint close to the Suvarnabhumi international airport in Bangkok, seized on Tuesday.

The advance triggered a confrontation that subsided without violence when the police hastily withdrew.

However, one remaining officer was grabbed by protesters, put in a vehicle, and driven away, international reporters said.

The kidnapping intensifies fears that the four-day airport siege will end in violence, despite the Thai prime minister earlier pledging to use peaceful methods to resolve the issue.

Thousands of travellers remain stranded in the country's capital with all civilian air traffic blocked.

Both protesters and police reinforced their presence at Suvarnabhumi international airport, prior to the officer's capture.

Earlier, more protesters arrived at the airport in cars and buses despite road blocks set up by police, boosting their number to several thousand.

"Today, we see blood with our eyes. We will fight," said Sondhi Limthongkul, protest leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy. "At this moment, there is no way we will negotiate."

Protesters are demanding the resignation of the government it accuses of being a puppet of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Shinawatra, who recently relinquished control of Manchester City football club, was ousted by a 2006 military coup and fled overseas to escape corruption charges.

Current prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, Shinawatra's brother-in-law, declared a state of emergency at Suvarnabhumi and at the smaller Don Muang domestic airport, also occupied by demonstrators.

But in a televised address on Friday night he said: "Do not be concerned. The security forces will use peaceful means.

"There will be negotiations and whatever else which is appropriate in the situation."

Mr Wongsawat also demoted the national police chief amid speculation he disagreed with government policy.

The failure to end the illegal airport closures has led to calls in the media for Mr Wongsawat to step down, even from those who oppose the protesters.

Source: Sky News - 29 November 2008

They should release the police officer. Somchai's best option would now seem to be call an election. It is a pity he didnt do this earlier when asked.

bubba · November 29, 2008

That is how Jonathan Head described the protesters. He did mention as well that his information was from his government sources. His admission about his sources doesn't give a lot of credibility to his reporting, IMHO.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7755345.stm

Also I am surprised they didn't make it clear that the ASTV station was shot up by government protesters.

All they mention is

Meanwhile, in what is being seen as a sign of the growing tensions in the country, Thai TV has shown footage of a television presenter apparently coming under fire while on air.
The ASTV station, which broadcasts on behalf of the PAD, said the presenter sustained light injuries during the attack

Apparently?! They got the dam_n video showing it!

No mention of who might be responsible and the video is misplaced to make it look like the PAD did it. It's stuck halfway in some text about the PAD protesting at the airport.

As usual more misplaced "facts" from the BBC.

The attack on ASTV HQ took place about 30 hours ago and BBC did report on it yesterday.

Have another cuppa, Hippo, and then switch on your TV and get updated with today's news.

Samuian · November 29, 2008

Chamlong says crisis will end before Dec 5

Chamlong Srimaung, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, said Saturday that the political crisis would end before Friday.

He said he was willing to hold talk with Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat anywhere except Chiang Mai because it is too far away.

-The Nation-

As a Result of:

Three parties ordered to deliver closing speech in party-dissolution case on Dec 2

The Constitution Court Friday ordered the People Power Party, Chart Thai Party and Matchima Tipataya Party to deliver their closing statement in the party-dissolution case against them on December 2.

The court held a session at 10:30 am Friday and ordered the parties to send their leaders to deliver closing speech at 9:30 am.

If they do not attend the session, the court will regard that the parties forfeit their right to deliver the closing speech.

The court also dismissed the parties' request to hold more inquiries, saying the court has enough written evidence for deliberation.

-The Nation-

ChiangMaiThai · November 29, 2008

Need to remove the PAD from the airport by any means possible... this isnt rocket science, this isnt that hard.
-Cut power/water

-blockade roads into the airport

-rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons

-jam mobile phones

Overwhelm them with a superior force. If you need to use force do so - after warning them what will come if they do not disperse.

Come on man. Clearly there are more powerful forces at work who want this to continue.

hungryhippo · November 29, 2008

The attack on ASTV HQ took place about 30 hours ago and BBC did report on it yesterday.
Have another cuppa, Hippo, and then switch on your TV and get updated with today's news.

That's not my point, look at the link and read what I am saying instead of just waiting for your turn to talk.

Ed: I forgot to mention that's the BBCs "latest news" on the main page

Edited November 29, 2008 by hungryhippo

animatic · November 29, 2008

Thaksin demands PAD to leave Suvarnabhumi
Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed concern over Thailand’s political situation and demanded the anti-government People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) to leave Suvarnabhumi airport immediately. While giving a press interview abroad, Mr Thaksin said the airport must resume operation and the PAD demonstrators must abide by the law and respect others who have been affected. Those who violated the law must be prosecuted, he added.

The former premier called on all sides, including the army, to unite and help protect democracy because Thai people have suffered since dictatorship came in the country.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

Absolutely priceless.

SL.

Just finished veiwing Thaksin's interview again while fully downloaded and not jerky.

The eyes are saying volumes.

Long looking blinks on verifiably factual things in general.

and quick series of 4-5 blinks on things that are obviously disingenuous... or flat out lies.

In which case once you get baseline responses you can see when he is saying things

of similar veracity. He was too tired not to give himself away...

As to the truth of his statements you judge for yourself.

But he doesn't pass the test in my observation.

pichai · November 29, 2008

PAD guards detain policeman
Guards of the People's Alliance for Democracy detained a police senior sergeant major Saturday morning.

Pol Senior Sgt Maj Sompop Nathee, an officer from the Border Patrol Police Region 1 was arrested when he rode a motorcycle to a scene where police crashed with protesters at a police checkpoint on Kingkaew Road.

Sompop was taken to be questioned by Samran Rodphet, a leader of the PAD.

Samran ordered the guards to continue to detain the police officer after the questioning.

Sompop told Samran tht he happed to drive his car past the Kingkaew checkpoint when the clash occurred and he was forced to retreat along with other policemen.

He later decided to ride a taxi motorcycle to the spot to retrieve his car but found that it had been damaged by the protesters. He was captured by the PAD guards at the spot.

When PAD guards took him to Samran inside the Suvarnabhumi Airport, reporters and photographers tried to follow him to interview and take photos but the guards and other protesters booed at the newsmen and did not allow them to follow the guards.

Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

Does anyone see anything wrong with this article? The PAD arrested a Police Senior Sergeant, shouldn't it be the other way around where the police arrest the PAD? And when they took him back to be "questioned", reporters and and camera men where not allowed to follow. It just shows that the PAD has no respect for the law and think that can whatever they please.

But I'm curious to know if when push comes to shove where will Sondhi Limtongkul, Chamlong Srimuang and the other leaders of the PAD will be if there will bloodshed. I'm sure they will be safely hiding behind there puppets.

Absolutely correct, these bandits are afraid to die, just know how ask others to die on their behalf... coward...

dwayyne · November 29, 2008

How sad and hopeless. The government is trying to end things peacefully but that's been proven ineffective and when they attempt to use force, the police back off because of fear. Is it not a police officers job to enforce and apprehend those who break the law? The government is unstable without support from the army and police force. It's time someone seriously step in and take charge. Get the united nations involved or something, it's not only a Thailand but a world issue. There are people from other countries stranded and this protest will only tempt other anti-government groups in other countries around to world to put on the same show... Like they say in sports, "THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE"

swindonabroad · November 29, 2008

Sondhi vows to fight off police if they raid ASTV office
Sondhi Limthongkul, No-1 leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy and owner of astv satellite TV, vowed Saturday morning to fight off police if they raid astv head office to shut it down.

Speaking on the TV at 10:16 am, Sondhi said he learned that Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muenkaew will deploy policemen to shut down ASTV.

"We will not open our doors to police. If they storm in to shoot at us, we'll shoot back. We'll be ready to die," Sondhi said.Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

I hope all the PAD sympathizers who have been posting on here claiming their right to ‘non violent protest’ can see the images being shown on tv, the actions towards the police, the wooden stakes etc.

And the disturbing quote above? Says it all.

I hope this can all end peacfully but Sondhi seems more concerned with loss of face rather than loss of life.

sezze · November 29, 2008

You actually think that another fresh election would do any good to get out of the impasse ?? They did have elections allready 2 times since Thaksin was removed and 2 times they won . If they have a new election now , the victory for PPP will be higher then last time . More and more people are turning their back on PAD for what they are doing now . That is what i see up here .

Nr 2 : you cannot go into fresh elections just because you got a mob raiding a building . Remove the mob ( PAD ) from the buildings if necessary by violent action and detain the leaders because they are destroying the buildings and just doing illegal act's . Afterwards he can go for election but not now . If they are not willing to talk then you have no ground to walk on . In any normal country the government would have this people removed by force allready , even if it takes lives . Protest , yes no problem ... you have that right , taking hostage of the economy and now even policemen , NO . For me , these people are not much different then the ones causing the problems in Mumbai .

Insight · November 29, 2008

Sondhi vows to fight off police if they raid ASTV office
Sondhi Limthongkul, No-1 leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy and owner of astv satellite TV, vowed Saturday morning to fight off police if they raid astv head office to shut it down.

Speaking on the TV at 10:16 am, Sondhi said he learned that Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muenkaew will deploy policemen to shut down ASTV.

"We will not open our doors to police. If they storm in to shoot at us, we'll shoot back. We'll be ready to die," Sondhi said.Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

I hope all the PAD sympathizers who have been posting on here claiming their right to ‘non violent protest’ can see the images being shown on tv, the actions towards the police, the wooden stakes etc.

And the disturbing quote above? Says it all.

I hope this can all end peacfully but Sondhi seems more concerned with loss of face rather than loss of life.

Should be all watch NBT instead? ASTV is obviously biased but it is only balancing out the pro-government media and I hope it stays on air.

Edited November 29, 2008 by Insight

losworld · November 29, 2008

I see visions of Thaksin dancing to "Viva La Vida". I think his game is over. How could anyone think that opponents of Thaksin could digest the appointment of his brother in law? Who could not see this coming?

As per urban vs. rural this has existed virtually everywhere I have seen elected governments. I'm not saying that Isaan and the north do not deserve better representation but at what price - vote buying?

Obviously the PAD have very strong convictions. We can debate endlessly on their true motivations but when it comes to standing in the face of fire I believe they really want Thaksin out. In a strange way this is about standing up to the perceived abuse of the elite and whether or not Thaksin admits it he has become the poster boy for the corrupt aristocrat operating above the law.

Interestingly, if this had taken place in virtually any "democratic" country the protesters would have been shot dead at the gates and labeled terrorists as business is business. This speaks volumes for the hearts and minds of the Thai people.

Somchai must accept the inevitable before violence errupts. The PPP should then demand the extradition and arrest of Thaksin and call an election.

CockneyGit · November 29, 2008

We will not open our doors to police. If they storm in to shoot at us, we'll shoot back. We'll be ready to die," Sondhi said.Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

Hang on, yesterday he said PAD were only armed with "hand clappers"...!!!

Arrest this terrorist fool - IMMEDIATELY!

old wanderer · November 29, 2008

How sad and hopeless. The government is trying to end things peacefully but that's been proven ineffective and when they attempt to use force, the police back off because of fear. Is it not a police officers job to enforce and apprehend those who break the law? The government is unstable without support from the army and police force. It's time someone seriously step in and take charge. Get the united nations involved or something, it's not only a Thailand but a world issue. There are people from other countries stranded and this protest will only tempt other anti-government groups in other countries around to world to put on the same show... Like they say in sports, "THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD OFFENSE"

Well nice try at that spin, but let us look at facts:

1. The new gorilla in the corner is the court, who announced at 3 PM Friday, it would accelerate the corruption ruling against the government currently in power including the PM.

2. In that announcement it had adequate evidence to rule. It would not required the 30 some statements from the leaders. They could use a written input if desired by Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM.

3. Once they find the PPP and the other 2 parties were corrupt in election process they are out, (This is assuming that indeed they have solid evidence of vote buying etc..) (Even a statement from the PPP states the evidence is strong), and new elections will be forthcoming.

4. Which group of police, military, etc wants to follow the orders of a government that probably will not be around this time next week?

All the talk by the defenders of the PPP of being the democratically elected government of Thailand will be shown to be ???

The PAD will have saved face, and will disapear, as they are not the ones trying to gain power, just resist corruption that has been an integral part of Thai politics since 1932 when the Monarchy was abolished.

4.

JUDAS · November 29, 2008

Kidnapping, interrogating and holding a police officer against his will. I would like to hear how the PAD supporters think this is in any way justifiable.

swindonabroad · November 29, 2008

Sondhi vows to fight off police if they raid ASTV office
Sondhi Limthongkul, No-1 leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy and owner of astv satellite TV, vowed Saturday morning to fight off police if they raid astv head office to shut it down.

Speaking on the TV at 10:16 am, Sondhi said he learned that Metropolitan Police chief Pol Lt Gen Suchart Muenkaew will deploy policemen to shut down ASTV.

"We will not open our doors to police. If they storm in to shoot at us, we'll shoot back. We'll be ready to die," Sondhi said.Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

I hope all the PAD sympathizers who have been posting on here claiming their right to ‘non violent protest’ can see the images being shown on tv, the actions towards the police, the wooden stakes etc.

And the disturbing quote above? Says it all.

I hope this can all end peacfully but Sondhi seems more concerned with loss of face rather than loss of life.

Should be all watch NBT instead? ASTV is obviously biased but it is only balancing out the pro-government media and I hope it stays on air.

I wasn’t really interested in whether the station stays open or not. ASTV is biased as is NBT and don’t think anyone regards any information coming from either of these 2 as news.

More interested in what people think about the language and tone being used the leader of the ‘peaceful, non violent, civil disobedience’ movement.

Jai Dee · November 29, 2008

Sondhi: I'll 'fight to death'

People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul on Saturday reiterated that he was ready to 'fight to the death' and strike back, should the police attempt to seize the anti-government ASTV satellite television. Following Metropolitan Police chief Suchart Muankaew's announcement to take hold of ASTV, Mr Sondhi said the PAD was ready to defend the station and would die to protect the country.

He urged his supporters to do their best to secure Government House and Suvarnabhumi airport. The PAD's anti-government movements were under the constitution, he reaffirmed.

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