Suvarnabhumi PAD Protest Continues

[animatic]

I am in no way going to say I have captured the Thai perspective. What I will say is that there are lot of people utterly sick and tired of the whole thing including PAD, UDD, government and Thaksin and Sondhi. People writing on here tend to have a politicsal persuasion. A lot of ordinary people dont care or have time or inclination to care about politics.

My wife went to the local hairdresser before. This is where all the really important news gets passed around. No one had a clue about or any interest in what was going on at SVB. All the talk was of husbands, children's schooling, illness and recovery, etc.... Nothing different.

Who is the minister for Thai hairdresser saloons anyway?

Maybe he/she could do a better job running the country!

I nominate Khun Pornthip, hang it all, make her PM as well!

Likely couldn't pick a better choice!

But she wouldn't want the job unless HRM asked her to take it.

[animatic]

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.

Boy do you like to mix apple and oranges and try to make everyone think they are the same.

ASTV is private property, it is not a public protest site. Defending ones personal property is a right that most nations recognize.

Lets see.......POLICE:AR16 riles, grenades, Siege trucks, batons, shields

PAD: Motorcycle helmets, wooden sticks, and hand clappers.

Yep the police should be afraid of these desperate demonstrators.

Just incase you have no access to ALJAZEERA, PAD has already capture the Police truck with all the riot equipments intack. The live report showing the PAD freely distribute the truck equipment to their guards, while the woman are releasing the type pressure.

NOW, both sides are equally equiped.

You just can't make this stuff up, even in Hollywierd!

[hammered]

Here is an amusing piece by reuters on the situation. It also covers more seruious aspects such as the arrivals of bus and car loads of people. The police come under ridicule for their blockade of the airport which forget about most routes in including the expressway.

Welcome to Bangkok airport - no passport needed

Story at: http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssFinanci...KK8934620081129

[MKAsok]

Some good pictures from Suvarnabhumi here

[frodo]

PM: People should not to support criminals

More from the Bangkok Post here.

I totally agree with the title: PM: People should not to support criminals...at the top of that list should be his brother-in-law the convicted criminal on the run. What a hypocritical little <deleted>.

[FatherF]

Oh yes ! Union strikes shutting down airports are common all over Europe. Preferably during the peak holiday season, to give their demand more power. Rings a bell?

Yes, it's normally French Air Traffick Control!

FF

[sezze]

Whilst appreciating points made herein, I do recall my personal experiences crossing, or not, the Channel, when the transport workers, apparently predominantly French truckers, would blockade Le Harve and the Normandy ports often to bring pressure for their local political issues. The police there often seemed loath to proactively deal with this interruption to commerce and passengers either.

Just a thought/memory.

Regards

/edit typo//

Yeah, I've lived in France a while and experienced the french style of protests, which often involves unrelated people. I don't really appreciate that either. I've not seen them take over an airport in Paris, though.

Oh yes ! Union strikes shutting down airports are common all over Europe. Preferably during the peak holiday season, to give their demand more power. Rings a bell?

Yes it does ring a bell ... and how long do these strike take to be solved ?? 1 day max . And this is not a strike ... a strike is from employees working there , not a mob taking over a airport because this is a serious break in every security measure you can have . This is not aimed at the government directly .. this is aimed at the millions of people travelling around the world and at business people who need to travel for it . I said it before ... the government house .. no problem ... that is a reasonable place to go for action airports/harbours/business centres ... out of the question

[animatic]

That doesn't include crippling the whole nation by shutting down essential services and preventing the government from functioning normally.

The French do it all the time - they are statistically the world masters at destroying their economy through disruptive political and industrial action...

And yet in spite of this their economy is one of the stronger in Europe.

High unemployment but good coverage for the unemployed.

I never figured out how they do it.

[hammered]

PM: People should not to support criminals

However, Mr Somchai said he was ready to negotiate with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Chamlong Srimuang.

On the United Front for Democracy Against the Dictatorship (UDD)'s rally on Sunday, the premier said the pro-government group had never violated the law since its supporters peacefully returned home after each gathering.

The prime minister said he already had a discussion with national army chief Anupong Paojinda, but refused to comment on the details of discussion.

He also remained tight-lipped on the reason why he dismissed Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan as the police commissioner-general.

Well here is one politicians view that differs:

Terdsak Jiamkitwattana, whose father was knifed to death recently by a progovernment crowd, yesterday lunged at two key supporters of the Somchai Wongsawatled administration

"Your folks killed my dad. How could you do this? Now, it's your turn to beware," Terdsak shouted angrily before trying to punch Dr Sant Hathirat and Dr Weng Tochirakarn.

The incident erupted at Parliament House as Sant, who chairs the Democracy Federation, and Weng from the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship, were reading a media statement urging people to fight against an attempt to stage a coup.

Sitting alongside Sant and Weng were Government chief whip Wittaya Buranasiri and People Power Party MP Nisit Sintuprai, chair of the House committee on parliamentary affairs

Somchai has stayed in Chiang Mai since he returned from Peru on Wednesday.

Many bloody confrontations between progovernment supporters and antigovernment People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protesters flared up this week. In one of these confrontations, Terdsak's father was killed in Chiang Mai.

Terdsak is described as a key supporter of PAD in the North. Security guards subdued him and he was sent to a press room.

"I don't take sides with any group. What I am doing is to protect the monarchy," Terdsak said yesterday.

He entered Parliament House to submit a petition to Senator Somchai Sawaengkarn, who chairs the Senate committee on human rights.

Somchai signed documents allowing Terdsak's entry.

According to Terdsak's petition, the progovernment crowds physically attacked him 15 times before killing his father.

"Please investigate these cases. The killing took place in the presence of policemen," Terdsak added.

Terdsak was later sent to Dusit police station for causing havoc in Parliament House.

The photos show the police standing in the crowd of red shirts watching the killing and taking no action.

It is a total myth that the reds are peaceful: Udon, Bangkok and CVhiang Mai incidents show that in the last year. It goes back further too. Funnily enough the police in each case made less attemot at stopping each of these red events than have any yellow event althought they dont usually put up much fight there unless they are the borcer police.

[soihok]

I was supposed to collect Mrs Soihoks mother from Thailand tomorrow.

She is from Korat.

The feeling she relates towards the people sitting in the airport is akin to civil war.

We are talking blood and sand.

Amazing Thailand.

[rafval]

The photos show the police standing in the crowd of red shirts watching the killing and taking no action.

I dont wish to sound callous but I dont see what the big deal is here, I have never seen a Thai policeman intervene in a violent situation

Edited November 29, 2008 by rafval

[Insight]

PM: People should not to support criminals

Prime Minister and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Saturday asked the general public not to support criminals who laid siege to Suvarnabhumi airport because the country could be left isolated. However, Mr Somchai said he was ready to negotiate with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Chamlong Srimuang.

On the United Front for Democracy Against the Dictatorship (UDD)'s rally on Sunday, the premier said the pro-government group had never violated the law since its supporters peacefully returned home after each gathering.

More from the Bangkok Post here.

Yes, they're such good people.

Who's going to be the first to provide images to the contrary?

This guy should be on Sickipedia.

[esprit]

Oh yes ! Union strikes shutting down airports are common all over Europe. Preferably during the peak holiday season, to give their demand more power. Rings a bell?

Yes, it's normally French Air Traffick Control!

FF

Come on don't hog all the benefit. There is usually the British baggage handlers causing disruption at peak times, the owners of LHR causing weeks of disruption due to T5, plus of course as soon as the lazy UK airport workers see a snowflake they cancel flights as they have'n't charged the batteries in the snow clearers!

[old wanderer]

Enough of this battering. I need to go out for some food, and drink....But just to stir the pot a bit more, (seeing as how we have so many new guys that are jumping into the fey with such strong opinions (always pro PPP) for some reason....

Nobody has yet to post the reasons the PAD seized control of the 2 airports, so straight from the PAD site, here are the published official reasons:

What does the People’s Alliance for Democracy have to gain from this long struggle?

A country that is free of corruption, crony capitalism, and nepotism. There is no financial gain to be made. Sondhi Limthongkul has already came out on several occasions and spoke about how he was offered more than 500 million baht for ASTV, but declined the offer knowing that it would be the end to INDEPENDENT Media free from the governments control. Pipob Thongchai has no business interest he is well known for his free educational schools in the provinces. Somkiat Pongpaiboon, is a former academic and now politician who wants to see change in society. Somsak Kosaisuk, is a leader of the state enterprises confederation who fought against the privatization of state enterprises. Chamlong Srimuang is a former army general, Bangkok governor and now an organic farmer who has a leadership school for civil servants as well as looking after unwanted street dogs. Not quite a group of capitalist bent on gaining from this long enduring struggle.

Several people have asked why have the PAD has resorted to protesting at Suvanaphumi airport?

The PAD has protested for more than six months, holding several mini rally’s around the city. We have protested at the ECC, Metropolitan Police Bureau, UK Embassy, Silom, Siam Square and several other areas in the capital to protest the corruption and lies within the government.

The Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments both claim they came from free and fair democratic elections?

If that is true why is there coalition government consisting of the People Power Party, Chart Thai and Matchima Tipataya Party close to being dissolved due to electoral violations and accusations of vote buying? So, is it fair to say they had to cheat to win? If they do have the support they claim? Why would it be necessary to go such measures to win votes?

Is Thai Media free from government intervention?

It’s funny that the Pro-Government supporters who have a TV program on NBT Channel 11are bent on voicing their opposition against the PAD while they are broadcast on FREE TV, while ASTV is only available to those who have access to internet, members of provincial cable (which mind you only reaches 20-30% of the population), and viewer who purchase Free to Air satellites. So, in other words the people who support the PAD have had to go out of their way to listen to what the PAD has to say and not the PRO-Government Propaganda that is being aired. So, you could say the made a conscientious choice to listen to ASTV instead.

This government loves to speak of their populist policies? But always forget about the criminals within their party

Why doesn’t this government ever talk about the former party members who have been jailed such as Somchai (Kamnan Poh) the father of Sonthaya Khunplume former tourism minister or Wattana Asavahame who have both fled the country after their convictions of corruption? Let’s not forget the other person they are protecting Thaksin Shinawatra.

For the last 6 months, the government has chosen to ignore hundreds of thousands of Thai citizens who have dome out to show opposition toward this administration. The PAD realizes that the airport closures will drastically affect Thailand on a variety of dimensions. However, we will no longer be ignored.

I will join back tomorrow (if the world is still here)

[jdinasia]

Bus loads of police left Sisaket in a large convoy, heading for Bkk, this morning. If this is happening through throughout the region, there should be a massive police pesence in the city by tomorrow.

Why Sisaket?

Sisaket is far away and in Isaan country. Isn't that where the Thaksin loyalists all live?

Maybe that means they will be willing to do something against the yellow shirts.

What's wrong with police forces from neighbouring cities?

One could assume that these are border police and likely to be more willing to fight with BKK women and children.

[ausan]

Hope situation don't degenerate!!

hi angiud i am due to leave cold and foggy uk on the 8th of dec for thailand would you or anyone else like to hazzard a guess as to my chances thanks from ausan

[stevenl]

Hope situation don't degenerate!!

hi angiud i am due to leave cold and foggy uk on the 8th of dec for thailand would you or anyone else like to hazzard a guess as to my chances thanks from ausan

My guess: the airports will be open again.

[soihok]

Hope situation don't degenerate!!

hi angiud i am due to leave cold and foggy uk on the 8th of dec for thailand would you or anyone else like to hazzard a guess as to my chances thanks from ausan

My guess: the airports will be open again.

Hopefully this year,,but you and I know that this is

AMAZING THAILAND

[esprit]

Bus loads of police left Sisaket in a large convoy, heading for Bkk, this morning. If this is happening through throughout the region, there should be a massive police pesence in the city by tomorrow.

Why Sisaket?

Sisaket is far away and in Isaan country. Isn't that where the Thaksin loyalists all live?

Maybe that means they will be willing to do something against the yellow shirts.

What's wrong with police forces from neighbouring cities?

One could assume that these are border police and likely to be more willing to fight with BKK women and children.

The scumbags that support PPP would prefer fighting with children only, women in their eyes are collateral damage.

[kaotang]

Enough of this battering. I need to go out for some food, and drink....But just to stir the pot a bit more, (seeing as how we have so many new guys that are jumping into the fey with such strong opinions (always pro PPP) for some reason....

Nobody has yet to post the reasons the PAD seized control of the 2 airports, so straight from the PAD site, here are the published official reasons:

What does the People's Alliance for Democracy have to gain from this long struggle?

A country that is free of corruption, crony capitalism, and nepotism. There is no financial gain to be made. Sondhi Limthongkul has already came out on several occasions and spoke about how he was offered more than 500 million baht for ASTV, but declined the offer knowing that it would be the end to INDEPENDENT Media free from the governments control. Pipob Thongchai has no business interest he is well known for his free educational schools in the provinces. Somkiat Pongpaiboon, is a former academic and now politician who wants to see change in society. Somsak Kosaisuk, is a leader of the state enterprises confederation who fought against the privatization of state enterprises. Chamlong Srimuang is a former army general, Bangkok governor and now an organic farmer who has a leadership school for civil servants as well as looking after unwanted street dogs. Not quite a group of capitalist bent on gaining from this long enduring struggle.

Several people have asked why have the PAD has resorted to protesting at Suvanaphumi airport?

The PAD has protested for more than six months, holding several mini rally's around the city. We have protested at the ECC, Metropolitan Police Bureau, UK Embassy, Silom, Siam Square and several other areas in the capital to protest the corruption and lies within the government.

The Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat governments both claim they came from free and fair democratic elections?

If that is true why is there coalition government consisting of the People Power Party, Chart Thai and Matchima Tipataya Party close to being dissolved due to electoral violations and accusations of vote buying? So, is it fair to say they had to cheat to win? If they do have the support they claim? Why would it be necessary to go such measures to win votes?

Is Thai Media free from government intervention?

It's funny that the Pro-Government supporters who have a TV program on NBT Channel 11are bent on voicing their opposition against the PAD while they are broadcast on FREE TV, while ASTV is only available to those who have access to internet, members of provincial cable (which mind you only reaches 20-30% of the population), and viewer who purchase Free to Air satellites. So, in other words the people who support the PAD have had to go out of their way to listen to what the PAD has to say and not the PRO-Government Propaganda that is being aired. So, you could say the made a conscientious choice to listen to ASTV instead.

This government loves to speak of their populist policies? But always forget about the criminals within their party

Why doesn't this government ever talk about the former party members who have been jailed such as Somchai (Kamnan Poh) the father of Sonthaya Khunplume former tourism minister or Wattana Asavahame who have both fled the country after their convictions of corruption? Let's not forget the other person they are protecting Thaksin Shinawatra.

For the last 6 months, the government has chosen to ignore hundreds of thousands of Thai citizens who have dome out to show opposition toward this administration. The PAD realizes that the airport closures will drastically affect Thailand on a variety of dimensions. However, we will no longer be ignored.

I will join back tomorrow (if the world is still here)

Do you really believe this bullshit?

[Samuian]

PM says he ready to talk to Chamlong

Chiang Mai - Prime Minster Somchai Wongsawat said Saturday that he is willing to hold a talk with Chamlong Srimuang, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy.

But he insisted that he will neither dissolve the House or resign.

Source: The Nation - 29 November 2008

He will "insist" till it (Parliament) will dissolve ...!

So he will get away "clean" and still can face his inlaws... remember "no face lost"!

Edited November 29, 2008 by Samuian

[Tonycheston]

Hope situation don't degenerate!!

hi angiud i am due to leave cold and foggy uk on the 8th of dec for thailand would you or anyone else like to hazzard a guess as to my chances thanks from ausan

An optimist will say "Sure everything will ok by then"

A pessimist will tell you "No way, you must be joking"

My guess is maybe, but due to the backlog I would recommend you change to land somewhere nice in Thailand. Phuket, Chiang Mai or one of the islands.

I am due out tomorrow, won't happen. Tell me where you are going we could have a beer together.

[HYENA]

I think it would be wise to not consider ASTV a 'news source', for posts here or otherwise.

Also the 'live feed' shows what their spin doctors want you to see.

Stick with the BBC.

The problem with the BBC is it tends to be several hours out of date and then inaccurate at best!

One thing I wish I had in the USA is the BBC...at least the BBC shows news truly around the world and not just the US news that has to do with whatever the government has its dirty paw into. I really enjoy hearing about the world; unfortunately all news stations are biased one way or another...irritating! Everyone has a boss and a political supporter...farangs do it a bit more on the sly, though (except lately the US news stations have clearly discredited themselves with a terribly slanted view of our spoon fed news. I'd love to have a truly non-biased news source. I'm afraid even if I was the director, I'd likely lean towards the under served and those without a voice.

It's nice to hear something is happening in Thailand, though...still not a blip on my TV in the Washington DC area. I'm more concerned right now about the shipment of my sin sod gold coming Monday and the safety of my tilac (yes, I'm shameless and selfish)!

I do have to say that whatever happens to PAD, they can't say they're surprised if shots start coming their way. I wonder what would happen if one crazy officer started mowing the aggressive one's down...would they run or attack? I can't imagine the fear of the police actually being overrun having to leave your vehicles behind...running for fear of their lives. I'm sure they're on the brink of what one poster said...thais are cool, cool, cool, then from jai yen to jai ron in a millisecond! I'm still smiling at that one because it's so true! Like pissing off a tiger twitching its tail, then its had enough and decides to bite the head off the trainer and be done with it.

It amazes me the restraint the police and army are taking...the army is losing a lot of money with no landings (don't they collect a fee)? I'm relieved rule of law is at least being attempted...adds SOME credibility to the nation (as if it had any to start with...who overthrows governments as a pastime anyway)!

Everyone's dirty, unfortunately...that's the problems but I'm for leaving the government where it is just because of the principle of rule of law. After that, some serious reconstruction needs to happen. What am I talking about? This is a normal thing in Thailand now!

One thing that strikes me (think about it everyone) remember when you came? all the LONG LONG lines of people coming into Thailand? They each have a wallet and are going to spend some big bucks on their big vacation they likely saved up all year for. These people aren't coming. Sure the people already there are still there for the most part (stuck) but they ran out of money so you've got a similar NUMBER of people but a terrible decline in baht! Think of the lines....and for the minutes you were there...now start multiplying...now start adding airports and travel advisory's so some may not come at all or at least postpone for a long while being their vacation will soon be over and they've got to get back to work. Right now, today at least in the US, it's winter vacation season. Schools will be out and families will be gong on their vacations. Thailland is out for the Christmas to New years crowd because many would be buying tickets only to see....warnings and travel advisories...Costa Rica is looking better by the minute (lower murder rate, anyway).

This is a really bad time to be playing with the economy...bad time for everything. Sure do it during a boom but now? It's gonna hurt hard and deep into the threats of the pockets... How many will be begging their Chinese Thai landlords to please give me another month to pay shop rent...you know what they'll say...."I'll charge you 38 percent interest"! The pain has just begun. The good part is this does not affect rice harvesting which they're doing now in Isaan...maybe prices but their white gold will still come and hopefully prices will go up...who knows? I'm sitting in my armchair with all the answers, don't ya know?

Edited November 29, 2008 by HYENA

[wxpwzrd]

Do you really believe this bullshit?

Do you really believe Tacky and his family government?

[sezze]

And you believe all this crap ... it's Thai politics at it's best . I do agree on the fact that this government is corrupt . Anyone not doing this is a plain fool . It's been proven many times allready . However , everything in Thailand is based on corruption . If you want to turn that around , then you need to change the way people think about money . The only way to get corrution out of the way is get people earn enough money on a fair basis so morallety ( don't know if the english writing is correct ) can step in . This is far from it and so are the PAD , because they are just as corrupt as the PPP . In a Feodal system .. this is how it works ... used to be like that in Europe a couple of 100 years ago but got rid of it . Not by the rich people .. never ever by rich people but by poor people having a revolution in 1 way or another . Since these PAD leaders are the rich and wealthy ... they are exactly the same .

[esprit]

And you believe all this crap ... it's Thai politics at it's best . I do agree on the fact that this government is corrupt . Anyone not doing this is a plain fool . It's been proven many times allready . However , everything in Thailand is based on corruption . If you want to turn that around , then you need to change the way people think about money . The only way to get corrution out of the way is get people earn enough money on a fair basis so morallety ( don't know if the english writing is correct ) can step in . This is far from it and so are the PAD , because they are just as corrupt as the PPP . In a Feodal system .. this is how it works ... used to be like that in Europe a couple of 100 years ago but got rid of it . Not by the rich people .. never ever by rich people but by poor people having a revolution in 1 way or another . Since these PAD leaders are the rich and wealthy ... they are exactly the same .

Now lets consider that further. The current economic world crisis was not caused by corrupt US bankers acting in a fraudulent manner ? That is bankers spelt with a B by the way not a W although I suspect both variants hold good.

[marshbags]

Apologies if this is repeated elsewhere but it,s worth another show if it is.

Bangkok Post, BREAKING NEWS, Saturday November 29, 2008 15:33

PM: People should not to support criminals

(BangkokPost.com) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Somchai Wongsawat on Saturday asked the general public not to support criminals who laid siege to Suvarnabhumi airport because the country could be left isolated.

However, Mr Somchai said he was ready to negotiate with the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Chamlong Srimuang.

On the United Front for Democracy Against the Dictatorship (UDD)'s rally on Sunday, the premier said the pro-government group had never violated the law since its supporters peacefully returned home after each gathering.

Unquote

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=132371

What with Thaksins remarks this morning , they have surely lost the plot and must be on something very hallucinating indeed

I nearly peed myself when i read this headline

marshbags

Edited November 29, 2008 by marshbags

[hc.sandbergen]

I am very sorry for the people who now are out-of-work because of the desier for power from a few people.

They are paying others to do thier dirty work to get the power.

The police or army have to end this madness.

Herman

[wxpwzrd]

I am very sorry for the people who now are out-of-work because of the desier for power from a few people.

They are paying others to do thier dirty work to get the power.

The police or army have to end this madness.

Herman

Nice Herman... What about the people that got rich on the backs of Thail's from the power hungry desires of a few people?

[sezze]

And you believe all this crap ... it's Thai politics at it's best . I do agree on the fact that this government is corrupt . Anyone not doing this is a plain fool . It's been proven many times allready . However , everything in Thailand is based on corruption . If you want to turn that around , then you need to change the way people think about money . The only way to get corrution out of the way is get people earn enough money on a fair basis so morallety ( don't know if the english writing is correct ) can step in . This is far from it and so are the PAD , because they are just as corrupt as the PPP . In a Feodal system .. this is how it works ... used to be like that in Europe a couple of 100 years ago but got rid of it . Not by the rich people .. never ever by rich people but by poor people having a revolution in 1 way or another . Since these PAD leaders are the rich and wealthy ... they are exactly the same .

Now lets consider that further. The current economic world crisis was not caused by corrupt US bankers acting in a fraudulent manner ? That is bankers spelt with a B by the way not a W although I suspect both variants hold good.

Hmm , that is way off-topic but yes and no . It isn't caused by corrupt bankers acting fraudulent . It is caused by greed ... and that is something that every person got in itself . Banks and people selling and buying houses at a going rate which is much higher then the normal inflation rate causes a market to overheat . Sure i want to buy something and sell 1 year later with a 20% profit ... who wouldn't . And banks will do everything to get you that loanto pay for it because they know they can get the money from the selling side and they also have a new house to buy so the circle is round . At 1 moment they price is so far overvalued that some people cannot pay there loans back and everything collapses .