Suvarnabhumi PAD Protest Continues

[Master of the court]

I am trying to imagine what it is going to look like if police try to move it, with tear gas.

1. PAD runs for cover inside the terminal building

2. Police follow, and shoot a few gas in to force them out

3. PAD have no choice by more into the air-side

4. Amid the chaos, a few hard core guards grab the duty free, light it, and throw it at the police who is now in the departure hall.

5. Swampy burn to ashes.

6. Worst, some "third party" might take this opportunity to touch an aircraft. A few bottles of lighted whiskey thrown into the cabin of a parked 747 will just do the trick.

I believe the police have figured that this could be one of the outcome. Hence it is unlikely that they (police) will move in by force. I hope not anyway. Let there be peace.

At least foreigners who is sick of this can fly out from U-Tapao, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui. The poor Thai people are really stuck in this deep SHlT for a while.

[Now Im sure that they could have as many troops moving in from the backdoors ( landingfields ) ........so many thing could be done, but nothing will happend.........when PAD and the Police are so good friends as it looks like.

[henryalleman]

Hey all of you complainers - Thai tourism will not take a knock except for this immediate few weeks. There's no way all the back packers, package holidayers and se* tourists are concerned -

this won't affect them travelling to Thailand at all. Grow up and realise that Thailand needs change, a lot of change. Mega change...

Your dreaming... the knock on effects for tourism are huge. The tourists are loosing confidence in Thailand fast, watch as bookings for 2009/2010 drop significantly Due to the financial crisis and a strong Baht.

[bino]

The 2000 baht per day is generous enough to cover a decent place to stay and plenty of food. It's more than many spend per day anyway. You can easily find a nice room and have a buffet breakfast and buffet dinner for a total of less than 1,200 per day.

Sure- it is easy to find a decent room / ABF for 1200, but I'm sure these places are not on the TAT / ATTA list of "participating hotels". Another poster said that the Ambassador is 3300 (ish) per night. Are there any hotels on the list that would be cheap enough to fall within the 2000 THB allocation?

Would a couple (eg - husband and wife) get 4000 THB total allocation?

[henryalleman]

If/when police are planning to storm the facilities, here's some unsolicited advice from afar;

Allow those protesters who want to stay non-violent - to escape the ensuing melee. If mobilizing at night, have a place for them to walk/run to. Suggest; a bank of bright blue lights at a major exit portal, with the assurance that all who exit there will be allowed to go unscathed. another way, is the more common method, used at Entebbe, where everyone is told by authorities to stay prone on the ground. Those protesters who choose to fight with weapons will more likely stand-out - and can more readily be disabled and/or arrested. Regardless, it should be made clear that all those offering no armed resistance will be allowed to go home - whereas any who fight (or are otherwise violent) will be dealt with dynamically.

Police should consider a multi-pronged mobilization, starting with one or two large frontal assault used as feigns (to draw many of the armed fighters from the PAD) - while simultaneously having other groups of cops forcibly enter the premises from other places to actually do the dirty work - (the tarmac, the sides, rappelled to the roof, workers' entrances, etc). The cops used as feigns in the initial assault - can be mobilized for action later -if needed. Also have back-up troops - to deploy as needed.

It's a dire shame that protesters allow children and elderly in their midst. It is quite possible that many will be injured if/when an assault takes place. Tear gas and stray bullets don't discriminate about age.

If the Thai military and police aren't willing to take back the airports and Gov't House - then they're directly or indirectly complicit in the protests - and if so, they're partially responsible for the harm to Thailand's economy.

Unless Somchai and his ilk step down, it's doubtful the protesters will voluntarily split from the scene. I don't agree that a Court decision on Tuesday will clear out the PPP. If the PPP are required to formally, disband, they'll reform in another name - they've already started the organization and have its name. It they're banned for 5 or so years, they'll put proxies in their place. Regardless, they'll appeal any unfavorable verdict. Thaksin is still rich and as eager as ever - to bankroll his minions to further his plans of controlling Thailand (directly or indirectly) - regardless of whatever else happens in the next week or so.

Your theory is perfect.

In reality, Sondhi will call the children, woman and elderly to march toward to police. "Don't be afraid, this is our final final final final fight". The children, woman and elderly march toward the police. What the police going to do?

1. Shoot

2. Run away

My guessing,

American police will choose option 1.

Thai police will choose option 2.

When I read the solutions of rednecks Americans I'm not surprised anymore that they like a no brainer Sarah Pallin

[Diablo Bob]

b]Not enough they should ask Bush to send the marines in to rescue the oppressed and kidnapped US civilians and protect US businesses.[/b]

I would think that many of the affected toursit are actually quite happy with being given an excuse to avoid going back to work!

[Journalist]

Air Force Chief Calls for House Dissolution

Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Ittaporn Supawong calls for the government not to remain in power any longer and to dissolve the House of Representatives so power can be returned to the people. He questions Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, asking why he is worried about a new round of general elections when he has the majority votes in his hand.

He urges everyone to accept the judicial process and reiterates the Air Force will side with justice. He adds he does not fear dismissal from his post.

Source: TOC - 01 December 2008

Its the top air force people who are on the Board of Directors of AOT.

Didn't this gent go on to say that PPP shouldn't be apprehensive of calling elections as they (or their successor party) would probably win them.

Some go further to say that if those elections were free and fair, that PPP (or its successor) would win that too - without any cash changing hands, as Abhisit is not popular in the north and would still fail to make a great impact in those delegate-rich constituencies.

[robee]

Thailand's reputation is already shot for decades.

looks that way from where i sit.

[dtarasin]

If/when police are planning to storm the facilities, here's some unsolicited advice from afar;

Allow those protesters who want to stay non-violent - to escape the ensuing melee. If mobilizing at night, have a place for them to walk/run to. Suggest; a bank of bright blue lights at a major exit portal, with the assurance that all who exit there will be allowed to go unscathed. another way, is the more common method, used at Entebbe, where everyone is told by authorities to stay prone on the ground. Those protesters who choose to fight with weapons will more likely stand-out - and can more readily be disabled and/or arrested. Regardless, it should be made clear that all those offering no armed resistance will be allowed to go home - whereas any who fight (or are otherwise violent) will be dealt with dynamically.

Police should consider a multi-pronged mobilization, starting with one or two large frontal assault used as feigns (to draw many of the armed fighters from the PAD) - while simultaneously having other groups of cops forcibly enter the premises from other places to actually do the dirty work - (the tarmac, the sides, rappelled to the roof, workers' entrances, etc). The cops used as feigns in the initial assault - can be mobilized for action later -if needed. Also have back-up troops - to deploy as needed.

It's a dire shame that protesters allow children and elderly in their midst. It is quite possible that many will be injured if/when an assault takes place. Tear gas and stray bullets don't discriminate about age.

If the Thai military and police aren't willing to take back the airports and Gov't House - then they're directly or indirectly complicit in the protests - and if so, they're partially responsible for the harm to Thailand's economy.

Unless Somchai and his ilk step down, it's doubtful the protesters will voluntarily split from the scene. I don't agree that a Court decision on Tuesday will clear out the PPP. If the PPP are required to formally, disband, they'll reform in another name - they've already started the organization and have its name. It they're banned for 5 or so years, they'll put proxies in their place. Regardless, they'll appeal any unfavorable verdict. Thaksin is still rich and as eager as ever - to bankroll his minions to further his plans of controlling Thailand (directly or indirectly) - regardless of whatever else happens in the next week or so.

Your theory is perfect.

In reality, Sondhi will call the children, woman and elderly to march toward to police. "Don't be afraid, this is our final final final final fight". The children, woman and elderly march toward the police. What the police going to do?

1. Shoot

2. Run away

My guessing,

American police will choose option 1.

Thai police will choose option 2.

When I read the solutions of rednecks Americans I'm not surprised anymore that they like a no brainer Sarah Pallin

[Insight]

Air Force Chief Calls for House Dissolution

Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Ittaporn Supawong calls for the government not to remain in power any longer and to dissolve the House of Representatives so power can be returned to the people. He questions Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, asking why he is worried about a new round of general elections when he has the majority votes in his hand.

He urges everyone to accept the judicial process and reiterates the Air Force will side with justice. He adds he does not fear dismissal from his post.

Source: TOC - 01 December 2008

Bingo. What's the issue?

Even if the pro-Thaksin side can't create a new party in time for the elections, surely they'll find an existing party to glue to and gather support for?

[Thanh-BKK]

If the PAD does get their way, Somchai resigns, and the PAD supporters get the government they want, what's gonna stop the redshirts from closing down airports and taking over government house to bring Somchai and the PPP back?

Hi

Won't happen - because we have already seen that "the reds" can't get 100 people together without paying them, and once their "paymaster" convict and fugitive Mr. T is out of the equation, the "red movement" will die quicker than a candle in a hurricane.

PAD have support from all over the country, people donate to the movement (i think they are the people who can't join the protests themselves, otherwise they would!) so they can pay their guards etc as well, yet the vast majority of the "yellow crowd" are there without being paid, for the better of the country!

Yes, it DOES take drastic action to achieve drastic changes. The German revolution also didn't happen in one day and without fights, yet it brought the re-unification of the two Germany's, the collapse of the Sovjet Union and, ultimately, the end of the cold war. And i know it because i'm from there.

Regards....

Thanh

[Ulysses G.]

Gosh, the People Against Democracy sure are swell!

[RenzoInOz]

Sorry if I sound like a scratched CD, but disagreeing with the PAD does not make one a supporter of the Red shirts...

It is not a black or white - or rather red and yellow - issue!

[old wanderer]

If the PAD does get their way, Somchai resigns, and the PAD supporters get the government they want, what's gonna stop the redshirts from closing down airports and taking over government house to bring Somchai and the PPP back?

Hi

Won't happen - because we have already seen that "the reds" can't get 100 people together without paying them, and once their "paymaster" convict and fugitive Mr. T is out of the equation, the "red movement" will die quicker than a candle in a hurricane.

PAD have support from all over the country, people donate to the movement (i think they are the people who can't join the protests themselves, otherwise they would!) so they can pay their guards etc as well, yet the vast majority of the "yellow crowd" are there without being paid, for the better of the country!

Yes, it DOES take drastic action to achieve drastic changes. The German revolution also didn't happen in one day and without fights, yet it brought the re-unification of the two Germany's, the collapse of the Sovjet Union and, ultimately, the end of the cold war. And i know it because i'm from there.

Regards....

Thanh

Thanh,

Got to concur with your post....We have several dozen friends living in the USA that donated substantial amounts of money in support of PAD.....I know of 3 that took 2 weeks to travel there and join the protest, prior to the Government House take over.

My wife (Thai) bugged the heck out of me to go and stay until it is over. (She still has scars from protesting in 92, so I just smiled and said send money, I'll keep your body).

Hopefully when this is over the people that took part in the protest will be shown to be the Patriots of Thailand.

(I am equally sure those in the rally in Chang Mai feel equally patriotic, it is just a difference of philosophy. )

[MyphuketLife]

It might be time for the international community to threaten Thailand with a trade embargo.

Not enough they should ask Bush to send the marines in to rescue the oppressed and kidnapped US civilians and protect US businesses.

It will have to effect to PAD.

good point, at this time i see boycott affecting no party, just the masses and countries economy.

Why do you find it needed to keep bringing america into this discussion? What in the hel_l does america have to do with Thailand's red vs yellow internal battle???? If America is such a "bad" country why is it so powerfull on an international stage?

Quit bringing America into this, America has nothing to do with this (all though you are the type that blames america for all evil in the world)

[henryalleman]

Condo-bk...

regarding the 'creative thinking' comment do you have any facts to call upon that show corruption was higher under Thaksin? Don't get me wrong, I can't stand the guy, but so far we've just got that corruption index and that goes contrary to what you're saying. Obviously if you've nothing concrete to call upon your comment holds no weight whatsoever.

Do you really asking for corruption statistics?

"we've just got that corruption index" - come on, be real. How many PMs were convicted on corruption charges?

Well ........ not Thaksin actually ---- do you really imagine he was????

Thaksin was convicted (5 for -- 4 against) for signing a document acknowledging his wife's purchase of land (as must all Thai husbands)

Thus allowing a charge of conflict of interest to be brought against him --- as he was a government member.

The crime of the century!!! ..... I love it when the calls go out for INTERPOL ---- track this man down before he does it again !!!!!

No matter what side, if any, you are on, you all know this airport thing has Thailand looking like a complete joke to the rest of the world.

The BBC spends a lot of time on the topic too.

Now that the India thing is fading away, Thailand can go back to the front page again for the international news.

OK--a Supreme court put into office by an illegal-unelected Coup, will throw out an elected government? I know ,most of you here are unaware of how a democracy works but NO COURT can remove a leader in a real democracy. Only the congress in America can do that and only the Parliament can do it in most others.

Who elected the court?

HAAAA HAAAA

Comical here.

Well anyway--Thailand is in meltdown and most of you, even the hardcore bar lovers, will leave if the shooting gets to your area.

Can we say MELTDOWN?

The court will not trow out the government, they will pas judgement on party members who came to be elected by corruption and vote buying; that the government must step down is only the result of it.

A court must not be elected, they must only guard the laws voted by the parliament. In any democracy the courts are independent.

You should learn a little bit more about democracy.

You are an example of a typical American who have no clue how a non Anglo saxon jurisdictional US system works.

[sriracha john]

PM stays away from Bangkok

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat yesterday visited a Buddhist holy site in Nakhon Phanom while red-shirted crowds threatened to form vigilante posses to punish yellow-shirted government opponents.

He would spend the night in Udon Thani where a pro-government rally was held before returning today to his temporary office in Chiang Mai, he said.

A Special Branch Police source said Somchai had departed Chiang Mai after his security team received intelligence reports that some military groups wanted to take him hostage.

A military officer ranked as lieutenant general would lead 12 squads including 72 patrol soldiers to capture Somchai, the source said.

Somchai left his residence for a safe house in Chiang Mai before travelling to the northeastern province.

On Friday night, some red-shirted men forced a noodle soup vendor in Nong Hoy market to close down for watching anti-government programmes aired by the ASTV satellite station.

Interior Minister Kowit Watana, who is in charge of crowd control, should quickly enter into peace talks with the PAD before it was too late, he said.

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra should be blamed for resuming his political activities which have in turn inflamed the situation, he said.

The political stand-off might turn into mayhem following yesterday's rally by the red-shirted crowds at Sanam Luang, he said.

In Udon Thani, about 10,000 red-shirted villagers rallied to back the government and safeguard Somchai during his overnight stay, organiser Kwanchai Praipana said.

Each northeastern electorate would send about 20,000 people to rally in Bangkok tomorrow against the expected dissolution of the ruling party, he said.

The government should allow red-shirted crowds to disperse the yellow-shirted protesters if police failed to do their jobs, he said.

Two MPs from Lop Buri, Suchart Lainamngern and Amnuay Klangpha, predicted that more than 100,000 red-shirted people would turn out to rally by tomorrow in order to counter the PAD-led protests.

The PAD has been mobilising protesters from the 14 southern provinces to reinforce the anti-government camps at the three rally sites - Government House, Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi.

PAD's Nakhon Si Thammarat chapter leader Osoth Suwansawaet said each local chapter was responsible for dispatching 200-300 protesters daily to the three rally sites.

Osoth said PAD-led protesters were fully braced for crowd dispersal measures and would fight if red-shirted mobs descended on them.

He threatened to seize every provincial hall and block inter-provincial roads in the South if police cracked down on protesters at the two airports.

Nakhon Si Thammarat governor Panu Uthairat and his Songkhla counterpart Sonthi Techanan said they had taken precautionary measures to avert any attempts to blockade provincial halls.

Government spokesman Natthawut Saikua said it was evident from news clips that PAD-led protesters had tried to use weapons on vulnerable police.

"Armed protesters should immediately stop violent attacks against the unarmed authorities," he said.

The prime minister and his government have remained fully functioning although the situation has to be reassessed on a daily basis, he said.

Tomorrow's Cabinet meeting is expected to proceed but the venue has yet to be picked, he said.

The government-sponsored merit-making ceremony is on track for tomorrow although it is unclear whether Prime Minister Somchai will leave Chiang Mai to personally preside over the event, he said.

Somchai also remains uncertain whether he can attend ceremonies for His Majesty the King's birthday.

The government refuses to step down either by resigning or dissolving the House because this would amount to handing victory to the PAD, he added.

- The Nation / 2008-12-01

The PM has returned from Udon Thani and is hunkered down at the Chiang Mai Bunker and remains in contact with the War Room in Bangkok. He cancelled his plans to visit the northeastern provinces of Nong Bua Lhampu and Nongkhai.

Edited December 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[dtarasin]

If the PAD does get their way, Somchai resigns, and the PAD supporters get the government they want, what's gonna stop the redshirts from closing down airports and taking over government house to bring Somchai and the PPP back?

we have already seen that "the reds" can't get 100 people together without paying them

Why do PAD supporters keep saying that? Do you really think their followers would believe so strongly in their convictions if they were only there for money? I mean, if your accusation is that their followers are just being bought, then there is also a possibility that many there who are pro-PAD but refuse to show it because they were given money. Which would show that the PAD supporters can be bought, too.

I wish the PAD would stop throwing this excuse around and entertain the possibility that maybe, just maybe, those redshirts might actually WANT to be there.

[henryalleman]

OK As from yesterday I am one of those stranded. I just tried to find out about any compensation. It works this way:-

Conditions of Accommodation

Tourists cannot reimburse the accommodation and meals for cash.

Tourists can stay in the accommodation under the condition that their costs do not exceed 2,000 Baht per day. For any excess, tourists must be responsible and pay themselves.

Tourists can only change the place of accommodation that has been arranged by THA and ATTA.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/news/content-1380.html

Because I was staying private, looks like I get nothing.

Today I read somewhere that a dutch person and some germans got a rebooking for their flight (due yesterday). They will be flown out 09.01.09 YES 9th January 2009. Not sure I can believe that. you can believe it they testify it on Flemish national Television.

http://www.deredactie.be/cm/de.redactie

(also posted yesterday in a different forum)

[clausewitz]

Condo-bk...

regarding the 'creative thinking' comment do you have any facts to call upon that show corruption was higher under Thaksin? Don't get me wrong, I can't stand the guy, but so far we've just got that corruption index and that goes contrary to what you're saying. Obviously if you've nothing concrete to call upon your comment holds no weight whatsoever.

Do you really asking for corruption statistics?

"we've just got that corruption index" - come on, be real. How many PMs were convicted on corruption charges?

Well ........ not Thaksin actually ---- do you really imagine he was????

Thaksin was convicted (5 for -- 4 against) for signing a document acknowledging his wife's purchase of land (as must all Thai husbands)

Thus allowing a charge of conflict of interest to be brought against him --- as he was a government member.

The crime of the century!!! ..... I love it when the calls go out for INTERPOL ---- track this man down before he does it again !!!!!

The worst of it is he was only given 2 years imprisonment by the "unbiased" court (the same one that said it had no problem with the coup appointed AEC who brought the charges). 2 years is only the same as that Australian in Chiang Mai got who offed an American tourist for slighting him; signing your own name to a legal document should get 50 years.

[robee]

corruption index. gotta love that

[animatic]

what was the debt rate of Isan people before Thaksin came to power and what is their debt after all the handouts and so called free loans Thaksin gave to them.

Sod off Henry. You trying to sell me that PAD are concerned for the financial education of the 'great unwashed'?

Pull the other one, it's got bells on!

You should better answer the question,or is this too difficult.

BTW its me, a simple minded farang who asked the question.

It's a good question I'd like a number too.

Not that annaccurate one is possible. But a ballpark figure should be.

Anecdotal evidence has said manu cell phones to AI~S and fee to DTAC got bought up,

the loans were a catylist and down payment in many new trucks,

with family land plots as collateral, many of these loans defaulted and land and trucks were lost

for later re-distribution to puyai.s and with thrucks to middle class at bargan rates.

But anecdotes are often drawn from facts, repeated until up to being clichés

[sriracha john]

Pro-govt Networks Begin Moves against PAD

Pro-government networks in provinces have begun their moves against the current protest of the People’s Alliance for Democracy.

Core leaders of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictators in Sisaket province tpday gathered at the office of Rasee Sarai District Office to air opposition against the blockades at Don Muang and Suwannaphumi Airports.

Group’ core leader Thongbai Saichompoo said the Army should join hand with the government to help rebuild the country’s security.

Thongbai also stated PAD’s Coordinator , Suriyasai Katasila should not be considered a resident of Rasisarai district anymore as his move has caused damage to the image of the district.

Meanwhile, police officers has stepped up security at the branch of Santi Asoke sectarian in Khanthararak district after a group of government supporters there reportedly prepared to besiege its area due to opposition against its support on the PAD’s anti government campaigns.

At the same time, core leader of DAAD’s in Ubon Ratchathani province Theerapat Watcharapol affirmed he will not lead government supporters in the province to join the anti PAD’s rally in Bangkok.

Therraphat, however. revealed he and other government supporters would stage rally at Ubon Ratchathani City Hall to express their disapproval against the PAD’s current protest.

Meanwhile, PAD’s supporters from several provinces still stream into Bangkok to join its massive rally.

- TOC / 30 November 2008

Edited December 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[robee]

post='2371513' date='2008-12-01 00:20:22']

what was the debt rate of Isan people before Thaksin came to power and what is their debt after all the handouts and so called free loans Thaksin gave to them.

anyone have info?

[MyphuketLife]

The court will not trow out the government, they will pas judgement on party members who came to be elected by corruption and vote buying; that the government must step down is only the result of it.

A court must not be elected, they must only guard the laws voted by the parliament. In any democracy the courts are independent.

You should learn a little bit more about democracy.

You are an example of a typical American who have no clue how a non Anglo saxon jurisdictional US system works.

How do you know what is a "typical american" vs a non "typical american viewpoint"???? QUIT bringing America into this, america is not the reason the Yellow's are blocking the airport. This has nothing at all to do with america so leave "typical america" out of it.

Besides you don't even live here yet from 11/25 http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Experience-A...39#entry2354139

Not even here and all wet behind the ears are in full support of the Yellow shirts and anti-american..... LOL

Edited December 1, 2008 by MyphuketLife

[nopainnobrain]

Thailand WILL lose money. (lots)....visa more expensive, more tax for us, ticket price more high

??!

I think it will be just the opposite, otherwise no one will come to Thailand for entertainment purposes.

[animatic]

I am trying to imagine what it is going to look like if police try to move it, with tear gas.

1. PAD runs for cover inside the terminal building

2. Police follow, and shoot a few gas in to force them out

3. PAD have no choice by more into the air-side

4. Amid the chaos, a few hard core guards grab the duty free, light it, and throw it at the police who is now in the departure hall.

5. Swampy burn to ashes.

6. Worst, some "third party" might take this opportunity to touch an aircraft. A few bottles of lighted whiskey thrown into the cabin of a parked 747 will just do the trick.

I believe the police have figured that this could be one of the outcome. Hence it is unlikely that they (police) will move in by force. I hope not anyway. Let there be peace.

At least foreigners who is sick of this can fly out from U-Tapao, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui. The poor Thai people are really stuck in this deep SHlT for a while.

Yes the chances for greatly increased destruction is also there

with a high death count.

The cabinet is worried about face, run the PAD out,

a few others are seeing the possible catastrophe in

longer terms and awaiting a negociated exit.

Loses vs near term/ medium greater losses needs to be in the calculations.

End it ASAP but with outcome for ALL stakeholders involved.

Not just a face saving rout and utter destruction with following blame game..

[bKkRk]

The court will not trow out the government, they will pas judgement on party members who came to be elected by corruption and vote buying; that the government must step down is only the result of it.

A court must not be elected, they must only guard the laws voted by the parliament. In any democracy the courts are independent.

You should learn a little bit more about democracy.

You are an example of a typical American who have no clue how a non Anglo saxon jurisdictional US system works.

How do you know what is a "typical american" vs a non "typical american viewpoint"???? QUIT bringing America into this, america is not the reason the Yellow's are blocking the airport. This has nothing at all to do with america so leave "typical america" out of it.

he seems to just be getting his laughs by pissing you off. i would ignore him. it smacks of ignorance not worth your bloodpressure.

[shazam]

I was talking to my thai gf last night and she mentioned that the police had to allow food into and out of the airport. Seems to me that a simple non-violent solution to ending this is to cut off this supply. Anyone needing to leave can then easily do so since according to the media they are all there of their own freewill.

From what I've seen more thais are more put off by the inconvenience of all this than they are passionate about politics and the "new agenda" of PAD anyway. All this fighting and political debate and aside from nailing Thaksin I have never seen an actual platform (i.e. healthcare, farming subsidies, trade agreements, foreign investment plans, etc). How can the majority vote when all they know about the political parties is that:

a. Thaksin is being colored the worst criminal in Thailand history and

b. the alternative is a party that will stop at no inconvenience to get in office

I certainly don't wish it on anyone but I think at this point the world is expecting violence and would turn a blind eye to a few deaths from a group being portrayed as a PITA outside Thailand anyway.

Edited December 1, 2008 by shazam

[robee]

I am trying to imagine what it is going to look like if police try to move it, with tear gas.

1. PAD runs for cover inside the terminal building

2. Police follow, and shoot a few gas in to force them out

3. PAD have no choice by more into the air-side

4. Amid the chaos, a few hard core guards grab the duty free, light it, and throw it at the police who is now in the departure hall.

5. Swampy burn to ashes.

6. Worst, some "third party" might take this opportunity to touch an aircraft. A few bottles of lighted whiskey thrown into the cabin of a parked 747 will just do the trick.

I believe the police have figured that this could be one of the outcome. Hence it is unlikely that they (police) will move in by force. I hope not anyway. Let there be peace.

At least foreigners who is sick of this can fly out from U-Tapao, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui. The poor Thai people are really stuck in this deep SHlT for a while.

Yes the chances for greatly increased destruction is also there

with a high death count.

The cabinet is worried about face, run the PAD out,

a few others are seeing the possible catastrophe in

longer terms and awaiting a negociated exit.

Loses vs near term/ medium greater losses needs to be in the calculations.

End it ASAP but with outcome for ALL stakeholders involved.

Not just a face saving rout and utter destruction with following blame game..

blame game seems to be the default response in the situation. worse, i do not see a quick end to this.

[Pdaz]

What never ceases to amaze me is that somebody would travel to a foreign country with only a fixed amount of cash.. No extra stashed for unexpected emergencies.. Obviously very few have an inexhaustable supply of funds.. But the idea of being thousands of miles from home without access to some emergency cash is to me incomprehensible... Guess these are the same people who borrow money without thinking how they are gonna pay it back. Then plead poverty and hold their hand out for the Govt to help them...