P A D -bkk Protesters Aim To ‘re-educate’ Rural Thais

[LaoPo]

PAD - Bangkok Protesters Aim to 'Re-educate' Rural Thais

Bloomberg; By Daniel Ten Kate;Last Updated: November 30, 2008 21:42 EST

Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- As the world waits for Thailand to end a week-long occupation of Bangkok's main airports, the anti-government protesters who seized them say their efforts to transform the country are only just beginning.

If they win what they have dubbed their "final battle," Bangkok-based People's Alliance for Democracy members say they will start a campaign to tell "the truth" to the country's rural majority, which has elected parties linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra four times since 2001.

"Rural people have good hearts but they don't know the truth like we do in Bangkok," said Noppakoon Lagum, 37, a surgeon helping to occupy the main international airport. "It is our duty to re-educate them."

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat has stayed among his supporters in the northern areas of Thailand, fearing a coup if he returns to the capital. Security forces haven't enforced an order to clear demonstrators from the airports, where they vow to stay until the prime minister quits.

About 10,000 government supporters massed yesterday near Somchai's Bangkok offices, which People's Alliance members have occupied for three months, raising fears of a violent street clash. The pro-government side has threatened mass protests if the military removes Somchai. Thaksin, his brother-in-law, was ousted in a coup in 2006.

'Coup in Disguise'

The People's Alliance for Democracy, composed mostly of the Bangkok middle class, royalists and civil servants, accuses Somchai of being a proxy of Thaksin. The group has rejected calls for fresh elections and wants a new political system that dilutes votes from poor farmers, who comprise Thaksin's political base.

Some government supporters have threatened to surround the Constitutional Court tomorrow, when judges will rule on whether to dissolve the ruling People Power Party and two coalition partners for vote buying. A guilty verdict would force Somchai and dozens of party executives to step down, and may prompt protesters to leave the airports.

"This is a coordinated effort to overthrow the government, though it is made to look like justice being done," said Veera Musikapong, a pro-government leader. "This is a coup in disguise."

Non-executive members of the parties set to be disbanded, which account for more than half of the 480 lawmakers in Parliament, may then join a new party created to receive pro- Thaksin politicians.

Could Defuse Crisis

If the parties are dissolved, lawmakers would need to hold a parliamentary session to pick a new prime minister, while anti- government protesters may look to install an appointed government.

"Things should get better if the court verdict turns out that way," Suriyasai Katasila, one of the PAD leaders, told the Channel 9 television station late yesterday. "If that happens, it may help defuse the political crisis," Suriyasai said.

"The PAD wants an interim administration of some kind, but there are no constitutional provisions for that," said Thitinan Pongsudhirak, director of the Institute for Strategic and International Studies at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. "They would have to have constitutional clauses suspended by the courts unless the army seizes power."

A year ago, the People Power Party won the first election since Thaksin was ousted, taking 75 percent of seats in the northeast, the country's poorest region. Thaksin, a billionaire- turned-politician, won rural votes by slashing health-care costs, handing out low-cost loans and propping up crop prices.

'Blinded' by Media

Protesters at Suvarnabhumi Airport, dressed in yellow to show loyalty to head of state King Bhumibol Adulyadej, accuse Thaksin of corruption and undermining the monarchy. The world's longest reigning monarch, highly revered after 62 years on the throne, is set to give a speech on the eve of his Dec. 5 birthday that may provide a breakthrough.

Those opposing Thaksin are confident that his rural backers could be converted if they could access an independent television station like the satellite channel operated by protest leader Sondhi Limthongkul.

"Rural people are blinded by corrupt media and need to listen to ASTV," said Thanapol Buranasombati, a protester, referring to Sondhi's station that broadcasts the rallies around the clock. "When the poor farmers know the truth about what is happening they will side with us."

The opposition Democrat party won only four of 135 seats in the northeast during the last election, while taking 27 of 36 seats in Bangkok. Some anti-government protesters at the airport said they wouldn't need to seize the airports and change the political system if the Democrats could win enough votes to form a government.

"We don't need to convince all northeasterners to join us, just maybe 50 percent," said Patcharaporn Vijitpanon, 58, who has joined the protests for months. "If we do that then we can have a new election and the Democrat party can win."

-Bloomberg

LaoPo

[toybits]

Why does this remind me of the creation of a Stalinist government?

Just wondering - What has the ASTV done to help rural people?

Edited December 1, 2008 by toybits

[Ta22]

Sound like we are heading how china rule it country in the past .

what is next those who refuse to be educated send them to labour camp ?

whhaaha

time to leave thailand .

[bingobongo]

the nazis, soviets, and the Khmer Rouge also had "reeducation camps" at one point

dark days are coming

Edited December 1, 2008 by bingobongo

[soundman]

Moved to News Forum.

[Chaimai]

"Rural people have good hearts but they don't know the truth like we do in Bangkok," said Noppakoon Lagum, 37, a surgeon helping to occupy the main international airport. "It is our duty to re-educate them."

Arrogance and condescencion come in many forms but none better than this

[cmsally]

I have a better idea, I will get a group of well educated farangs together and we will volunteer to reeducate the Bangkok elite.

[Ta22]

This is the root of evil working , i wonder how many more people will die , the core of fear is spearding it seed,

this is very bad,

[quiksilva]

I think its unwise to read too much into a quote from someone whose first language is not English. I'm quite sure they don't mean to imply they need to start a campaign of brainwashing etc.

The fact is education is sorely lacking in Thailand, and its especially poor in the provinces, ask anyone who does business here. Thats not to say that there not educated people in the rural population but Im quite certain that you will find a higher standard of education in Bangkok it stands to reason.

A better educated population should be in a position to make better choices.

However, I find it sad that the PAD have chosen this route to accomplish this goal, this shows no respect for the rural community. The PAD have missed an opportunity to apply more pressure on the opposition to make rural needs a priority in the Democrats election campaign and could even have taken the education role on themselves.

[Sheryl]

This is exactlywhere I see consequences well beyond what either the yellow and red shirters or their various puppet masters intend.

Like many TV members I live in a poor, rural area.

Contrary to sterotype, not all the folk here were or are Taksin supporters. At least among those I know well enough to talk politics with, plenty who recognized that they were being played. These people may not be well educated, but that doesn't mean they aren't shrewd.

BUT...they are, justifiably, angry and fed up with inequitable wealth distribution and the attitude and behavior of the elite. They were that way before the PAD started its antics; since then it has increased exponentially.

And these sort of comments have hardly gone unnoticed. The anger is deepening and hardening every day.

This will have long-term consequences well after the immediate "crisis" subsides.

My Cambodian friends, meanwhile, are shaking their heads in a mixture of deja vu and disbelief. The various combatants should all be forced to take a mandatory course in modern Cambodian history....

[pichai]

I have a better idea, I will get a group of well educated farangs together and we will volunteer to reeducate the Bangkok elite.

Totally agreed. Cheers

[toybits]

Would a high school diploma suffice?

I have a better idea, I will get a group of well educated farangs together and we will volunteer to reeducate the Bangkok elite.

[dtarasin]

"If they win what they have dubbed their “final battle,” Bangkok-based People’s Alliance for Democracy members say they will start a campaign to tell “the truth” to the country’s rural majority..."

Hmmm. Maybe they should have thought of that BEFORE they went in to the airports, holding the country hostage, and eliminating any chance of support they could have from the rural majority.

[dtarasin]

I think its unwise to read too much into a quote from someone whose first language is not English. I'm quite sure they don't mean to imply they need to start a campaign of brainwashing etc.

The fact is education is sorely lacking in Thailand, and its especially poor in the provinces, ask anyone who does business here. Thats not to say that there not educated people in the rural population but Im quite certain that you will find a higher standard of education in Bangkok it stands to reason.

A better educated population should be in a position to make better choices.

However, I find it sad that the PAD have chosen this route to accomplish this goal, this shows no respect for the rural community. The PAD have missed an opportunity to apply more pressure on the opposition to make rural needs a priority in the Democrats election campaign and could even have taken the education role on themselves.

Spot on on all points, there! That last sentence cannot be repeated enough.

[britmaveric]

Elite need re-education because what they have been spouting lately is beyond stupid.

[cmsally]

Would a high school diploma suffice?

I have a better idea, I will get a group of well educated farangs together and we will volunteer to reeducate the Bangkok elite.

Well one volunteer. Somehow I feel with the present situation, give me about about a week and I should have a serious opposition force at work.

By next year maybe a farang govt. in place. Hey don't laugh, anything seems possible at the moment, why not!

[geriatrickid]

Pol Pot would have been thrilled. However, comments about the great unwashed should finally shock some of the misguided "progressive" charities and unions in the west that had initially expressed sympathy to PAD. Once reports like this combined with the tales of returning stranded tourists hit the wire services and foreign TV news stations, Thailand will be seen in a very negative light.

Good work PAD and military backers. No one humiliates and denigrates the country as well as you buffoons do.

[sriracha john]

I have a better idea, I will get a group of well educated farangs together and we will volunteer to reeducate the Bangkok elite.

Totally agreed. Cheers

Please start with the Damapong and remaining Shinawatra elite there.

[Plus]

For six years upcountry people, who take all their news only from government run TV channels, have been brainwashed into believing that Thaksin is the only man in this country who cares about them, that Democrats have never done anything for the poor, that Bangkokians are enemies of Isanese and so on.

For six years ANY alternative view of Thai politics have been banned from Thai media, so yes, it's time for little re-education.

ASTV has done wonders for opening eyes of the people in its first year, now it's time for mainstream journalism to step up to the plate as well.

NBT is simply pathetic, and it's a government channel that belongs to all Thais and is funded by all taxpayers, unlike Sondhi's owned ASTV.

[old wanderer]

Well nobody can deny that if you have just the basic public TV in Thailand, you are suffering from a severe information deficit.

When anything happens that is anything but pro government, it is almost impossible to get news.

The way Thaskin was able to move to the position of adoration he recieved was by managing the media..

More than a few journalist are counted amoung the "disapeared" group.

Those that fought against corruption...same thing...many disappeared.

I take the words of the PAD to mean they will allow a free press/radio/television in Thailand so people can hear opposing views.

You can hardly blame anyone for having strong opinions that are totally biased in one direction if they have only been exposed to one set of veiws.

[rafval]

I would be surprised if there is any country with a big rural population that works as a democracy, if you want a democracy in Thailand you are going to have build up the middle class and if that means not having a full democracy in the meantime thats the way it is

[britmaveric]

ASTV is brainwashing crap (propganda from Sondhi) He is a thug with his own selfish agenda and should be tossed in jail along with the rest of the PAD.

Edited December 1, 2008 by britmaveric

[old wanderer]

ASTV is brainwashing crap (propganda from Sondhi) He is a thug with his own selfish agenda and should be tossed in jail along with the rest of the PAD.

bitmaveric.........

Get a life...anyone that has 17,000 post on this board has no time to really get away from the keyboard and explore what is outside your door....

[britmaveric]

Ahhh ran out of excuses for your PAD mates???

[cmsally]

For six years upcountry people, who take all their news only from government run TV channels, have been brainwashed into believing that Thaksin is the only man in this country who cares about them, that Democrats have never done anything for the poor, that Bangkokians are enemies of Isanese and so on.

For six years ANY alternative view of Thai politics have been banned from Thai media, so yes, it's time for little re-education.

ASTV has done wonders for opening eyes of the people in its first year, now it's time for mainstream journalism to step up to the plate as well.

NBT is simply pathetic, and it's a government channel that belongs to all Thais and is funded by all taxpayers, unlike Sondhi's owned ASTV.

:D

Sorry lost for words.

ASTV is hardly balanced journalism is it. Mainstream journalism should be balanced and I think you will be surprised that many rural Thais have a very shrewd and realistic view of politics and the power structure here.

Re-education is not needed just sane, balanced journalism.

[sriracha john]

ASTV is brainwashing crap

How much ASTV have you watched to come to that conclusion?

[rainman]

ASTV is brainwashing crap

How much ASTV have you watched to come to that conclusion?

Their website has fake pictures of Thaksin behind bars, among other things. Doesn't take an Einstein to figure out they're not a neutral media, doesn't it?

[sriracha john]

For six years upcountry people, who take all their news only from government run TV channels, have been brainwashed into believing that Thaksin is the only man in this country who cares about them, that Democrats have never done anything for the poor, that Bangkokians are enemies of Isanese and so on.

For six years ANY alternative view of Thai politics have been banned from Thai media, so yes, it's time for little re-education.

ASTV has done wonders for opening eyes of the people in its first year, now it's time for mainstream journalism to step up to the plate as well.

NBT is simply pathetic, and it's a government channel that belongs to all Thais and is funded by all taxpayers, unlike Sondhi's owned ASTV.

:D

Sorry lost for words.

ASTV is hardly balanced journalism is it. Mainstream journalism should be balanced and I think you will be surprised that many rural Thais have a very shrewd and realistic view of politics and the power structure here.

Re-education is not needed just sane, balanced journalism.

:D

Sorry, that was funny.

ASTV is an attempt to balance with the government forming the other side of the scale. It is still well-tipped over to the government's side.

Re-education is not needed as education itself needs to occur first. It's not political shrewdness that needs help, but if they are shrewd they'll have sorted out the Mr. Education Thaksin had absolutely no desire to raise their true education.

Edited December 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[Briggsy]

Re-education by disenfranchisement.

Good one that.

[whatawonderfulday]

For six years upcountry people, who take all their news only from government run TV channels, have been brainwashed into believing that Thaksin is the only man in this country who cares about them, that Democrats have never done anything for the poor, that Bangkokians are enemies of Isanese and so on.

For six years ANY alternative view of Thai politics have been banned from Thai media, so yes, it's time for little re-education.

ASTV has done wonders for opening eyes of the people in its first year, now it's time for mainstream journalism to step up to the plate as well.

NBT is simply pathetic, and it's a government channel that belongs to all Thais and is funded by all taxpayers, unlike Sondhi's owned ASTV.

Sorry lost for words.

ASTV is hardly balanced journalism is it. Mainstream journalism should be balanced and I think you will be surprised that many rural Thais have a very shrewd and realistic view of politics and the power structure here.

Re-education is not needed just sane, balanced journalism.