Ex-thai Pm Attempts To Block Govt Led By Opponents

[sabaijai]

Ex-Thai PM attempts to block govt led by opponents

The Associated Press

Thursday, December 11, 2008

BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand's exiled former prime minister — still powerful two years after his ouster in a military coup — hopes to head off a new government led by his opponents with a telephone speech to tens of thousands of supporters, politicians said Thursday.

Opposition Democrat Party officials acknowledged that the speech Saturday by ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra could hurt their plans to take power for the first time since Thaksin took office in 2001.

Thailand's Parliament is to meet Monday to elect a new prime minister, lower house Speaker Chai Chidchob announced Thursday, confirming that King Bhumibol Adulyadej had endorsed a request from the Democrats to hold the session.

The Democrats claim they have enlisted enough lawmakers from other parties to form a parliamentary majority and name their leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister of a new government.

"If the voting is held after Thaksin's phone-in, there will be more pressure on defector lawmakers," said Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban. "This makes us nervous. It could affect the number of votes we have."

Last week, the Constitutional Court forced Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to step down and disbanded his People's Power Party for fraud in last year's general elections.

The new leader will be Thailand's fifth prime minister in a little over two years. The country has been deadlocked politically by months of protests by an anti-government alliance that culminated in a weeklong occupation of Bangkok's airports last month that stranded more than 300,000 travelers.

The protesters accused Somchai's government of being a puppet of Thaksin, a former telecommunications billionaire who was ousted by a September 2006 military coup for alleged corruption and abuse of power.

They called off their protests after last week's court decision.

Thaksin is widely seen as continuing to play a major behind-the-scenes role in the country's politics and is still supported by many in the impoverished countryside because of his populist policies while in power from 2001 to 2006.

Tens of thousands of supporters are expected at the rally Saturday at a Bangkok stadium to hear the speech from Thaksin, who has been living in exile in the United Arab Emirates.

Jatuporn Phromphan, a pro-Thaksin lawmaker, said the speech may upset the Democrats' plans to form a government.

"Thaksin is planning to call in to tell his supporters how the other side is using extraconstitutional means to usurp power," Jatuporn said. "After listening to him, his supporters may demand that their parliamentary representatives return to the fold."

Thaksin's supporters have said the army has been pressuring lawmakers to switch sides, an accusation the army has denied.

But a spokesman for the ex-prime minister, Pongthep Thepkanchana, said he was not aware of plans by Thaksin to pressure his former allies.

"He is calling to talk about the current situation. I am not aware of a plan to convince the lawmakers to oppose the Democrat-led coalition," Pongthep said.

Lawmakers already have experienced pressure from both sides. Some found coffins, an unexploded grenade and rowdy but nonviolent protesters in front of their homes after they switched support to the Democrats.

"There are many factors including (offers of) cash and Cabinet seats, and threats, which affect a lawmaker's decision," said Sukhum Nuansakul, a political scientist at Bangkok's Ramkhamhaeng University.

"After Thaksin's call-in, there may be more protests and public pressure on defector lawmakers. There is a lot of maneuvering behind the scenes on both sides but the pressure on the lawmakers might become more public," Sukhum said.

Sukhum predicts the Democrats will continue to have the upper hand in forming a government amid public demands for stability.

"Even if the next government is short-lived, people are scared of the possibility of more protests," Sukhum said.

Editor note: Thaksin is expected to speak to the chorum at 20.00 Bangkok time. The TV channel is NBT (UBC channel 5)

[george]

Thaksin records speech near Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan told the crowd at the National Stadium that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a tape record of his speech in a country near Thailand.

He said the country is not Hong Kong but he would not reveal its name.

After the record, Thakwin flew to a far country to wait for making a phone-in address to the stadium at 8 pm.

He said the 23-minute tape would be played to Thaksin's supporters at the stadium after he makes a phone-call address.

-- The Nation 2008-12-13

[george]

Jatuporn says Thaksin called him to ask about rally

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan, a co-organiser of the mobile Truth Today, said former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra called him at noon to find out about the rally at the National Stadium.

Speaking Thaksin's supporters at the rally, Jatuporn said Thaksin called him and asked him if there were many people at the rally.

-- The Nation 2008-12-13

[george]

Explosion heard in front of National Stadium

BANGKOK: -- An explosion was heard in front of the National Stadium at 3 pm Saturday, frightening people who were arriving for the mobile Truth Today event.

Police said someone might drop a giant cracker inside a plastic bottle from a passing car.

Nobody was injured.

-- The Nation 2008-12-13

[george]

Students battle red-shirted people

BANGKOK: -- A group of Pathumwan Institute of Technology students fought with a group of red-shirted people in front of the National Stadium Saturday morning.Witnesses said gunfire was heard during the fight, which broke out at 8:10 am.

The fight caused both inbound and outbound traffic on Rama I Road to be heavily congested.

The fight and sounds of gunfire and explosions prompted many red-shirted people to run for cover while the students shouted abusive words at the red-shirted people now and then from inside the college.

An explosion was also heard inside the college following the fight, police said, adding that students apparently lit up a firecracker.

The fight came after a group of pro-Thaksin red-shirted people arrived outside the stadium waiting to attend the mobile Truth Today.

The first group of about 100 red-shirted people arrived at the stadium at 5 am.

The college had the reunion party Friday night and some group of active and former students crossed the road to the stadium and fought with the red-shirted people.

Before the students crossed the road to attack the red-shirted people, they came out in front of the college and waved hands to challenge the red-shirted to cross the road to meet them.

Following the fight, Pathumwan police station chief Pol Col Paisarn Luasomboon deployed 300 police to be stationed in front of the college to prevent students from coming out to clash with the supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra again.

-- The Nation 2008-11-13

[george]

Explosion heard at stadium

BANGKOK: -- An explosion was heard at Supachalasai stadium, where supporters of United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered to listen to ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's phone-in speech, on Saturday afternoon.

According to initial report, police believed a giant fire-cracker was thrown into the venue. No one was injured.

More than 20,000 UDD members already gathered there. About 1,000 police were deployed there to tighten security.

In the morning, a group of vocational students clashed with UDD members. There were no injuries.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-12-13

[Scott]

Never a dull moment around here.

[photojourn]

Just back from the rally at the National Stadium and have been watching an endless row of pro-government supporters

streaming in to the facility all day.

A police commander estimated more than 30,000 people were inside the stadium as of an hour ago (5.30pm). There were still many thousands outside and police have had to close off one side of the road due to the high pedestrian traffic.

All of the seating except for the far end of the stadium behind the stage was full, as was the entire playing area.

The turn-out will I'm sure have an affect on those politicians who have joined the Democrats and is an indication that in the event the Democrats do form a coalition government that Thailand's political problems are far from over.

Those attending came from as far as Udon Thani and comprised a broad cross-section of ages and professions.

[opalhort]

Does anybody know if and where the current red-shirts gathering can be viewed online? Incl. the phone-in speach of the fugitive mafiosi?

We (our family) like to see live what he is up to trying to destroy the country.

NBT won't broadcast it.

opalhort

Edited December 13, 2008 by opalhort

[bucknutthai]

Is it just me, or does this get more pathetic everyday?

[esprit]

20,000 sheep all led by the deviant shepherd Thaksin, the pervert of Thai justice supported of course by his vitriolic mouthpiece supporters on this forum. Still we all now what suits sheep don't we - carved up with mint sauce on a plate. Let's hope that the wiser factions of Thai society do all they can to protect the metaphorical from becoming factual.

[thaibkk]

I am surprised that the red shirts did not start their own annoying things after the yellow left the airports & government buildings

[esprit]

I am surprised that the red shirts did not start their own annoying things after the yellow left the airports & government buildings

Wasn't the brutal murders of PAD by the red shirts enough for you ? shame on you promoting more conflict that is being promoted by Toxin.

[uk_falang]

Never a dull moment around here.

WELL SAID - Thailand is MANY MANY things..... but it is NEVER EVER boring!!!!!!

[Tyke]

20,000 sheep all led by the deviant shepherd Thaksin, the pervert of Thai justice supported of course by his vitriolic mouthpiece supporters on this forum. Still we all now what suits sheep don't we - carved up with mint sauce on a plate. Let's hope that the wiser factions of Thai society do all they can to protect the metaphorical from becoming factual.

The main problem with Thaksin was his corrupt practices. Most of his policies seemed to be what this country needs, and at least he followed what could be seen as the best democratic practices this country is currently capable of. The previous governments and the current alternatives are none of these and are unlikely to change things for the better.

[h90]

Just back from the rally at the National Stadium and have been watching an endless row of pro-government supporters

streaming in to the facility all day.

A police commander estimated more than 30,000 people were inside the stadium as of an hour ago (5.30pm). There were still many thousands outside and police have had to close off one side of the road due to the high pedestrian traffic.

All of the seating except for the far end of the stadium behind the stage was full, as was the entire playing area.

The turn-out will I'm sure have an affect on those politicians who have joined the Democrats and is an indication that in the event the Democrats do form a coalition government that Thailand's political problems are far from over.

Those attending came from as far as Udon Thani and comprised a broad cross-section of ages and professions.

Depends....you recall last time, many were going during the speech of the dearest leader and gave back the red shirt, because the time were finished (the time they were paid to sit) or much more funny because they were promised to visit the zoo but they didn't.

I don't know how many but it seem quite an amount of people did so the last time.

[jonaz]

Is it just me, or does this get more pathetic everyday?

I agree. I think it's disgusting that a mob of anti government protestors should be allowed to hold the country to ransom the way they did.

Democracy my a*se! This is no way to behave in a Democratic society. All you yellow shirts should be ashamed of how you have behaved. You behaved like the baby who never got his chocolate!

When a government is voted in Democratically then you should abide by this government and accept that your side lost. Next election time you make a better case for your party and try and win.

Thank god civilized countries don't behave like this. Western countries like the USA and Great Britain would never behave like this, nor would they allow this to happen.

I think I speak for a lot of the democratic countries across the world when I say that we look upon your actions with shame and disgust. There is no glory in the way you have (and are) behaved.

[george]

Update:

Thaksin's supporters fill stadium

BANGKOK: -- By 5 pm Saturday, the National Stadium was filled with supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Billboards depicting Thaksin with words "protecting good people, defending democracy" were also put around the stadium.

Several leading members of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship also gathered behind the main stage. They included Chuwit Kui, Pithap Pornpallop, Phayup Punket, Jakrapob Penkair, Adisorn Piengket, and Jaral Disthaapichai.

-- The Nation 2008-12-13

[h90]

20,000 sheep all led by the deviant shepherd Thaksin, the pervert of Thai justice supported of course by his vitriolic mouthpiece supporters on this forum. Still we all now what suits sheep don't we - carved up with mint sauce on a plate. Let's hope that the wiser factions of Thai society do all they can to protect the metaphorical from becoming factual.

The main problem with Thaksin was his corrupt practices. Most of his policies seemed to be what this country needs, and at least he followed what could be seen as the best democratic practices this country is currently capable of. The previous governments and the current alternatives are none of these and are unlikely to change things for the better.

The previous government fixed the 1997 crisis and a good share of thaksins policies were planned from the previous government but he had the money to do it after the Democrats fixed the economic.

The 1997 crises was made from people close to Thaksin.

So it is unfair to tell that the previous government wasn't as good, they simply didn't had the funds.

The coming government....lets wait and see. I don't expect big jumps forward, but if being honest and without major corruption than I am already happy.

[Tyke]

Never a dull moment around here.

WELL SAID - Thailand is MANY MANY things..... but it is NEVER EVER boring!!!!!!

Oh I can't agree - they haven't been doing coups very well recently. The last one was very boring - hardly noticed anything and they've had loads of practice. And that Somchai bored me to tears. I think he was handicapped. And what about the media, pop music and weather........ they're all very boring. Museums? oh well, mmmmmmmmmmmm

[tracer5050]

It just keeps going. And dont look like it will end.To Bad for theThai people as a whole

[h90]

Is it just me, or does this get more pathetic everyday?

I agree. I think it's disgusting that a mob of anti government protestors should be allowed to hold the country to ransom the way they did.

Democracy my a*se! This is no way to behave in a Democratic society. All you yellow shirts should be ashamed of how you have behaved. You behaved like the baby who never got his chocolate!

When a government is voted in Democratically then you should abide by this government and accept that your side lost. Next election time you make a better case for your party and try and win.

Thank god civilized countries don't behave like this. Western countries like the USA and Great Britain would never behave like this, nor would they allow this to happen.

I think I speak for a lot of the democratic countries across the world when I say that we look upon your actions with shame and disgust. There is no glory in the way you have (and are) behaved.

You missed that TRT AND PPP were dissolved for vote buying???

Civilized countries don't have vote buying, so they don't need the PAD.

Your examples USA and Great Britain say it all. Most Europeans don't see the USA as a democracy. You can only select one of two parties with almost the same ideas. That's an even worse democracy than Thailand.

[Tyke]

The coming government....lets wait and see. I don't expect big jumps forward, but if being honest and without major corruption than I am already happy.

Are you really serious?

[cmsally]

Apparently pretty much the whole of the road in front of Nat. Stadium closed and inaccessible to pedestrians unless you follow the tide into the stadium. My condo is opposite to the stadium and apparently the only way to get in, is to follow the red shirts and try to hang a right against the crowd who are going left.

6.30pm apparently almost pedestrian deadlock there as so many people.

[tommyg31]

don't be so surprised to see all of his "supporters" from all over issarn and the nothern region..... what a deal ... show ur presence, sit down and u get a brand new red shirt and an extra 1500 baht in ur pocket. thats what they're handing out... and free transportation, and if ur lucky enough to be the driver , u get gas money (how ever much that is now.. used to be 2000)

bunch of poor farmers who'd be lucky to get 200 baht per day sweating out all day on someone else'

s farm in the hot THAILAND sun. yeah true supporters.... money talks and we all know who has the money....

hint hint.... starts with a T and rhymes with maksin.

sadly tho this has effected THAI's economy more ways than u can ever imagine...

[george]

Jakrapob says Abhisit lacks leadership

BANGKOK: -- Former PM's Office minister Jakrapob Penkain Saturday criticised Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva as lacking no leadership and was under influence of others.

Speaking to the demonstrators at the National Stadium, Jakrapob said when Abhisit looked at himself in a mirror, he did not see himself but he saw other persons instead.

Jakrapob said Abhisit sometimes saw Democrat secretary-general Suthep Thaugsuban, sometimes Sondhi Limthongkul, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, sometimes former army chief Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkul and sometimes Newin Chidchob.

"Abhisit has no identity in democracy so how could he be the prime minister under the democratic system?" Jakrapob said.

-- The Nation 2008-12-13

[nikster]

20,000 sheep all led by the deviant shepherd Thaksin, the pervert of Thai justice supported of course by his vitriolic mouthpiece supporters on this forum. Still we all now what suits sheep don't we - carved up with mint sauce on a plate. Let's hope that the wiser factions of Thai society do all they can to protect the metaphorical from becoming factual.

The main problem with Thaksin was his corrupt practices. Most of his policies seemed to be what this country needs, and at least he followed what could be seen as the best democratic practices this country is currently capable of. The previous governments and the current alternatives are none of these and are unlikely to change things for the better.

No. The main problem with Thaksin was his understanding of Democracy and law and order: The elected as the absolute ruler, tolerating no dissent. And death squads killing over 2000 "drug suspects", as well as the abduction and murder of a prominent muslim lawyer. The problem with Thaksin is that there is blood on his hands.

Even if you believe the - rather absurd - official story that drug dealers turned on each other, I can very well remember Thaksin's public statements even as the killings commenced. Those statements were nothing short of absolute support for the murders, as well as veiled threats against those in the police who might have second thoughs... it was made abundantly clear that a quota of suspects must be killed. And killed they were.

[opalhort]

Am still waiting if somebody has some info regarding my post

here

opalhort

[aguy30]

Paying elected politician 50 million baht to switch sides and vote for Pueh Thai nominees. Smells like corruption to me. Thai politics are like a bad comedy to give the whole world a pathetic laugh. Thais have placed themselves into the same class as Zimbabwa and Somalia, thanks to following the self serving Toxin.

[Ulysses G.]

As an American who is disgusted with what my country has become, I won't offer an opinion to the current situation. The USA has lost a great deal of its' moral authority. The US' exporting of toxic paper is an obvious stark example. How my fellow countrymen can stand by and continue to elect the same Usual Suspects from both sides of the aisle, is beyond me. There are third parties in the US that really want to revert back to the basic fundamentals of the Constitution, but even if they manage to gain traction, they get spiked and in the end, it is the Big Money that wins. I don't see Obama being much different.

Blah, blah, blah, Benedict Arnold.

This is not the place for your wacky Anti-American diatribes. Try the Bear Pit forum to share with others of your ilk.

Edited December 13, 2008 by Ulysses G.