Abhisit Vejjajiva Elected New Prime Minister Of Thailand

[samgrowth]

Now their main demand is the FM go and PAD be prosecuted.

Not that easy. PAD rules. Mark is just a puppet. Enough is being said.

[hammered]

The reds are divided and like the times when the PAD lost momentum they need to have a new issue...

They rather need a valid reason to exist.

Originally they have been formed with the idea to counteract PAD, now a moot point, obviously.

Thaksin also asked them to show "people power" - no one cares anymore.

Everything else can be handled by PTP in parliament.

The whole red cause lost a lot of steam and even Thaksin doesn't seem to be able to breath in fresh life now.

Plus I think yo uhave made a very valid pointm, and a lot of the upcountry red movemnets will likely fade away especially as the 2000 baht allowance etc start to come into effect. However, for the dandy left in Bangkok the red movement is everything they have. For them it means too much. They will undoubtedly find any reason to continue to exist. The movement will become smaller and less relevent to everyday politics in this case.

In reality the best thin gthe reds could do would be go home and say we will work as a wacthdog on government performance. I wonder how they would feel about the 2000 baht allowance for poor employed people. It could certainly be criticised finacially but from their standpoint as self appointed if uninvited champions of the poor surely they should be welcoming it. Come to think of it what will PT say about it?

[jbowman1993]

Protect the King website

You don't find something such as the above slightly disturbing?

It reeks of the histories of certain nearby Asian countries.

There is nothing comparable in any developed Western nation and where there are issues over free speech, there is at least enough of an opposition or pressure group to provide some checks. Here you have a case of laws being used to tread on opposition and no one dare to stand up and push for more freedom because of the nature of the law.

Is it just me, or has this thread run its course. To much breaking of TV Rule#1 going on above, as well.

[Koo82]

The coalition government led by the Democrat party is expected to put forward the names of some People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core members to take the posts of advisers or secretaries to various ministers at the cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Some of the likely candidates from the yellow-shirt group include Pichet Pattanachote as Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai's adviser, Samran Rodphet as Science and Technology Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich's secretary, and Praphan Khunmee as Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot's adviser.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...pad-as-advisors

[Koo82]

Now it is so clear that PAD and Democ Rats are 2 in 1. The only trick is Abhisit himself didn't directly lead the terrorists to block Government House and airports.

The government shakes hand with terrorists. Must be the joke of the century.

[Sandstone Art]

The coalition government led by the Democrat party is expected to put forward the names of some People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core members to take the posts of advisers or secretaries to various ministers at the cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Some of the likely candidates from the yellow-shirt group include Pichet Pattanachote as Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai's adviser, Samran Rodphet as Science and Technology Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich's secretary, and Praphan Khunmee as Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot's adviser.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...pad-as-advisors

WoW!

Must salute their efforts and courage to put forward some of PAD's core members to take up those posts.

We can see some blood boiling out there!

[ballpoint]

Now it is so clear that PAD and Democ Rats are 2 in 1. The only trick is Abhisit himself didn't directly lead the terrorists to block Government House and airports.

The government shakes hand with terrorists. Must be the joke of the century.

Please remind me, who exactly did the PAD terrorise? Did they blow the airport up? Did they go on murderous rampages through the city? They were well out shadowed in violence by the red shirts, but I wouldn't even call them terrorists, just mindless thugs. I can just see Osama Bin Ladan watching from his cave and thinking "so that's where we went wrong, next time we'll just sit around the World trade center waving hand clappers, far more effective as a weapon of terror."

[samgrowth]

Now it is so clear that PAD and Democ Rats are 2 in 1. The only trick is Abhisit himself didn't directly lead the terrorists to block Government House and airports.

The government shakes hand with terrorists. Must be the joke of the century.

Please remind me, who exactly did the PAD terrorise? Did they blow the airport up? Did they go on murderous rampages through the city? They were well out shadowed in violence by the red shirts, but I wouldn't even call them terrorists, just mindless thugs. I can just see Osama Bin Ladan watching from his cave and thinking "so that's where we went wrong, next time we'll just sit around the World trade center waving hand clappers, far more effective as a weapon of terror."

For the benefit of those with short memories.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbnFPhExOTw

[Ulysses G.]

Now it is so clear that PAD and Democ Rats are 2 in 1. The only trick is Abhisit himself didn't directly lead the terrorists to block Government House and airports.

The government shakes hand with terrorists. Must be the joke of the century.

Please remind me, who exactly did the PAD terrorise?

Apologist for PAD fascists speak with forked tongue!

BANGKOKIAN

PAD-initiated violence

By The Nation

Published on September 22, 2008

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) loves to point the finger at its opponents accusing them of using violence against its so-called peaceful assemblies, but it has done everything in its power to cover up the violence committed by its own members, particularly by PAD security guards.

PAD speakers and supporters consistently mention the incident in Udon Thani that saw a group of anti-government protesters attacked by a pro-government group. Likewise a minor clash that occurred between the PAD and police during the latter's first attempt to remove the group from Government House following a temporary order from the Civil Court is also brought up repeatedly to demonstrate how violence is being used against protesters.

However, the self-proclaimed peace-loving PAD has never taken the violence committed by its own side seriously. Protest leaders have made aggressive demands for officials who injured protesters last month to be brought to justice, but they have not uttered a word over the death of Narongsak Kobthaisong during a clash between the PAD and rival group the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) earlier this month. None of the PAD leaders called for justice for Narongsak, who was apparently from the DAAD side, never mind mentioning the possibility of an internal investigation to find the protesters responsible for the killing.

Violence on a different scale has taken place many times during the sit-in protest at Government House. Voluntary guards and the so-called Sri Wichai warriors have a deep mistrust for newcomers who join the protest and suspect them of being members of opposing groups there to infiltrate the protest.

Media representatives are not exempt from this treatment and must go through whole-body searches before entering the protest site. Many of them have also been harassed.

Mere suspicions have sometimes ended up in violence, as a video clip shot by a TV7 cameraman last week demonstrates. The station decided to broadcast the clip showing a group of PAD security guards beating a man at Makkhawan Bridge. The incident happened at about 5.30pm on September 17, when the man, later found out to be Nattaphong Thanetpaisan, walked among the protesters carrying a big bag. He was stopped by the guards, resisted their attempt to search him and was beaten as a result.

Once he realised that the beating was being filmed, one of the guards used a huge blue plastic tarp to block the scene, while the beating went on. The clip is now available on YouTube. A guard told reporters that Nattaphong had been struck because he had refused to allow guards to confiscate an air rifle that he had carried into the area. Nattaphong said he had not intended to carry the rifle onto the protest site but had been trying to walk through the protesters, who were blocking Ratchadamnoen Avenue, heading to Dusit Zoo.

Police said they could not arrest anybody since a complaint had not been filed over the incident. PAD's leaders paid the case no attention.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/22...on_30084032.php

Edited January 14, 2009 by Ulysses G.

[Plus]

Oh please, it's the footage of the aftermath of the ambush on PAD guard trucks.

They didn't plan to attack that taxi radio station, they were stopped on the other side of the road.

Even in that footage there was a helpless motorcycle driver who wasn't hit even once, though one of the guards threatened him with a machete at one point.

>>>

In the meantime the police are preparing cases against PAD for airport takeover, just as Democrat government has promised.

http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/14/pol...cs_30093171.php

[younghusband]

Oh please, it's the footage of the aftermath of the ambush on PAD guard trucks.

They didn't plan to attack that taxi radio station, they were stopped on the other side of the road.

Even in that footage there was a helpless motorcycle driver who wasn't hit even once, though one of the guards threatened him with a machete at one point.

>>>

In the meantime the police are preparing cases against PAD for airport takeover, just as Democrat government has promised.

http://nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/14/pol...cs_30093171.php

This fellow will deny acts of PAD violence and thuggery despite the irrefutable evidence.Pointless to argue with him and his ilk.It's like arguing with Western fellow travellers in the 1950's that Stalin's death camps were other than re-education centres.

As to the prosecution of the PAD leadership for terrorism and the airport seizure, let's see.One doesn't get the impression the cases will be fast tracked as with the equally heinous offence of doing a TV cooking programme.The last I heard was that the PAD defence was that they didn't shut down the airport at all: it was the pesky AOT with their misplaced concern for "safety" and "security".Tossers.

[hammered]

The coalition government led by the Democrat party is expected to put forward the names of some People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core members to take the posts of advisers or secretaries to various ministers at the cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Some of the likely candidates from the yellow-shirt group include Pichet Pattanachote as Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai's adviser, Samran Rodphet as Science and Technology Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich's secretary, and Praphan Khunmee as Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot's adviser.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...pad-as-advisors

The problem is that ordinary people just dont care about PAD speakers advising the government. People want to see the government do something about the economy. By offering the 2000 baht to poor employees they have sent a signal to people. A rice pledge will no doubt follow if it hasnt already and maybe some agricultural debt forgiveness. If these kind of actions are happening the government could appoint Sonthi as attorney general and nobody would care beyond the small red groups.

That is politcal reality. The reds if they want to continue as a relevent organization need to work more as a watchdog on governmental corruption and excesses that hurt the people. The handouts could be criticsed on a fiscal front for example although that wouldnt fit with red ideology. To keep sniping on a purely politcal front against a government that is actually handing things out to the ordinary person will just play into government hands. That is political reality right now. Add on that people acrioss the board do seem genuinely sick of demos and the reds really need to think it through.

[Plus]

PAD violence and thuggery despite the irrefutable evidence

Is this footage your example of "irrefutable evidence"?

Once again, it was a PAD guards responding to an ambush. As unfortunate as it may be, but you don't get postcards and kisses from those guys if you throw rocks at them.

You seem to be happy to judge the whole movement by the behaviour of its guards under attack.

>>>

Let's see what exact charges the police will bring for airport shutdown. I've been asking our members here for a while now, no one seems to have any idea, only plenty of "terrorism" souts.

I got your point, the trouble is I don't know where to stick your labels. Camping out at the departure hall? Blocking the road? Wandering into the basement?

As for Government house:

"Police have already taken legal action against the nine PAD leaders for occupying Government House.

Investigation files on the case were handed to public prosecutors for consider indicting the PAD leaders for inciting unrest, commit offences with intent to change the government, break the law, racketeering."

Commit offence with intent to change the government? Break the law? What else? Plant rice on GH lawns?

"Irrefutable evidence" huh?

[ballpoint]

Now it is so clear that PAD and Democ Rats are 2 in 1. The only trick is Abhisit himself didn't directly lead the terrorists to block Government House and airports.

The government shakes hand with terrorists. Must be the joke of the century.

Please remind me, who exactly did the PAD terrorise?

Apologist for PAD fascists speak with forked tongue!

BANGKOKIAN

PAD-initiated violence

By The Nation

Published on September 22, 2008

The People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) loves to point the finger at its opponents accusing them of using violence against its so-called peaceful assemblies, but it has done everything in its power to cover up the violence committed by its own members, particularly by PAD security guards.

PAD speakers and supporters consistently mention the incident in Udon Thani that saw a group of anti-government protesters attacked by a pro-government group. Likewise a minor clash that occurred between the PAD and police during the latter's first attempt to remove the group from Government House following a temporary order from the Civil Court is also brought up repeatedly to demonstrate how violence is being used against protesters.

However, the self-proclaimed peace-loving PAD has never taken the violence committed by its own side seriously. Protest leaders have made aggressive demands for officials who injured protesters last month to be brought to justice, but they have not uttered a word over the death of Narongsak Kobthaisong during a clash between the PAD and rival group the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) earlier this month. None of the PAD leaders called for justice for Narongsak, who was apparently from the DAAD side, never mind mentioning the possibility of an internal investigation to find the protesters responsible for the killing.

Violence on a different scale has taken place many times during the sit-in protest at Government House. Voluntary guards and the so-called Sri Wichai warriors have a deep mistrust for newcomers who join the protest and suspect them of being members of opposing groups there to infiltrate the protest.

Media representatives are not exempt from this treatment and must go through whole-body searches before entering the protest site. Many of them have also been harassed.

Mere suspicions have sometimes ended up in violence, as a video clip shot by a TV7 cameraman last week demonstrates. The station decided to broadcast the clip showing a group of PAD security guards beating a man at Makkhawan Bridge. The incident happened at about 5.30pm on September 17, when the man, later found out to be Nattaphong Thanetpaisan, walked among the protesters carrying a big bag. He was stopped by the guards, resisted their attempt to search him and was beaten as a result.

Once he realised that the beating was being filmed, one of the guards used a huge blue plastic tarp to block the scene, while the beating went on. The clip is now available on YouTube. A guard told reporters that Nattaphong had been struck because he had refused to allow guards to confiscate an air rifle that he had carried into the area. Nattaphong said he had not intended to carry the rifle onto the protest site but had been trying to walk through the protesters, who were blocking Ratchadamnoen Avenue, heading to Dusit Zoo.

Police said they could not arrest anybody since a complaint had not been filed over the incident. PAD's leaders paid the case no attention.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/22...on_30084032.php

I suggest you get yourself a dictionary, this is nowhere near terrorism. And if you actually read my post, rather than frothing at the mouth whenever you see something supportive of the PAD written, you'll see that nowhere did I say the PAD did not use violence, just that they were far out done by the redshirts in that regard. I'll also repeat, even the redshirted thugs can't be descibed as terrorists in the true sense of the word. Terrorism is quite a strong term to be bandied about so easily. I'm suprised you're not hiding under the bed in fear of all these terrorists about, who knows when or where they'll strike next?

[younghusband]

The coalition government led by the Democrat party is expected to put forward the names of some People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core members to take the posts of advisers or secretaries to various ministers at the cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Some of the likely candidates from the yellow-shirt group include Pichet Pattanachote as Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai's adviser, Samran Rodphet as Science and Technology Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich's secretary, and Praphan Khunmee as Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot's adviser.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...pad-as-advisors

The problem is that ordinary people just dont care about PAD speakers advising the government. People want to see the government do something about the economy. By offering the 2000 baht to poor employees they have sent a signal to people. A rice pledge will no doubt follow if it hasnt already and maybe some agricultural debt forgiveness. If these kind of actions are happening the government could appoint Sonthi as attorney general and nobody would care beyond the small red groups.

That is politcal reality. The reds if they want to continue as a relevent organization need to work more as a watchdog on governmental corruption and excesses that hurt the people. The handouts could be criticsed on a fiscal front for example although that wouldnt fit with red ideology. To keep sniping on a purely politcal front against a government that is actually handing things out to the ordinary person will just play into government hands. That is political reality right now. Add on that people acrioss the board do seem genuinely sick of demos and the reds really need to think it through.

Hammered, I disagree.I think ordinary people are quite resentful -though not that steamed up either- that overt PAD supporters are being appointed to key positions, and your comment (hypothetical I know ) about Sonthi is just wrong in my view.Kasit's appointment is by any measure a disgrace.I think that most Thais do understand however that the priority now is the economy, and that Abhisit and team deserve a chance.So far they have made a good start.Equally I think you are right the country is sick of demos.The reds I suspect are rapidly losing momentum.However it's folly to think that the underlying resentment of many Thais -perhaps the majority -towards PAD excesses and the obvious protection the movement receieved from the establishment, is dying away.The heart of the problem is that democracy has been thwarted by vested interests, I accept not necessarily a conspiracy but different sectors acting together for varied motives.Abhisit as I say is showing a generosity of spirit absent from ideologues, and the ball in in his hands.It is obvious that the quasi fascist new politics is going nowhere on his watch.But personally I wouldn't dismiss the power behind the reds, poor and uneducated as many of them are.The low level bitterness and grievance remains.In the end they will prevail or be properly accomodated even if Thaksin is completely sidelined.Time and gravity is on their side.

[Plus]

You have to forgive Ulysses, he is one of those Americans who believed Bush' propaganda that the whole world is out there to get them, destroy their way of life etc.

Reds are no terrorists either, btw.

[younghusband]

PAD violence and thuggery despite the irrefutable evidence

Is this footage your example of "irrefutable evidence"?

Once again, it was a PAD guards responding to an ambush. As unfortunate as it may be, but you don't get postcards and kisses from those guys if you throw rocks at them.

You seem to be happy to judge the whole movement by the behaviour of its guards under attack.

>>>

Let's see what exact charges the police will bring for airport shutdown. I've been asking our members here for a while now, no one seems to have any idea, only plenty of "terrorism" souts.

I got your point, the trouble is I don't know where to stick your labels. Camping out at the departure hall? Blocking the road? Wandering into the basement?

As for Government house:

"Police have already taken legal action against the nine PAD leaders for occupying Government House.

Investigation files on the case were handed to public prosecutors for consider indicting the PAD leaders for inciting unrest, commit offences with intent to change the government, break the law, racketeering."

Commit offence with intent to change the government? Break the law? What else? Plant rice on GH lawns?

"Irrefutable evidence" huh?

Quod erat demonstrandum or loosely translated, here is the proof of my argument.

He denies everything, to the point of stating there were no examples of PAD violence at all (or at least which couldn't be justified).Pointless to argue with this mentality.

[justanothercybertosser]

Oh please, it's the footage of the aftermath of the ambush on PAD guard trucks.

They didn't plan to attack that taxi radio station, they were stopped on the other side of the road.

Even in that footage there was a helpless motorcycle driver who wasn't hit even once, though one of the guards threatened him with a machete at one point.

If one makes comments on events, i suggest to stay with the facts.

PAD has planned the attack as a response to rocks thrown at PAD cars on the way to the airport earlier in the day. The lorry from which the attack was launched was not stopped by Red Shirts. PAD has wounded about 11 people during the attack, several of them with gunshot wounds. A few motorcycles belonging to local motorcycle taxi drivers have been burned by PAD. Later that night another attack was staged there, 2 more Red Shirts were slightly injured.

In the night of the 6th to the 7th of December the same Radio Station was attacked once more by PAD, a bomb was thrown, and one Red Shirt guarding the station was shot through his arm (this was reported in the Thai media, and can be verified at the responsible police station where the case has been filed).

[sriracha john]

the red-shirts, who are sure to "prevail or be properly accomodated", are at it again...

Red shirts stockpiling eggs to throw at PM

Red-shirt leader Somyos Prueksakasemsuk on Wednesday said protesters have prepared to throw eggs at Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva this evening.

Red shirts will resort to egg-pelting as a gesture of defiance for Abhisit's leadership although they plan a peaceful rally, Somyos said.

Abhisit is scheduled to make a speech at a hotel in the Ratchaprasong area.

- The Nation / 2009-01-14

[sabaijai]

The redshirts were out in force in front of Government House yesterday. I think I counted 12.

[hammered]

The coalition government led by the Democrat party is expected to put forward the names of some People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) core members to take the posts of advisers or secretaries to various ministers at the cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Some of the likely candidates from the yellow-shirt group include Pichet Pattanachote as Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai's adviser, Samran Rodphet as Science and Technology Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich's secretary, and Praphan Khunmee as Deputy Minister of Commerce Alongkorn Ponlaboot's adviser.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...pad-as-advisors

The problem is that ordinary people just dont care about PAD speakers advising the government. People want to see the government do something about the economy. By offering the 2000 baht to poor employees they have sent a signal to people. A rice pledge will no doubt follow if it hasnt already and maybe some agricultural debt forgiveness. If these kind of actions are happening the government could appoint Sonthi as attorney general and nobody would care beyond the small red groups.

That is politcal reality. The reds if they want to continue as a relevent organization need to work more as a watchdog on governmental corruption and excesses that hurt the people. The handouts could be criticsed on a fiscal front for example although that wouldnt fit with red ideology. To keep sniping on a purely politcal front against a government that is actually handing things out to the ordinary person will just play into government hands. That is political reality right now. Add on that people acrioss the board do seem genuinely sick of demos and the reds really need to think it through.

Hammered, I disagree.I think ordinary people are quite resentful -though not that steamed up either- that overt PAD supporters are being appointed to key positions, and your comment (hypothetical I know ) about Sonthi is just wrong in my view.Kasit's appointment is by any measure a disgrace.I think that most Thais do understand however that the priority now is the economy, and that Abhisit and team deserve a chance.So far they have made a good start.Equally I think you are right the country is sick of demos.The reds I suspect are rapidly losing momentum.However it's folly to think that the underlying resentment of many Thais -perhaps the majority -towards PAD excesses and the obvious protection the movement receieved from the establishment, is dying away.The heart of the problem is that democracy has been thwarted by vested interests, I accept not necessarily a conspiracy but different sectors acting together for varied motives.Abhisit as I say is showing a generosity of spirit absent from ideologues, and the ball in in his hands.It is obvious that the quasi fascist new politics is going nowhere on his watch.But personally I wouldn't dismiss the power behind the reds, poor and uneducated as many of them are.The low level bitterness and grievance remains.In the end they will prevail or be properly accomodated even if Thaksin is completely sidelined.Time and gravity is on their side.

YH I dont think we disagree too much in reality.

What I write here is based on converstaions with ordinary people mostly Thaksin lovers by th eway. What I get is that in terms of the PAD: what they did is wrong. In terms of the reds: what they are now doing is wrong. Give the Dems a chance as you say and part of that is they choose who they want to run things although most arent particularly up with who runs every ministry and dont seem to care too much.

The flip side which I didnt mention before, and which I agree with you on, is that there are very real and long term desires, grievances and wants. These are not connected to any feeling about PAD but have been around for as long as I can remember, which is way way before Thaksin As the country has got richer the feeling that it is time for them to do better has grown and Thaksin did tap into this. Abhisit is obviously trying to do so now too. I agree with you this is only going to grow and unless policy decisions are mad eto address the underlying issues (and even Thaksin didnt) then it will lead to social unrest.

However, that will happen whether PAD speakers and those who attended a rally are in government or not. The reality as I see it especially upcountry is that Abhisit and his government are experiencing good will and initially at least are making an effort. It remains to be seen whether they will or maybe more relevently can continue it. In this context putting PAD speakers into mostly advisor positions isnt really going to upset the mix. The mix will however be shaken if the government fail to meet at least minimum expectations upcountry either through decision or more likely through inability caused by extrenal factors.

I also think that at times the red side overstate the unwillingness of the "elite" to give anything to the majority. My read and unlike with the poor I dont have many elite connections at all;) is that this is a silly analysis. I believe the elite are quite aware of how the poorer elements of society feel and not at all indifferent to it. They are like a conservative group in any country. They dont want to undermine their own position but they equally dont want to give it all away. Careful accomodation as with most conservative groups is probably their aim. They havent in recent politcal history had an opportunity to do this as they rapidly fell out with Thaksin. Now however, with the more accomodating Abhisit they do have the opportunity to show they are willing to take a bit of hurt and assist in a "proper accomodation". I think the problem will not be that there is a lack of will but that the timing in terms of economic issues could well undermine the whole attempt and leave the country facing a more turbulent future. I would also add that personally being well to the left of any conservative I do not personally advocate this conservative accomodation but as an analysis I would think that is exactly what is going to be attempted in Thailand and for the sake of stability it would probably be good if it worked (putting aside my personal politcal opinions for a moment).

[sriracha john]

If one makes comments on events, i suggest to stay with the facts.

PAD has planned the attack as a response to rocks thrown at PAD cars on the way to the airport earlier in the day. The lorry from which the attack was launched was not stopped by Red Shirts. PAD has wounded about 11 people during the attack, several of them with gunshot wounds. A few motorcycles belonging to local motorcycle taxi drivers have been burned by PAD. Later that night another attack was staged there, 2 more Red Shirts were slightly injured.

source for these alleged "facts"?

[justanothercybertosser]

source for these alleged "facts"?

As i can't post links, i would suggest you to use google.

It has been widely reported at the time, and is therefore easily verifiable.

[Plus]

... I wouldn't dismiss the power behind the reds, poor and uneducated as many of them are.The low level bitterness and grievance remains.In the end they will prevail or be properly accomodated even if Thaksin is completely sidelined.Time and gravity is on their side.

The power behind the reds is Thaksin and a few disgruntled leftist and republicans. Contrary to many expectations here I don't think they will grow into any reasonable political force - only leftist element here might have some long term attraction to the people, republicans are a non-starter and Thaksin is politically finished. The red effort is unsustainable, it's not a genuine grassroot movement and their upcountry "branches" are repulsive to any sane person.

... stating there were no examples of PAD violence at all (or at least which couldn't be justified).

You are welcome to provide examples of PAD violence, those that don't start with "Pad guards ..."

There's an interview with Kosit in the Nation today. He insists that the atmosphere at the airport as peaceful and non-violent.

PAD has planned the attack as a response to rocks thrown at PAD cars on the way to the airport earlier in the day. The lorry from which the attack was launched was not stopped by Red Shirts.

If they planned the attack they would have made a u-turn and go into the soi. Normally you don't even see the other side of the road on Viphavadi because of the divider and planted trees, and there are about five lanes of traffic on the other side, too.

And again, in your post you use "PAD" where you should stay with the facts and say "PAD guards". Vast majority of PAD protesters were probably not even aware of that incident and reached SW without any problems.

[Ulysses G.]

You have to forgive Ulysses, he is one of those Americans who believed Bush' propaganda that the whole world is out there to get them, destroy their way of life etc.

This [Plus] fellow will deny acts of PAD violence and thuggery despite the irrefutable evidence.Pointless to argue with him and his ilk.It's like arguing with Western fellow travellers in the 1950's that Stalin's death camps were other than re-education centres.

Most people have heard of Stalin's "Useful Idiots"!

Edited January 14, 2009 by Ulysses G.

[Ulysses G.]

The redshirts were out in force in front of Government House yesterday. I think I counted 12.

They don't plan on starting any riots or taking over any airports and no one is paying them to protest. The difference is that the reds work for a living.

[sriracha john]

source for these alleged "facts"?

As i can't post links, i would suggest you to use google.

It has been widely reported at the time, and is therefore easily verifiable.

You can post links and as it is your proffered "facts" it's on you to do so, not others.

[samgrowth]

Let's see what exact charges the police will bring for airport shutdown. I've been asking our members here for a while now, no one seems to have any idea, only plenty of "terrorism" souts.

Since there is not much physical damage, maybe a couple of block toilets, my guess is that the court will ask for a few thousand bahts to compensate for the cleaning. Say 5,000 baht, then case close. Issue resolved.

[justanothercybertosser]

If they planned the attack they would have made a u-turn and go into the soi. Normally you don't even see the other side of the road on Viphavadi because of the divider and planted trees, and there are about five lanes of traffic on the other side, too.

And again, in your post you use "PAD" where you should stay with the facts and say "PAD guards". Vast majority of PAD protesters were probably not even aware of that incident and reached SW without any problems.

That would have been very stupid, from a tactical viewpoint, as they would have, in case of a armed counter assault, cut their escape route off. As you can see in the video - they have started their attack by shooting from the lorry, ran over the opposite lane, fired into the Soi while firing guns, burned motorcycles, and left.

This was a perfectly planned assault operation.

PAD guards were the armed militia of the PAD, founded, funded, sanctioned and commanded by the leadership, and therefore not to be separated from the PAD, as you somehow attempt to argue here.

[Plus]

Well, Samgrowth, what would YOU suggest them to be charged with?

WHO are you going to charge?

Do you know of any cases where the leaders directed the guards to break into secure areas, for example? I don't, but it could have happened.

All I know so far is that they blocked the roads and maintained the perimiter. The main PAD party was just camping there, in public areas, I must add.