Thaksin Supporters To Rally During Two-day Parliament Meeting

[george]

Thaksin supporters to rally during two-day Parliament meeting

BANGKOK: -- Red-clad demonstrators will rally continuously on December 29-30, when Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will deliver the government's policy statement, according to Veera Musikapong, a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD).

The UDD leaders began addressing the demonstrators at 4pm from their Sanam Luang platform on Sunday, one day ahead of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's delivery of the government's policy statement in Parliament.

Mr. Veera said UDD leader Nuttawut Saikua planned to talk on stage about financial support from TPI Polene Pcl to the Democrat Party and show evidence of money transaction. He said the wrongdoing can be punished by the party's dissolution.

UDD leader Chatuporn Promphan said that the UDD will announce at 8 pm Sunday evening whether it will move its widely publicised protest to Parliament to pressure the government on Monday or not.

If there is no so-called 'third party' joining the protesters and the UDD leader can control the crowd to protest in a peaceful manner, he said, the group will move to Parliament.

After the New Year the UDD activists will decide whether to prolong their protest, he added.

About 5,000 police officers have reinforced security at Parliament.

Meanwhile, Puea Thai party spokesman Pormpong Nopparit said that the content of 40,000 pamphlets distributed by the police in Bangkok, surrounding areas and other provinces is considered threatening.

The pamphlets said those, who obstructed the government's policy statement delivery in the parliamentary seesion, would be charged with insurrection, said Pormpong.

While calling on Prime Minister Abhisit to dissolve the parliament, he told those who received the pamphlets from the police that peaceful protests without weapons is not against the law.

-- TNA 2008-12-28

[dave9988]

"The pamphlets said those, who obstructed the government's policy statement delivery in the parliamentary seesion, would be charged with insurrection, said Pormpong."

When will PAD be charged?

[Merangue]

About a month after hel_l freezes over. Being a Buddhist country that is going to be a very very long time

[britmaveric]

Good luck locking up countless 1000s. The truth of the matter - nought will happen.

[aromsia]

Was that really the headline? "THAKSIN" supporters?

Funny how a word here and there can really spin the issue..

How about "Pro-Democracy Supporters Rally During Two-Day Parliament Meeting" ??

And yes - let's see the reaction of the police/army this time. My biggest fear is that - short of the foreign media there to record this properly and in an unbiased, unpressured fashion - the establishment will continue it's BS via the Thai media to get its way.

They are SO scared of another 1973..you can nearly hear their knees knocking!!

(FYI - in 1973, a HALF MILLION Thais swamped Democracy Monument to denounce another right-wing movement and military puppet regime that denied them their democratic rights - it shook the establishment to 'their core' according to the left wing academic Giles Ungkaporn). What followed was a takeover by the people of Thailand - didn't last long though, and the right-wing eventually regained control.

Are we nearing a repeat? My guess is, if so, then this time it will be much more violent right-wing reaction. But we must wait and see how many people have the will to fight for their rights. The neo-establishment that stole their democracy are counting that most people won't fight back - especially at New Year. Anyone care to bet that this entire thing was planned out - right down to the exact dates for each event - for nearly a year?

[permanent_disorder]

5,000 police assigned as crowds swell

Bangkok Post

Prime Minister and Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday morning brushed off Pracharaj party leader Sanoh Thienthong's accusation that he hijacked the premier's seat, and vowed that people can evaluate his government's performance within two to three months.

Military forces were on standby but the police insisted they can handle the situation - and parliament made plans to switch locations or even to cancel the session in case of violence. As the crowd at Sanam Luang swelled, police commanders beefed up their street presence late on Sunday, from 3,000 to 5,000 officers. Police advised commuters to avoid the entire central area around parliament and Sanam Luang when business resumes on Monday morning for the short holiday work week. The government has scheduled a two-day debate in parliament before the five-day New Year's weekend beginning on Wednesday.

Late on Sunday, speakers whipped up thousands of supporters of the red-clad United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) at Sanam Luang with speeches on the theme Prathet Thai Mai Wai Jai Abhisit (Thailand Does not Trust Abhisit). "Our demand is for Abhisit to dissolve parliament because he has no legitimacy," said Jatuporn Prompan, a core leader of the UDD. A huge stage at the parade ground near the royal palace was backed with a red banner saying "No confidence in Abhisit Vejjajiva", while protesters waved signs saying "We Love Thaksin" and shook plastic foot-shaped clappers. "Today the fight is not only for Thaksin but also for justice and democracy," former foreign minister Noppadon Pattama told the crowd.

UDD leaders promised last week that their supporters would not attempt to block parliament to prevent the government from delivering its policy address. But that could change. UDD leader Chatuporn Promphan said that the UDD will announce its final decision on whether to try to blockade parliament hours before the Lower House is to meet on Monday morning.

Protesters on Sunday afternoon used iron barricades to close down U-Thong Nai Road near the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V. They said they have to blockade the road for the safety of incoming demonstrators in front of the parliament. Their tactics were a virtual carbon-copy of those used by the parallel group People's Alliance for Democracy, who tried to blockade parliament and halt a policy speech last Oct 7. Police met them with tear gas in a violent confrontation that left one woman dead and several protesters maimed.

The government's Operations Centre at the the Ministry of Interior reported that red-shirted people travelled by train, bus and car to Bangkok from Chiang Mai and Chumphon in the North, Kalasin in the Northeast, Ayutthaya, Chon Buri in the central region and from Chanthaburi in the East to the rally. Police responded completely passively. They put up signs and distributed 40,000 leaflets to the protesters, warning them to gather peacefully and obey the law. ...

click to continue

Bangkok Post, Sunday December 28, 2008

[Koo82]

They are moving from Sanam Luang to Parliament direction now.

[oceano]

Why, Why they cannot fight inside the parliament and governament house only the member and live the street for the people work and for the tourist?

What they have in their mind that they must show that this is not a safe country?

Is only 3 days that the tourist come back in bangkok, not so much but they come, now why they want send away also this few that come??

why they dont fight in the court whit the lawyer about all this stupid politics?

Why?

[dave9988]

I think they will do it

Force the government to show itself as the hypocrite

the international press will just keep ripping the current gov apart and thats good for takky

[dave9988]

Why, Why they cannot fight inside the parliament and governament house only the member and live the street for the people work and for the tourist?

What they have in their mind that they must show that this is not a safe country?

Is only 3 days that the tourist come back in bangkok, not so much but they come, now why they want send away also this few that come??

why they dont fight in the court whit the lawyer about all this stupid politics?

Why?

why dont you learn about what is actually going on?

[oceano]

Why, Why they cannot fight inside the parliament and governament house only the member and live the street for the people work and for the tourist?

What they have in their mind that they must show that this is not a safe country?

Is only 3 days that the tourist come back in bangkok, not so much but they come, now why they want send away also this few that come??

why they dont fight in the court whit the lawyer about all this stupid politics?

Why?

why dont you learn about what is actually going on?

what going on?

news that talk about this in many country and some others tourist dont come...people lose work...company that dont have work...and prime minister, ministers...come on what change if black or white?

same story...you dont know whit the politicians in your country...never change, only people work and make something lose.

If you have some business in bankok you understand what going on.

Edited December 28, 2008 by oceano

[baht&sold]

I think they will do it

Force the government to show itself as the hypocrite

the international press will just keep ripping the current gov apart and thats good for takky

Very good for 'Takky'...

-As stated previously, It's unfortunate PM Abhisit has made a few controversial choices such as the otherwise capable foreign minister (forever tainted by his reprehensible comments regarding the airports protests) and also having to heed to some less than desirable choices in other cabinet posts such as the 'massage Commerce Minister' (as demanded by ex?-Thaksin coalition partners).

-Thankfully, very capable Finance Minister Korn will oversee the Commerce Minister and take the larger economic helm along with Abhisit. Ultimately, the Govt realises it must get up and functioning to take on some daunting tasks asap and will have to pick a better time to tackle the long-standing and ever-damaging quota system.

-Unlike past Govt's, at least Abhisit discussed the proposed ministers with the Federation of Thai Industries first and openly admitted/lamented shortcomings (resulting from the allocation by party-quota system).

-The quota system has made for laughable MP's in the past such as the ex-deputy finance minister who didn't know what value-added tax was but was then promoted to Information Communication Technology Minister... (there are many more lamentable examples from the previous Thaksin proxy-Govt's, too little time to go into)

-Then of course we had loyalty rewards in the form of Chalerm heading up Health previously (mostly spent defending China from melamine poison fall-out and proposing various Thailand alcohol bans). Not to mention his son was appointed to fight social ills... and the deplorable list went on and on...

The Cabinet party-quota system has to go of course but for the moment, Thailand has to get going again first.

-Speaking of Mr Chalerm, it's not surprising he and others in Puea Thai are shunning the opposition leader role... (stating they're 'not qualified' or others are 'more qualified'). Of course when they were in Govt this was an almost un-heard of phenomenon, particuarily when jockeying for plum minister posts... It seems quite obvious Puea Thai has no plan to be a true opposition counter-weight, rather the plan seems to create more division and to remove the Dems ultimately to re-gain their coveted seats at the public trough ASAP.

-Mr Thaksin must be feeling the pressure, with time seemingly slipping away to have his proxies re-instated so he can have his billions un-frozen and re-gain other needed controls to white-wash charges. Each day the new Govt is in control is another day of carefully constructed allies and agencies released from their former grip. Case in point may be the DSI whom appeared to stall or outright rejected charges against Mr Thaksin and cronies. Now, the Dems have put the DSI on notice they will work to serve the people, not politicians. This must be an unnerving sign of things to come (for some)...

-Good to see PM Abhisit is prioritising some badly needed stimulus with a US$8.7 billion package to be revealed, along with tourism/investment road-shows etc. Unfortunately, as long as new Foreign Minister Kasit is in place, the Govt will have an up-hill battle gaining favourable Intnl press due to the FM's past documented support of the PAD.

-The Intnl media (and even some originating here ala Jonathan Head of the BBC) appear to paint Thaksin and his proxy parties as 'champions for the poor' also as 'victims' of an 'elite conspiracy', unfair courts and un-democratic processes. The merits or lack thereof of these constant Intnl media 'talking points' could be debated forever. The reality is, with Mr Kasit as Foreign Minister, these themes will be played over and over as the ONLY issues... It won't even matter 'if' or when PM Abhisit applies the rule of accountable law to the PAD's past actions, the main Intnl media 'talking points' will likely remain as if sung through a prepared one-sided hymn-sheet...

-I'll agree with Jonathan Head (if he stops reporting from his Bkk CBD balcony primarily) also with The Economist and others, a certain restrictive law on freedom of speech absolutely should be reviewed (by Parliament, whom are the body implementing it). It would also be refreshing if Mr Head, The Economist and others might also report rounded facts, not ill-researched one-sided pieces (at best) or innuendo, hyperbole or mere opinions masqueraded as 'news' or worse, insinuated as complete 'facts'...

-Speaking of which, Mr Thaksin, via his PR man's long-time partnership with Intnl media tone-setters such as 'The Economist' and 'BusinessWeek' and others appear to be having a field day at Thailand's expense. All pronouncing the same 'Thaksin victim' and 'champion for poor people' and 'defender of democracy' theme over and over and over as well, further casting a blindingly one-sided black-eye on Thailand. At least it makes for sympathetic Intnl reading for the self-appointed 'victim' (Thaksin apparently, not Thailand).

-Of course Mr Thaksin's reds will also be providing daily fuel for the same fire. However, given their own penchant for violence, this may yet back-fire.

-Meanwhile, Thailand needs one main ingredient at this time both from a domestic standpoint and an international viewpoint and that is simply CONFIDENCE. Hard enough to achieve without fending off a world economic slowdown at the same time, made doubly difficult as a well-funded red-storm gathers, intnl media sings from talking points and ONE man pulls the strings... (76 billion worth)

-Here's hoping PM Abhisit can somehow pull off the impossible and actually get Thailand moving forward again, despite the worst efforts of those whom seemingly want the exact opposite (whether they know it, admit it, or not...)

I hope for a better future for a beloved/adopted nation, not for the the future of ONE man's greed fought with all the support and PR money can buy...

Some support Yellow, some support Red, I personally support Green (as in green-light) and Thailand moving forward.

[Rinrada]

Sunday, 28 December 2008

Thousands join pro-Thaksin rally

The protesters vowed to continue until new elections are held.

Thousands of supporters of Thailand's exiled former leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, have been demonstrating in Bangkok, calling for fresh elections.

The protesters, many clad in red, massed at a parade ground while others halted traffic outside parliament.

They say they want new PM Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve parliament as they believe he has no legitimacy.

A Thai court disbanded the previous government loyal to Mr Thaksin because of electoral fraud.

Today the fight is not only for Thaksin but also for justice and democracy

(Former FM Noppadon Pattama)

Police said more than 20,000 pro-Thaksin supporters had gathered, while organisers said the figure was 50,000. ...more...

From Aunti tonight..........

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7802091.stm

[samgrowth]

5,000 police assigned as crowds swell

Bangkok Post

click to continue

Bangkok Post, Sunday December 28, 2008

What a joke. When the Yellow did the same, only 200 police turn up.

[auserb]

Thousands join pro-Thaksin rally

well, well, it is about time

It was just a meter of time. I hope they keep going untill PAD relizes that it is time for Democratic elections, yet again

[Siripon]

Thaksin's terrified that Aphisit's government, containing talented individuals such as himself, Korn, Jurin etc, will be successful and win over Issan's hearts. Then it's bye- bye for him forever and his minions who have come to depend on his funds for so long.

[Plus]

Was that really the headline? "THAKSIN" supporters?

Funny how a word here and there can really spin the issue..

How about "Pro-Democracy Supporters Rally During Two-Day Parliament Meeting" ??

Because democracy in their mind equates with reinstalling Thaksin?

Even Prawit, rabid anti-coup, anti-PAD journalist, once wrote a whole column for Nation telling about reds obsession with all things Thaksin. Today they have a new issue, ousting Abhisit, so they might have less Thaksin banners than usual, but to be accepted as a genuine pro-Democracy movement they need to really abandon their Thaksin agenda.

When THAT happens, then we can start talking about revival of the leftist movement. For now it has been led by the likes of Samak and Chalerm, you can't get any more right than those two. That makes reds closer to fascists, though in those exremes both communists and fascists looks as a seamless blend.

You can't talk about leftist movement openly worshipping to the richest man in the country, arguing that he shouldn't pay his taxes and not objecting to him secretly moving huge amounts of money out of Thailand. What kind of "left" is that?

[morejunk]

Thailand finally has an honest PM with good experience and the proper education and desire to save the country. Toxic Shitawatra is only interested in regaining his pot of gold. He doesn't give a *@% about Thailand's people.

It is totaly beyond reason that Toxic can manipulate the backing of so many stupid people after stealing so much from them. Thai stupidity is something most westerners will never understand. On second thought, many ThaiVisa people seem to understand. I guess Thais don't have an exclusive on stupidity.

[hammered]

Thaksin's terrified that Aphisit's government, containing talented individuals such as himself, Korn, Jurin etc, will be successful and win over Issan's hearts. Then it's bye- bye for him forever and his minions who have come to depend on his funds for so long.

This is exactly what it is about. Thaksin has to smash the curerent government now or his position weakens. Expect him to try for any kind of chaos as evidented by the red shirts doing exactly what they said they wouldnt and beseige parliament.

Thaksin also is financuially a lot weaker than he was. Even if only 1% of the rumours of his financial situation are true he is rapidly conming to a point where he doesnt have the cash to play politics anymore without the support of other donors. Theese are abandoning his side rapidly. This makes the situation dangerous asd Thaksin must go for the win and the red shirts are his only hope. He needs an election before his position collapses. His opponents only need to avoid an election for a year or so and that is possible.

[hammered]

Was that really the headline? "THAKSIN" supporters?

Funny how a word here and there can really spin the issue..

How about "Pro-Democracy Supporters Rally During Two-Day Parliament Meeting" ??

Because democracy in their mind equates with reinstalling Thaksin?

Even Prawit, rabid anti-coup, anti-PAD journalist, once wrote a whole column for Nation telling about reds obsession with all things Thaksin. Today they have a new issue, ousting Abhisit, so they might have less Thaksin banners than usual, but to be accepted as a genuine pro-Democracy movement they need to really abandon their Thaksin agenda.

When THAT happens, then we can start talking about revival of the leftist movement. For now it has been led by the likes of Samak and Chalerm, you can't get any more right than those two. That makes reds closer to fascists, though in those exremes both communists and fascists looks as a seamless blend.

You can't talk about leftist movement openly worshipping to the richest man in the country, arguing that he shouldn't pay his taxes and not objecting to him secretly moving huge amounts of money out of Thailand. What kind of "left" is that?

To be truly pro-democracy they have to denounce the drug war and demand a full investigation into it and prosecution of Thaksin as head of the government that oversaw it if it was an illegal policy. That would also be in line with what has happened in similar high profile international extra-judicial and human rights cases. Then they would be pro-democracy however unpopular with dear leader they would be. Then they wouldnt be utter hypocrites whenever they mentioned democracy and apologised the drug war away.

[Plus]

Thaksin's mass appeal is not unreasonable, in today's other news Stalin was named the third most popular Russian of all times, falling behind two other guys I practically never heard about.

I was checking up on fascism earlier today and came across this interesting quote on wiki:

At a meeting of Nazi leaders in 1929, Hitler said: "Socialism! That is an unfortunate word altogether. [...] What does socialism really mean? If people have something to eat and their pleasures, then they have their socialism."

It's nearly identical to Thaksin's views on democracy, both had to find a way to justify inclusion of these terms in their anti-socialist, or anti-democratic agenda.

Do real Thai leftists still go to those rallies? I mean those from anti-coup networks. Weng is there, sure, but what about others? Do they attentively listen to Thaksin's phone-ins?

Is transformation from pro-Thaksin to pro-Democracy movement possible for Reds? And I mean into liberal democracy, not the one where they simply elect the best dictator.

[hammered]

Thaksin's mass appeal is not unreasonable, in today's other news Stalin was named the third most popular Russian of all times, falling behind two other guys I practically never heard about.

I was checking up on fascism earlier today and came across this interesting quote on wiki:

At a meeting of Nazi leaders in 1929, Hitler said: "Socialism! That is an unfortunate word altogether. [...] What does socialism really mean? If people have something to eat and their pleasures, then they have their socialism."

It's nearly identical to Thaksin's views on democracy, both had to find a way to justify inclusion of these terms in their anti-socialist, or anti-democratic agenda.

Do real Thai leftists still go to those rallies? I mean those from anti-coup networks. Weng is there, sure, but what about others? Do they attentively listen to Thaksin's phone-ins?

Is transformation from pro-Thaksin to pro-Democracy movement possible for Reds? And I mean into liberal democracy, not the one where they simply elect the best dictator.

The Old traditional Thai leftists are splinterd between PAD, red movement and mates of Newin with another bunch unaligned. The old CPT cadres are themselves split asunder with surprisingly probably the largest single group supporting PAD. One of the redshirt leaders is currently trying to resurrect the CPT by getting his wife to be leader or some other ludicrous self serving manouver but it would only be a rump CPT as the majority are not in that faction. The red short leftists are a bit of a joke really and trying the old well we will use T and his popularity to get our agenda across kinda guys plus we dont mind the moolah. Then you have the young boutique leftists from nice families with good education and pretty faces making all kind of statements and getting media exposure by being linked to T man far beyond what they would normally have got and with their ever inflated egos loving every moment of it. Needless to say this boutique leftist generation dont include anyone from the working or peasant classes and they were not noticeable in making any kind of left wing statement before they were given their positions by T-man.

[Koo82]

Photo of yesterday

[aromsia]

-The Intnl media (and even some originating here ala Jonathan Head of the BBC) appear to paint Thaksin and his proxy parties as 'champions for the poor' also as 'victims' of an 'elite conspiracy', unfair courts and un-democratic processes. The merits or lack thereof of these constant Intnl media 'talking points' could be debated forever. The reality is, with Mr Kasit as Foreign Minister, these themes will be played over and over as the ONLY issues... It won't even matter 'if' or when PM Abhisit applies the rule of accountable law to the PAD's past actions, the main Intnl media 'talking points' will likely remain as if sung through a prepared one-sided hymn-sheet...

-I'll agree with Jonathan Head (if he stops reporting from his Bkk CBD balcony primarily) also with The Economist and others, a certain restrictive law on freedom of speech absolutely should be reviewed (by Parliament, whom are the body implementing it). It would also be refreshing if Mr Head, The Economist and others might also report rounded facts, not ill-researched one-sided pieces (at best) or innuendo, hyperbole or mere opinions masqueraded as 'news' or worse, insinuated as complete 'facts'...

-Speaking of which, Mr Thaksin, via his PR man's long-time partnership with Intnl media tone-setters such as 'The Economist' and 'BusinessWeek' and others appear to be having a field day at Thailand's expense. All pronouncing the same 'Thaksin victim' and 'champion for poor people' and 'defender of democracy' theme over and over and over as well, further casting a blindingly one-sided black-eye on Thailand. At least it makes for sympathetic Intnl reading for the self-appointed 'victim' (Thaksin apparently, not Thailand).

...

Some support Yellow, some support Red, I personally support Green (as in green-light) and Thailand moving forward.

Yes, the international media have got it all wrong, and some Canadian guy who runs a classified ads magazine has figured it all out. Would a democratic, forward looking, more egalitrian Thailand be bad for used car sales? Maybe that's why you chose the colour green?

Seriously though - this is not an outright flame - I agree with you that Thaksin is milking the victim thing and we know he's a bent as most other rich people in this country - and all those PAD-bureaucrats with their 23,245 Baht per month salaries - just enough to afford the cost of gas for their Benz.

So let's keep things in perspective. This isn't about Thaksin anymore (and probably never really was) - it's about the well-connected patron-client system abusers who are terrified that one-person-one-vote will lead to the dismantling of that system - one through which they have so richly feathered their nests. They saw what Thaksin was able to do through mobilizing the nation's poor behind him - this military-bureacratic-business/elite troika is determined that populist politics must be put down. That's their collective motivation. They are now frightened (or increasingly nervous at least) that the international media have figured this out so fast. It's alarming..that's why the attacks (legal and otherwise) against Head and the others are being stepped up on foreign journalists.

Edited December 29, 2008 by aromsia

[jbowman1993]

So let's keep things in perspective. This isn't about Thaksin anymore (and probably never really was) :D :D

[aromsia]

Was that really the headline? "THAKSIN" supporters?

Funny how a word here and there can really spin the issue..

How about "Pro-Democracy Supporters Rally During Two-Day Parliament Meeting" ??

Because democracy in their mind equates with reinstalling Thaksin?

Even Prawit, rabid anti-coup, anti-PAD journalist, once wrote a whole column for Nation telling about reds obsession with all things Thaksin. Today they have a new issue, ousting Abhisit, so they might have less Thaksin banners than usual, but to be accepted as a genuine pro-Democracy movement they need to really abandon their Thaksin agenda.

When THAT happens, then we can start talking about revival of the leftist movement. For now it has been led by the likes of Samak and Chalerm, you can't get any more right than those two. That makes reds closer to fascists, though in those exremes both communists and fascists looks as a seamless blend.

You can't talk about leftist movement openly worshipping to the richest man in the country, arguing that he shouldn't pay his taxes and not objecting to him secretly moving huge amounts of money out of Thailand. What kind of "left" is that?

Yes I agree more or less with you on the issue of the leftist movement. It's a falure of the grassroots movements to mobilise and reclaim their country. You're also right that Chalerm and these guys are about as right as you can get - at least as 'opportuinist' as you can get (even for Thailand).

But as one Thai friend pointed out to me, Thais look up to 'strong' leaders. But I do agree, the real grassroots socialist movement has been hijacked by both sides (PAD and UDD) - I guess this is a learning experince for everyone. The rise of true pro-people politics is still some way off I think.

Reason for edit: Wanted to add that of the two choices, UDD comes closest to a people's movement - despite the Thaksin warts.

Edited December 29, 2008 by aromsia

[britmaveric]

Go on Reds - show them who the majority is. The best solution for the corrupt democratic lead govt is to resign, dissolve parliament and call for elections.

[LevelHead]

Ah....good. Someone else with the intelligence to look past the media spin and hype and lies and deceit and rumour and counter rumour, yellow, red, green, black, white and all the other stuff that keeps the "great unwashed" so amused.

Yes ....it really is all about the well-connected patron-client system abusers who are terrified that one-person-one-vote will lead to the dismantling of that system - one through which they have so richly feathered their nests.

So let's keep things in perspective. This isn't about Thaksin anymore (and probably never really was) - it's about the well-connected patron-client system abusers who are terrified that one-person-one-vote will lead to the dismantling of that system - one through which they have so richly feathered their nests. They saw what Thaksin was able to do through mobilizing the nation's poor behind him - this military-bureacratic-business/elite troika is determined that populist politics must be put down. That's their collective motivation. They are now frightened (or increasingly nervous at least) that the international media have figured this out so fast. It's alarming..that's why the attacks (legal and otherwise) against Head and the others are being stepped up on foreign journalists.

[sriracha john]

UDD protesters on a previous occasion

UDD dares PM to enter parliament

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) key member Nattawut Saikua said the UDD demonstrators are ready to allow Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and MPs from the coalition government to enter the parliament building to deliver the government policy. According to former Government Spokesman Nattawut, Mr Abhisit claimed he is the PM for every Thai people no matter which side they are on and one of his tasks is to resolve conflicts in the society. Therefore, Nattawut urged the premier to walk into the parliament amid the crowd of anti-government protesters.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...nter-parliament

[Samuian]

.....edited....

They are SO scared of another 1973..you can nearly hear their knees knocking!!

(FYI - in 1973, a HALF MILLION Thais swamped Democracy Monument to denounce another right-wing movement and military puppet regime that denied them their democratic rights - it shook the establishment to 'their core' according to the left wing academic Giles Ungkaporn). What followed was a takeover by the people of Thailand - didn't last long though, and the right-wing eventually regained control.

Are we nearing a repeat?

Are "they"?

May you be so kind and tell the audience then what this "Peoples Movement", if it "shook the establishment to its core", what exactly has this "movement" around the ideology of Giles Umpakorn and the likes, as Khun Weng; has managed to establish in the time passed?

35 years is some incredible time frame!

Did this "Movement for democracy" look on, hands in their lap, to the rise of a Chatchai, Banharn, Chavalit, Thaksin Government?

And with these Governments anything was absolutely in correct order and they all reigned under strict democratic values, did they?

Or are these "Intellectuals" all but good speakers and mere critics then constructive democrats with feasible solutions at hand?

Yes or No?

Does this country need more Coups de Etat, more uprising, more unrest, more blood spilled?

I really wonder where are the people with genuine good intentions and when will they find the support of the majority.....

If the UDD stand for what it claims, why they don't cut ties once and forever with Thaksin and no more "phone in's", does this "Movement for Democracy" rely on his and his supporters money?

could you please be so kind and elaborate?