Chuan Attacked With Eggs In Lampang

[george]

Chuan attacked with eggs in Lampang

Lampang: -- Democrat Party chief advisor Chuan Leekpai was Tuesday attacked with eggs and water bottles while helping his party campaign in a by-election here.

The campaign was immediately halted following the attacks.

Chuan was on a campaign vehicle with the candidate when about 100 red-shirted people followed him in other vehicles and shouted abusive words at him and threw bottles and eggs at him.

-- The Nation 2009-01-06

[samgrowth]

Chuan attacked with eggs in Lampang

Lampang: -- Democrat Party chief advisor Chuan Leekpai was Tuesday attacked with eggs and water bottles while helping his party campaign in a by-election here.

The campaign was immediately halted following the attacks.

Chuan was on a campaign vehicle with the candidate when about 100 red-shirted people followed him in other vehicles and shouted abusive words at him and threw bottles and eggs at him.

-- The Nation 2009-01-06

Good thing Mark is there too. It could get much worst.

[Moonrakers]

And so they are demanding new elections, yet at the same time they wont allow the Dem's to campaign.

[Plus]

Oh they are SOOO democratic, those reds.

So peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

Chuan and Abhisit should continue with what they are doing, in the long run red idiots and PTP are the biggest danger to themselves.

[adjan jb]

IMO Chuan is one of the few politicians who don't deserve to be pelted with eggs.

[TAWP]

At least we can clearly see that the reds have not one ounce of democracy in their body. So some of the posters and their acts of being 'champions of democracy' will come tumbling down like a deck of cards.

[AussieFarang]

At least we can clearly see that the reds have not one ounce of democracy in their body. So some of the posters and their acts of being 'champions of democracy' will come tumbling down like a deck of cards.

I don't think that many Thais that I know on all sides of politics claim or expect anything other than "aggressive self interest" when they are behind closed doors.

[Fore Man]

At least we can clearly see that the reds have not one ounce of democracy in their body. So some of the posters and their acts of being 'champions of democracy' will come tumbling down like a deck of cards.

I don't think that many Thais that I know on all sides of politics claim or expect anything other than "aggressive self interest" when they are behind closed doors.

It extends beyond that...these people are being paid to foment discontent and keep their movement alive for and by...you know who. What saddens me is that this abentee master puppeteer refuses to put a stop to it for the good of his native country. Shame on him and his churlish syncophants who leap to obey him with no regard for the future of this Kingdom and its people.

[Moonrakers]

Cue the: "They where paid", "Oh no they weren't" debate.

[fred2007]

IMO Chuan is one of the few politicians who don't deserve to be pelted with eggs.

not with hard boiled ones anyway

[younghusband]

Oh they are SOOO democratic, those reds.

So peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

Chuan and Abhisit should continue with what they are doing, in the long run red idiots and PTP are the biggest danger to themselves.

What a load of piffle.Citizens of every country have been throwing eggs at politicians for centuries.This kind of mock outrage would be slightly more convincing if you condemned -just once- the thuggery, intimidation and violence we experienced with the PAD mob.

[Gravelrash]

Oh they are SOOO democratic, those reds.

So peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

Chuan and Abhisit should continue with what they are doing, in the long run red idiots and PTP are the biggest danger to themselves.

I was giving up playing in the schoolyard, and really what does one say to a mindless load of nonsense like this? I think you have spent too many hours veging out to ASTV. Do you watch it with your hand clapper?

The PAD have a very serious record of criminality including insurrection, murder, assault, kidnapping, theft and the list goes on. BUT the evil reds threw eggs! So you see The PAD as peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

We all have differing opinions, however an educated and objective mind should be able to see the shades of grey rather than twisting reality to force events to conform to his black and white fantasy. And it sure doesn't get any greyer than politics here on all sides.

[samgrowth]

IMO Chuan is one of the few politicians who don't deserve to be pelted with eggs.

not with hard boiled ones anyway

Worst, it could be frozen eggs. Or egg soup in a can.

[TAWP]

Gravelrash>> I like your dishonesty in listing violent crimes for PAD and then trying to pretend that throwing eggs is the worst thing the red has done. Heck, your list is equally applicable to them too.

And that might just be the point.

[adjan jb]

IMO Chuan is one of the few politicians who don't deserve to be pelted with eggs.

not with hard boiled ones anyway

Worst, it could be frozen eggs. Or egg soup in a can.

or those bloody Chinese thousand year eggs (or century eggs, whatever they call them)

[Scott]

Oh, those silly, uncivilized reds...they should have sat on the runway and stopped all planes from landing! That's the civilized thing to do.

(What we really need to know: Did Thaksin buy the eggs?)

[jdinasia]

Oh they are SOOO democratic, those reds.

So peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

Chuan and Abhisit should continue with what they are doing, in the long run red idiots and PTP are the biggest danger to themselves.

I was giving up playing in the schoolyard, and really what does one say to a mindless load of nonsense like this? I think you have spent too many hours veging out to ASTV. Do you watch it with your hand clapper?

The PAD have a very serious record of criminality including insurrection, murder, assault, kidnapping, theft and the list goes on. BUT the evil reds threw eggs! So you see The PAD as peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

We all have differing opinions, however an educated and objective mind should be able to see the shades of grey rather than twisting reality to force events to conform to his black and white fantasy. And it sure doesn't get any greyer than politics here on all sides.

By 'twisting reality to force events to conform to his black and white fantasy' do you mean your list of YOUR charges against the PAD (which certainly has no basis in law)?

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile... in other by-election campaigning news...

PTP MP Chalerm Yoobamrung and "We Love Udon" Leader Kwanchai Praipana

Chalerm Helps Party Member Campaign for By-election

Veteran politician and seasoned MP Chalerm Yoobamrung has visited northeastern Udon Thani Province to help his party candidate garner voters’ support in the upcoming by-election.

Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung, who is also the party’s by-election campaign director, is in Udon Thani to help MP-hopeful Kiatudom Menasawasdi collect more votes in the province’s constituency 2.

Their arrival in Udon Thani was warmly greeted by pro-Thaksin Shinawatra red-shirted crowds, led by Kwanchai Praipana, who is the leader of the “We Love Udon” group.

And, on the stage, Chalerm expressed confidence that in the January 11th by-election, the PTP will still win a majority votes in the Northeast.

The former public health minister is scheduled to travel to nearby Nakhon Phanom Province later this evening.

- TOC / 2009-01-06

======================

Kwanchai's background:

Thailand: Protect Opposition Rallies From Attack

(New York, July 26, 2008) Thai authorities should ensure that opposition political rallies are protected from attack by pro-government groups, Human Rights Watch said today.

Since late May 2008, pro-government groups have attacked about a dozen rallies across Thailand organized by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), a coalition of groups critical of the government.

On July 24, 2008, in the most serious incident to date, police stood by while pro-government thugs beat and critically injured at least 13 PAD supporters and destroyed public property at a rally in Udon Thani province.

"Thai authorities have failed to protect their citizens' basic right to peaceful assembly," said Elaine Pearson, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch.

"By allowing pro-government thugs free rein to unleash violence, the authorities are putting Thailand's fragile democracy at risk. Officials should investigate these attacks and hold to account those responsible for the violence, as well as any officials who failed to stop it."

On July 24, Kwanchai Praipana and Uthai Saenkaew, the younger brother of Deputy Agriculture Minister Theerachai Saenkaew, led some 1,000 members of the pro-government Khon Rak Udorn Club to forcibly break up a peaceful rally of about 200 PAD supporters at Nong Prajak public park in Muang district, Udon Thani province. Local radio station FM 97.5 reportedly urged pro-government supporters to carry out violence against the rally. Pro-government supporters were armed with swords, axes, knives, iron clubs, wooden clubs, and slingshots.

News footage and eyewitness accounts show that local authorities made no effort to stop the violence. Some 500 police and district defense volunteers at the rally did not try to perform their duties even when thugs beat PAD supporters nearly to death right in front of them. And they made no attempt to arrest those who destroyed property at the rally.

Since May 25, tens of thousands of people have joined the PAD in rallies in Bangkok and across the country to express opposition for the administration of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. The PAD has accused the government of corruption, abuse of power, and being unpatriotic, among other criticisms. Although the PAD often uses strong language to criticize the government and has staged lengthy roadblocks in Bangkok, most of its activities have been peaceful.

On at least 11 occasions in Bangkok, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Chiang Mai, Sisaket, Chiang Rai, Maha Sarakham, and Buriram provinces, pro-government groups that are often associated with members of parliament from the ruling party have attacked PAD supporters, causing scores of injuries and damaging public property. In one instance, at a PAD rally in Maha Sarakham province on July 23, former Senator Karun Sai-Ngarm was on the stage when he was hit in the face with a marble from a slingshot and had to be rushed to hospital.

To date Thai authorities have failed to take action against those responsible for the attacks. In some cases, local police and provincial governors have promised to investigate the attacks and arrest those responsible but there is no evidence that this has occurred.

"The government of Prime Minister Samak should uphold the right to peaceful assembly as a basic component of democracy guaranteed in the Thai Constitution," said Pearson.

- Human Rights Watch News and Reuters

Kwanchai Phraipana (left) and an unidentified rabble-rouser

Udon Thani group leaders submit to charges

Leader of the Udon Thani Enthusiasts Kwanchai Phraipana, accompanied by Uthai Saenkaew, brother of Deputy Agriculture Minister Theerachai Saenkaew, have traveled to hear charges of assault and destruction of property amongst others at the provincial police headquarters.

The province's Governor stated that though demonstrations and rallies are constitutionally entitled rights they must not cause harm or damage to the state or the individual.

He said that the past violent event on the 24th of July merits that Kwanchai and Uthai be processed to the utmost of the law.

Kwanchai's image of himself...

Poster for Kwanchai Praipana

meets reality...

[grandpops]

At least we can clearly see that the reds have not one ounce of democracy in their body. So some of the posters and their acts of being 'champions of democracy' will come tumbling down like a deck of cards.

That my friend is because democracy was killed off time and time again by you and your ilk.

Remember, this heckling, barraking of buildings etc. was totally acceptable to you a few months ago. Can't complain now if its become the modus operandi of all political parties.

[Plus]

PAD has confronted many government ministers in the South, not once any incident of throwing eggs or anything at them was reported.

And then there's the image of Chuan - he's not Samak or Chalerm who most of the time just ask to be abused back.

You guys argue lack of democracy when here we have lack of civility.

[younghusband]

PAD has confronted many government ministers in the South, not once any incident of throwing eggs or anything at them was reported.

And then there's the image of Chuan - he's not Samak or Chalerm who most of the time just ask to be abused back.

You guys argue lack of democracy when here we have lack of civility.

Lack of civility is the issue, and it's not really a partisan one.What's needed in Thailand is a more generous spirit and not the assumption one's opponents are sat pralaat.Abhisit is setting a very good example, and actually it's in tune with the best of Thai culture.Bangkok Pundit makes a good pont.

"The same thing happened to PPP MPs and Ministers who visited the South. They were harassed at the airport on arrival and protesters besieged their hotel or whatever venue they were at for their meeting. Sensibly, in one instance, Abhisit criticised the yellow shirts that were doing this and so should Puea Thai MPs criticise anyone who harasses and impedes Democrat MPs and Ministers from doing their job (this should be applied more strictly to Ministers than out of district MPs). MPs are elected to perform duties and people can protest against them, but this is not a protest, it is harassment. Idiots come in all shapes and sizes and shirt colors."

[samgrowth]

PAD has confronted many government ministers in the South, not once any incident of throwing eggs or anything at them was reported.

And then there's the image of Chuan - he's not Samak or Chalerm who most of the time just ask to be abused back.

You guys argue lack of democracy when here we have lack of civility.

The Dems are testing the water again by sending Chuan.

I think Mark is using Chuan as a human shield. How long can he hide behind Chuan back, the only person in his team that is uncorrupted. Time for him to travel up North, or is he a chicken, that do not dare to visit the other half of Thailand. Calling himself the PM for all Thais. What a joke.

[Plus]

The Dems are testing the water again by sending Chuan.

I think Mark is using Chuan as a human shield.

Abhisit cancelled his trip to Lampang because there were reports of reds preparing to confron him with shit bags.

Chuan went instead, as he is seen as less provocative. Would be called hiding behind his back?

Time for him to travel up North, or is he a chicken, that do not dare to visit the other half of Thailand.

Is it an invitation from you? Are you in any way resposible for the reception he gets there? Do you speak for people of Isan and the North? Do they want him to come there and present his side of the story?

Are you asking him to come and recieve some serious abuse so that you can gloat about it on the Inernet? Do you want him to come and experience all kinds of humiliation for your entertainment?

Yes, he is the Prime Minister in service to all Thais (not PM of all Thais), but if some are not ready to listen to him, he shouldn't go and provoke them. That would be the best option at the moment.

>>>>>

YH, Chuan went there on a campaign trail, not as a member of the government. There's a code of conduct during campaign - you don't go and try to disrupt your opponents rallies, it's not your show. How can the elections can be ever be called fair if candidates are allowed to be harassed and intimidated in this way? How can PTP can be called legitimate winners after that?

Those areas look more like Zimbabwe than cradles of resurging Thai democracy. I hope I'm exaggerating.

[Scott]

I think it is wise for Abhisit to stay away for now. As the PM, whether you like him or not, he has work to do and one of his jobs isn't to provoke a confrontation that will overshadow things which need to be tended to.

[MyphuketLife]

Oh they are SOOO democratic, those reds.

So peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

Chuan and Abhisit should continue with what they are doing, in the long run red idiots and PTP are the biggest danger to themselves.

I was giving up playing in the schoolyard, and really what does one say to a mindless load of nonsense like this? I think you have spent too many hours veging out to ASTV. Do you watch it with your hand clapper?

The PAD have a very serious record of criminality including insurrection, murder, assault, kidnapping, theft and the list goes on. BUT the evil reds threw eggs! So you see The PAD as peaceful, so civilised, true hope of democracy in Thailand.

We all have differing opinions, however an educated and objective mind should be able to see the shades of grey rather than twisting reality to force events to conform to his black and white fantasy. And it sure doesn't get any greyer than politics here on all sides.

By 'twisting reality to force events to conform to his black and white fantasy' do you mean your list of YOUR charges against the PAD (which certainly has no basis in law)?

Just because they were not charged does not mean the PAD did not do those crimes... You forget about picture and video.... You can't honestly think the PAD did not commit any crimes during their airport closer stint....

That said it does not make it ok for the REDS to throw eggs either... While I find it kinda funny like throwing shoes at Bush, its still wrong and they should be charged with assualt by egg or something... Of course after the PAD faces charges for what they did...

[WinnieTheKhwai]

The *ONLY* proper thing Apeshit could possibly do is call an electoin and try to get his own mandate fair and square.

[MyphuketLife]

Why would he, he has allot to loose by holding proper elections....

[Samuian]

And so they are demanding new elections, yet at the same time they wont allow the Dem's to campaign.

no further comments!

[Plus]

Eactly, why should he call elections when his party is not allowed to campaign freely?

You can't hold elections under current circumstances.

They should stop harassing opposing candidates first.

[hammered]

Eactly, why should he call elections when his party is not allowed to campaign freely?

You can't hold elections under current circumstances.

They should stop harassing opposing candidates first.

That the red side wont allow people to campaign does show they dont believe in democracy. Not that I though they ever really did anyway but they have openly shown it now. They dont even believe theor politcal opponents sghould be allowed to campaign. Plus they introduce fear which isnt exaclty creating ther conditions for people to make free and fair decisons. Interesting to see them show their real colours. Yes I know the army have intimidated PPP candidates in the past, but the difference is that the red side claimed they were defenders of democracy and now show they are just as into dictatorship as the next guy. No surprise.

Edited to add: it wont chnage soon in all likelihood as the UDD gangsters havent been allowing opponents to talk on their turf for quite some time now. Go back to whjen they attacked Chuan first time around or go into a village and find the bizarre situation you have to go through to talk to a democractt supporter in bits of the north. The intimidation by Thaksinistas of those holding oppsoing views has been going on for years. Assaulting Chuan etc sends out a message that even big names get it so you little man/woman in the village if you are getting any ideas then dont. Seen it personally.

Edited January 7, 2009 by hammered