10,000 Police, Soldiers, Security Officials Deployed To Keep Security At Government House

[dumball]

A snipet I picked up on Asia news ' Approximately 1,000 protesters surrounding government house in Thailand ' .

[rixalex]

I think one of the points the reds are making is that justice is justice, its not a one way thing.

The difference is your "leader" has already been convicted. Let's get him behind bars first, then let the courts decide who else has broken the law. Making such judgements is not a matter for either yellow or red campaigners.

[Koo82]

Khun Thaksin wears red today and is talking about how to solve economic problems now.

[h90]

I find it hilarious that all the PAD loving yellow bellies are calling this the "do or die moment" - the "last rally" - "all or nothing" and are trying to talk it up so they can hammer it down when it ends.

This is not a do or die.......its not the "last effort".

This is just a continuation of protests that will go on and on until justice is done.

How can justice be done if Thaksin is hiding outside?

He shall come back and stay his 2+ many more cases years in jail...

I think one of the points the reds are making is that justice is justice, its not a one way thing.

Many PAD people are clearly recorded on Video breaking many laws - and yet "no justice", "no convictions".

That is one simple example of why the reds will keep going until justice is done.

If the Democrats continue to "hide" and not seek proper and swift justice of those PAD people well, they will lost any credibility they have. There are no excuses - if they wanted to start the trials next week they could, but it looks like some "dark hand" is applying pressure to slow down and halt the process so that its all "delayed", delayed so long it will not be ready for trial for another 5 years or more.

First of all I think it is up to the courts not up to the Democrats.

But indeed the speed of the courts is a joke, many other cases are pending. What is with Samak and the firetrucks now. What with the EC members from before, why are the policemen from October not suspended till the case is clear.

Of course also the PAD should go to court. As long as Thailand does not has clear laws and efficient courts the country can't move forward.

[Oberkommando]

Khun Thaksin wears red today and is talking about how to solve economic problems now.

He'll win in the end.

He's just too clever for these other politicians.

It's taken years of coups, military junta, propaganda, charges, accusations, and court cases but they can't magic away the facts that he is still immensely popular with the rural electorate.

You've got to laugh, no really, you have to.

[rixalex]

He'll win in the end.

You've got to laugh, no really, you have to.

You're right. If he does prevail it will be the sickest joke in Thai history.

[animatic]

This blind faith in him is more black comedy in a red suit.

[h90]

Khun Thaksin wears red today and is talking about how to solve economic problems now.

He'll win in the end.

He's just too clever for these other politicians.

It's taken years of coups, military junta, propaganda, charges, accusations, and court cases but they can't magic away the facts that he is still immensely popular with the rural electorate.

You've got to laugh, no really, you have to.

yes he looks like a true winner.

[Koo82]

what is your estimate, of the numbers of people there ? Are the various estimates, of 20-30,000 protesters, accurate or too high ?

You will never believe my numbers, so see for yourself through

http://www.dstation.tv/

http://www.thaipeoplevoice.org/

Number is down early morning and biggest around 20:00. The reds must go to work.

[samgrowth]

I find it hilarious that all the PAD loving yellow bellies are calling this the "do or die moment" - the "last rally" - "all or nothing" and are trying to talk it up so they can hammer it down when it ends.

This is not a do or die.......its not the "last effort".

This is just a continuation of protests that will go on and on until justice is done.

How can justice be done if Thaksin is hiding outside?

He shall come back and stay his 2+ many more cases years in jail...

I think one of the points the reds are making is that justice is justice, its not a one way thing.

Many PAD people are clearly recorded on Video breaking many laws - and yet "no justice", "no convictions".

That is one simple example of why the reds will keep going until justice is done.

If the Democrats continue to "hide" and not seek proper and swift justice of those PAD people well, they will lost any credibility they have. There are no excuses - if they wanted to start the trials next week they could, but it looks like some "dark hand" is applying pressure to slow down and halt the process so that its all "delayed", delayed so long it will not be ready for trial for another 5 years or more.

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

You mean this guy? And the guy behind him holding the King's portrait's behind the gunman? PAD has already said their behavior were not acceptable, and had been asked to leave the PAD guard.

These guy has already lose his job. No job, no 2,000 Baht cheque. What else do you want from them?

My guessing, they are now paid by the red-shirts doing the same thing.

[webfact]

what is your estimate, of the numbers of people there ? Are the various estimates, of 20-30,000 protesters, accurate or too high ?

You will never believe my numbers, so see for yourself through

http://www.dstation.tv/

http://www.thaipeoplevoice.org/

Number is down early morning and biggest around 20:00. The reds must go to work.

Have you ever watched "Monty Python's Flying Circus"? If not you should...

[kurtgruen]

and the comedy goes on...even though the Jester is in hiding.

Hope it's nice and hot down there, so they really have to earn their 500 Baht per day.

[Wolfie]

He'll win in the end.

I hope not, he will be unbearable if he wins this fight... Sad fact, if he wins, gets his position back and shrugs off his 'conviction' - this will become the 'Republic of Thailand'.

Maturing Democracy aside, let it swing left or right for a few years more, it will grow, we do not need his type retaking the seat of power again.... <shudder>

Edited March 28, 2009 by Wolfie

[waza]

My opinion is......Thaksin isnt in this for the love of his suporters, or love of democracy, nor the love of power, but for his love of money. How far will he go to regain, " Asserts belonging to Thaksin and his family worth 76 billion baht".

Edited March 28, 2009 by waza

[mc2]

He'll win in the end.

I hope not, he will be unbearable if he wins this fight... Sad fact, if he wins, gets his position back and shrugs off his 'conviction' - this will become the 'Republic of Thailand'.

Maturing Democracy aside, let it swing left or right for a few years more, it will grow, we do not need his type retaking the seat of power again.... <shudder>

At the end of the day it is the Thai people who should decide who is PM.

A few more years and the five year ban will be lifted and it will be election time.

I doubt very much abhisit will win the next election, he simply cant connect to the rural populace. They just wont vote for him.

Thaksin only needs to continue to inspire his supporters, be patient, maintain momentum and hope, which is exactly what he is doing.

About money, his funds may be dwindling but his family and friends have billions stashed away in the various corps, its enough for an extended campaign that can and will go on until next election.

[Ricardo]

At the end of the day it is the Thai people who should decide who is PM.

Of course, but I don't have a problem with the current parliamentary system, although it is good to see, that not all MPs follow their party-line, when they think it's wrong. Kinda like recent USA in that, at least, with McCain sometimes supporting his former-opponent, for the good of the country.

A few more years and the five year ban will be lifted and it will be election time.

I'm not sure that the current coalition will last that long, given the tsunami of bad global-economic news, which is now impacting Thailand. Depends whether Thaksin can 'sell' the idea that this is the fault of the current government, but not also the fault of the previous two PMs.

I doubt very much abhisit will win the next election, he simply cant connect to the rural populace. They just wont vote for him.

But it will be interesting to see, does the current Democrat fairly-populist strategy work before then, in changing the support-base of the old TRT, in those rural areas which are loyal to Thaksin, which is by-no-means the whole of the country. Also can Thaksin still win an election, which isn't being organised by a government which he controls, an interesting question. I would suspect not, in the current state of his proxy-party, at least.

Thaksin only needs to continue to inspire his supporters, be patient, maintain momentum and hope, which is exactly what he is doing.

If he can do this, it will certainly impact the arguable slow downward-drift in his support-base to some extent, however there is the little problem of the outstanding sentence/unresolved-cases. Will he still prevail, if he can't actually campaign here, in person ?

About money, his funds may be dwindling but his family and friends have billions stashed away in the various corps, its enough for an extended campaign that can and will go on until next election.

If they continue to support him.

(my comments in red above)

[LevelHead]

I think one of the points the reds are making is that justice is justice, its not a one way thing.

The difference is your "leader" has already been convicted. Let's get him behind bars first, then let the courts decide who else has broken the law. Making such judgements is not a matter for either yellow or red campaigners.

And that is where you show your true colours.

Thaksin has been convicted and is on the run - regardless of how that happened, that is history.

Justice is not a one way thing, it does not wait for Thaksin, or anyone else.

The PAD committed many crimes and they should be charged with them now.............simple as that.

[animatic]

They are charged with them.

The charges are not brought to trial yet,

but charges are filed and will proceed,

in the thai fashion, into the courts.

[Old Man River]

Is it possible to get anymore hilarious than Thaksin's comments yesterday? Below is the link to the full article by The Nation:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29...cs_30099112.php

The excerpt that I couldn't stop laughing about is this one:

"The former premier criticised the government for spending money on populist policies, instead of sinking it in projects that would create jobs and income for the public."

I can just hear his clueless supporters yelling, yes, yes he is right, he knows all. Of course, this is the exact opposite of his position when he was PM.

Thaksin knows how clueless the majority of his supporters are so he can say anything and they will support it. I find it interesting how many on TV are also falling into his traps.

Edited March 29, 2009 by Old Man River

[Plus]

Yesterday, during Surayud's press conference, I asked some people if he was believable. The answer was that it's an old news and doesn't matter anymore either way. Then they switched the channel to watch "check chuai" news.

Thaksin is preaching to the converted, and he has been for a while now. He has given up on trying to appeal to non-red population, and doesn't seem to care if he started to annoy them.

But what can the reds do on their own? Not much. For the rest of the country they've turned into a harmless freak show on the sidelines, they, including the police, have learn to live with it.

The govt simply wants to sit it out and resume work on Monday as if nothing happened. Abhisit's face was all over the TV yesterday: "I don't know what he wants, one day it's constitution amendments, next day it's fresh elections. Anyway, I've got job to do, we have economic crisis on our hands."

Prem didn't dignify Thaksin's allegation with any response.

If Thaksin speeches bother them, they hide it very well. Expect some new measure limiting his freedom introduced quietly in the coming days, maybe his passport gets cancelled.

>>>

The court for political office holders doesn't have jurisdiction over Pojamarn. It has jurisidction over Thaksin, and it ruled that for a sitting PM giving consent to buying land from government agencies is illegal and punishment should be two years in jail. He could have got away with this if he claimed ignorance, it's his own involvment in the deal that was a transgression, and a little signature on bank form was the prove of that.

[webfact]

It has started to get very nasty already and there will be more to come! Khun Tox and even Pokemon (divorced for the benefit of getting back their money) are in the fight of their life... the mother of all his pending court cases!

The court decision whether his assets will be released or or not is due in summer. And to avoid the loss of 76 billion Baht (of course honestly earned in a very short time) need some action

and in MHO he is running out of ideas! I trust he regrets the remarks he made about some "invisible hands" a few days ago, because he is not stupid.

By now he must have realized he might have digged his own grave with that... Thais who still "love" him told me that.

Edited March 29, 2009 by webfact

[LevelHead]

Is it possible to get anymore hilarious than Thaksin's comments yesterday? Below is the link to the full article by The Nation:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29...cs_30099112.php

The excerpt that I couldn't stop laughing about is this one:

"The former premier criticised the government for spending money on populist policies, instead of sinking it in projects that would create jobs and income for the public."

I can just hear his clueless supporters yelling, yes, yes he is right, he knows all. Of course, this is the exact opposite of his position when he was PM.

Thaksin knows how clueless the majority of his supporters are so he can say anything and they will support it. I find it interesting how many on TV are also falling into his traps.

It perhaps shows your grasp of economics is as good as the Democrats...........

When the economy is booming you have the luxury of being able to invest in populist policies. As very well done by Thaksin.

When the economy is crashing due to the PAD and their pathetic goings on, its the time to invest in creating jobs.

Thaksin is very right, what a shame he is not here to lead the country out of this recession, instead of the present government who are driving Thailand further and further into foreign debt and job losses and recession.

[mc2]

I thought he made three good points in the speech, especially point 2

1. "It's time to return democracy to the people, or the confusion will never end,".

2. Thaksin said that the government should "borrow from its own money", meaning make use of the country's reserves of over US$100 billion (Bt3.5 trillion), instead of borrowing from abroad.

3. Thaksin pointed to the need for investment in alternative-energy plants to prepare for new increases in oil prices, which he expected some time in 2011.

Edited March 29, 2009 by mc2

[LevelHead]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...urayud-pad-link

UDD questions Surayud-PAD link

By: BangkokPost.com

Published: 29/03/2009 at 10:16 AM

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leader Nattawut Saikua demanded Privy Councillor Surayud Chulanont to tell the public if he called People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leader Sondhi Limthongkul to give his support for the PAD.

Mr Nattawut claimed that Gen Surayud called Mr Sondhi to voice his support while he was delivering a speech against the Thaksin Shinawatra government. The speech took place in the United States when Thaksin was prime minister.

According to the UDD leader, Mr Sondhi said Gen Surayud called him to support the PAD movement and he would give him a free television station after toppling Thaksin.

[Koo82]

Your husband is nice one way or the other, or rich, so you take him to be your husband.

Other people criticize your husband as ugly, fat, unfaithful, corrupt, cheating and more.

But at the end of the day, it is you who has the choice. If he is not good, you can divorce and marry another man.

If someone robs your house, drives your husband away, do you accept this new guy as your husband? He does not have the proper marriage certificate with you too. The guy wears business suit to the front house and teaches you sufficiency economy when he still drinks most expensive wine, smokes imported cigarettes, eats shark fin, plays casinos, travels overseas every week, and gives your neighbors and your brothers free money. This guy is still young and does not know how to make money. His family does not have any noticeable business for 70 years, so he borrows your neighbors when visiting them. Not enough, when your neighbors visit your house, he borrows again.

He says you should be quiet for the benefits of the house. He changes the family rule that robbing the house is legal.

Don't you know that your husband and you are the victims?

People near you say that your husband is cheating and does not respect your father. You lived with your husband for 5 years and know he loves your father and his father BY ACTIONS, not by words.

Why is it wrong when you want your husband back?

[ballpoint]

The guy wears business suit to the front house and teaches you sufficiency economy when he still drinks most expensive wine, smokes imported cigarettes, eats shark fin, plays casinos, travels overseas every week, and gives your neighbors and your brothers free money. This guy is still young and does not know how to make money. His family does not have any noticeable business for 70 years, so he borrows your neighbors when visiting them. Not enough, when your neighbors visit your house, he borrows again.

But Koo, your "husband" did all of these things too. And he didn't bother with borrowing money to give to other people, he stole it, and then loaned it back to those he stole it from.

You can't pretend your husband was a humble poor person when he was an arrogant rich one. You can't pretend that, just because you love him, the police can't lock him up when he commits crimes against your neighbours.

[redscouse]

Police are smiling with the reds

He is not smiling, he is laughing WITH her NOT AT her, did you look to the policeman at the left? He is smiling to the photographer

You can see very clear that they find her thinthong or pasaad mak maak.

The policeman second on the right show clearly his disgust about her behaviour.

wow amazing, you can look at a photograph and tell us what the people are thinking, thats great, maybe you can use this special talent to make money,

to me it looks like the second one has wind,the one in the shades is thinking "I look like Ponch with these on" and the one supposedly smiling at the photographer is probably smiling at what the little fella is smiling at.

perceptions, speak about facts mate and not what you think people are thinking

[redscouse]

I find it hilarious that all the PAD loving yellow bellies are calling this the "do or die moment" - the "last rally" - "all or nothing" and are trying to talk it up so they can hammer it down when it ends.

This is not a do or die.......its not the "last effort".

This is just a continuation of protests that will go on and on until justice is done.

How can justice be done if Thaksin is hiding outside?

He shall come back and stay his 2+ many more cases years in jail...

I think one of the points the reds are making is that justice is justice, its not a one way thing.

Many PAD people are clearly recorded on Video breaking many laws - and yet "no justice", "no convictions".

That is one simple example of why the reds will keep going until justice is done.

If the Democrats continue to "hide" and not seek proper and swift justice of those PAD people well, they will lost any credibility they have. There are no excuses - if they wanted to start the trials next week they could, but it looks like some "dark hand" is applying pressure to slow down and halt the process so that its all "delayed", delayed so long it will not be ready for trial for another 5 years or more.

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

You mean this guy? And the guy behind him holding the King's portrait's behind the gunman? PAD has already said their behavior were not acceptable, and had been asked to leave the PAD guard.

These guy has already lose his job. No job, no 2,000 Baht cheque. What else do you want from them?

My guessing, they are now paid by the red-shirts doing the same thing.

Oh it's ok, the police have no need to deal with the guy illegally carrying a firearm and firing it into a crowd on a city street, he lost his job (which I might add holds no power) with the PAD, that's that sorted then.

[jayboy]

Is it possible to get anymore hilarious than Thaksin's comments yesterday? Below is the link to the full article by The Nation:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29...cs_30099112.php

The excerpt that I couldn't stop laughing about is this one:

"The former premier criticised the government for spending money on populist policies, instead of sinking it in projects that would create jobs and income for the public."

I can just hear his clueless supporters yelling, yes, yes he is right, he knows all. Of course, this is the exact opposite of his position when he was PM.

Thaksin knows how clueless the majority of his supporters are so he can say anything and they will support it. I find it interesting how many on TV are also falling into his traps.

But isn't Thaksin making the point that in the context of the stimulus economic package, which I'm assuming he supports in broad terms, it's better to emphasize revenue generating expenditure that provides not only economic but social benefits as the real economy deteriorates.There's nothing odd about this and indeed it reflects a debate being had in many countries at the moment.As to Thaksin's broad "populist" policies the Democrats long ago adopted this as part of their programme.

With respect I think also you should avoid using sweeping terms like "clueless" for a huge number of Thais.Even a slender understanding would inform you this isn't the case.

[cmsally]

Is it possible to get anymore hilarious than Thaksin's comments yesterday? Below is the link to the full article by The Nation:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/03/29...cs_30099112.php

The excerpt that I couldn't stop laughing about is this one:

"The former premier criticised the government for spending money on populist policies, instead of sinking it in projects that would create jobs and income for the public."

I can just hear his clueless supporters yelling, yes, yes he is right, he knows all. Of course, this is the exact opposite of his position when he was PM.

Thaksin knows how clueless the majority of his supporters are so he can say anything and they will support it. I find it interesting how many on TV are also falling into his traps.

The quote referred to a portion of Thaksins speech which in fact criticised spending money on populist policies under the present economic circumstances. A clarification that presumably the Nation saw fit to omit as it fits their flow of info. better.

For those that listened to the speech and understand , they will have noticed that it definitely clarified "under the present economic circumstances".

Personally I think the wording of the speeches is of less importance as the frequency and timing.

Is it only me, or does anyone else sense a possible split in Army ?

There are also rumours of a quashed deal leading up to present events.

Personally I don't think Thaksin will be laying cards on the table without being fairly sure of necessary backing.

My thoughts are that it has fallen into place over the previous few weeks.