State Of Emergency Declared For Bangkok

[Thai at Heart]

F***

What is happening with you Thai's!

Lots of protests but no one putting forward answers.

You live a democracy, you make your bed you lie in it!

In the mean time you can work on changes!

Maybe I have lived in a world of stability born in the UK and moving to Oz in 1990 when I was 28.

I see good and bad in Taksin, he was certainly a shrewd leader.

What do you want?

The Yellow shirts to appoint their own leader for Thailand?

Or the red shirts to appoint Taksin as their leader for Thailand?

Yes that would be a dictatorship!

Let's see some answers here!

Turn on Channel 3 if you want some answers. Thai drama is still on. (Slapping & yelling and loasd of cute chicks) Apart from a few idiots who are paid to cause trouble the majority still doesn't give a shit what's going on. It's the minority and the rest of thais are still lovely smiling people who like to live in peace.

I think there is a lot more under the surface in Thai society that does not fall inot the 'live in peace' category otherwise we would not be witnessing so many angry people right now. What did they just forget to smile today or maybe they have been harbouring a lot of resentment for years and now it's bubbling over?

yes, but please admit that the "bubbling over" happens to a few of the 60 million we live together with. The majority is sick of what happens to then since 2006 and just want to be left alone. Living here since seven years taught me that Thais are (when it comes down to the basics) truly peaceful people. The ones causing the trouble are not representative and the one who are are (typically asian) to grieng djai to rasie their voices to make this all end.

The ones doing the protesting aren't representative just as the yellows weren't representative before. But if Thaksin gets back here, maybe you might be able to hear the cheers from the farmers in Isaan in Sukhumvit.

[edwardmoulton]

Abhisit? great leader and planner? - Yes

Kasit? mental age of what? 50, but with a hot temper that gets in into trouble. Many of us can relate, I'm sure.

Suthep? Any other cabinet member you can admire? I admire Khun Korn quite a lot. Minister of the Treasury.

Or maybe Mr Newin? Maybe Newin what? That is an incomplete thought.

And then let's see:

The current government's standards:

Do you agree with only 30% of the government being elected and 70% being appointed by the poewers that be? That is not a Democrat plan. That was a PAD plan. The PM does not agree with it, and has said so repeatedly.

Do you agree with taking no action against the discgusting activiites of last year? PAD... Im pretty sure 19 of them were in the Police Station less than 2 weeks ago, to hear charges brought against them by the Attorney General.

Do you agree with so much power being in the hands of a few in BKK and those in the countryside being considered sub-human? No, and Im pretty sure that most don' t feel that way. If you've ever heard any of the current government ministers mention that, please enlighten us.

Do you condone the continued cover ups and lies from the army over Cambodia and Rohingya? No, I don't. This is the army covering its ass, and one of the major problems in Thailand. However, the PM had a good point on Hard Talk this week. He asked for the international media to provide him with documentation concering their allegations and the didn't, or couldn't. I'd like to know more about that.

If you support and agree with any of the above, come out and say it! Otherwise, stop droning on with sad old petty jokes about Thaksin and stop making personal attacks on people here for their beliefs (which, by the way are far more admirable than just following the easy poke-fun route so many of you do).

There are a lot of constructive members on here but form what I see the ones that continually make derogatory remarks are the sad old establishment buffoons...

I"ve answered your questions. DO I get my EdwardMoulton Certified Membership Card now? Am I allowed to post on TV, with your permission? I wait your answer, most humbly...

Well, answer the questions above before you pick apart anyone else's posts and argue semantics... Done

My answers in red.

Thank you apart from the descent into sarcasm at the end...

I think the point regarding Newin was understandable to most. Simply follow the trend from the other allies of Abhisit..

I hope it stays civil and polite now and others do the same. As more than one person has said here now, it is pathetic to see the personal comments creeping in...

[conimex]

F***

What is happening with you Thai's!

Lots of protests but no one putting forward answers.

You live a democracy, you make your bed you lie in it!

In the mean time you can work on changes!

Maybe I have lived in a world of stability born in the UK and moving to Oz in 1990 when I was 28.

I see good and bad in Taksin, he was certainly a shrewd leader.

What do you want?

The Yellow shirts to appoint their own leader for Thailand?

Or the red shirts to appoint Taksin as their leader for Thailand?

Yes that would be a dictatorship!

Let's see some answers here!

Turn on Channel 3 if you want some answers. Thai drama is still on. (Slapping & yelling and loasd of cute chicks) Apart from a few idiots who are paid to cause trouble the majority still doesn't give a shit what's going on. It's the minority and the rest of thais are still lovely smiling people who like to live in peace.

Channel 3/ 5/ 7/ 9/ and 11 are all army channels, do you really believe, that they will show you all the shit and make things worse than it is ?

[SpankyMcSpank]

Suthep confident there will be no coup

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban Sunday night expressed confidence that there would be no coup.

He said the government declared the state of emergency in time to control the situation after the red-shirted movement planned to create political disturbances.

Speaking to reporters at 7:20 pm, he said the government managed to control the situation much better.

The Nation - http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...will-be-no-coup

[kuffki]

More news about what is actually going on now might fresh this topic up. Those repeating themselves again and again might enjoy reading their own posts while I assume many readers do not.

Nothing new as yet-ALL SAME

But i have a feeling army will move in late in the night, so to avoid any passing by civilian casualties or an onlookers

[shunima]

Why are people on this forum telling farangs to "mind their own business"

We live here, we have children here, we are residents, we even invented their parliamentary system, educated them etc

I'm sick of this Thai for Thai crap!

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one.

My pet hate is to be told we are visitors and we should be grateful...

1. I am not a visitor - I work here, have a family here, own property here, pay staff and pay tax

2. I would only be grateful if someone was paying for me but strangely enough I pay for myself

I would love for someone to explain this one to me some day!

Please don't get me wrong but it's as simple as this: If you wouldn't be here all of this wouldn't happen to you.

This is not only typical for Thailand but for a lot of Asian countries. Example: I was in an accident where somebody hit the back of my car. Police (Thai) came and told me that it's my fault. I replied how that can be as I was simply standing on that road. Answer: If you wouldn't be there nothing would have happend. Thant's a simple approach to see things and I don't blame them for that. It's the way things are seen here as I learned it from a lot of my colleagues who had similar experiences here in Thailand or Vietman, China etc...

You are the guest and therefore it's none of your business. Like it or not. This is not the western world/

[wayfarer108]

On the nation there are several news about the protesters blocking the streets with cars, buses motorbikes.

Any army guy here??

When the army has tanks, no mater how old they are, this shouldn't be a big issue or?

I saw a few pictures of tanks going over cars and it didn't look very difficult so what is the issue on that???

Most the Army foot solidiers are from where most of the rural and poor population are........the normal recruitment area. Thats the North, the NorthEast and the East. This is where the majority of THAI people are.

Their brothers and sisters and fighting for Democracy, are the foot solidiers really going to stop them.................

It would appear by most of the comments here that people are seriously underestimating the support the "reds" have in the North and East of the country, where indeed the majority of the nations population resides. They have a HUGE support base that will come out in full force if things escalate much further and the end result will indeed be full blown civil war including a split within the security forces, Interesting times ahead...

There's one person's opinion, and then there are the polls, which show support for the Abhisit administration is double that of the Thaksin/red movement. Bangkok, central and southern Thailand easily balance out the north and the northeast and surveys show that support in the north is lower that it ever has been. The red movement is noisy and highly visual, but not especially numerous.

[TheChiefJustice]

I see an item on pantip.com (8:44PM) from the Deputy PM saying that according to his sources Thaksin is in Dubai and not in Thailand, as earlier rumoured.

Edited April 12, 2009 by TheChiefJustice

[xminator]

Someone living in Thailand posting on my native language forum saying more then 100 000 at government building now. I do find that hard to believe, but we'll see when the light come tomorrow. This is when newsagencies with their own helicopters is a nice thing to have.

Anyone have the link for that traffic controll map over Bangkok?

[hammered]

I dont think anyone knows what will happen

[ChiangMaiFun]

The current government is illegitimate.

The PAD LOST the last election.

Do they think they can ride rough shod over democracy and expect the voices of the people to be silent?

There will be blood............................

Just to give you a quick education:

* PAD isn't a political party and didn't contest the last election.

* All current members of parliament were democratically elected.

* The current government is comprised of elected representatives who have formed a coalition and therefore is legitimate.

Suggest you do a bit of reading about the Thai system of government. You're right about the blood though. At least you'll be right if anyone in the Thai army has the balls to pull the trigger before handing over an APC to an angry mob. Which I'm beginning to doubt.

and to educate you... government was only formed through people abandoning the party they were elected to serve and joining the 'opposition' - they should hold an election with outside observers - whoever wins - wins and all should support - Army/Police and population

[SpankyMcSpank]

PM: Officials enforcing state of emergency; Thaksin continues to incite Red Shirts

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Sunday that state officials are prepared to enforce the State of Emergency order, which he issued earlier in the day, in the capital and in five neighbouring provinces, if the Red Shirt anti-government protesters continue to violate other people’s rights.

Shortly after, convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Sunday evening continued to incite his supporters by video-link speech from an unknown location, saying he would return to Thailand to lead people in upcountry in a march on the capital if necessary.

Mr. Thaksin thanked the Thai military for refusing to use force against the people. The ex-premier also warned that once the military rolled out tanks into streets, the people would come out for 'a revolution for democracy'.

Speaking live to the public in his second national address on television in one day, at 5.15pm Sunday evening, the prime minister said United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) Red Shirts continued to violate the law and showed no respect for other people’s rights as provided by the Constitution.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban called on the country’s armed forces and police to fully enforce the State of Emergency.

The protesters continue to provoke chaos, said Mr. Abhisit, adding that officials are now prepared to exercise power provided under the state of emergency, he said.

UDD protesters stormed into the Interior Ministry compound while Mr. Abhisit was announcing the state of emergency, smashing a car and injuring several aides to the prime minister during their illegal trespass.

Urging the public to remain at peace, Mr. Abhisit said his government is in process of doing everything possible to uphold the law and restore peace in the country soon.

“The protesters have no right to violate the law, especially violating other people’s rights. They should stop these actions,” Mr. Abhisit warned.

Armoured military vehicles and soldiers have been deployed at 50 key locations in the capital as anti-government protests turn more violent and spread into several areas of Bangkok following the prime minister’s imposition of a State of Emergency.

However, in a very confused situation, some army armoured personnel carriers were captured by the red-clad protesters.

Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the military's presence is meant to restore order, after red-shirted anti-government protesters stormed into the ministry compound, and local television showed pictures of the mob armed with poles and paving slabs smashing a car they believed carried the prime minister.

Mr. Abhisit escaped unharmed and he later told reporters that he was safe but one of his security guards was nabbed by the protesters.

Meanwhile, Red Shirt supporters in the eastern province of Chanthaburi blocked the Chantaburi-Sra Kaeo road, paralysing traffic in the area, urging the release of detained UDD leader Arisman Pongruangrong.

In Lampang and Phitsanuloke, hundreds of UDD supporters rallied at city and provincial halls after learning their protest leader was arrested and that the premier declared a State of Emergency in Bangkok and neighbouring areas.

The situation is the same at the northeastern province of Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani, where protesters demonstrated at provincial and municipal offices calling on the Abhisit administration to step down. (TNA)

Source - Thai News Agency - http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9470

[canuckamuck]

If I remember rightly, weren't you cheering on the yellow shirts as they "declared an all out war on the government"? And doesn't "under the state of emergency that can't even be enforced" not remind you of the time when PAD was acting just as bellicose as those that you now so hypocritically condemn?

I don't remember PAD declaring the all out war on the government to the point they refused to recongnise country's laws and declared a hunt for government leaders.

They've been to several government buildings, including metropolitan police, but never ever they allowed the lynch mob to unleash the violence of the kind we've seen in these two days.

They've confronted several ministers but never thrashed their cars and beaten their drivers, and they never gave security detail a reason to open fire on them, as reds claim Abhisit guards did today.

Trying to justify today's red insurgency by some PAD actions months ago is hypocritical by people who deplored PAD actions at that time but seems to problems accepting red violence despite all their previous protests about civil disobedience campaign.

Also, please note that civil disobedience doesn't include attacking government leaders. That falls under treason, that's where reds are frog marching today.

I would say you have rose colored glasses Plus, but it is clearly all yellow to you.

They occupied government house for three bloody months forcing everyone to work elsewhere. You call that a visit?

They closed three airports causing mayhem across Asia, was that another visit. And if the mob would have gotten their hands on those government folks that jumped the fence as parliament was sieged. do you think they would have helped them find their car and driver?

Yes the reds have done some stupid things this week, but nothing like what Sonthi imposed on us last year.

It is not justification of course, justifacation comes from the people having their votes discarded in favor of the status quo.

[xminator]

I see an item on pantip.com (8:44PM) from the Deputy PM saying that according to his sources Thaksin is in Dubai and not in Thailand, as earlier rumoured.

Is that the same Deputy PM that had security under control in Pattaya and earlier today was in complete control of the situation in Bangkok? Oh, and I also doubt Thaksin is in Thailand. Situations just seem to volatile and uncertain for any major players to risk their necks.

Edited April 12, 2009 by xminator

[wayfarer108]

This is about something far bigger than Thaksins money.

If you really have not worked that out, then you really should not be commenting on the situation.

I see you are another new user name just signed up today, looks like lots of muzzled and banned posters are eager to get back on here and start telling lies all over again, not saying you are one of them, just commenting on your recent sign up.

Interestingly, if you look back through the threads you'll see that it's mainly Thaksin supporters who get banned. What happens is they start demanding facts, and when facts are given they change to another angle, and another, until eventually they come back to the original one again. Then they start ranting, and writing in capitals. Next they begin commenting that anyone who disagrees with them is a lier and an idiot, and shouldn't be on the forum. Sooner or later they break the rules and thus endeth that incarnation.

Back on topic, as I posted in another thread, we aint seen nothing yet. The scenario I think will happen is that sooner or later the men really in charge of the country will send in the big boys, BPP and elite troops, and they won't be pussyfooting about. The rent-a-mob survivors will flee, the militant reds will fight it out with no hope of winning and will eventually either be killed, also flee, or last long enough till the proclamation is made that an appointed PM will take charge, and the country allowed to settle down for a few years before elections are held. All this madness and potential bloodshed and we'll be back to where we were over a decade ago. The mystery is what will happen to Thaksin. Traditionally, all sides are pardoned and sent on their way, but he has broke with tradition, and remains an enigma. They may give him a pardon and let him into the country, but I don't think they will allow him back into politics, he remains too divisive, and potentially dangerous to them. My reaction would be to strip him of every asset, rank and title, along with his citizenship, and make him apply for a visa along with all the other Nicaraguan passport holders should he ever wish to come back - making sure he didn't overstay. And lock him up for two years should he be rude to the immigration official who only gives him 30 days on arrival.

It all boils down to who presently has the power. Whose side are the BPP and Elite troops on? Will the other toops attack the attacking troops?

The normal thing to happen is that every party sends out their people, to ensure the other does not make the first move.

This is why so many "army divisions" are now out on the streets.

Why do you think nearly all countries have 1 Army, but Thailand has many Armies ?

Don't tell me you didn't know Thailand has more than just one single united Army........................

The power could swing tonight, everything is in the balance.

Compelling pose. Unfortunately you don't have a clue what you're talking about.

[SpankyMcSpank]

PAD demands PM sack deputy PM, defence minister

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) -- The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Sunday issued a statement demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, and Thailand’s army, navy and police chiefs immediately after they failed to contain the red-shirted anti-government protesters on Saturday, which led to cancellation of the ASEAN summit with its dialogue partners.

The PAD statement said the government was totally defeated as it could not protect the country’s interests, and that the Thai people, therefore, must depend on themselves.

The PAD statement said that Mr. Suthep who oversees national security has a close relation with convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had failed to implement security measures and the prime minister should display courage and leadership by changing the deputy prime minister, defence minister, chiefs of the army, navy and police immediately.

Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core PAD leaders told the Sunday press conference that if the government could not help the country, the PAD would “come out”, but at present the Abhisit government must implement the law to deal with the unrest.

Another PAD leader. Sondhi Limthongkul said that Mr. Abhisit must perform his duty more seriously, but if he fails, the PAD will come out to display its public referendum and power.

However, the PAD membership will not come out on the street and become targets themselves by clashing with the “Red Shirt’ protesters, Mr. Sondhi said, which is wanted by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda so that it is necessary to suppress both sides, which would eventually lead to a military coup. (TNA)

Source- http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9469

[edwardmoulton]

F***

What is happening with you Thai's!

Lots of protests but no one putting forward answers.

You live a democracy, you make your bed you lie in it!

In the mean time you can work on changes!

Maybe I have lived in a world of stability born in the UK and moving to Oz in 1990 when I was 28.

I see good and bad in Taksin, he was certainly a shrewd leader.

What do you want?

The Yellow shirts to appoint their own leader for Thailand?

Or the red shirts to appoint Taksin as their leader for Thailand?

Yes that would be a dictatorship!

Let's see some answers here!

Turn on Channel 3 if you want some answers. Thai drama is still on. (Slapping & yelling and loasd of cute chicks) Apart from a few idiots who are paid to cause trouble the majority still doesn't give a shit what's going on. It's the minority and the rest of thais are still lovely smiling people who like to live in peace.

I think there is a lot more under the surface in Thai society that does not fall inot the 'live in peace' category otherwise we would not be witnessing so many angry people right now. What did they just forget to smile today or maybe they have been harbouring a lot of resentment for years and now it's bubbling over?

yes, but please admit that the "bubbling over" happens to a few of the 60 million we live together with. The majority is sick of what happens to then since 2006 and just want to be left alone. Living here since seven years taught me that Thais are (when it comes down to the basics) truly peaceful people. The ones causing the trouble are not representative and the one who are are (typically asian) to grieng djai to rasie their voices to make this all end.

Fair points but I also think that the passivity you talk of is not there when things get tough. I have been here many years and seen agression in certain situations that defies belief. It is all a question of motivation and right now I think that as others have said better than me on this thread already, the average person has had enough of keeping quiet. Combine this with catastrophic economic prospects now and I don't think they will remain smiling and peaceful for long as we already see... Equate things now to a smouldering volcano...

[wxpwzrd]

More news about what is actually going on now might fresh this topic up. Those repeating themselves again and again might enjoy reading their own posts while I assume many readers do not.

LOL That is a lot of what these threads end up. Regurgitation

[hammered]

PAD demands PM sack deputy PM, defence minister

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) -- The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Sunday issued a statement demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, and Thailand’s army, navy and police chiefs immediately after they failed to contain the red-shirted anti-government protesters on Saturday, which led to cancellation of the ASEAN summit with its dialogue partners.

The PAD statement said the government was totally defeated as it could not protect the country’s interests, and that the Thai people, therefore, must depend on themselves.

The PAD statement said that Mr. Suthep who oversees national security has a close relation with convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had failed to implement security measures and the prime minister should display courage and leadership by changing the deputy prime minister, defence minister, chiefs of the army, navy and police immediately.

Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core PAD leaders told the Sunday press conference that if the government could not help the country, the PAD would “come out”, but at present the Abhisit government must implement the law to deal with the unrest.

Another PAD leader. Sondhi Limthongkul said that Mr. Abhisit must perform his duty more seriously, but if he fails, the PAD will come out to display its public referendum and power.

However, the PAD membership will not come out on the street and become targets themselves by clashing with the “Red Shirt’ protesters, Mr. Sondhi said, which is wanted by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda so that it is necessary to suppress both sides, which would eventually lead to a military coup. (TNA)

Source- http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9469

Looks like the Dems were always the sacrficial lambs.

Only thing is that if they went ot street protest I dont doubt they could bring out a lot more than any other group. Lets hope they dont

[shunima]

Why are people on this forum telling farangs to "mind their own business"

We live here, we have children here, we are residents, we even invented their parliamentary system, educated them etc

I'm sick of this Thai for Thai crap!

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one.

My pet hate is to be told we are visitors and we should be grateful...

1. I am not a visitor - I work here, have a family here, own property here, pay staff and pay tax

2. I would only be grateful if someone was paying for me but strangely enough I pay for myself

I would love for someone to explain this one to me some day!

Please don't get me wrong but it's as simple as this: If you wouldn't be here all of this wouldn't happen to you.

This is not only typical for Thailand but for a lot of Asian countries. Example: I was in an accident where somebody hit the back of my car. Police (Thai) came and told me that it's my fault. I replied how that can be as I was simply standing on that road. Answer: If you wouldn't be there nothing would have happend. Thant's a simple approach to see things and I don't blame them for that. It's the way things are seen here as I learned it from a lot of my colleagues who had similar experiences here in Thailand or Vietman, China etc...

You are the guest and therefore it's none of your business. Like it or not. This is not the western world/

Troll!

If it wasnt for westerners they wouldnt have any cars in the first place.

...yes and in a lot of situations where they run over each other they would be better off without cars. But that's not the point. Point is that we are the guests if we like it or not. We are not eligible to vote, we are not eligible to receive socila contributions, we are not eligible to buy lad, we are not....

and if anybody doesn't like it they are glad to show you the way to Suvannabhumi. (...and I still prefer to stay here :-)

[spongeman]

Is Thailand ready for more Elections ? I d'ont think so. The Mrs is a Democrat and she has no interest in seeing anybody else in power, regardless of the result. Its probably the same on the other side.

If both sides are so polarised why not have some kind of power sharing arrangement ?

Why c'ant we all just get along .......???????????/

[SpankyMcSpank]

...yes and in a lot of situations where they run over each other they would be better off without cars. But that's not the point. Point is that we are the guests if we like it or not. We are not eligible to vote, we are not eligible to receive socila contributions, we are not eligible to buy lad, we are not....

and if anybody doesn't like it they are glad to show you the way to Suvannabhumi. (...and I still prefer to stay here :-)

Actually, the Social Contributions part has one sidebar. If you are in the Social Security scheme, you are eligible to receive the old age pension, if you have the time vested in the program.

[Sunderland]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...-to-join-rallie

Thaksin makes phone-in, calling more to join rallies

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a phone-in to the rally at the Government House at 6:30 pm, calling more people to join anti-government rallies in Bangkok.

He said it was the "golden time" now for the protesters to rise up against the government after soldiers were deployed to Bangkok streets.

He said he was ready to move into Thailand to lead the people's uprising.

The Nation

end quote

I think this is called revolution or coup???

Thaksin is so full of crap that it's not just leaking out the bottom of his trousers, it's flooding Dubai at the moment!!

[ChiangMaiFun]

For the Brits amongst us, think of the possible consequences if Thaksin should regain power.

Very good point, and I'm a Brit ...

It was so hypocritical - Brown is such a piece of shit and has no values whatsoever

[edwardmoulton]

Why are people on this forum telling farangs to "mind their own business"

We live here, we have children here, we are residents, we even invented their parliamentary system, educated them etc

I'm sick of this Thai for Thai crap!

I wholeheartedly agree with you on this one.

My pet hate is to be told we are visitors and we should be grateful...

1. I am not a visitor - I work here, have a family here, own property here, pay staff and pay tax

2. I would only be grateful if someone was paying for me but strangely enough I pay for myself

I would love for someone to explain this one to me some day!

Please don't get me wrong but it's as simple as this: If you wouldn't be here all of this wouldn't happen to you.

This is not only typical for Thailand but for a lot of Asian countries. Example: I was in an accident where somebody hit the back of my car. Police (Thai) came and told me that it's my fault. I replied how that can be as I was simply standing on that road. Answer: If you wouldn't be there nothing would have happend. Thant's a simple approach to see things and I don't blame them for that. It's the way things are seen here as I learned it from a lot of my colleagues who had similar experiences here in Thailand or Vietman, China etc...

You are the guest and therefore it's none of your business. Like it or not. This is not the western world/

Troll!

If it wasnt for westerners they wouldnt have any cars in the first place.

Sadly that is the attitude of so many here and they wonder why the country is in the state it is in....

Maybe accepting some advice and learning from other countries as other Asian countries do might help rather than staying in ignorant bliss..

[Thai at Heart]

PAD demands PM sack deputy PM, defence minister

BANGKOK, April 12 (TNA) -- The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on Sunday issued a statement demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dismiss Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, and Thailand’s army, navy and police chiefs immediately after they failed to contain the red-shirted anti-government protesters on Saturday, which led to cancellation of the ASEAN summit with its dialogue partners.

The PAD statement said the government was totally defeated as it could not protect the country’s interests, and that the Thai people, therefore, must depend on themselves.

The PAD statement said that Mr. Suthep who oversees national security has a close relation with convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had failed to implement security measures and the prime minister should display courage and leadership by changing the deputy prime minister, defence minister, chiefs of the army, navy and police immediately.

Retired Maj-Gen. Chamlong Srimuang, one of the core PAD leaders told the Sunday press conference that if the government could not help the country, the PAD would “come out”, but at present the Abhisit government must implement the law to deal with the unrest.

Another PAD leader. Sondhi Limthongkul said that Mr. Abhisit must perform his duty more seriously, but if he fails, the PAD will come out to display its public referendum and power.

However, the PAD membership will not come out on the street and become targets themselves by clashing with the “Red Shirt’ protesters, Mr. Sondhi said, which is wanted by Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda so that it is necessary to suppress both sides, which would eventually lead to a military coup. (TNA)

Source- http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=9469

Seems like the leg up that Abhisit got to get where he is just got knocked out from underneath him. What a soap opera this would make. If only Thai politics was as simple.

Got to love the fact that Suthep after his debacle yesterday, is once again in charge. At least the PAD is telling him something right in that Abhisit should have fired Suthep this morning, but then again Suthep probably was a pooyai went to Abhisit's 18th birthday. Who would have thought that only a few months after being anointed, Abhisit would have managed to enrage both sides of the political spectrum quite so much. He is far to nice a man and green behind the ears for this type of dirty business.

[johnefallis]

The whole thing is being staged IMHO

How can there not be a single picture??

Whole thing being staged huh? Good thing you aren't in charge. I just got back from taking all kinds of pictures. What would you like a picture of?

[ChiangMaiFun]

Uhm ....Kasit standing on the podium all evening at the airport during the siege? Check YouTube for videos. He even suggested revoking the voting rights of the poorer Thais.

How does that translate into him being a movement leader. They had hundreds of people sympathetic to their goals, speaking on stage.

He called on people to topple the democratically elected government of Thaksin and urged them to violence. Even suggested revoking the voting rights of the poor, effectively only making the rich and privileged able to vote. And yes, you can say the PPP was convicted of vote buying, but by then they had not been convicted yet. Didn't Abhisit say that anyone who urges violence and the toppling of a democratically elected government, not to mention declaring "victory" (which the red shirts, as well as the PAD did), make them an "enemy of the state"?

So why make Kasit, obviously an enemy of the state, the foreign Minister?

You can't answer it. And you know it. So don't.

hear! hear!

[SpankyMcSpank]

For my part, I wouldn't mind seeing elections. I don't think the results would be what the reds expect. Once elections are called, MP's can switch parties. Judging by the fact that the PT party could only muster 120 signatures on there most recent Abhisit is evil petition, I would say about 60-70 of there MP's will jump to Newin's camp (or too Dems, and Chart Thai Pattana).

Also, the January Byelection showed that the PT party lost a lot of ground, in there "break and butter" area. It is conceivable that after the next election the Dem/Bhum Jai Thai coalition will have 300 MP's plus. Abihit will be PM, but the coalition will have a lot more "Newin" influence, which isn't the best thing, in my opinion. (See the recent 1 airport, 2 airport discussions)

[kuffki]

And yet again and again, all these people arguing and posting threads from the papers and yet not even one person has the real facts or information to argue politics.

Lets hope Cambodia will seize an opportunity and take control over the disputed temple while Thailand is too busy to deal with their internal problems

and people, please please stop insulting each other and discussing Thai politics, YOU DO NOT KNOW IT. THAIS THEMSELVES DO NOT KNOW IT.