State Of Emergency Declared For Bangkok

[Meridian007]

Outstanding Op/Ed from K. Thanong:

HAPPY SONGKRAN DAY

Wow! Some of the best writing I've seen! I know that what we say here really has no meaning in the larger picture of Thai politics, but I hope Abhisit reads this article. It is clear, supported by strong reasoning, and gives good advice to the PM.

[Supernova]

Treason charges against PAD were dropped because they had no sense whatsoever. PAD wasn't trying to overthrow the state power, not even to remove the government by force.

Charges for airport takeover should correspond to crimes, not damages.

Thai Airways or AOT can sue PAD for damages separately, and I believe they can easily win Chamlong's left slipper as a satisfying reward.

Sorry, airports no damage, so no crime.

Case closed.

I wouldn't put it as simple as that...

Let's say 1000 thaivisa members stormed into the airport, setup stage and started a party... I'd be willing to bet we'd all be arrested and charged with some offense. There are laws against this, not only here in Thailand, but all over the world.

[Plus]

^Plus, you might see this as a pummeling of the Reds. You've written them off dismissively so many times before, yet they are still very much here.

The rest of the world sees this as a bunch of grannies in wheelchairs and yobs that can materialise at will and cane the country.

So I think the people running the show have to deal. Thats how the political game is played.

If no deal is done, they'll be back...again...and again and again.

Yes, it is a pummeling of the reds, and the end of the red cause.

Some of them WILL be back again, but as something different. Hopefully they'll find better channels to campaign for a democracy than running a revolution in Bangkok.

Despite what you try to imply, there's little to no support for armed rebellion and burning of Bangkok which are now permanently assossiated with reds. Lots of people were giving them a benefit of doubt or were fooled by their polite appearances but the mask has been off, people have seen their real faces and the image is not going to go away anytime soon.

It all looks different from the red propaganda angle, I agree, but I hope it will never be allowed to reach the population again. They have certainly lost sympathy from the rest of the media and I hope the govt finds a way to outlaw them as Europeans outlaw nazism. As a matter of principle, without giving it time to grow from innocent quest for freedom to exterminating entire races.

Thai govt could try to call HK authorities to task for allowing this incitemnt to overthrow Thai governemnt on one of their satellites. Diplomatically it's unacceptable, Thais have a good case here, and reds will never get a local license anyway.

[seri thai]

"It shows the world that last year was not a one-off," Thitinan said, referring to protests against the then-government that saw yellow-shirted demonstrators force the closure of Bangkok's airports.

"This is going to go on for some time, this kind of mob rule," Thitinan added.

Another analyst said only reform of a political system dominated by patronage, provincial strongmen and the influence of a shadowy elite would provide the permanent stability the country so badly needs.

"Politics in Thailand is not a public affair, it is an extension of families and their cliques. This is the building block of the entire system," said Michael Nelson, a visiting academic at Chulalongkorn University.

"Then we have the other elite groups like the privy council and the military, and what they do behind the scenes - which is not for public consumption." - AFP/de

Wise words that apply to both sides of the conflict. Do they have the ability to comprehend and adjust? It requires a big social/cultural rethink. A bleak future for all otherwise..... The political wheel has revolved back to where it was in 1931. What the Nation missed was any kind of socialist movement, trade unionism or workers representation. If this is not constructed and allowed from grass roots the cycle will continue.

Two observations.

1) The old order want it to continue as is, which is wrong

2) Thaksin has demonstrated that he is not the solution.

3) Is Abhisit able to rise to the occasion and bring both sides to reconciliation?

Edited April 14, 2009 by seri thai

[h90]

Treason charges against PAD were dropped because they had no sense whatsoever. PAD wasn't trying to overthrow the state power, not even to remove the government by force.

Charges for airport takeover should correspond to crimes, not damages.

Thai Airways or AOT can sue PAD for damages separately, and I believe they can easily win Chamlong's left slipper as a satisfying reward.

Sorry, airports no damage, so no crime.

Case closed.

I wouldn't put it as simple as that...

Let's say 1000 thaivisa members stormed into the airport, setup stage and started a party... I'd be willing to bet we'd all be arrested and charged with some offense. There are laws against this, not only here in Thailand, but all over the world.

Yes but don't forget the yellows didn't do that!!

The protested peacefully OUTSIDE

The airport canceled all flights (yellow still outside)

yellows got shot outside

yellows moved inside the already disabled airport and not just 1000, several 1000s

Most of the airport staff and Thai Airways support the yellows

[Plus]

Treason charges against PAD were dropped because they had no sense whatsoever. PAD wasn't trying to overthrow the state power, not even to remove the government by force.

Charges for airport takeover should correspond to crimes, not damages.

Thai Airways or AOT can sue PAD for damages separately, and I believe they can easily win Chamlong's left slipper as a satisfying reward.

Sorry, airports no damage, so no crime.

Case closed.

I wouldn't put it as simple as that...

Let's say 1000 thaivisa members stormed into the airport, setup stage and started a party... I'd be willing to bet we'd all be arrested and charged with some offense. There are laws against this, not only here in Thailand, but all over the world.

Given that TV has a membership of some 70,000 people, I'd say it's quite possible that there could a thousand of them (us) at the airport on a lucky day without anyone noticing.

It's not illegal to go inside the airport, there are no laws against it (not until recently anyway). There's no crime in several thousand PAD protesters entering departure areas. We've beel over this many times before - it's hard to pinpoint any criminal actions there. They didn't storm the tower, they didn't break through immigration, didn't break onto the tarmac, didn't fight with security there, didn't force their way in, didn't go beyond anywhere they are allowed to go as regular citizens, not on the first day anyway.

[samgrowth]

Treason charges against PAD were dropped because they had no sense whatsoever. PAD wasn't trying to overthrow the state power, not even to remove the government by force.

Charges for airport takeover should correspond to crimes, not damages.

Thai Airways or AOT can sue PAD for damages separately, and I believe they can easily win Chamlong's left slipper as a satisfying reward.

Sorry, airports no damage, so no crime.

Case closed.

I wouldn't put it as simple as that...

Let's say 1000 thaivisa members stormed into the airport, setup stage and started a party... I'd be willing to bet we'd all be arrested and charged with some offense. There are laws against this, not only here in Thailand, but all over the world.

If we all dress in yellow, we will be OK. There is only one law in Thailand, the law for people against the yellow. Is is call LM.

[samgrowth]

Treason charges against PAD were dropped because they had no sense whatsoever. PAD wasn't trying to overthrow the state power, not even to remove the government by force.

Charges for airport takeover should correspond to crimes, not damages.

Thai Airways or AOT can sue PAD for damages separately, and I believe they can easily win Chamlong's left slipper as a satisfying reward.

Sorry, airports no damage, so no crime.

Case closed.

I wouldn't put it as simple as that...

Let's say 1000 thaivisa members stormed into the airport, setup stage and started a party... I'd be willing to bet we'd all be arrested and charged with some offense. There are laws against this, not only here in Thailand, but all over the world.

Yes but don't forget the yellows didn't do that!!

The protested peacefully OUTSIDE

The airport canceled all flights (yellow still outside)

yellows got shot outside

yellows moved inside the already disabled airport and not just 1000, several 1000s

Most of the airport staff and Thai Airways support the yellows

Well said.

I am totally with you now.

[BigBikeBKK]

Al-Jazeera

And the commitment of the Red Shirts, who said they would battle to the very end, was clear.

Um yeah... guess this was written before the Red Shirt Terrorists turned tail and ran off home... I think they'll think twice before they try to mess with Bangkok again. Love all the videos of local Bangkok residents chasing them off. Here's a good one:

[Meridian007]

What the Nation missed was any kind of socialist movement, trade unionism or workers representation. If this is not constructed and allowed from grass roots the cycle will continue.

This may be true, but Thailand has a knee-jerk reaction to anything resembling Communism or even Socialism. Its history forces it to be this way.

A grass-roots movement that sees an erudite, educated group that has risen from the fields of Issan, and is not Chinese in any way, would I think, create more social equality in this country. That would break the stronghold of the rich Chinese families that control this country, but sadly, I don't see that happening in a LONG time.

Idealism is great, but realism is what is needed to truly see the country move forward. A solution must be sought that will work with the variables that are entrenched here. At least it looks like there might be a chance of removing the Thaksin element now, that is the best we can hope for.

[nitecm]

Outstanding Op/Ed from K. Thanong:

HAPPY SONGKRAN DAY

12:45:

Finally, before noon Veera Musikapong, later Natthawut Saikua and other key leaders of the Red Shirts gave up. They realised that it would be a futile exercise to continue the fight because their boss, Thaksin Shinawatra, is finished. They were unplugged.

Yes, Thaksin is finished.

It will be difficult for him to travel about because most countries would not want to welcome him now after witnessing the riots and espionage activities in Bangkok instigated by his Red Shirt supporters. Thaksin was caught making white and blant lies on CNN and BBC, feeding false information to the global audience that his Red Shirt supporters were fighting for democracy when in fact they were burning Bangkok with espionage tactics.

Thaksin is finished because he has bet all of his political fortune on April 13, the dark day of Neptune. He played out his winner's take all trump card. He set fires throughout Bangkok on the day that Neptune overshadowed the Sun to manifying its bad omens on Bangkok. He had the big milatary and police bosses on his side, including some politicians in the government wing. He did not forget to move his family out of Thailand a few days before Operation Songkran Inferno. Khunying Orr is now shopping in Dubai, still having plenty of money to spend.

Thaksin thought he could hold Thailand as his hostage by his remote control as he bargained for his return, his amnesty and his Bt76 billion assets. He thought that a royal petition would come down in his favour because he had Thailand in his palm.

But his stragtegy backfired. Thaksin failed to get the critical mass support. On the contrary, the residents of Bangkok staged an uprising against his Red Shirt supporters, who were burning Bangkok while Thaksin was acting Nero-like with his karaoke machine.

This was the critical factor. If the people -- the real people and not the people Thaksin claims he represents -- rise against the Red Shirt movement, then Thaksin can only go under. Thaksin thought that the burning of Bangkok would reach a critical level so that the country would fail into lawlessness and the military would step in to intervene in his favour.

It did not work.

The whole world knows that it has been duped by Thaksin all along. Many Thais also are disillusioned by Thaksin's ability to destroy the nation only to exchange for his return to power.

Now all the Red Shirt leaders will be going to jail, facing treason charges. If you plant a gas-tank trucks and plan to set it ablaze, you are committing an act of terrorism or espionage against the state. It is not too difficult to trace all the way as to who ordered the trucks out onto the streets.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, the prime minister, has emerged as a strong leader now. His leadership has been transformed overnight, from a lameduck PM forced to cancel the Asean Summit in Pattaya into a leader who could defuse the political crisis in the most subtle way. There has been no losses of life at all from the authorities' crackdown against the Red Shirts. Only two persons have been pronounced dead by the shooting of the Red Shirts.

Abhisit has prevailed because he managed to bounce out of the corner as the military, the police, the security people and his own political partners had tried to frame him. We have no evidence to substantiate the doubts that these top people formed a link with Thaksin.

But you don't see the face of Gen Anupong Paochinda nor that of Pol Chief Patcharawat Wongsuwan during the Red Shirt's ambush of the Asean Summit. The security people were not doing their duty at all. They stood idle while the Red Shirts succeeded in ruining the Asean Summit. So far they have not come out to show any responsibility for failing to provide security to the Summit and the regional leaders as well as Thailand's guests.

Abhisit is known to have sought advice from a special unit, set up in haste under his command. As Thaksin played out his cards one by one, the advisors countered each effectively until Thaksin lost all of his bet.

At this hour, with the State of Emergency power rested in his hand, Abhisit -- not the army chief -- is the most powerful person in Thailand. He must use this occasion of his rising popularity in curbing the Red Shirts to deal with the failure of the Thai security apparatus, which has been undermining the national interest and including the government's stability.

We expect to see a reshuffle soon of the top security and peace keeping personnel.

If Abhisit resorts to his timid Oxford graduate role, he would miss out an opportunity to frame his leadership going forward. Now is the time to do it.

Is Thai's politic so simple ?

[Plus]

A grass-roots movement that sees an erudite, educated group that has risen from the fields of Issan, and is not Chinese in any way, would I think, create more social equality in this country.

Fat chance.

The only reasonable way is for the "elites" to take more progressive stance, and in fact, they ARE the most progressive sectors of society anyway - they gave as 1997 consitution and all the rights and freedoms Thaksin tried to take away.

[BigBikeBKK]

At least it looks like there might be a chance of removing the Thaksin element now, that is the best we can hope for.

Here here! Cut the head off and the body will die. Thais and those who love Thailand want progress and reconciliation. That will never be possible as long as self serving megalomaniac Toxin continues to stir the pot from his suite in Dubai.

[Journalist]

^Plus, you might see this as a pummeling of the Reds. You've written them off dismissively so many times before, yet they are still very much here.

The rest of the world sees this as a bunch of grannies in wheelchairs and yobs that can materialise at will and cane the country.

So I think the people running the show have to deal. Thats how the political game is played.

If no deal is done, they'll be back...again...and again and again.

Yes, it is a pummeling of the reds, and the end of the red cause.

Some of them WILL be back again, but as something different. Hopefully they'll find better channels to campaign for a democracy than running a revolution in Bangkok.

Despite what you try to imply, there's little to no support for armed rebellion and burning of Bangkok which are now permanently assossiated with reds. Lots of people were giving them a benefit of doubt or were fooled by their polite appearances but the mask has been off, people have seen their real faces and the image is not going to go away anytime soon.

It all looks different from the red propaganda angle, I agree, but I hope it will never be allowed to reach the population again. They have certainly lost sympathy from the rest of the media and I hope the govt finds a way to outlaw them as Europeans outlaw nazism. As a matter of principle, without giving it time to grow from innocent quest for freedom to exterminating entire races.

Thai govt could try to call HK authorities to task for allowing this incitemnt to overthrow Thai governemnt on one of their satellites. Diplomatically it's unacceptable, Thais have a good case here, and reds will never get a local license anyway.

...but you say this (writing off Thaksin) every time and at every opportunity.

And every time he and his acolytes come back for more.

So can you enlighten us why you were wrong the last 8000 times, but feel more optimistic this time.

[seri thai]

Outstanding Op/Ed from K. Thanong:

HAPPY SONGKRAN DAY

Wow! Some of the best writing I've seen! I know that what we say here really has no meaning in the larger picture of Thai politics, but I hope Abhisit reads this article. It is clear, supported by strong reasoning, and gives good advice to the PM.

he has bet all of his political fortune on April 13, the dark day of Neptune. He played out his winner's take all trump card. He set fires throughout Bangkok on the day that Neptune overshadowed the Sun to manifying its bad omens on Bangkok

You've obviously gone bush Mate!

It's all Newin to me, or is it something to do with that big geezer with the trident outside that empty-looking hotel on Ratchada

[tb86]

tb86 you see now

thailand is number 3 in the world for murder with guns!!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_count...ated_death_rate

well from a list that is from 1994, in the us stats, and 2002 in the thai stats that only takes into consideration a handful of countries, and is incomplete on the data that is displayed.... They did not even include russia, or moziambique, or rawanda, or hati or sri lanka should i continue that isnt exactly a accurate list with any real useable data, your comparing two different time frames 1994, to 2002 from two different sources that did not even complete their reasearch........

[Journalist]

Strikes me that its far too soon for pundits like Thanong, (or our own Plus!) to draw emphatic conclusions from these wretched events. Maybe their guess will be proven right, but with the protesters not even on the buses home, it seems premature. We still have almost zero idea about how this played out over the weekend in the halls of power.

[LazyYogi]

At least it looks like there might be a chance of removing the Thaksin element now, that is the best we can hope for.

Here here! Cut the head off and the body will die. Thais and those who love Thailand want progress and reconciliation. That will never be possible as long as self serving megalomaniac Toxin continues to stir the pot from his suite in Dubai.

Indeed. If Thaksin really cared about the country he would promote policies, not personalities. Why does he think he's the only one capable of doing the job? It should not matter who is Prime Minister. Their agenda is what really matters.

[Meridian007]

A grass-roots movement that sees an erudite, educated group that has risen from the fields of Issan, and is not Chinese in any way, would I think, create more social equality in this country.

Fat chance.

The only reasonable way is for the "elites" to take more progressive stance, and in fact, they ARE the most progressive sectors of society anyway - they gave as 1997 consitution and all the rights and freedoms Thaksin tried to take away.

I know, that's what I said in the next sentence. We have to make something work with what we have.

At least it looks like there might be a chance of removing the Thaksin element now, that is the best we can hope for.

Here here! Cut the head off and the body will die. Thais and those who love Thailand want progress and reconciliation. That will never be possible as long as self serving megalomaniac Toxin continues to stir the pot from his suite in Dubai.

Exactly! I wish he had spoken truly to his poor, misinformed followers, and came back to "lead" them. Then we'd have the hat-trick of squashing the mob, and bringing that slime to justice!

On a side note, Happy extended Songkran everyone! Maybe the capital can relax and have some fun now...

[Plus]

...but you say this (writing off Thaksin) every time and at every opportunity.

And every time he and his acolytes come back for more.

So can you enlighten us why you were wrong the last 8000 times, but feel more optimistic this time.

Yes, they come back for more, and everytime they get soundly beaten, that's what makes me optimistic.

"People revolution" was the strongest weapon in his shrinking arsenal, and he screwed up even that.

>>>

2007 consitution passed by a small margin - no luck for Thaksin

PPP formed the govt - no luck

Thaksin personally returned to fight the charges - no luck

Thaksin runs away - no luck

PPP tries to push Const amendments - no luck

PPP tries SOE and crackdown on PAD - no luck

Dems form the govt - no luck

People "revolt" against Dem govt - no luck

People revolt against Thai state - no luck

People try to burn down Bangkok - no luck

Is it really a question why I feel that Thaksin is not going to make any headway now?

>>>

He was in a better position when Suthep tried to talk to him prior to rebellion, he refused, smart man that he is, some say. Others say he is a total nutcase that has lost his mind, barking mad, in fact, if you watch his TV addresses.

[WaiWai]

I don't think this is over yet, by any means. Nor does the government, it seems:

Govt Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn announces Apr 16-17 as public holidays in light of possibly more chaos in Bangkok.

(TOC)

What's with the mentions of "espionage" in the article attributed to "K. Thanong" ( quoted a few posts above)? Is this some special Thai/legal use of the term??

Edited April 14, 2009 by WaiWai

[henryalleman]

these mentions of military acting heavy handedly, are off base.

The police and military have been essentially wearing kid gloves throughout this whole imbroglio.

It astounds me, actually, that there haven't been more dynamic actions by security forces - and a whole lot more bloodshed - than there has been. ...particularly for those who know some of the history of how Thai uniformed forces usually act in such stressful situations (grounds covered in dead bodies).

For the sensitive observers: Go ahead and wring your hands all you want, but the relatively small amount of bloodshed thus far, is shining testament to the extreme restraint by uniformed security forces.

Indeed remarkable, seen the history of brutality and violence of the army in history since the 1970's brutal crack down of the student protests.

I think the recent events show clearly that till now Abhisit have total control over the army and not the other way around.

So I rather believe his promises for the indeed very needed social reforms. I also believe that he is genuine in his offer to listen to the opposition and take there remarks in account.

Further more he seems to be a very reasonable man, when even after all the rioting he still saying that demonstrating against a government is a democratic right as long its remains peaceful.

Maybe this is the man who could lead Thailand into a new future, so Thai people should give him a change to prove his words.

Anyhow I don't see any alternative amongst the present politicians. Does somebody do and give us a name?

[LevelHead]

Now its all over you need to sit back and see what the goals were, who won points and who lost them.

Firstly :

Abhisit and the Democrats

Awful performance for the ASEAN summit. Weak, out of control, embarressment, this is enough on its own for him to resign.

Democrats, supported by the Army this is obvious. It now puts meat on the bones that the Army formed the government behind the scenes.

The lack of action against the PAD by the Army and Democrats will be the next hot potato, been mentioned massively in the world media in the last few days

Thaksin

He is now finished, but he also needed to be, it was apparant that there is too much propganda against him, so he needed his final two fingers up, he should go quiet now until he gets his..............pardon what was that noise.

However, as his parting gift he has now put a real downer on tourism and made the governments stimulus plans go down the pan. This will seriously weaken the country and therefore the government (Democrats) will in 6 months get blamed for yet more and more job losses, and pressure that way will mount should they still be in power. He has in effect made the government so much weaker in the mid term and also embaressed them short term. If the short term fails to oust Abhisit, the mid term effects of this action will get him. He has also clearly put into the world media the issues of the Armies links with the PAD/Democrats, the lack of action against the PAD, and many other issues, thats what he takes with him.

Reds

The role of the reds will now change, they will have to spin this now away from Thaksin (which will be done as above) and move the Reds into being purely about Democracy, with no links to Thaksin. As I said earlier maybe its going to be Green shirts now, protesting against the Army violence, the Army inaction against the PAD, the lack of any action against the PAD, for Democracy and for new elections (same again but with no links to Thaksin).

So Abhisit is a loser on all scores. He was in charge for a failed ASEAN summit (after giving his word), he also is now the PM in charge whilst Bangkok burned.

Thaksin loses and also wins, as he has seriously paid back against those who hammered him. He can now drift into being forgotten for now.

Reds will now morph into a new anti government force, just wait. They will come out stronger now, with more "points" to raise to the worlds media.

It still remains the only solution to get the 1997 constitution back and have new elections under it. Until that time this is going to carry on and on, and never end it seems.

[henryalleman]

At this juncture nobody knows who is doing what.

Blue shirts dressed as Red creating trouble.

Ex-Yellow dressed as Red creating trouble.

Thugs and hooligans using Red for fun.

Some Red shirts creating trouble.

Its all a mess.

Rewind time is needed. Get rid of all Blue shirts. Get the Army off the street, allow the police to take over, get the Reds back to government house and peaceful protest.

This all went wrong when the Army were called on to the streets, and so they need to be taken off for things to calm down again.

Can't someone do something about this monkey??? The reds are killing innocent people, CONFIRMED by various media sources, and this guys blaming it on the Blues, the army, and the yellows.....like its a joke and without any sources to back up his claims. I believed that was a rule here on Thai Visa.......you need to back up your claims. I'm sick of this guys bu#l sh$t!

Maybe you should tell the media and Yahoo not to print this.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Thailand/ss/...22d9e9cc1d377fb

Pictures are showing some truth.

How in heaven sake can a responsible mother take her baby on her motorcycle into a demonstration. In my book this is child abuse. she is unworthy to be called Mae.

[Meridian007]

Yawn, what?

As others said before, now we'll see the paid posters spin this in a completely different direction from 99% of their posts, while still demonizing Abhisit. If nothing else has shown that he is the man for the job, these past few days have.

[hammered]

This is a bit of a different piece on the ending with some interviews with protestors:

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/23154?tid=14

[samgrowth]

Chinese win

Thai loose (even though Thaksin is Chinese)

[henryalleman]

Thaksin is sitting right in Singapore and that government laughs at the Thai government that wants him.

I saw CNN interview him and he seems quite calm.

Of course the government in Thailand blocked it and instead showed a replay of the sports report on CNN.

Funny how much you hate him but really you hate the people who voted for him and then the next and the next.

When the reds win the next election, and they will, will you throw out the next PM as well?

How many coups has Thailand had in 100 years? Is it 17 or closer to 20?

Just say it.

You who run the Yellow want NO democracy in Thailand.

Be honest and at least i could then respect you but now you act like dishonest little children hiding your real power behind nonsense.

Just say it.

You hate democracy in Thailand.

Is your nickname madi or madhi

[jayboy]

these mentions of military acting heavy handedly, are off base.

The police and military have been essentially wearing kid gloves throughout this whole imbroglio.

It astounds me, actually, that there haven't been more dynamic actions by security forces - and a whole lot more bloodshed - than there has been. ...particularly for those who know some of the history of how Thai uniformed forces usually act in such stressful situations (grounds covered in dead bodies).

For the sensitive observers: Go ahead and wring your hands all you want, but the relatively small amount of bloodshed thus far, is shining testament to the extreme restraint by uniformed security forces.

Indeed remarkable, seen the history of brutality and violence of the army in history since the 1970's brutal crack down of the student protests.

I think the recent events show clearly that till now Abhisit have total control over the army and not the other way around.

So I rather believe his promises for the indeed very needed social reforms. I also believe that he is genuine in his offer to listen to the opposition and take there remarks in account.

Further more he seems to be a very reasonable man, when even after all the rioting he still saying that demonstrating against a government is a democratic right as long its remains peaceful.

Maybe this is the man who could lead Thailand into a new future, so Thai people should give him a change to prove his words.

Anyhow I don't see any alternative amongst the present politicians. Does somebody do and give us a name?

I agree, a remarkable comeback for Abhisit after the humiliation in Pattaya.Credit too to the army who were professional and coolheaded, notwithstanding a few lapses.He'll need to be careful not to permit accusations of unfairness a propos differing treatment of the red and yellow leadership, particularly since the former has no elite protection.I would never write off Thaksin as finished but by God he's had a couple of bad days.

[henryalleman]

Thaksin is sitting right in Singapore and that government laughs at the Thai government that wants him.

I saw CNN interview him and he seems quite calm.

Of course the government in Thailand blocked it and instead showed a replay of the sports report on CNN.

Funny how much you hate him but really you hate the people who voted for him and then the next and the next.

When the reds win the next election, and they will, will you throw out the next PM as well?

How many coups has Thailand had in 100 years? Is it 17 or closer to 20?

Just say it.

You who run the Yellow want NO democracy in Thailand.

Be honest and at least i could then respect you but now you act like dishonest little children hiding your real power behind nonsense.

Just say it.

You hate democracy in Thailand.

Are you claiming that the Thai government cut and paste CNN boardcaste? This is not possible. I do not believe you. CNN comes from satelite dirrectly from Atlanta, and beam straight to the receiver in Thailand. How can Thai government intercept the signal, and boardcaste something else? Please support your claim with proof. I have seens Thaksin face before in CNN recently.

No can not block CNN because they are AMERICAN (the police of the world). They may try to block signal from some of the other weaker countries (BBC, AZJ, CCTV, CNA, etc).

in the 2006 coup CNN was out of air in Thailand.