Central Bangkok A War Zone

[tpthai2]

Anyone have any idea what the loud explosions being heard around Bangkok in the last hour are?

[More occurring as I type]

Where are you located ?

Ditto in "newbie" Anyone have any idea what the loud explosions being heard around Bangkok in the last hour are? Can hear several starting at 10:30 a.m. Sukhumvit area (Emporium)

[Col98]

Anyone have any idea what the loud explosions being heard around Bangkok in the last hour are?

[More occurring as I type]

Where are you located ?

Sukhumvit Soi 10 - they were not close but a distinct number of explosions.

I'm in soi 18 and could not hear anything here... Lightning comes to mind first.

Def. not thunder.

[Netfan]

I would say this is a bit like a war zone.....yesterday off Soi Rang nam (near Victory Monument)

And btw, what I saw was restrained soldiers holding off firing weapons until they were under attack by buses, bricks and bottles. They had to protect the firemen who were trying to put out the buses set on fire outside businesses and homes by the reds, who were throwing bricks and bottles at the firemen (who had first asked the reds to stop so they could put out the fire). The reds got less than they deserved.

[frogz]

The end of the all-too-messy demonstration is near.

Message from Bangkokians to Red Shirts: Go home.

Yes. Let's hope so, or if Bangkok is their home, let them go indoors.

I think that's the point. Bangkokians see Bangkok as representing Thailand. Clearly it doesn't. Most people go back to their home provinces during Songkran and the streets are deserted, indicating that most people are not Bangkokians in the sense that they were born in the city. A minority believe that they should have power and look after the welfare of the whole country. Unfortunately, while they look after their own interests, the poor outside Bangkok remain poor and that's the problem. Thai politics is something that happens in Bangkok to assist Bangkokians. Thaksin went some way to help the poor (mainly to help his own popularity it seems), but people outside Bangkok, the poor, see him as a politician that was showing some interest in their predicament.

What is needed is for any government in power to make the people outside Bangkok feel as though they are being listened to and to share some of the city's wealth. It would also help if Bangkokians didn't treat people in agricultural areas as being inferior to them. Once this bridge is built maybe the current merry-go-round of Thai politics will change and something resembling democracy might emerge. Let's hope

[george]

Follow the Breaking News here:

1. Sign up for Breaking Newsletter by email: http://www.thaivisa.com/353.0.html

2. Download our Toolbar for IE and Firefox: http://toolbar.thaivisa.com

3. Follow the Breaking News on Twitter: http://twitter.com/georgebkk

[slim]

So where does the real embarrasment lay, with Abhisit or Thaksin. In the eyes of world leaders and indead the world at large, Thaksin has once again proven that he cares for no one other than himself, and he is in fact Thailands biggest embarrasment and cause for embarrasment. Thaksin sits in a plush chair in a five star hotel pushing people to their deaths with false hope and promises. How can a man that loves the people he wishes to lead incite violence and bloodshed on the joyess occasion of Songkran and a time for celebration by the Thai people. He has shown the educated world that he has no love for the Kingdom, the King, or the Thai people. He should never be allowed to grace the world stage that Thailand sits upon. He should no longer be allowed to set foot into the beautiful country who's democracy he has set out to destroy. He has displayed nothing other than evil and contempt for his countrymen. He is inciting a poor and simple section of the community to take up weapons and have their blood spilt only for his political aspirations, an attempt to regain control of what would end up a dictatorship. One to only pad his pockets, wallet, and bank accounts. Abhisit is an educated man, an Obama style leader that has good intentions to take Thailand to the world as a wonderful tourist destination, a wonderful place to conduct business, and is determined to take Thailand to the next level where all of Thailand would benefit. He is a leader of vision, a young man with something to prove to the world, and he is prepared to do all he can to secure a better Thailand for all of Thailand and its people. He is determined to drag it out of the dark ages and proclaim Thailand as a destination of beauty, culture, friendliness and commerce. Thaksin, shame on you for choosing to incite people with your emotional blackmail. You have no care or respect for your contry, your King, or the Kings people. May a royal decree be drawn up that you are never allowed to step up onto Thailand stage again. Forever live in excile.

From Wikipedia

He entered politics in 1994 and founded the populist Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party in 1998. After a landslide election victory in 2001, he became prime minister, the country’s first to serve a full term.[3] Thaksin introduced a range of partly effective and highly popular policies to alleviate rural poverty.[4][5] He launched the country's first universal healthcare program,[6] the 30-baht scheme, as well as drastic social order and drug suppression campaigns.[7]

So Wikipedia says this and you're sticking to your uneducated rant?

Lets just ignore truth and stick to ignorant factless prejudice.

[MJo]

Unionised Protests are paid for from the members' Union Subscriptions, they are not financed by an individual whos' only intent is to cause damage, disruption and death for his own selfish ends.

Patrick

I would say groups of individuals, and yes it's all about money and power here. Thaksin and his guys have been in power the past years making good money on the side. PAD and their backers had enough and feel it's their turn to cash in. In the end it's all about who controls the money flow and who's pocket the money is going to end up.

[spaceshipcrew]

CHECK OUT THIS TAKSIN "BLOOPER"...........................................................................

...

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/n...7&cateid=13

HE SLIPS AND ADMITS TO PAYING THE "red shits" 500 BAHT each.................

Appears to be 100% wacko ! HAHAHA

[MJo]

Def. not thunder.

Looking outside the sky is clear, i'm in low rise condo so maybe too much noise around. Anycase would be good to know if someone has more info on this ?

[Indra]

The end of the all-too-messy demonstration is near.

Message from Bangkokians to Red Shirts: Go home.

And then what? Thaksin is not about to give up his goal of returning as the conquering hero to the adulation of his supporters to wreak his terrible revenge on those perceived to have acted against him. He would rather see Thailand slide back into the morass of poverty and tribalism than back off and let things be.

However the genie is out of the bottle and they've thrown away the stopper. If the reds win then democracy in Thailand is a dead issue, Thaksin will return and resume his rape and pillage of the country and it's resources. He will rewrite the constitution and laws to suit him and allow him to become president in perpetuity, supreme emperor, master of all. If the reds are driven out of Bangkok they will continue to be a nuisance force disrupting Thai life as and when they feel like it and it won't be long before they cotton on to the value of targetting tourists and foreign interests within the Kingdom.

[ deleted - MiG16]

This was a tongue in cheek suggestion but maybe it might prove more attractive in light of recent events.

Nah, you have been dreaming too far.

I believe that although the reds love Thaksin, [deleted] It is just a matter that Thaksin has smartly (or cunningly) won the heart of the poor.

[jamesjdaly]

The red shi*t scum were pushed back to Government house, eh? That's the last place you want these dirty unwashed animals!!

[Huangy]

From Thong Lo they sound like they're coming from the direction of The Port or from Sathorn, but I can't see or tell anything conclusive really. Been going on for an hour or so now intermittently, though. Usually when I hear that noise here or in Manila it's construction cranes dropping really big stuff, but who knows today.

Some chap over on the State of Emergency thread saying they're normal near the port.

As I said before: They are just canon shots down by the port. Happens 3-4 times a week. Been living down at Prakhanong for years now and see these shots regularly from my window and balcony. There is a loud boom, followed by small whit clouds about 50 meters above the ground. Not sure what it is, but it is quite "normal". I believe it's something like welcome shots whenever a new ship arrives at the port. So really, nothing to worry....these "explosions" are absolutely normal down here and have nothing to to with the protests.

HG

[frogz]

I would say this is a bit like a war zone.....yesterday off Soi Rang nam (near Victory Monument)

And btw, what I saw was restrained soldiers holding off firing weapons until they were under attack by buses, bricks and bottles. They had to protect the firemen who were trying to put out the buses set on fire outside businesses and homes by the reds, who were throwing bricks and bottles at the firemen (who had first asked the reds to stop so they could put out the fire). The reds got less than they deserved.

"Less than they deserved." So they should have been shot for throwing rocks and bottles; for setting a bus on fire and being upset that the democratically elected government that they voted in has been housted? Interesting idea. Personally, I think that arresting the culprits would be a better idea and putting them through the courts. While they're at it they can arrest the leaders of the PAD that closed the airport last year too and put them on trial...don't want to be accused of showing bias or of being hypocritical.

[webfact]

Red shirted leaders ready to surrender : Chatuporn

Leaders of red shirted protesters announced on rally stage at Government House on Tuesday at 10.30am that they all are ready to surrender to face charges.

One of the leaders; Chatuporn Promphan, said they welcomed police and soldiers to arrest them.

The announcement came as soldiers were moving towards the rally site on Tuesday. The leaders included Jakrapob Penkair, Veera Musikapong, Nuttawut Saikua.

- THE NATION -

[Tonycheston]

pictures live now on thai news, fire and smoke. can anyone tell me where it is?

http://www.explore-thailand.net/media/thaitv26.html

[BigBikeBKK]

So where does the real embarrasment lay, with Abhisit or Thaksin. In the eyes of world leaders and indead the world at large, Thaksin has once again proven that he cares for no one other than himself, and he is in fact Thailands biggest embarrasment and cause for embarrasment. Thaksin sits in a plush chair in a five star hotel pushing people to their deaths with false hope and promises. How can a man that loves the people he wishes to lead incite violence and bloodshed on the joyess occasion of Songkran and a time for celebration by the Thai people. He has shown the educated world that he has no love for the Kingdom, the King, or the Thai people. He should never be allowed to grace the world stage that Thailand sits upon. He should no longer be allowed to set foot into the beautiful country who's democracy he has set out to destroy. He has displayed nothing other than evil and contempt for his countrymen. He is inciting a poor and simple section of the community to take up weapons and have their blood spilt only for his political aspirations, an attempt to regain control of what would end up a dictatorship. One to only pad his pockets, wallet, and bank accounts. Abhisit is an educated man, an Obama style leader that has good intentions to take Thailand to the world as a wonderful tourist destination, a wonderful place to conduct business, and is determined to take Thailand to the next level where all of Thailand would benefit. He is a leader of vision, a young man with something to prove to the world, and he is prepared to do all he can to secure a better Thailand for all of Thailand and its people. He is determined to drag it out of the dark ages and proclaim Thailand as a destination of beauty, culture, friendliness and commerce. Thaksin, shame on you for choosing to incite people with your emotional blackmail. You have no care or respect for your contry, your King, or the Kings people. May a royal decree be drawn up that you are never allowed to step up onto Thailand stage again. Forever live in excile.

Very well said!

[Maigo6]

I think that's the point. Bangkokians see Bangkok as representing Thailand. Clearly it doesn't. Most people go back to their home provinces during Songkran and the streets are deserted, indicating that most people are not Bangkokians in the sense that they were born in the city. A minority believe that they should have power and look after the welfare of the whole country. Unfortunately, while they look after their own interests, the poor outside Bangkok remain poor and that's the problem. Thai politics is something that happens in Bangkok to assist Bangkokians. Thaksin went some way to help the poor (mainly to help his own popularity it seems), but people outside Bangkok, the poor, see him as a politician that was showing some interest in their predicament.

What is needed is for any government in power to make the people outside Bangkok feel as though they are being listened to and to share some of the city's wealth. It would also help if Bangkokians didn't treat people in agricultural areas as being inferior to them. Once this bridge is built maybe the current merry-go-round of Thai politics will change and something resembling democracy might emerge. Let's hope

Good Post Frogz.

[spaceshipcrew]

CHECK OUT THIS TAKSIN "BLOOPER"...........................................................................

...

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/specials/n...7&cateid=13

HE SLIPS AND ADMITS TO PAYING THE "red shits" 500 BAHT each.................

Appears to be 100% wacko ! HAHAHA

Sorry Thaksin but you are loosing the game very fast now, I feel it, you look so weakened, tired of yourself...

Everybody feels it, even your red shirts start to become bored of you, already spended the 500 bath on expensive Bangkok style rice that they don't like... lol

Home calls...

[Targus]

Message to the red shirts from an angry resident!

Leave us alone with your red B_S_

You are wrong!

Abhisit has earned RESPECT from the world for handling this red anarchy and violent booze stampede with utmost caution to avoid blood in the streets what you

want to see! Thailand is not the world. READ and WATCH what the world has to say! There's a world behind the Thai border!

You can be proud of your Fuhrer who was stuttering. lying and whining on TV last night.

Leave us alone with your red B_S_, we want peace!

I was amazed that the BBC took the time to interview the person who is intent on destroying peace in Thailand, it almost gave him some credibility however anyone with the slightest bit of intelligence would not believe a word he said.

Khun Abhisit has earned the respect of both the Thai people and the outside world in his handling of all matters since he became Prime Minister a short while ago. His job is not easy. Thailand should be proud to have a Prime Minister like Abhisit who is educated, caring and is determined to do the best he can for Thailand and all of its people and not simply for his own personal gain. It would be a terrible blow to the country if he were not given the chance to continue the good work that he has started.

[jsdwd]

Taksin, the big lair

On BBC, He denied to be a person behind the protesting

BBC : Are you the man behind what we are seeing ? Are you orchestrating…. almost daily contact with your video links to your supporters?

Thaksin: yes ….no I would like to give them moral support …. I never I never I never instigating them… I want them to fight to get true democracy………….The poor cannot get help … .during my administration………..the poor feel like you know the democracy really mean to them

BBC : You're keep talking about democracy but this is the democratically elected government and these protesters are simply try to force out of the government thru their ways on the street and that is not democracy.

Thaksin: No no no they are really just protest ……if you look at the way the government come to power…. they form the government in the military barrack…..by the help of the army commander and also the privy councilors……

BBC : Would you like to return to the country, would you like to lead the country again? Is that what behind this?

Thaksin : No No No It is not really behind…. If I were to go back to the country… It should be for the good of the country………I am now happy outside…. I am not care going back or not…….but I am worry about the poor..I worry about the middle class people ..they need opportunities….. It should be democracy for all….

BBC : You of course were found guilty of corruption charges, would you consider going back try to clear your name?

Thaksin : No , I can clear my name easily…..I 've done nothing wrong…

The government in power is not there as the result of any election. Thaksin backers won both of the free elections that were held and the winning parties were disbanded by the courts (who support the power elite of Bangkok) for buying votes (as though everyone didn't do that). Their PM kicked out for appearing on a cooking show. Come on, who's shitting who here....

The government in power now is an illegal government according to the Thai constitution. The people currently in power don't want elections. They want legislators 'appointed' (by whom?); that's not democracy. If another election were held, the Thaksin supporters would win again. So in the interest of maintaining 'peace and order' the fascists ride again. The army is mobilized and shots are fired. Will these generals go groveling in front of the king? Is that the price to be paid for maintaing the stranglehold on power?

Edited April 14, 2009 by jsdwd

[MiG16]

let me remind everyone again, discussion of the monarchy is strictly prohibited on the forum.

that includes whatever little reference you may think MIGHT be ok? the answer is.....its always NOT ok.

please dont include any such reference in discussions here again. or in any topic on thaivisa.

cheers

[MeetJohnDoe]

The only thing on my mind now is.... how long until the baht reaches 40 THB : 1 USD?

[yongli]

You say Abhisit was democratically elected from within parliament.

For your information a democracy is where the people turn out and vote for the party they want to lead them. On the last 3 occasions the ruling Democratic Party has LOST. This is not an opinion its a fact - look it up. Abisit has NO mandate from the people. If Thailand was a democracy Abhisit would dissolve parliament, go to the country and let the people choose their MP's and Prime Minister - not have it decided by a mob who occupies Thailands principal airport until their will is met.

Of course, we know this is not going to happen because Abhisit knows he'd lose another election and the yellow shirts would then have to take over the airport again until the courts nullified the election and restored the Democrats which inevitably would lead to the red shirts protesting................ and so on and so on...................

Ok, Thaksin, got a majority with TRT. However living in the past doesn't help.

In fact, forming a coalition government after an election is a normal process in many countries!!!! Why? Because, according to voter's choice no party got a majority by themself. So they cooperate with other parties to get the votes and thus form a consensus that hopefully takes into account the will of a majpority. This happens in very stable countries, like for example in Germany, where subsequent changes of government between elections are not so common but still do happen. In other, not so stable (IMO) countries, like the Italy this happens all the time. The UK and US use different modells, that is why it doesn't happen there.

Neither the two prime ministers (Somchai and Samak) before Abhisit, nor Abhisit where directly elected by a majority of the people. The guys berfore Abhisit were forced out by court decisions!! Now it is Abhisit's turn.

Before Abhisit, the democrats wanted new elections, they didn't get it, now the Reds want a new election. Hmm?

The real problem is the inherent dishonesty and corruption by the actors. I cannot see how Thaksin has any regard for the good of the country. Look at what he says in his interviews- About Abhisit I don't know yet enough. He has been in power for 4 months. Maybe he turns out to be alright, maybe not. We need actors that really have the good of the people in mind. Corruption, vote buying, lying thease are the evils. They rot the system from within, no matter which rules you put in place.

Let Abhisit do his job now, until he is found guilty of corruption or other stuff by a court or forced out by a different majority in parliament (which can happen through new elections or losing support in the parliament).

[asiawatcher]

One of the main reasons Taksin wants the reds to win is so he can come back, clear his name and get his 61 billion baht the goverment has frozen.

As usual in Thailand... its all about the money and power and he wants both

Democracy was never an issue

That's okay as long as they deduct the cost of the burned buses and the repairs to the city, the cost of the ammunition and the wages of 500 Baht to the soldiers? I don't think with 61BN Baht he will miss a few as a sign of good faith...

[Tonycheston]

According to Johnathan Head BBC reporter he spoke to red leaders. They said "It's no longer worth fighting for. We are giving up and going home" Just now on BBC 11 o'clock news.

Seems it will soon be over. Hurray - hope I didn't cheer too soon

[Tonycheston]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/30100...nder--Chatuporn

The Nation:

Leaders of red shirted protesters announced on rally stage at Government House on Tuesday at 10.30am that they all are ready to surrender to face charges.

One of the leaders; Chatuporn Promphan, said they welcomed police and soldiers to arrest them.

The announcement came as soldiers were moving towards the rally site on Tuesday. The leaders included Jakrapob Penkair, Veera Musikapong, Nuttawut Saikua

[MJo]

Channel 11 says Veera told protesters to disperse

Channel 11 reported at 11:04 am Tuesday quoting Veera Musigapong, a red-shirted leader, as telling the protesters at the Government House to disperse.

Weng Tojitrakan, another red-shirted leader, asked soldiers to move back by 20 metres so that the protesters could pick up their belongings and disperse.

Veera told the crowd that the voluntarily dispersing was not a defeat of the red-shirted movement but was aimed at protecting the life of the protesters.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...ers-to-disperse

[xerostar]

He entered politics in 1994 and founded the populist Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party in 1998. After a landslide election victory in 2001, he became prime minister, the country's first to serve a full term.[3] Thaksin introduced a range of partly effective and highly popular policies to alleviate rural poverty.[4][5] He launched the country's first universal healthcare program,[6] the 30-baht scheme, as well as drastic social order and drug suppression campaigns.[7]

His re-election in 2005 had the highest voter turnout in Thai history. [8][9][10], with his main support base in the rural north and northeast.

You say Abhisit was democratically elected from within parliament.

For your information a democracy is where the people turn out and vote for the party they want to lead them. On the last 3 occasions the ruling Democratic Party has LOST. This is not an opinion its a fact - look it up. Abisit has NO mandate from the people. If Thailand was a democracy Abhisit would dissolve parliament, go to the country and let the people choose their MP's and Prime Minister - not have it decided by a mob who occupies Thailands principal airport until their will is met.

Of course, we know this is not going to happen because Abhisit knows he'd lose another election and the yellow shirts would then have to take over the airport again until the courts nullified the election and restored the Democrats which inevitably would lead to the red shirts protesting................ and so on and so on...................

Here! Here! Slim

The first post that I've read that is factual and to the point!

The solution to the problem - simply let there be new elections!

Everyone will go home and wait for election day!

The majority of the people should decide who can be the next ruling party/prime minister,

- not have one forced on them by a minority yellow shirt party.

[jack1964]

So where does the real embarrasment lay, with Abhisit or Thaksin. In the eyes of world leaders and indead the world at large, Thaksin has once again proven that he cares for no one other than himself, and he is in fact Thailands biggest embarrasment and cause for embarrasment. Thaksin sits in a plush chair in a five star hotel pushing people to their deaths with false hope and promises. How can a man that loves the people he wishes to lead incite violence and bloodshed on the joyess occasion of Songkran and a time for celebration by the Thai people. He has shown the educated world that he has no love for the Kingdom, the King, or the Thai people. He should never be allowed to grace the world stage that Thailand sits upon. He should no longer be allowed to set foot into the beautiful country who's democracy he has set out to destroy. He has displayed nothing other than evil and contempt for his countrymen. He is inciting a poor and simple section of the community to take up weapons and have their blood spilt only for his political aspirations, an attempt to regain control of what would end up a dictatorship. One to only pad his pockets, wallet, and bank accounts. Abhisit is an educated man, an Obama style leader that has good intentions to take Thailand to the world as a wonderful tourist destination, a wonderful place to conduct business, and is determined to take Thailand to the next level where all of Thailand would benefit. He is a leader of vision, a young man with something to prove to the world, and he is prepared to do all he can to secure a better Thailand for all of Thailand and its people. He is determined to drag it out of the dark ages and proclaim Thailand as a destination of beauty, culture, friendliness and commerce. Thaksin, shame on you for choosing to incite people with your emotional blackmail. You have no care or respect for your contry, your King, or the Kings people. May a royal decree be drawn up that you are never allowed to step up onto Thailand stage again. Forever live in excile.

From Wikipedia

He entered politics in 1994 and founded the populist Thai Rak Thai (TRT) party in 1998. After a landslide election victory in 2001, he became prime minister, the country's first to serve a full term.[3] Thaksin introduced a range of partly effective and highly popular policies to alleviate rural poverty.[4][5] He launched the country's first universal healthcare program,[6] the 30-baht scheme, as well as drastic social order and drug suppression campaigns.[7]

So Wikipedia says this and you're sticking to your uneducated rant?

Lets just ignore truth and stick to ignorant factless prejudice.

There was a certain German leader who did alot of good things for Germany in the beggining, what will Wikipedia say in its next edition

when you google Thaksin. If this is your style of leadership, God bless you my friend!

[csolgosz]

The end of the all-too-messy demonstration is near.

Message from Bangkokians to Red Shirts: Go home.

Yes. Let's hope so, or if Bangkok is their home, let them go indoors.

I think that's the point. Bangkokians see Bangkok as representing Thailand. Clearly it doesn't. Most people go back to their home provinces during Songkran and the streets are deserted, indicating that most people are not Bangkokians in the sense that they were born in the city. A minority believe that they should have power and look after the welfare of the whole country. Unfortunately, while they look after their own interests, the poor outside Bangkok remain poor and that's the problem. Thai politics is something that happens in Bangkok to assist Bangkokians. Thaksin went some way to help the poor (mainly to help his own popularity it seems), but people outside Bangkok, the poor, see him as a politician that was showing some interest in their predicament.

What is needed is for any government in power to make the people outside Bangkok feel as though they are being listened to and to share some of the city's wealth. It would also help if Bangkokians didn't treat people in agricultural areas as being inferior to them. Once this bridge is built maybe the current merry-go-round of Thai politics will change and something resembling democracy might emerge. Let's hope

Good post frogz. About the only one that makes sense after wadding through a lot of the other partizan drivvle on here. Most Bangkokians (farang residents included) have not even been to most of the poor provinces - all they know outside of the immediate provinces surrounding Bangkok is Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin. How could they have any idea about the plight of the people in this country?