Emergency Decree Stays

[george]

POLITICAL TURMOIL

Emergency decree stays

PM calls on cooperation from all sides, is open to public debate

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said the state of emergency would remain in place even though the authorities had managed to bring the anti-government protests to a peaceful end.

"The situation has been eased and is almost back to normal. But the mission of the emergency decree has not been completed. The government will not be careless, and we will be closely monitoring the situation," he said in a televised national address.

Abhisit said military officers, police and civil servants would remain on alert for possible attacks on public utilities.

He also declared tomorrow and Friday public holidays, extending this year's Songkran break to 10 days. The long holiday began last Friday when the government designated it a public holiday after red shirts blocked Victory Monument and caused traffic chaos in Bangkok.

The prime minister said the two extra days off would allow relevant officials to clean up the mess left behind by the riots on Monday and the two weeks or so of rallies around Government House.

He explained the authorities needed time to remove possible harmful objects and the charred debris of public buses.

Abhisit's televised address yesterday evening came after red-shirt leaders abandoned their positions around Government House around midday. The protesters were surrounded by troops supported by crowds of angry civilians fed up after several days of bedlam.

The PM said he regarded the peaceful end of the turmoil "a victory for all of society" rather than a win-or-lose situation for any particular person.

He called on those unhappy with the present political system to become engaged in public debate and help find solutions for the ongoing political conflicts.

"You don't have to hold protests in the streets. I invite all groups to discuss political solutions for our country to move forward and the benefit of everyone in our society," the premier said. "It is time we restored our country. We will have to overcome all of the difficulties together."

Protest leaders Veera Musigapong, Weng Tochirakarn and Natthawut Saikua yesterday surrendered when security forces advanced towards the last major protest site. Two other key leaders - Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Promphan - were not found there.

The Criminal Court yesterday also issued arrest warrants for fugitive Thaksin Shinawatra and 13 protest leaders for inciting violence and assembling illegally during a state of emergency, which was declared on Sunday.

Most red-clad protesters yesterday afternoon boarded some 50 buses provided by the state to take them to bus terminals, so they could return home upcountry. Others drove their vehicles parked near the protest site.

Smaller groups of protesters held noisy gatherings at a few locations in the city, such as Sanam Luang. They no longer wore red but told passers-by that troops had used live bullets during Monday's crackdown - a claim Army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd said was untrue.

He said the military would be on alert in all Bangkok districts following intelligence reports of possible acts of sabotage.

A public opinion poll conducted by Rajabhat Suan Dusit University among 1,207 people between Monday and yesterday found 64 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with how the government dealt with the rioters.

In a related development, the international ratings agency Standard and Poor's has lowered Thailand's local currency rating from "A" to "A-", saying the outlook was negative and could be downgraded further, Associated Press reported yesterday. The country's foreign-currency rating was left unchanged at "BBB+" with a negative outlook.

-- The Nation 2009-04-15

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[featography]

"In a related development, the international ratings agency Standard and Poor's has lowered Thailand's local currency rating from "A" to "A-", saying the outlook was negative and could be downgraded further, Associated Press reported yesterday. The country's foreign-currency rating was left unchanged at "BBB+" with a negative outlook."

Could someone translate that for me, into layman English. I am not familiar with the grading system. I'm serious and not being a smart butt.

[Maledicta]

You don't have to hold protests in the streets. I invite all groups to discuss political solutions for our country to move forward and the benefit of everyone in our society," the premier said. "It is time we restored our country. We will have to overcome all of the difficulties together."

Well said... I really hope everyone will respond postively to this..stop destroying..

[h90]

You don't have to hold protests in the streets. I invite all groups to discuss political solutions for our country to move forward and the benefit of everyone in our society," the premier said. "It is time we restored our country. We will have to overcome all of the difficulties together."

Well said... I really hope everyone will respond postively to this..stop destroying..

This does not sound too good:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1504...ds-in-a-whimper

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/04/15...cs_30100557.php

I read somewhere, but can't find it anymore that Jatuporn Promphan and/or Jakrapob Penkair (I always mix these two guys) told to fight in the underground now...

[Guest Reimar]

Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Promphan - were not found there.

I don't wonder about that! Same as the their real Leader, they just run away from any responsibility.

But that can also mean more violent terrorist actions up country. The time will teach that.

Cheers.

[h90]

Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Promphan - were not found there.

I don't wonder about that! Same as the their real Leader, they just run away from any responsibility.

But that can also mean more violent terrorist actions up country. The time will teach that.

Cheers.

Reimar: I read today in the morning that one of these guys, told that he'll fight in the underground so the army will not be able to leave Bangkok. But I read that before I had my morning coffee so I can't remember the source, nor details...but I am pretty sure I didn't dream it. Usually in the morning I only read the nation and BKKpost

Did you read such news somewhere? Pretty disturbing that I can't find this important thing anymore.

Edit: found it: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...o-be-maintained

Edited April 15, 2009 by Reimar

[webfact]

Soon to be seen in Dubai... united with their red heroe. As far as I know Chiang Mai has an international airport...?

[Chaimai]

Could someone translate that for me, into layman English. I am not familiar with the grading system. I'm serious and not being a smart butt.

No problem - it is like exam results. You could have e.g. A or A+ or A++ - the higher the better,. A to A minus is a downgrading and has cost of funding implications for the country - let alone it's credibility. Similarly with the Thai Baht the outlook is perceived to be worse rather than better.

This over-simplifies it, but gives the basic picture:- A better B, A to B bad, B to A good.

[Kaojai]

"In a related development, the international ratings agency Standard and Poor's has lowered Thailand's local currency rating from "A" to "A-", saying the outlook was negative and could be downgraded further, Associated Press reported yesterday. The country's foreign-currency rating was left unchanged at "BBB+" with a negative outlook."

Could someone translate that for me, into layman English. I am not familiar with the grading system. I'm serious and not being a smart butt.

It should be "credit rating." The reference to foreign or local currency would mean debt issued in Euros, dollars, etc versus Baht. They are not rating the currency, but the risk of default of debt to be repaid in different currencies. If exchange rates deteriorate that means a debt that must be repaid in dollars, etc will require more baht to satisfy it, thus putting a greater burden on the issuer. Apparently in this case, however, the risk for foreign issued debt remains unchanged while debt raised locally has become more risky.

STANDARD & Poor’s cut one of Thailand’s credit ratings yesterday , saying investor confidence has been “significantly damaged” by violent political unrest in the country’s capital.

The international ratings agency lowered Thailand’s local currency rating to “A-” from “A” and said the outlook for the rating was negative, meaning it could be downgraded again. The country’s foreign currency rating was left unchanged at “BBB+” with a negative outlook.

Edited April 15, 2009 by Kaojai

[Jai Dee]

PM to call urgent Cabinet meeting on Friday

Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister and Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn says Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva would call an urgent Cabinet meeting on Friday at 9.00am but the venue can not be disclosed due to security reasons.

He said issues high on the meeting's agenda included the declaration of a state of emergency in the three Southernmost provinces which was approaching its three-month term as well as additional budgets and foreign loans earlier approved by the parliament. In addition, the meeting would review the recent of chaos and riots by anti-government red-shirt protesters in Bangkok.

Dr.Panitan added that the premier would continue suspending his scheduled duties until the situation returns to normalcy for fear of his safety and in order to prevent the incidents like those taking place in Pattaya and the Ministry of Interior where his vehicle was attacked by red-shirt protesters.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 15 April 2009

[Jai Dee]

Democrat Party to convene all MPs on 21 Apr

Democrat Party would convene its MPs on 21 April 2009 for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban to report on recent national turmoil and to consider punishment for Prachin Buri Democrat MP Kiatkorn Pagpiensin due to his appearance on the stage of United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rally .

Democrat MP for Surat Thani Chumpol Kanjana, the Democrat MP Chief said one of the important agendas on 21 April included in the meeting was to question Prime Minister and Democrat Party Leader Abhisit Vejjajiava and Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs and Democrat Party Secretary-General Suthep Thuagsuban to report all recent chaotic situations.

These issues ranged from the ASEAN Summit and related Summits with dialogue partners, the incident at Interior Ministry as well as the turmoil in many parts of Bangkok. Mr Abhisit and Mr Suthep would be asked to inform when the Government would revoke the dire emergency state.

In addition, Mr Chumpol revealed that the meeting would consider punishment for Prachin Buri Democrat MP Kiatkorn Pagpiensin due to his appearance on the stage of UDD rally.

Mr Chumpol said this already showed that Mr Kiatkorn had declared he no longer sided with Democrat Party. Mr Chumpol stated he was not sure if the punishment would be as severe as to oust Mr Kiatkorn from the party or not, citing that it depended on the resolution of the meeting. Still, Mr Chumpol asserted that the punishment would certainly be a harsh one.

Mr Chumpol said this case was unlike Party-list MP Somkiat Pongpaiboon, who delivered speeches on stage of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) since Mr Kiatkorn had expressed rivalry to the Democrat Party and assaulted the Party, the Prime Minister and Cabinet members from the Party.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 15 April 2009

[monkfish]

Yep using the armed forces against the protesters was a recipe for disaster.

One small example UK and NI.

[hammered]

Jakrapob Penkair and Jatuporn Promphan - were not found there.

I don't wonder about that! Same as the their real Leader, they just run away from any responsibility.

But that can also mean more violent terrorist actions up country. The time will teach that.

Cheers.

Reimar: I read today in the morning that one of these guys, told that he'll fight in the underground so the army will not be able to leave Bangkok. But I read that before I had my morning coffee so I can't remember the source, nor details...but I am pretty sure I didn't dream it. Usually in the morning I only read the nation and BKKpost

Did you read such news somewhere? Pretty disturbing that I can't find this important thing anymore.

Edit: found it: http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/14...o-be-maintained

So he is saying he intends to start a terrorist organization? Amazing. Interesting how none of these dudes ever talk about talking. They all wanna be some Che Guevara but all they know of Che is the T-shirt. The A-Times piece on Jakrapobs involvement in planning the riot is interesting.

One problem in hiding out in a ocuntry is you dont know who you can trust. Usually a freindly army base is where they hide but I wouldnt think in the next military reshuffle Abhisist will leave anyone in place who didnt respond in a way he wanted.

A lot of people unseen before came out to the red rally and exposed themselves when they thought Abhisist was gone. Now they face having their power removed or proving that they can come back on board. The two Js will have to watch their backs. Interesting that there was clearly some other side to the riot that was meant to leave Abhisist out of power leading to some poltical change. This wasnt just some spontaneous unplanned riot but meant to actually achieve something. What other events were meant to happen we will likely never know. However, some military men close to Thaksin are noticeably not being mentioned for arrest. The units brought in to quell the riot were in some cases also from military bases with strong links to these military advisers of the red shirts. That seems like an odd selection of unit by Abhisit but it worked very well. There is a pending military reshuffle.

What is happening upcountry is less sure. There have been reports that some red attacks, blocks have happened and also some reports of local citizens opposing reds, and some of UDD groups going home. That will become clear later.

[ThaiPlutocracy]

I'm not an expert, but isn't BBB+ the last investment grade before junk bond status ?

Experts please clarify.

[wrecker]

Is there any serious person on this form who take Thai opinion polls serious??

Hopefully not, you would become instantly a part of George Orwell's 1984. Just like in Russia, opinion polls are notoriously unreliable. They are paid for by political groups or businesses or NGO's. Never is a margin of error published. Worse in most cases not even the real questions are given, what means that people might have been led to an answer. Moreover, Thai opinion polls are conducted in an incestuous matter. No more than a hand full of provinces are polled. Bangkok and surroundings, what means that Royalist and Elitist elements always will have the upper hand. I understand that it might be difficult to poll a poor farmer without a telephone but it is really essential in order to get the right picture.

regarding the fact that the state of emergency is not lifted, that is no surprise. Not one non democratically elected government likes opposition. What is more disturbing is that the people within the government who are responsible for national security refuse to go and Abhsit cannot sack them as he is not the man with the real power.

it is sad to see that no action was taken on the yellow leaders, they would have been able to play cards for 5 years together with the red leaders. In the end the government have no choice than to admit that thailand will never be able to go back to the situation of before thaksin. the movement fighting it is far stronger than the left forces in the 70's and 90's.

Thaksin is used as scapegoat, I am under the impression that this movement is supported by lots of left wing academics who do not support Thaksin, but saw Thaksin only as a person who filled a vacuum. I have read many newspaper articles in the German and French press who claim that the shots fired did not came from the Red Shirts but all from people in the neighborhood, even claiming that the PAD was responsible for it, which is possible because they had armed guards, not the reds and instigating army action was their goal. Also press reports claim that at least 10 people have been killed. No reaction on that in the Thai press. But maybe they have to write positive news, it is the state of emergency. I am glad that I am back in germany.

[Acharn]

<snip>

One problem in hiding out in a ocuntry is you dont know who you can trust. Usually a freindly army base is where they hide but I wouldnt think in the next military reshuffle Abhisist will leave anyone in place who didnt respond in a way he wanted.

<snip>

Don't be so sure about Abhisit's ability to make any changes in the military. The only reason the Army acted to enforce the emergency decree this time was because Anuphong ordered it, just as he ordered them not to enforce the emergency decrees under Samak and Somchai. Come military reshuffle time if Abhisit demands/requests any changes the brass haven't already approved they'll tell him to go piss up a rope. You have to remember who's really in charge here.

[lannarebirth]

<snip>

One problem in hiding out in a ocuntry is you dont know who you can trust. Usually a freindly army base is where they hide but I wouldnt think in the next military reshuffle Abhisist will leave anyone in place who didnt respond in a way he wanted.

<snip>

Don't be so sure about Abhisit's ability to make any changes in the military. The only reason the Army acted to enforce the emergency decree this time was because Anuphong ordered it, just as he ordered them not to enforce the emergency decrees under Samak and Somchai. Come military reshuffle time if Abhisit demands/requests any changes the brass haven't already approved they'll tell him to go piss up a rope. You have to remember who's really in charge here.

Prima Facia evidence suggest Anupong is not currently "onboard" in the inner circle of decision makers. We shall see in the days ahead.

[Scott]

I still believe the military are firmly in control of the country and have been for quite some time. That means that Abshit is a puppet. His predecesors were also puppets, but their master wasn't the military and they lost out.

The question here is: Can he move from being the puppet to being the master. If he can, that will be good.

The biggest danger to the country is the military and it's allegiance to the elite. Abhisit is a politician and if allowed to, he can use the political process to help restore stability.

[inthepink]

Thaksin is used as scapegoat,

That's ridiculous. He has been on television and in constant contact with the protesters, whipping them up and encouraging them with such phrases as, "Now is the golden time for a revolution" and absurd claims like, "I will do magic for you", referring to the economy and his desire to come back and run the country again.

[inthepink]

I'm not an expert, but isn't BBB+ the last investment grade before junk bond status ?

Experts please clarify.

No, BBB and BBB- next, then S&P non-investment (or junk) grades start at BB+

[xminator]

Democrat Party would convene its MPs on 21 April 2009 for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban to report on recent national turmoil and to consider punishment for Prachin Buri Democrat MP Kiatkorn Pagpiensin due to his appearance on the stage of United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rally .

Lovly. And maybe they will let Kasit read the charges and decide the punishment?

[Chaimai]

Yep using the armed forces against the protesters was a recipe for disaster.

One small example UK and NI.

Can you be more specific on these examples

[Jai Dee]

Acting Government Spokesperson reiterates that violent rallies are illegal

The Acting Government Spokesperson Panitan Wattanayakorn stated that rallies under lawful approaches were allowed and revealed the agenda for the Cabinet’s special meeting tomorrow.

Mr. Panitan said the government had been willing to listen to the voices from political rallies which proceed under the constitutional frame. On the other hand, he said, the rally which provoked tension, confrontation and the use of violence was surely prohibited as well as illegal. As for the disguised rally, it was the duty of the authorities to restrain it. He said the use of the emergency decree was another way that allowed authorities to easier protect the peace while restoring order and security to the country.

Mr. Panitan also revealed that in the tomorrow Cabinet’s meeting, it would focus on the unrest situations since the disturbance of ASEAN+3 and +6 Meetings, the recovery of the affected areas and the discussion on measures to prevent any future situations from reoccurring.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 16 April 2009

[TEFLMike]

Yep using the armed forces against the protesters was a recipe for disaster.

One small example UK and NI.

Can you be more specific on these examples

The UK includes Northern Ireland.

[321niti123]

You don't have to hold protests in the streets. I invite all groups to discuss political solutions for our country to move forward and the benefit of everyone in our society," the premier said. "It is time we restored our country. We will have to overcome all of the difficulties together."

Well said... I really hope everyone will respond postively to this..stop destroying..

I real good way to bring this country out from this mess is to make sure that laws are created to stop this from happening again, my uncle is works for the government, and he studies law, he says that the protest laws arent as concrete as they should be that's why the protest went on for so long by so many different groups (red, yellow, blue, and i think there was a black group and a white group too). I also want the police to enforce the law, we're not paying them to sit aroung and do nothing. Reports earlier this week (on tv) said that the police arent working, they let a truck full of ARMED red shirts head towards a building without notifying the soldiers and police officer who are stationed at the building. Reports also claimed that a group of armed redshirts got pass a police inspection roadblock during the time of the emergency decree because the police were "busy" eating lunch!

i think its finally time for a change and not for the worse, not for corruption, not so that lazy policemen/women can take our tax money without actually working to bring about peace to this great kingdom.

[webfact]

Poll backs government response to riot

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on April 19, 2009

Three in four people across the country approve of the government crackdown on red-shirt protesters, a survey has found.

Almost three-quarters of the respondents said they believed the crackdown was accountable, and 73 per cent believed clashes between civilians, not soldiers, had caused the protester's death.

The survey was conducted by Abac Poll Research Centre, covering 1,439 households in 17 provinces in all regions.

Sixty-five per cent also believed that most protesters had attended the rally out of conviction and really been fighting for democracy, while only 35 per cent doubted this.

Almost 80 per cent had hope of national reconciliation, the rest none.

The Abac Poll Research Centre conducted the survey shortly after the controversial crackdown on red-shirt protesters, which was seriously criticised by most red shirts, who accused the government of covering up more deaths in the crackdown.

Abac Poll Research Centre director Noppadon Kannika yesterday said that in view of the serious national rift the government should look to moral issues as well as economic ones.

"The surge of feeling [against the government] is great enough to be a threat to national security," he said.

- THE NATION -

[samgrowth]

Poll backs government response to riot

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on April 19, 2009

Almost 80 per cent had hope of national reconciliation, the rest none.

- THE NATION -

Does that mean that the national reconciliation law should be passed, since almost 80% had hope of national reconciliation?

[LawnGnome]

State of emergency ends Friday: PM

By: AFPPublished: 24/04/2009 at 03:57 AM Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced that he would lift a state of emergency in Bangkok on Friday, saying that his government wanted reconciliation after violent street protests.

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, seen here on April 21, 2009, told parliament that he would lift a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas on Friday.

Mr Abhisit imposed emergency rule in the capital and five surrounding provinces on April 12 after rallies against his government disrupted a summit of Asian leaders in the coastal city of Pattaya and then spread to Bangkok.

Two people were killed and 123 injured as protesters clashed with troops despite the state of emergency, ending only on April 14 when they abandoned a three-week sit-in outside Abhisit's offices fearing a military crackdown.

"Today I intend to lift the state of emergency. At first I wanted to announce it in the morning (of Thursday) but as it is already past midnight it is considered a new day," Mr Abhisit told a special sitting of parliament.

"Lifting the state of emergency is part of measures to find a solution for the country. The government wants to show its sincerity, that the government wants reconciliation and to make the country move forwards," he added.

The parliamentary sitting was held to find ways of healing the bitter political divide between Abhisit and his opponents, the so-called "Red Shirt" movement largely loyal to ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Authorities have issued warrants for the arrest of Thaksin -- who was toppled in a coup in 2006 and lives in exile -- and 12 other allies for allegedly inciting the protests in Pattaya, before the emergency was imposed.

"After the lifting of the state of emergency all the suspects that have been detained under (emergency) law will be released, but those held under criminal cases would have to go before the law," Mr Abhisit said.

A government minister had earlier this week said that a fresh Red Shirt rally planned outside the emergency zone on Saturday would mean that the state of emergency would be prolonged.

The protest is due to take place in Samut Sakhon province, 36 kilometres (22 miles) outside Bangkok.

On Monday Jakrapob Penkair, a senior Red Shirt leader, told AFP from an unknown foreign location that the group would continue their campaign against Abhisit

The Red Shirts want Abhisit to quit and call elections, saying that he came to power unfairly in December after a court toppled Thaksin's allies from power.

Police are meanwhile still hunting the gunmen behind an assassination attempt on Sondhi Limthongkul, the founder of the rival "Yellow Shirts" movement which led a blockade of Bangkok's airports last year.

The airport siege ended after the court ruling that helped bring Abhisit to power. Army chief Anupong Paojinda admitted Thursday that three bullets used in the attack came from a military unit.

Source - BKK Post