Udd Supporters Oppose Public Health Minister

[webfact]

UDD supporters oppose Public Health Minister in Lampang

LAMPANG, 6 July 2009 (NNT) - Supporters of the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered to oppose Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai during his visit to Lampang province.

A group of more than 20 UDD supporters appeared to protest against Mr Witthaya during his visit to Lampang Hospital to observe the influenza A (H1N1) protective measures. On the other hand, the minister was warmly welcomed by the Hospital Director before receiving a report on the A (H1N1) situation.

Mr Witthaya and his entourage later arrived at the conference room to provide policies to the staff of Lampang Hospital for 30 minutes.

However, they were forced to change the exit way out of the hospital due to the UDD crowd stationing outside and waiting to confront him.

-- NNT 2009/07/06

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255207060107

[webfact]

Public Health Minister flees from surounding red-shirts

CHIANG MAI, 6 July 2009 (NNT) – Red-shirted group disrupted Public Health Minister’s visit at Nakhon Phing Hospital in Chiang Mai, causing him to flee from the scene.

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai and his party visited Nakhon Phing Hospital in Chiang Mai to present the policy for the Flu and Influenza A (H1N1) infection measure.

During his visit, around 100 supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) had gathered and surrounded the hospital. They shouted at the Minister so that he could not continue working and had to leave the scene by the side door of the hospital.

During the incident, clashes occurred between police officers and UDD supporters.

There were 30 police officers with shields and clubs against 100 UDD supporters.

-- NNT 2009/07/06

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255207060112

[webfact]

Minister flees hospital after protest rally

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai was forced to flee from a hospital in Chiang Mai yesterday after hundreds of anti-government demonstrators tried to force their way past police and security guards.

Mr Witthaya, who is visiting northern provinces to inspect measures to cope with the A (H1N1) flu, went to Nakornping Hospital last night. But he was quickly hustled out the back door by security guards when about 200 anti-government protesters sealed off the front gates soon after he appeared.

A meeting between health officials and the minister had to be cancelled to ensure Mr Witthaya's security. "I have no idea how such a situation could have happened," Mr Witthaya said later. "It is my job as Public Health Minister to be concerned about people's lives. [The protesters] should not have linked this [visit] to politics."

-- Bangkok Post 2009/07/07

Continued on Bangkok Post here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/1978...r-protest-rally

[animatic]

Politics is more important than public health for these people.

Not very encouraging for their leadership choices to come to power...

[baht&sold]

Nice to see the Reds/Peua Thai are concerned with 'helping' in the swine flu effort...

At least the Minister faired better than the Bkk Post reporter who asked too many questions at a Puea Thai village meeting in Lampang:

Post reporter bashed after village meeting

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/193...village-meeting

He said he directed many questions to Thammarak Chiangprom, assistant to Puea Thai Party MP for Lampang Jarasrit Janthasurin, who gave the briefing.

''Soon after the meeting I was assaulted by a group of men that included the brother of a village head,'' he said.

He said reporters were often intimidated by local figures and this prevented them from doing their job

Yes, up North it's still like the 'good ol days' of Mr Thaksin... which proxy-PM in waiting (the right honourable Mr Chalerm) is chomping at the bit for (along with the red leaders)

Edited July 7, 2009 by baht&sold

[justanothercybertosser]

Nice to see the Reds/Peua Thai are concerned with 'helping' in the swine flu effort...

At least the Minister faired better than the Bkk Post reporter who asked too many questions at a Puea Thai village meeting in Lampang:

Post reporter bashed after village meeting

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/crimes/193...village-meeting

The PAD has done the same to PPP ministers visiting the South last year.

Threatening, beating up or shooting reporters that ask uncomfortable questions is a national sport here, by the way. It happens in every region, by every party.

[baht&sold]

A rather lame defense of Peua Thai thugs attacking a Bkk Post reporter just last week. Of course ALL such actions should be condemned, not seemingly condoned as one group does it so it's ok for 'my' group.

Note Puea Thai Party yesterday also demanded the Health Minister resign saying he had 'failed in his duty to control the outbreak'. This will play well to the masses- 'helping' to cynically scare-up up flu-fear (and support for the party;) To seal the deal, the Peau Thai spokesman announced: ""There will be an eighth H1N1-related fatality in the country and I'll put my job as the party spokesman at stake on that, because the disease is spreading everywhere"

Meanwhile, The UK is now joining other western countries in accepting it's almost impossible to stop the spread of swine flu. The UK wisely states resources can be better used in treating patients, educating the public and concentrating on higher risk groups such as those with breathing problems etc.

Unfortunately in Thailand there's a lack of understanding thus the Govt is (rightfully) concerned over panic potential and must also try to pacify the public and try to tackle the flu at the same time.

Puea Thai sees this as a political 'opportunity' to exploit for self-gain. Regardless going around whipping up flu-fear for cynical self-serving interests is clearly not helpful.

[jamesjdaly]

What??!! Only 20 of them to protest? Methinks the movement is running out of steam/hot air in the Red north!

[Ijustwannateach]

Nothing that has really happened in the last few years has convinced me that the public interests are served by anything happening in politics on any side these days.

[Scott]

The Bangkok Post reported 'hundreds' of protesters. I think the OP was a misprint.

The country is getting or remains as divided as ever. I tend to support the Reds (but only as opposed to the Yellows), actually neither group is worth the time of day.

I don't have too much sympathy for the Minster of Public Health. I doubt he had anything of value to bring to the area other than politics. He could have sent medical staff if they need expertise. When he goes it's most likely politics.

[Xangsamhua]

The Red Shirts are sounding more and more like these guys (early Mormon vigilantes, later suppressed for extremism):

"We have solemnly warned you, and that in the most determined manner, that if you do not cease that course of wanton abuse of the citizens of this county, that vengeance would overtake you sooner or later, and that when it did come it would be as furious as the mountain torrent, and as terrible as the beating tempest; but you have affected to despise our warnings, and pass them off with a sneer, or a grin, or a threat, and pursued your former course; and vengeance sleepeth not, neither does it slumber; and unless you heed us this time, and attend to our request, it will overtake you at an hour when you do not expect, and at a day when you do not look for it; and for you there shall be no escape; for there is but one decree for you, which is depart, depart, or a more fatal calamity shall befall you."

(Wikipedia: Danite)

[sriracha john]

During the incident, clashes occurred between police officers and UDD supporters.

I see the Reds are up to their usual tactics.

[sriracha john]

Puea Thai: UDD should not stage violent demonstration

BANGKOK, 8 July 2009 (NNT) – The Puea Thai party said the United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) should be allowed to stage their demonstrations but they should be peaceful and not violent.

Earlier, on 6 July 2009, a group of UDD protesters surrounded a hospital in the northern province of Chiang Mai, where Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai was there to present influenza A (H1N1) preventive measures.

The Minister then had to flee from the hospital amid clashes between police and protesters.

In regards to the incident, Puea Thai party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said UDD supporters were allowed to express their opinion.

However, he suggested that they should allow the Minister to perform his duties and limit their protests to stay within the law.

He further stated also that the protesters should not perform any acts of violence.

-- NNT 2009-07-08

[sriracha john]

The Minister then had to flee from the hospital amid clashes between police and protesters.

In regards to the incident, Puea Thai party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said UDD supporters were allowed to express their opinion.

However, he suggested that they should allow the Minister to perform his duties and limit their protests to stay within the law.

He further stated also that the protesters should not perform any acts of violence.

More disarray within the Puea Thai Party as tactical differences of opinion are now coming out?

[hammered]

The Minister then had to flee from the hospital amid clashes between police and protesters.

In regards to the incident, Puea Thai party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said UDD supporters were allowed to express their opinion.

However, he suggested that they should allow the Minister to perform his duties and limit their protests to stay within the law.

He further stated also that the protesters should not perform any acts of violence.

More disarray within the Puea Thai Party as tactical differences of opinion are now coming out?

The dynamic between parlaimentary and extra-parliamentary approaches. PTP are doing OK on the parlaimentary front right now so it is time to look respectable. Attacking a hospital is also bad publicity. The CM51 group are one of the more extreme action pro-Thaiksin groups too. They are always good for bad publicity and have set themselves up as the arbiters of what can and cannot happen in CM. No gays, no red groups apart from them, no demonstrations they dont sanction, etc tec. PTP are right to distance from this lunatic group but if they start to do less well in parliamentary play will they still remain distanced? Sensible words now though.

[sriracha john]

Sensible words now though.

Shame it takes 2 days for them to do so.... but then, it takes time to gauge public opinion to their actions... and once known, attempt to feebly attempt to distance themselves when it goes against them...

as indeed...

Attacking a hospital is also bad publicity.

Amazing that they couldn't have foreseen that before doing so.

Edited July 9, 2009 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Sensible words now though.

Shame it takes 2 days for them to do so.... but then, it takes time to gauge public opinion to their actions... and once known, attempt to feebly attempt to distance themselves when it goes against them...

as indeed...

Attacking a hospital is also bad publicity.

Amazing that they couldn't have foreseen that before doing so.

I doubt the PTP have much control over the boot boys, muderers and thugs of LCM51. They even gave a kicking to a few other red groups. They are just local influentials who control their turf, period.

[sriracha john]

Sensible words now though.

Shame it takes 2 days for them to do so.... but then, it takes time to gauge public opinion to their actions... and once known, attempt to feebly attempt to distance themselves when it goes against them...

I doubt the PTP have much control over the boot boys, murderers and thugs of LCM51. They even gave a kicking to a few other red groups. They are just local influentials who control their turf, period.

They are like Kwanchai's Udon Lover's group in that regard, sharing their preference for violence and extremist, revolutionary talk.

Given these large groups of Reds that are out of control with the so-called Red movement, then the only

Sensible words now though.

would be for the Puea Thai Party to completely exorcise them from any association.

Instead, there are Puea Thai Party MP's supporting and closely aligned with these violent extremists.

[scorecard]

Strange how these UDD people say:

- They want democracy

- They want a return to democracy

- They will accept nothing less the democracy picture seen in the most advanced countries.

Then they get violent with anybody they don't like, and stomp on freedom of speech.

They support a man who is already convicted for abuse of power and there are 17 more cases going through the courts for massive corruption, and further abuse of power cases, and cases in regard to destroying the pillars of democracy. And his wife has been found guilty of tax evasion, and his children ahve failed to lodge tax returns / pay tax on massive earnings.

Then they expect all other Thais to see them as a credible and capable alternative government. WOW.

Then they think it's somehow clever to stop the Health Minister doing the work that he should be doing in regard to what's quickly becoming a serious and wide spread health concern. And they use violence to stop him doing his work.

And they are too stupid to realize that an outbreak of this flu (Which has already claimed 7 or 8 Thai lives) could happen in their villages, the same as it can suddenly appear in any village, therefore they should for their own safety be knowledgeable about the outbreak, and how to react quickly and professionally.

Then they expect all other Thais to see them as a credible and capable alternative government. WOW.

I see another funny irony here. Chalerm was mentioned in an earlier post as waiting impatiently to show his thug tactics as soon as his Puea Thai people win the next election. And I wonder whether in fact chalerm is the strategist behind the disruption of the Health Ministers work.

What's funny (for me) is that Chalerm was the Health Minister in the Somchai government, and when the China milk scandel broke, chalerm's immediate policy was to say nothing, don't recall and isolate the milk already in Thailand, don't inform the public, because 'we might upset China'.

Really clever reaction from a minister.

And the Puea Thai / UDD people expect all Thais to see them as an alternative capable government. WOW.

[sriracha john]

Rak Chiang Mai 51 is back with its thuggish acts

The thuggish Rak Chiang Mai 51 group has, once again, given the northern capital a bad name, with the mob hounding and intimidating Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai during his visit to a provincial hospital. The ugly incident took place in the late afternoon of Monday July 6, when Mr Witthaya made an official visit to the Wiang Ping hospital to brief provincial health officials on the government’s policy to contain the H1N1 flu pandemic.

Shortly before the minister’s visit, the Khon Rak Chiang Mai community radio station, operated by Rak Chiang Mai 51, went on air attacking the Democrat-led government and urging its red-shirted supporters to converge at the hospital and to expel Mr Witthaya. Responding to the call, about 100 red-shirted people gathered at the hospital. During the siege, the noisy protesters hurled noisy non-stop abuse at the minister in complete disregard for the wellfare of the patients, many of whom were recuperating and in need of peace. Several protesters tried to break through a cordon of police and security guards to get into the hospital to harass the visiting minister.

This latest act of mob rule by the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group has further shamed the northern capital, a city which prides itself in the friendliness and hospitality of its people. It is yet further indisputable proof that this group will go to any extent at all to achieve its political aims - even if that means innocent people may have to suffer from its actions.

After the incident, a complaint was lodged with the Mae Rim district police by the hospital’s director, Dr Thani Limthong. But it is doubtful the police will take any legal action against the red-shirted hooligans who will, once again, walk free - as they did after their previous floutings of the law. Pairoj Saengpuwong, the deputy provincial governor, admitted that he was powerless to take any action against Khon Rak Chiang Mai community radio for its incitement of the mob despite a prior agreement that the radio station would refrain from stirring up public unrest.

An offshoot of the pro-Thaksin United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group is notorious for its tendency to violence. It has chalked up a long list of legal infringements. These include:

Editorial continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion...s-thuggish-acts

-- Bangkok Post 2009-07-09

Edited July 9, 2009 by sriracha john

[TAWP]

Thugs lead by a criminal. The future of democracy.

[hammered]

Some news reports that the LCM51 thugs have surrounded a CM police station because thug number one Petchawat didnt agree to the terms of his bail - cant leave Thailand and no leading protests - and so couldnt be bailed. Wonder how the investigation is going into his groups murder of an old man

[sriracha john]

Red Shirt Protesters Surround Police Station in Chiang Mai

Red-shirt protesters in Chiang Mai surrounded the Chiang Mai Provincial Police Region 5 station, after news that group leaders' bails has been denied. The protesters claimed the decision was unjust.

Approximately 200 red-shirt members have gathered to protest in front of the Chiang Mai Provincial Police Region 5 station. The group was dissatisfied with the news that leaders of the 'Love Chiang Mai 51 Group' including Petcharat Wattanapongsirikul, Kanyaphak Maneejak, and Phumchai Chaiya have been denied bail.

The three have been charged for the closure of roads last week in front of Nakornping Hospital in a protest against a visit to the hospital of Public Health Minister and his team.

Before the red-shirts began their protest, officials had clarified the terms of bail to the leaders, stating that the leaders are not permitted to leave the country and to gather for protesting. According to sources, one of the core leaders of the group, Petcharat, did not agree with the terms because he believes they are unjust as some additional clauses were later added in the terms of bail. Pecharat plans to submit a petition on this issue to the court.

The red-shirt group that protested in front of the Chiang Mai Provincial Police Region 5 was led by Boonlert Reuangtim, a leader of the red-shirt group in Phitsanulok. The group gathered for approximately an hour before moving to protest in front of city hall of Chiang Mai.

-- Tan Network 2009-07-10

Edited July 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Musnt forget that nothing is allowed to happen in CM that the LCM51 booot boys havent approved

[monkfish]

Very strange that none of the newspapers reports why they were protesting.

Really shows who is pulling the strings here.

Just in case anybody is interested the protesters were calling for the health minister

to resign due to his handling of the H1N1 outbreak in Thailand.

Some of them i believe were wearing red shirts

Edited July 10, 2009 by monkfish

[sriracha john]

Just in case anybody is interested the protesters were calling for the health minister

to resign due to his handling of the H1N1 outbreak in Thailand.

So when the Health Minister attempts to do his job and handle the H1N1 outbreak in Thailand, they interfere and prevent him doing his job. Nice logic.

Some of them i believe were wearing red shirts

Post # 23 would seem to confirm that many of the thugs wore red shirts.

Edited July 10, 2009 by sriracha john

[Siripon]

Very strange that none of the newspapers reports why they were protesting.

Really shows who is pulling the strings here.

Just in case anybody is interested the protesters were calling for the health minister

to resign due to his handling of the H1N1 outbreak in Thailand.

Some of them i believe were wearing red shirts

The reasons for the protest was broadcast on all TV stations and was in Thai newspapers. The reasons the red shirts didn't know that the Health Minister was coming was because he didn't even tell the Chiang Mai governor in advance about his visit.

Hopefully the violent thugs will be seeing a jail soon.

[hammered]

Even PTP are distancing from the LCM51 lunatics

[sriracha john]

The Minister then had to flee from the hospital amid clashes between police and protesters.

In regards to the incident, Puea Thai party Spokesperson Prompong Nopparit said UDD supporters were allowed to express their opinion.

However, he suggested that they should allow the Minister to perform his duties and limit their protests to stay within the law.

He further stated also that the protesters should not perform any acts of violence.

More disarray within the Puea Thai Party as tactical differences of opinion are now coming out?

Red Shirts again interrupting the government's efforts to try an manage the swine flu.

Hampering the ability to effectively respond to the needs of the people to its ultimate ability... then condemning the government that's slowed or impeded by its own thuggish behavior.

Invading hospitals and scaring patients and families.

Red Shirts...

Bunch of hooligans and mobster-ish thugs.

anyway, here's more on the latest Reds' tactics...

Edited July 23, 2009 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

Witthaya cancels visit to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital amidst UDD protest

AYUTTHAYA, 22 July 2009 (NNT) - Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai canceled his visit to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital in Ayutthaya province after the anti-government United Front of Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters gathered at the hospital.

More than 50 UDD supporters reportedly gathered in front of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital in an attempt to interfere with Mr Witthaya’s planned visit to observe the A (H1N1) patient filtering system of the hospital. The demonstration thus forced the Public Health Minister to call off his trip to the province despite tight security provided by 50 police officials and border protection volunteers.

The UDD protesters dissolved in frustration upon hearing the news that Mr Witthaya had changed his plan to instead observe the A (H1N1) preventive measures at Rajamangala Stadium ahead of a football match tonight between Thailand National Team and Liverpool Football Club from England.

-- NNT 2009-07-22