Red Shirts' Planned Rally Worries Pm

[webfact]

MASS PROTEST

Move to ban rallies in Dusit area

By The Nation

Published on August 27, 2009

Red shirt leaders vow to defy govt, gather at Royal Plaza

Security agencies agreed at a meeting yesterday evening to ban any political gathering in Bangkok's Dusit district when the area comes under the Internal Security Act on Friday.

A spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command, Maj General Dittaporn Sassamit said the proposed ban would be recommended to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva tomorrow.

Representatives from relevant security agencies, including the police, the military and Isoc gathered at Army headquarters for a meeting chaired by Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban.

The decision came after the red shirts said yesterday their mass political rally on Sunday would go ahead as planned, in defiance of stringent measures imposed by the government under the security law.

Veera Musigapong, a leader of the red shirts, said the protesters would gather at the Royal Plaza on Sunday afternoon and move to Government House in the evening. A stage would be set up outside the compound for rally leaders to address participants, he said.

"It will be a peaceful and unarmed gathering," Veera said, adding that the rally would end by midnight on Sunday.

He claimed the government exceeded its powers and acted against the Constitution by imposing the Internal Security Act in Bangkok's Dusit district.

But Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva countered that claim, saying imposition of the law from Saturday to Tuesday was aimed at ensuring the peace.

"This law does not prohibit demonstrations as long as they are peaceful. There is concern that a third party may be involved," the prime minister said.

"The incident in April caused much damage to the country and nobody wants to see it happen again," he added, referring to violent riots by red shirts in Bangkok.

Nattawut Saikua, spokesman for the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, a faction of the red shirts, accused the government of spreading rumours by saying the security law was imposed to pre-empt possible violence.

"I insist that this upcoming rally will not be violent," he said.

Jatuporn Phrompan, an MP from the opposition Pheu Thai Party who is a leader of the red shirts, questioned the PM's sincerity in arguing that the law was aimed at keeping the protest peaceful and preventing interference by a third party.

Meanwhile, Udon Thani radio host Kwanchai Sarakham said yesterday fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra voiced concern for the safety of villagers going to the rally.

Kwanchai, a leader of the red shirts, said he spoke on the phone to Thaksin, who agreed Sunday's rally would be "wasteful".

He said Thaksin said he had raised his concern with Veera, one of the organisers. Thaksin's remarks hinted at an objection to holding the rally because he was grateful for the support shown through the pardon petition, and saw additional action as unnecessary now.

"I told the boss I didn't want to join the rally and he said he agreed. He said he told our people in Bangkok not to bring supporters to rally in Bangkok because there would be no use. The cost of arranging transport is more than Bt20,000 for each bus and it will be over Bt200,000 for 10 buses. It will be a waste of money. This was agreed by Thaksin."

-- The Nation 2009/08/27

[Publicus]

As I was saying when I clicked 'reply' instead of 'quote', the poll is positive news indeed.

Indeed, 76% of the population is more than a majority. It's an overwhelming mandate given by the population of Bangkok to the government to deal with the Reds Sunday if the Reds do start a riot as is their wont. The thug and goon approach by the Reds has long since become well recognized and rejected by Bangkokians.

Indeed the one sidedness of the poll constitutes a directive to the government by Bangkokians to deal with the Reds in a decisive manner under the provisions of the ISA.

Deal with the Reds constitutionally of course. Bangkokians want an end to the Reds demolishing Bangkok and Thailand post haste. So crack down on the Reds once and for all. Arrest the whole gang of them. Ship them out to the Thai ithsmus and put a fence around them. Guard them, feed them, charge them and deal with them through the courts.

Bangkokians are final that it is time NOW to put an end to Thaksin's domestic Red Shirt base of support which consists of thugs and goons who haven't anything to do with democracy. The poll clearly indicates that now we're talking seriously of democracy and the mandate of the people to the government to take the required actions.

[Plus]

76% against - that says a lot about red popularity.

[jayboy]

76% against - that says a lot about red popularity.

I'm not sure it does really but it's reasonable enough to suppose that many Bangkok residents don't relish the prospect of more trouble on the streets.Still it's a fair observation in contrast with the hate filled ranting from Publius (I love his insistence on constitutional methods coupled with shipping Reds off to concentration camps.)

Anyway here's the reality check.Thailand is deeply split politically and the Reds have every right to make their case.The underlying causes of the split have yet to be addressed, and so the conflict will continue.

[hammered]

Hammered, I understand where you are coming from, but I don't know if the big power brokers have the ability to stop the monster that is in motion right now. There is something of a personality cult that leaves a very significant power broker as a wild card. If he isn't allowed to return, he won't play fairly and if he is, the others won't play fairly.

Maybe if enough time can be bought along the way and the economy begins to improve, the problem will slowly begin to go away--but that maybe wishful thinking.

I think there are too many people who are vying for power and the normal horse trading just doesn't cut it anymore.

Hope your right, though.

Oh he has to be in the deal. Sorry if I didnt make that clear. I was trying to intimate that even if he dropped dead there were so many others now wrapped up in it all that his side wouldnt just go away. It is a pretty good hand to hold in temrs of getting things and if Thaksin disappears someone else will want to be holding it.

Imho it is all about the power players on all sides rebalancing things to their satisfaction and then allowing the electorate to choose. When they all agree on the game rules things will become a lot smoother

[Siripon]

Thaksin has no concern for reds' safety, it's merely a ploy to make the government look repressive.

More likely he sees the possibility of a public backlash against the reds, for after handing in the petition they said they would be peaceful and stop rallying, but within 2 or 3 days this new rally date was set to 'oust the government'.

Poor judgement in my mind- this rally demeans the petition, they don't hold it in high esteem if they can't wait for a response from the palace, why bother with it in the first place? That angers more of the public.

Nattawut said Abhisit didn't know how many hated him, i think he should look in the mirror at his own scowling ugly face and reflect on how many despise him for acting as a minion to a power crazed lunatic.

[hammered]

MASS PROTEST

Move to ban rallies in Dusit area

By The Nation

Published on August 27, 2009

Red shirt leaders vow to defy govt, gather at Royal Plaza

Security agencies agreed at a meeting yesterday evening to ban any political gathering in Bangkok's Dusit district when the area comes under the Internal Security Act on Friday.

A spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command, Maj General Dittaporn Sassamit said the proposed ban would be recommended to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva tomorrow.

Representatives from relevant security agencies, including the police, the military and Isoc gathered at Army headquarters for a meeting chaired by Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban.

The decision came after the red shirts said yesterday their mass political rally on Sunday would go ahead as planned, in defiance of stringent measures imposed by the government under the security law.

Veera Musigapong, a leader of the red shirts, said the protesters would gather at the Royal Plaza on Sunday afternoon and move to Government House in the evening. A stage would be set up outside the compound for rally leaders to address participants, he said.

"It will be a peaceful and unarmed gathering," Veera said, adding that the rally would end by midnight on Sunday.

He claimed the government exceeded its powers and acted against the Constitution by imposing the Internal Security Act in Bangkok's Dusit district.

But Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva countered that claim, saying imposition of the law from Saturday to Tuesday was aimed at ensuring the peace.

"This law does not prohibit demonstrations as long as they are peaceful. There is concern that a third party may be involved," the prime minister said.

"The incident in April caused much damage to the country and nobody wants to see it happen again," he added, referring to violent riots by red shirts in Bangkok.

Nattawut Saikua, spokesman for the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, a faction of the red shirts, accused the government of spreading rumours by saying the security law was imposed to pre-empt possible violence.

"I insist that this upcoming rally will not be violent," he said.

Jatuporn Phrompan, an MP from the opposition Pheu Thai Party who is a leader of the red shirts, questioned the PM's sincerity in arguing that the law was aimed at keeping the protest peaceful and preventing interference by a third party.

Meanwhile, Udon Thani radio host Kwanchai Sarakham said yesterday fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra voiced concern for the safety of villagers going to the rally.

Kwanchai, a leader of the red shirts, said he spoke on the phone to Thaksin, who agreed Sunday's rally would be "wasteful".

He said Thaksin said he had raised his concern with Veera, one of the organisers. Thaksin's remarks hinted at an objection to holding the rally because he was grateful for the support shown through the pardon petition, and saw additional action as unnecessary now.

"I told the boss I didn't want to join the rally and he said he agreed. He said he told our people in Bangkok not to bring supporters to rally in Bangkok because there would be no use. The cost of arranging transport is more than Bt20,000 for each bus and it will be over Bt200,000 for 10 buses. It will be a waste of money. This was agreed by Thaksin."

-- The Nation 2009/08/27

We all know and here about differences in the government on tactics and even substance. However, it is interesting to note differences at least on tactics in the red camp here.

The three southerners want the demo. Thaksin seemingly doesnt think it is needed and neither doea Khwanchai. And Jakrapob has been quite blistering on the three red leaders. It is also interesting to note money is directly mentioned here. It is not that I think Thaksin has run out but references to money are interesting in the context of questions over the three seen leaders.

[jayboy]

Thaksin has no concern for reds' safety, it's merely a ploy to make the government look repressive.

Actually you have no idea one way or the other.It's what they used to say about Chamlong a propos his supporters in the struggle against Suchinda.I think they also called Chamlong "a power crazed lunatic" to use your rather wild language.

[hammered]

Thaksin has no concern for reds' safety, it's merely a ploy to make the government look repressive.

More likely he sees the possibility of a public backlash against the reds, for after handing in the petition they said they would be peaceful and stop rallying, but within 2 or 3 days this new rally date was set to 'oust the government'.

Poor judgement in my mind- this rally demeans the petition, they don't hold it in high esteem if they can't wait for a response from the palace, why bother with it in the first place? That angers more of the public.

Nattawut said Abhisit didn't know how many hated him, i think he should look in the mirror at his own scowling ugly face and reflect on how many despise him for acting as a minion to a power crazed lunatic.

Nattawut is not exactly flavour of the month with all the red shirts let alone their opponents.

The rally tactic does seem to have divided the red tacticians.

Note that while Abhisit has said the reds have a right to rally peacefully even under the decree, the military-police according to the Nation are calling for a ban on rallies under the decree. Political games going on. Im not sure whether Abhisit has tio watch the reds or those closer to home on this one.

[Scott]

The decree seemed like an overreaction to me. It now appears that there is a lot of anxiety and tension over this rally, so maybe some group is up to something.

It could be interesting to see what happens.

[Siripon]

Thaksin has no concern for reds' safety, it's merely a ploy to make the government look repressive.

Actually you have no idea one way or the other.It's what they used to say about Chamlong a propos his supporters in the struggle against Suchinda.I think they also called Chamlong "a power crazed lunatic" to use your rather wild language.

At Songkran Thaksin urged the red shirts to bring their children to Bangkok to protest, apart from telling telling them to seize the provincial halls. At the same time he ensured his own children fled a few days before from Thailand. I consider that a callous disregard for other people's lives.

[animatic]

76% against - that says a lot about red popularity.

I'm not sure it does really but it's reasonable enough to suppose that many Bangkok residents don't relish the prospect of more trouble on the streets.Still it's a fair observation in contrast with the hate filled ranting from Publius (I love his insistence on constitutional methods coupled with shipping Reds off to concentration camps.)

Anyway here's the reality check.Thailand is deeply split politically and the Reds have every right to make their case.The underlying causes of the split have yet to be addressed, and so the conflict will continue.

Thailand is continually made to seem more split than it is.

Divide and conquer is an age old strategy.

Reality check: what a great phrase to seem pontifical behind.

I speak for reality! : LISTEN!

Except reality is not always the same from all perspectives.

What is real is based on personal perceptions, not the imposed indoctrination by others.

When thos indoctrinations overcome or OWN observations, then that is mind control.

Most cultures inculcate some form of mind control; AKA learning about your environment faster.

Regardless of the nature vs nurture argument we see and hear and feel what we do in our individual way.

Even if nurtured to see green as green and white as white...

even if the COLORBLIND only see back through gray to white.

76% is far beyond the margin of error of even these local polls,

the against are effectively minuscule, with a small percentage of clueless.

But certainly a clear message: this crap stops now.

I saw above that: Thaksin was saying this is too early...

Not enough in one place to cause enough destruction yet. To easy to be stopped.

I suspect he wants one more thing to use to 'wind them up' before his final push to a putcsh.

That of course is his only hope for getting power back now. Conflagration or tail between legs.

All or nothing, into the breach dear friends.

Well the Reds shouldn't be subjected to Bangkok Hilton till their day in court.

But if they break the law enmass, they need to reside somewhere till their cases reach court.

If this rioting comes, as expected, then this proves RED LEADERSHIP is not abiding by their

agreements not to incite, from their Songkran arrests, and so MUST be incarcerated until trial,

for the general public safety.

I know Publicus didn't mean ALL red shirts go to jail/camps.

I also know he doesn't hate the average red somchai.

Red Leadership is an entirely different apple, but he can speak for himself on that.

Though the threat of such global inccarceration, might give some reds

pause to think on their coming actions...But certainly the violent ones need removal from the field

the next time the put a foot badly wrong. But not the simple sitter and listener sheeples.

They are manipulated victims as much as anyone.

This is a chronic problem and the country can not put up with this much longer,

and not have it's own separate economic depression. Root causes are recognized,

Pandora's Box is opened never to close again, but this current red course of action

doesn't address these questions it only aides their liege-lord and master's aims and avaricious hubris.

Edited August 27, 2009 by animatic

[Plus]

76% against - that says a lot about red popularity.

I'm not sure it does really but it's reasonable enough to suppose that many Bangkok residents don't relish the prospect of more trouble on the streets.Still it's a fair observation in contrast with the hate filled ranting from Publius (I love his insistence on constitutional methods coupled with shipping Reds off to concentration camps.)

Anyway here's the reality check.Thailand is deeply split politically and the Reds have every right to make their case.The underlying causes of the split have yet to be addressed, and so the conflict will continue.

I don't see political splits - there's one party without a leader or a platform, fixated on worshipping one singel individual that no one else wants to deal with.

Thaksin personality cult is not a political movement.

Russians marcehd with Stalin banners some fifty years after his death. I doubt Thaksin memory would last that long, and even if it did - it's nothing but nostalgic blast from the past.

[hammered]

The decree seemed like an overreaction to me. It now appears that there is a lot of anxiety and tension over this rally, so maybe some group is up to something.

It could be interesting to see what happens.

I would guess that at any of these rallies Abhisit worries what others will get up to. Songkhran was a lot more complicated than people think. By declaring the decree Abhisit may actually be trying to ensure his security by taking control of the armed forces. How those that lead them decide to react or not to react if the chain of command remains as it normally is could directly affect Abhisit as PM. He wont forget the military failing to move for sometime at Songkhran and add in the recent hiccups he has faced vis-a-vis the reshuffle and the BJT and military. And that is without mentioning what the red shirts have planned. It doesnt seem a lot right now and they seem to disagree on what to do but you never know. In this political game people will seize on any opportunity that arises.

In short demos are a time when "unforseen accidents can happen". Abhisit is aware of this now and by this move is trying to secure his position as best as possible.

Edited to add: My guess is a boring weekend and I hope I am right

Edited August 27, 2009 by hammered

[Scott]

An overreaction is a better bet than an under-reaction. I tend to agree that it will probably be a boring weekend. It's the jockeying for power and the backroom politics that's most interesting.

[animatic]

An overreaction is a better bet than an under-reaction. I tend to agree that it will probably be a boring weekend. It's the jockeying for power and the backroom politics that's most interesting.

~Can't agree more.

Yes boring weekend,

it's likely too early for Thaksin to make his final big move.

Then again..... we live in interesting times.

[Plus]

Songkhran was a lot more complicated than people think.

Perhaps Anupong and blues were trying to teach Abhisit a lesson, clip his wings, show him who was in charge. Good plan form their perspective, yet Abhisit had general public firmly behind him, everyone cheered non-blue soldiers when Abhisit called them up, and blue camp had to retreat with a tail between its legs. At that time they didn't admit defeat and tried to bully Abhisit again over things like bus project and police chief appointment. Didn't quite work, initially they caught him off guard, but when they got his full attention they had to step back and grumble quietly.

This week Abhisit blocked BJT's Interior Ministry secretary nomination and there was nothing they could say, and Chai, Newin's daddy, had to make a fool out of himself in public by trading extra 130 mil budget in exchange for putting the budget bill on agenda.

Abhisit is teaching them a lesson that old style politicking won't work on him and they only damage their own reputation. I don't know how long he will last like that, though.

Note that Thaksin and his reds have lost all relevance to this new political forces.

[LindsayBKK]

Rained 'cat's & dogs' on them yesterday, what a shame :D

PM should not be worried, they wouldn't know how to run a chook raffle.

[webfact]

Doctored audio clip on April crowd dispersal: PM

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday denied ordering to disperse the red-shirts during the Songkran mayhem in April.

Abhisit was reacting to the audio clip circulated in the Internet sounding like his voice issuing the instruction.

"The audio clip was definitely doctored because I can confirm I have never issued any instruction on crowd control," he said.

-- The Nation 2009/08/27

[ballpoint]

Thaksin has no concern for reds' safety, it's merely a ploy to make the government look repressive.

Actually you have no idea one way or the other.It's what they used to say about Chamlong a propos his supporters in the struggle against Suchinda.I think they also called Chamlong "a power crazed lunatic" to use your rather wild language.

Chamlong didn't call for people to bring their families along.

Chamlong didn't incite the anti Suchinda brigade to mindlessly attack civilians and threaten their homes and livelihoods.

Chamlong confined the protest to one area rather than rampaging through Bangkok. You could either join it or stay away.

Most importantly, Chamlong had the balls to join the protest rather than fleeing down a rathole and squeaking from a distance.

[hammered]

Songkhran was a lot more complicated than people think.

Perhaps Anupong and blues were trying to teach Abhisit a lesson, clip his wings, show him who was in charge. Good plan form their perspective, yet Abhisit had general public firmly behind him, everyone cheered non-blue soldiers when Abhisit called them up, and blue camp had to retreat with a tail between its legs. At that time they didn't admit defeat and tried to bully Abhisit again over things like bus project and police chief appointment. Didn't quite work, initially they caught him off guard, but when they got his full attention they had to step back and grumble quietly.

This week Abhisit blocked BJT's Interior Ministry secretary nomination and there was nothing they could say, and Chai, Newin's daddy, had to make a fool out of himself in public by trading extra 130 mil budget in exchange for putting the budget bill on agenda.

Abhisit is teaching them a lesson that old style politicking won't work on him and they only damage their own reputation. I don't know how long he will last like that, though.

Note that Thaksin and his reds have lost all relevance to this new political forces.

The Abhisit versus power brokers and blue boys game is an interesting one. It was widely expected he would collapse at Songkhran and he turned the tables to the surprise of quite a few getting very strong "soft support". Im not totally sure it was Abhisit who called up the troops he used. I think he had extremely strong support from at least one of the four armies and the other forces.

I personally wouldnt write Thaksin off just yet. The reds have the ability to influence how things play out and in any settlement some of their demands will need to be met imho.

[LawnGnome]

Thaksin has no concern for reds' safety, it's merely a ploy to make the government look repressive.

Actually you have no idea one way or the other.It's what they used to say about Chamlong a propos his supporters in the struggle against Suchinda.I think they also called Chamlong "a power crazed lunatic" to use your rather wild language.

Chamlong didn't call for people to bring their families along.

Chamlong didn't incite the anti Suchinda brigade to mindlessly attack civilians and threaten their homes and livelihoods.

Chamlong confined the protest to one area rather than rampaging through Bangkok. You could either join it or stay away.

Most importantly, Chamlong had the balls to join the protest rather than fleeing down a rathole and squeaking from a distance.

It's no use trying to bait Jayboy with this BP, because he doesn't care...His ideology runs far to deep.

[animatic]

Songkhran was a lot more complicated than people think.

Perhaps Anupong and blues were trying to teach Abhisit a lesson, clip his wings, show him who was in charge. Good plan form their perspective, yet Abhisit had general public firmly behind him, everyone cheered non-blue soldiers when Abhisit called them up, and blue camp had to retreat with a tail between its legs. At that time they didn't admit defeat and tried to bully Abhisit again over things like bus project and police chief appointment. Didn't quite work, initially they caught him off guard, but when they got his full attention they had to step back and grumble quietly.

This week Abhisit blocked BJT's Interior Ministry secretary nomination and there was nothing they could say, and Chai, Newin's daddy, had to make a fool out of himself in public by trading extra 130 mil budget in exchange for putting the budget bill on agenda.

Abhisit is teaching them a lesson that old style politicking won't work on him and they only damage their own reputation. I don't know how long he will last like that, though.

Note that Thaksin and his reds have lost all relevance to this new political forces.

I think it's a bit simpler for the Pattaya incident.

The Pattaya region police commander was a Thaksin man,

and he just sorta forgot to send any police to the ASEAN summit...

The Blues caught wind and went down themselves, to fill the gap,

but with too short notice and so too short numbers.

Still it DID set the reds into rampage mode and tipped their masters hand too early.

Abhisit did finally see the lay of the changing shifting sands and made good moves.

Seems he reads the tea leaves better than newin, fine by me.

Now that it's proved by actions how far Thaksin and the Redden troops will go,

the Gov. is proceeding based on that premise, rather than hopeful thoughts about thai probity.

Regardless of the Police appointment not being an illogical slam dunk, that some expected,

Abhisit is consistently putting the more rambunctious coalition partners into perspective.

It isn't a one patch fixes all thing, and it's NOT a do once and it's over thing either.

A sop here and smack-down there and business continues.

Edited August 27, 2009 by animatic

[LawnGnome]

Songkhran was a lot more complicated than people think.

Perhaps Anupong and blues were trying to teach Abhisit a lesson, clip his wings, show him who was in charge. Good plan form their perspective, yet Abhisit had general public firmly behind him, everyone cheered non-blue soldiers when Abhisit called them up, and blue camp had to retreat with a tail between its legs. At that time they didn't admit defeat and tried to bully Abhisit again over things like bus project and police chief appointment. Didn't quite work, initially they caught him off guard, but when they got his full attention they had to step back and grumble quietly.

This week Abhisit blocked BJT's Interior Ministry secretary nomination and there was nothing they could say, and Chai, Newin's daddy, had to make a fool out of himself in public by trading extra 130 mil budget in exchange for putting the budget bill on agenda.

Abhisit is teaching them a lesson that old style politicking won't work on him and they only damage their own reputation. I don't know how long he will last like that, though.

Note that Thaksin and his reds have lost all relevance to this new political forces.

I think it's a bit simpler for the Pattaya incident.

The Pattaya region police commander was a Thaksin man,

and he just sorta forgot to send an police to the ASEAN summit...

The Blues caught wind and went down themseleves, to fill the gap,

but with too short notice and so too short numbers.

Still it DID set the reds into rampage mode and tipped their masters hand too early.

Abhisit did finally see the lay of the changing shifting sands and made good moves.

Seems he reads the tea leaves better than newin, fine by me.

Now that it's proved by actions how far Thaksin and the Redden troops will go,

the Gov. is proceeding based on that premise, rather than hopeful thoughts about thai probity.

Regardless of the Police appointment not being an illogical slam dunk, that some expected,

Abhisit is consistently putting the more rambunctious coalition partners into perspective.

It isn't a one patch fixes all thing and it's a do once and it's over thing either.

A sop here and smack-down there and business continues.

What he said....

[Plus]

The Abhisit versus power brokers and blue boys game is an interesting one. It was widely expected he would collapse at Songkhran and he turned the tables to the surprise of quite a few getting very strong "soft support". Im not totally sure it was Abhisit who called up the troops he used. I think he had extremely strong support from at least one of the four armies and the other forces.

I personally wouldnt write Thaksin off just yet. The reds have the ability to influence how things play out and in any settlement some of their demands will need to be met imho.

I believe during Songkran Abhisit set up the war room all by himself and then went on TV with all the military brass to show strength, and a lot of them turned up. Sure he had strong support then - everybody was pissed at reds. What were blues thinking? What did they expect? I think they bit a lot more than they could chew.

As for red influence - I don't think they have any. Sure their street presense must be taken into account but as far as policies and governing is concenred - they've totally discredited themselves to be treated seriously.

As a voting block they can be written off, too. If anyone wants to win their votes it's Newin, not Dems.

It is possible that Newin gives up trying and aligns himself with PTP, but it's too early to speculate about what the future ruling coalition will be.

From my point of view - it doesn't matter. Thaksin is not coming back, whatever they do without him - fine by me, they will be forced to listen to the people and held accountable.

Even Jakrapob in his recent article warned the reds that their dreams about Thaksin return are futile and their wasting their time.

[t1401]

Meanwhile, a group of people were injured after 10 men in a pickup, hooded and dressed in black, threw stones and Home-made Bombs into a commercial building in which 300 members of the yellow shirts were celebrating the opening of a "We love the King" centre in Chiang Mai's Muang District.

As the yellow shirts fled, the men in black chased them with sticks, smashing glass doors and windows and a pickup parked in front of the building.

Hooded and dressed in black? Doesn't sound much like Red Shirt tactics to me. I'm afraid the term 'agent provacateur' come to mind.

Black is the new red.

From today's Xinhua news:

A "red-shirted" woman, or the anti-government protestor, wearing black shirt attends a rally at Sanam Luang in central Bangkok, capital of Thailand, on Aug. 26, 2009. (Xinhua/Thana Nuntavoranut)

Edited August 27, 2009 by t1401

[webfact]

Most Bangkokians approve of security law : Suan Dusit Poll

Nearly 80 per cent of Bangkokians supported the government's plan to impose the internal security law in Dusit district during this weekend when pro-Thaksin protesters planned to rally against the Abhisit government, according to Suan Dusit poll.

The poll was conducted on 1,078 Bangkok residents Tuesday and Wednesday.

-- The Nation 2009/08/27

[webfact]

Thaksin wants a change of government: Satit

PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnontaey on Thursday voiced suspicion that ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was plotting to oust the government within one or two months.

"Thaksin might have time constraints forcing him to act in haste in order to ensure his survival by bringing about the government's exit," he said.

Satit cited factors such as Thaksin's uncertainty for exile haven and his legal battles, several of which are about to be decided, as reasons for causing political jitters to undermine the government.

-- The Nation 2009/08/27

[animatic]

Basic black is always in, except in hotter climes.

Should nicely bake them to a turn after a sunny afternoon here.

Well, Labor day weekend is here, can't keep the white shoes and gloves much longer.

Black is the new red .. huh,

'Paint It Black' should be running through the sounds system.

'I see a red whore and I want to paint her black.

Rose colored images of the cash I lack.

Gotta get my money back if it's the last I do.

I'll send them scurrying, to stir up a stew.

Theres money locked up and I have to set it free.

Gather all power in my hands, it just has to be.

Gotta get my money back if it's the last I do

I'll send them scurrying.' and blame it on the Blues.'

I wonder what this weekend's stipend provender will be?

500baht, plus combat pay, to keep the Sheeple in straw and water.

Black Sheeple in the flock...

LOL oh! Dear Lord and Master, your irony runs deepest.

Cloven hooves akimbo, once more into the breach dear fiends.

Edited August 27, 2009 by animatic

[jayboy]

It's no use trying to bait Jayboy with this BP, because he doesn't care...His ideology runs far to deep.

If you paid closer attention you would have noted I am almost completely free of political ideology.I was simply pointing out that much of the wilder language used about Thaksin was used about Chamlong in his glory days.That's just a fact and of course the circumstances are completely different.