Pad Rally To Demand Govt Rid Disputed Territory Near Temple Of Cambodians

[Scott]

Please keep us informed of any updates on the accident.

Thanks

[surangw]

how much are the "protesters" being paid these days?

[bergen]

As said in the Nation article, the local residents in Sisaket and Ubon just wants to get on with their peaceful lifes, without being disturbed by the Pads. When Khao Phra Wiharn was accessible, it created business opportunities on both sides of the border. I live only 15 mins away, and know of no locals that will attend the rally.

If the Pads wants to rally at the disputed border area, they have to fight their way through army and ranger camps which are located at the entrance of the KPW National park, some 3 km from the border check point.

[webfact]

RALLY AT PREAH VIHEAR

Locals oppose PAD protest at temple

By The Nation

Published on September 19, 2009

Locals oppose PAD protest at temple

Some 300 local residents who live near the Khmer sanctuary of Preah Vihear gathered yesterday at a Buddhist temple to show their disagreement with the planned protest against Cambodia by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD).

Sao Thong Chai subdistrict chief Weerayut Duangkaew said the local people had urged the PAD not to create trouble for them.

"Yes, we agree with the idea to protect Thai territory. But we can use other ways to express patriotism," he said.

The PAD began to mobilise yellow-shirted protesters to Preah Vihear demanding that the Cambodian community and military move out of the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.

The PAD would stage the protest today and have threatened to move the Cambodian community out of the area on their own unless the Thai military took action against Cambodia.

Preah Vihear Temple has been closed since last year when the PAD protested Cambodia's proposal to list the archaeological site as a World Heritage site.

Local residents in Sao Thong Chai subdistricts and many other nearby villages encountered difficulties as the ways to their farms were also blocked due to tension in the border area.

Some of them have lost incomes from trading at the site since then.

"We beg for sympathy from the PAD. We have been suffering the consequences of their protests for more than a year," Weerayut said.

Local residents clashed with PAD protesters once in July last year when the group rallied at the site. The clash injured many villagers and protesters.

It is not only the local residents who have got into trouble due to the PAD protests. The chief of Phra Viharn National Park, Suwan Wattanapitakphong, who oversees the area, has sought transfer to another post as he cannot withstand the tension in the area.

The last straw was when PAD's 24 guards, known as Sri Wichai warriors, stormed into and occupied the restricted area on Thursday in their preparation for the protest. Suwan failed to remove the guards out of the area. Kathalak district police chief Pol Colonel Chatchawan Kaeowchandee spent hours negotiating with them yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban yesterday urged the PAD not to storm into the disputed area as it could spark a conflict with Cambodia.

"Who are relatives of the PAD protester, please warned them not to go into Cambodian side, it could cause international problem. If so, it is really difficult to solve," he said.

-- The Nation 2009/09/19

[dumball]

So after many years with a lack of agreement on whom has the right to what , the two governments have agreed to sit down and discuss this problem in a peacefull manner , local residents meanwhile are quite content to let things be for the interim because it is more congeneal to both Thai and Kymer people . A gang of rowdies have taken it upon themselves in their manner of extreme patriotism , to remove the peacefull Kymer squatters and replace them with Thai squatters whom they will deem 'OWNERS' of 50 rai each of this disputed area . There is a small matter still hanging in the air of how Thai troops determined indicriminatly the methodology of how Kymer intruders into Thailand should be set an example of , to wit , shoot and burn alive . Having set this precedent , do they not think it fair for the Kymer people to retaliate in a likewise manner and accept like the men they feel they are , the treatment they themselves have meeted out in a barbaric show of Thai might ? Let them be aware the Kymer are much better prepared and armed than in previous conflicts , just as proud and nationlistic as any Thai .

It would be far more realistic to just let the locals share the area as they had done for many years , living in harmony and tolerance , they do share the same religion and have the same struggles to survive in life .

[sabaijai]

There's still an issue of Cambodian settlers on the disputed land, and of Cambodian troops shooting any Thai that steps in there.

If Cambodia recognizes "disputed" status they should move their civilians out of there themselves, without provoking Thai nationalist feelings.

Precisely.

Just heard from my missus that on the TV they were reporting that police from Buriram on their way to Bangkok for the reds rally had an accident.

Wouldn't it be better to send them to Phrae Vihaer? Of course we know who runs Buriram.

How is Buriram related to KPV?

[Thai at Heart]

There's still an issue of Cambodian settlers on the disputed land, and of Cambodian troops shooting any Thai that steps in there.

If Cambodia recognizes "disputed" status they should move their civilians out of there themselves, without provoking Thai nationalist feelings.

Precisely.

Just heard from my missus that on the TV they were reporting that police from Buriram on their way to Bangkok for the reds rally had an accident.

Wouldn't it be better to send them to Phrae Vihaer? Of course we know who runs Buriram.

How is Buriram related to KPV?

Just found it interesting that they were pulling police into Bangkok from as far away as Buriram, when it would be far more logical to send police from Buriram to Phra Vihar. But then of course with the well known family being part of the shaky coalition at the moment, they obviously want police they can trust in Bangkok.

[Thai at Heart]

Just found this on Outlook channel.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1018472

Reports of clashes between PAD and locals in Sri Sa Ket

[patklang]

There's still an issue of Cambodian settlers on the disputed land, and of Cambodian troops shooting any Thai that steps in there.

If Cambodia recognizes "disputed" status they should move their civilians out of there themselves, without provoking Thai nationalist feelings.

Hope they shoot my neighbour who is going there,then maybe we can have some quiet,the noisy horrible bitch

[frodo]

Thai TV reported that the clash which took place at about 1.40pm left many villagers who tried to stop the protesters from going to protest near the temple injured.

The clash happened as many local villagers did not agree with the protest, viewing it would damage the country's repuation as well as economic and relations with neighbouring country. They formed a blockage with on a road which is leading to the park near the temple. Anti-riot police who are in full gear also set up barricades.

Yellow Shirts Clash With Villagers

What a damned shame! All of these PAD members should be arrested and tried for a major threat to national security. If they make it to the border and clash with the Cambodian troops, these PAD folks will rightfully deserve whatever consequence fells upon them. Obviously, the riot police were of no help at all. Seems they waltzed right through them and allowed the villagers to be harmed. Serve and protect, yeah right.

Such a horrible event unfolding

Edited September 19, 2009 by frodo

[Thai at Heart]

Which channel has any TV coverage of what is going on?

Doesn't seem to be much on the TV at all.

[webfact]

PREAH VIHEAR RALLY

Yellow shirts clash with local villagers in Si Sa Ket

Yellow shirted protesters clash with local villagers in Si Sa Ket on Saturday before managing to go nearer to the entrance of Preah Vihear Temple.

Thai TV reported that the clash which took place at about 1.40pm left many villagers injured.

The protesters who are members of People's Alliance for Democracy planned to march to the entrance of the temple to demand for the Khmers to move out of the disputed areas.

The clash happened as many local villagers did not agree with the protest, viewing it would damage the country's repuation as well as economic and relations with neighbouring country.

They formed a blockage on a road which is leading to the park near the temple. Anti-riot police who are in full gear also set up barricades.

The Thai TV reporter reported that the blockage is the last stop and now that the protesters could break it, they are now marching to the temple.

-- The Nation 2009/09/19

[webfact]

News can be found here

PREAH VIHEAR RALLY

Yellow shirts clash with local villagers in Si Sa Ket

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=3022349

[hammered]

Stupid. The lunatics are taking over the asylum.

[baht&sold]

It was just on Thai TV, villagers (?) and some in forestry (or other) uniforms were pelting rocks etc whilst standing in front of, and alongside, the police.

Regardless, the yellows are once again up to acts of sheer stupidity/insanity. No good will come from this but possibly much worse may...

[frodo]

Absolute stupidity to say the least. PAD has gone too far and whatever fate happens upon them, they deserve it. It will be violent if the reach the border. I hope the military will stop them at any cost.

[givenall]

PAD muppets causing trouble again!

Just noise to let people they are still around. Someone should tell them to take an ad

Edited September 19, 2009 by givenall

[NanLaew]

^ No, the Thai army should sit on their hands and let the Cambodian army shoot these idiots while they are on Cambodian soil.

[webfact]

YELLOW SHIRTED RALLY

PM worries on clash in Si Sa Ket

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed concerns on Saturday over a report that yellow-shirted protesters clashed with Si Sa Ket people on their way to Preah Vihear Temple.

He said he did not want to see Thais clash among themselves.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban is already assigned to handle the matter, Abhisit said.

The prime minister was speaking after yellow shirted protesters clash with local villagers in Si Sa Ket on Saturday before managing to go nearer to the entrance of Preah Vihear Temple.

Thai TV reported that the clash which took place at about 1.40pm left many villagers injured.

The protesters who are members of People's Alliance for Democracy planned to march to the entrance of the temple to demand for the Khmers to move out of the disputed areas.

The clash happened as many local villagers did not agree with the protest, viewing it would damage the country's repuation as well as economic and relations with neighbouring country.

They formed a blockage on a road which is leading to the park near the temple. Anti-riot police who are in full gear also set up barricades.

The Thai TV reporter reported that the blockage is the last stop and now that the protesters could break it, they are now marching to the temple.

-- The Nation 2009/09/19

[hammered]

^ No, the Thai army should sit on their hands and let the Cambodian army shoot these idiots while they are on Cambodian soil.

That would not be a very good idea. If one Thai citizen whever they ar egets shot by Cambodian troops then all hel_l will break loose with a prbably instant reply from the Thai military.

The best thing would be for the Thai military to just prevent them reaching the border.

[henryalleman]

I used to have respect for the PAD. Now, they're just a bunch of power-hungry clowns making fools of themselves.

Agreed, this is an irresponsible action from nitwits. Cambodian governmenbt should arrest make a formal complaint with ASEAN. Because Thailand is responsible for action of his citizens the Thai army or molice schould stop them before they even reach the border. By this givine a clear warning that they will no longer tolerate such behaviuor.

[hammered]

By the way has anyone thopught this could be the PAD trying to raise this as international issue timed to coincide with the UN meeting whihc Abhisit will be at. He may be forced to answer questions by journos he would rather not be asked. Mind you the PAD need a big incident to get this and lets hope it is not forthcoming

[frodo]

Just saw a clip on BBC. When it comes to violence, these lunatics are becoming much like the reds, and cowards at that. The clip showed a yellow attacking an individual with his sword, then predictably running away when confronted. I really hope these idiots will be stopped.

[jasreeve17]

Yes, the army need to stop them from getting anywhere near the border - anything less would be beyond irresponsible; there are plenty of soldiers in the vacinity. They cannot let the PAD (or any other group) cause a potentially disasterous international incident.

With the way that emotions can get out of hand, they should have been stopped at the first barricade long before the risk of them getting close to the border. All you need is one hot headed lunatic running into Cambodia with a flag, Cambodians shoot him down, then...

[zank]

Thai protesters clash with police

From correspondents in Bangkok

Agence France-Presse

September 19, 2009 06:19pm

THAI "Yellow Shirt" protesters clashed with police and villagers today near an ancient temple on the Cambodian border at the centre of a dispute between the two countries, television showed. Demonstrators broke through barricades and were moving towards the 11th century Preah Vihear temple, the scene of several deadly battles between Thai and Cambodian troops over the past year, the footage showed.

The protest by the royalist movement, known as the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), came as rival "Red Shirts" massed in Bangkok to mark the third anniversary of a coup that toppled then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Television channels showed yellow-clad protesters armed with sticks trying to beat local villagers and Thai riot police, who pushed back with shields.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said security forces were trying to persuade the protesters to back down, amid fears that their actions could spark further conflict with Cambodia.

"I am asking the police and soldiers to negotiate with the PAD," Mr Abhisit said in Bangkok.

The Yellow Shirts have demanded that the government push Cambodian forces out of the disputed area around the temple, where tensions have been high since the ruins were granted UN World Heritage status in July 2008.

<h2 class="heading">Related Coverage</h2>

• Protesters gather for coup rallyNEWS.com.au, 19 Sep 2009
  
• Thai PM faces impeachment motionNEWS.com.au, 11 Mar 2009
  
• PM evades protests for maiden speechThe Australian, 31 Dec 2008
  
• Thaksin tries to influence vote on PMThe Australian, 15 Dec 2008
  
• Asian leaders in talks to end spatNEWS.com.au, 21 Oct 2008
  

Cambodia said on Thursday it had deployed riot police with dogs, batons and tear gas at the temple.

The two countries have been at loggerheads for decades over Preah Vihear.

The World Court ruled in 1962 that it belonged to Cambodia, but the most accessible entrance to the ancient Khmer temple with its crumbling stone staircases and elegant carvings is in northeastern Thailand.

The last gunbattle in the temple area in April left three people dead while clashes there in 2008 killed another four people.

The Yellow Shirts helped topple Thaksin in 2006 and then blockaded Bangkok's airports in December to bring down the previous, pro-Thaksin government, but have recently turned their fire on Abhisit's administration.

[TAWP]

They were given tacit approval to take over gov't house and the airport. No reason for them to believe that can't take over another country as well.

Is this the fair and balanced Scott talking?

[Scott]

Sorry TAWP. I forgot to take my fair and balanced pill this morning!

The prescription has been refilled and I think I am back on track!

[h90]

Just saw a clip on BBC. When it comes to violence, these lunatics are becoming much like the reds, and cowards at that. The clip showed a yellow attacking an individual with his sword, then predictably running away when confronted. I really hope these idiots will be stopped.

what I understood the sword guy was one of the "villagers" who attacked the yellows. But I might be wrong on this.

[jayboy]

Sorry TAWP. I forgot to take my fair and balanced pill this morning!

The prescription has been refilled and I think I am back on track!

The comment about taking over a country was presumably made ironically, given that the earlier part of your post was bang on the money and certainly perfectly fair comment.

[cougar52]

Unamazing Thailand, now the Yellow PAD (PEACEFUL) shot one of the villagers and the PM and the Army are trying to negotiate with the PAD. This is unbelievable, why are they not arrested. When gives them the power over the Army and the Police. They do not do anything peaceful. And they even stated that they would fight everyone in their way. It is time someone gets some gonards and put them down, they are truly TERRORISTS