Heavy Police Presence For Tomorrow's Pad Rally

[Lunar]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>It could be argued that this is in fact a Democrat Party rally. But who really knows. The PAD and that Party are so intertwined. I do know that the organizers went to Government House to do some rally planning with Abhisit. And I read on this board that many participants arrived from the South via train. The south being the epicentre of the narrowly regional Democrat Party.

>The bigger political event of this weekend occurred in Khao Yai. It was a fundraising concert for the UDD. I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

Edited November 15, 2009 by Lunar

[way2muchcoffee]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>It could be argued that this is in fact a Democrat Party rally. But who really knows. The PAD and that Party are so intertwined. I do know that the organizers went to Government House to do some rally planning with Abhisit. And I read on this board that many participants arrived from the South via train. The south being the epicentre of the narrowly regional Democrat Party.

>The bigger political event of this weekend occurred in Khao Yai. It was a fundraising concert for the UDD. I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

I don't see the comparison. One event is a music concert/festival where the proceeds are donated. Another is a rally. People go to concerts to see the artists and musicians live. People go to rallies to support a cause.

[hammered]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>It could be argued that this is in fact a Democrat Party rally. But who really knows. The PAD and that Party are so intertwined. I do know that the organizers went to Government House to do some rally planning with Abhisit. And I read on this board that many participants arrived from the South via train. The south being the epicentre of the narrowly regional Democrat Party.

>The bigger political event of this weekend occurred in Khao Yai. It was a fundraising concert for the UDD. I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

Except in niave analysis to think the democrat party and PAD are intertwined is wrong. The pAD now talk mostly nice things about Abhisit but are openly critical of other Democrat party members. Even the bete noir of the red side Kasit has not been spared the wrath of the PAD.

The south is full of people who hate Thaksin so it is of no surprise that some will attend an anti-Thaksin rally. I doubt this will be organised by the Democrats although if they have organised support you can expect an utterly humongous turn out as the south will come en-masse if called upon especially if it were Chuan. However, considering the Democrats cancelled their only planned rally in the last 3 years about 3 years ago, I doubt they will go that way now especially as any mayhem form any side will be blamed on their government and they will be fully aware that putting large numbers of people in a highly charged atmosphere runs the risk of mayhem even with th ebest of intantions. Anyway if the rally today is 500K strong AI will believe democratc involvemetn but as it will likely be around 10K I doubt it.

I will check with friends who attend this concert on the numbers. I doubt they will vary from most years for this event. Isnt it normally a very well attended non-political yearly winter concert that has been going on for 3-4 years already rather than an overt poltical event? This year I gather the reeds will benefit financially from it. Anyweay a good PR thing to get a big crowd and maybe even convert some but that kind of concert is also going to get a lot not there for the politics including regular concert goers.

[timonase]

Hello All,

i told myself a long time ago not to comment on poilitical threats on thaivisa anymore, as i felt it would not change my mind and certainly not the minds of others. Whatever side i am on or whatever side they are on and so it will only lead to flamings. So this will be my final post on things concerning yellow/red, Thaksin/Military.

I am somewhat puzzeled how foreigners, wherever they originate from, but i suspect from free democratic countries, can be blinded by propaganda and deny the obvious. It seems many have the standpoint here that there was no violence caused by the yellow shirts. Please refer to be being blinded above. You only have to listen to many of the interviews given by leaders of the yellows and you can see the semi-fascist ( i come from a country that had its fair share of fascims) and war - mongering attitude.

I am no Fan of Thaksin, so you know it. But i am a true democrat and i mean it like in the dictionary, not a name a certain party gives itself here. Thaksin may have his use as a catalysator on a way to something new. One thing is for sure. Yellow does not want new, for obvious reasons. I cannot force any of the in my opinion blinded people to read more( read at the right places, as there are good blogs who are relatvely balanced) but i hope to encourgage them.

Just to make it clear again, i do not indulge violence from any side, neither the red one, but sometimes change does not come like in my homecountry, peacefully and quiet.

And change it what this country, i fell in love with a long time ago, desperately needs.

Sorry for any misspelling or grammatical errors. i am not a native speaker.

Yet again everyone is entitled to their opinion, that a basic foundation of democracy, but one has to be careful not to be used to destroy the last remainder of thai democracy.

respecful regards

Timo

[chevykanteve]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>It could be argued that this is in fact a Democrat Party rally. But who really knows. The PAD and that Party are so intertwined. I do know that the organizers went to Government House to do some rally planning with Abhisit. And I read on this board that many participants arrived from the South via train. The south being the epicentre of the narrowly regional Democrat Party.

>The bigger political event of this weekend occurred in Khao Yai. It was a fundraising concert for the UDD. I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

I don't see the comparison. One event is a music concert/festival where the proceeds are donated. Another is a rally. People go to concerts to see the artists and musicians live. People go to rallies to support a cause.

Right, and I bet a large proportion of those music lovers were wearing yellow shirts.

[way2muchcoffee]

Right, and I bet a large proportion of those music lovers were wearing yellow shirts.

Nah. I reckon they removed their yellow shirts before heading for the show. Wouldn't want to be attacked, beaten, stabbed, injured, maimed, or killed now would they?

Ever been to a benefit concert? Did you go to see the artists, or did you go because you wanted to donate money to a cause?

Edited November 15, 2009 by way2muchcoffee

[animatic]

While there are some factional overlapping between PAD and the Dems it is far from 'intertwined' at this point.

PAD has actually become a competitor and detriment to the Dems, there is little love between

the main streams of both camps. Even as a few players have feet on both camps.

Just as there is the triumvirate of red shirt leaders and the Jakrapob faction of reds,

and the aging arche-socialists, and each of those groups are only together out of the

parelleling umbrella of desires for return to power, yet in very different end goals of implementation.

[hammered]

While there are some factional overlapping between PAD and the Dems it is far from 'intertwined' at this point.

PAD has actually become a competitor and detriment to the Dems, there is little love between

the main streams of both camps. Even as a few players have feet on both camps.

Just as there is the triumvirate of red shirt leaders and the Jakrapob faction of reds,

and the aging arche-socialists, and each of those groups are only together out of the

parelleling umbrella of desires for return to power, yet in very different end goals of implementation.

Interestingly enough there as many old time socialists and communists in the PAD and a bunch not in either. The old left are uttelry divided. Then again the neo-con movement largely accepted as extreme right wing originated from disappointed liberlas.

[chevykanteve]

Right, and I bet a large proportion of those music lovers were wearing yellow shirts.

Nah. I reckon they removed their yellow shirts before heading for the show. Wouldn't want to be attacked, beaten, stabbed, injured, maimed, or killed now would they?

Ever been to a benefit concert? Did you go to see the artists, or did you go because you wanted to donate money to a cause?

"Nah. I reckon they removed their yellow shirts before heading for the show. Wouldn't want to be attacked, beaten, stabbed, injured, maimed, or killed now would they?"

Please exercise some attempt at objectivity. Your statement displays an overt desire to discredit those voters who would surely prevail were an election to be held today.

[frodo]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>...I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

Odd. I live in Rangsit and traffic was nothing out of the ordinary for a Saturday.

[animatic]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>...I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

Odd. I live in Rangsit and traffic was nothing out of the ordinary for a Saturday.

... why am I not surprised?

[rixalex]

"Nah. I reckon they removed their yellow shirts before heading for the show. Wouldn't want to be attacked, beaten, stabbed, injured, maimed, or killed now would they?"

Please exercise some attempt at objectivity. Your statement displays an overt desire to discredit those voters who would surely prevail were an election to be held today.

Chevykanteve, i'd be interested to know whether you would be prepared to put it to the test. Get yourself decked out in yellow, tag along with Koo82, and let us know how you got on next week - if you are able to make it to the keyboard from your hospital bed of course!

I certainly wouldn't want to try it out, just as i wouldn't want to go to a PAD rally all dressed in red.

As for your comments about attempting objectivity, perhaps you might yourself make a greater effort in that regard. You are failing.

[Scott]

A few posters are getting dangerously close to the thin line between comments and flaming. Comments are about the topic. Flames are about the poster.

Take care in posting.

Any updates on the PAD rally? Numbers? etc.

Thanks

[way2muchcoffee]

Right, and I bet a large proportion of those music lovers were wearing yellow shirts.

Nah. I reckon they removed their yellow shirts before heading for the show. Wouldn't want to be attacked, beaten, stabbed, injured, maimed, or killed now would they?

Ever been to a benefit concert? Did you go to see the artists, or did you go because you wanted to donate money to a cause?

Please exercise some attempt at objectivity. Your statement displays an overt desire to discredit those voters who would surely prevail were an election to be held today.

I thought I was being perfectly reasonable and objective. Wearing a yellow shirt to a redshirt benefit would be suicidal. It wasn't too long ago that various violent incidents from redshirts has occured:

- The CM51 group was actively involved in violence against known yellow shirt supporters.

- The Udon Thani fiasco comes to mind.

- The nightly bombing of the government house PAD encampment (an act that directly led to the airport takeover).

- The Din Daeng gas tanker incident.

- The killing of market-sellers during Black Songkran.

- The attack on yellow shirts by villagers blocking the roadway in an attempt to prevent them from reaching Prah Viharn temple.

- The hurling of fermented fish at politicians.

This list goes on and on.

I would never say that all redshirts are violent, because that would be patently untrue. I do, however, recognize the deep divisions in Thai society. These division feed on bitterness, anger, and hatred, from all sides. Match and tinder box comes to mind. Furthermore, there is always a potential for mob violence in any large gathering. This potential is color blind, but any ensuing violence would always be perpetrated against those of the 'other color'.

Edited November 15, 2009 by way2muchcoffee

[jcsmith]

The yellows don't try to blow up gas trucks or shoot villagers.

That will be a peaceful demonstration not intended to topple the government

No, they just storm air towers and demand to know which flight the prime minister will be on. Personally, I think both sides really walk the line, but the difference is that when the reds do anything the axe comes down harder on them.

[flying]

Hello All,

i told myself a long time ago not to comment on poilitical threats on thaivisa anymore, as i felt it would not change my mind and certainly not the minds of others. Whatever side i am on or whatever side they are on and so it will only lead to flamings. So this will be my final post on things concerning yellow/red, Thaksin/Military.

I am somewhat puzzeled how foreigners, wherever they originate from, but i suspect from free democratic countries, can be blinded by propaganda and deny the obvious. It seems many have the standpoint here that there was no violence caused by the yellow shirts. Please refer to be being blinded above. You only have to listen to many of the interviews given by leaders of the yellows and you can see the semi-fascist ( i come from a country that had its fair share of fascims) and war - mongering attitude.

I am no Fan of Thaksin, so you know it. But i am a true democrat and i mean it like in the dictionary, not a name a certain party gives itself here. Thaksin may have his use as a catalysator on a way to something new. One thing is for sure. Yellow does not want new, for obvious reasons. I cannot force any of the in my opinion blinded people to read more( read at the right places, as there are good blogs who are relatvely balanced) but i hope to encourgage them.

Just to make it clear again, i do not indulge violence from any side, neither the red one, but sometimes change does not come like in my homecountry, peacefully and quiet.

And change it what this country, i fell in love with a long time ago, desperately needs.

Sorry for any misspelling or grammatical errors. i am not a native speaker.

Yet again everyone is entitled to their opinion, that a basic foundation of democracy, but one has to be careful not to be used to destroy the last remainder of thai democracy.

respecful regards

Timo

Very nice post Timo

[frodo]

The yellows don't try to blow up gas trucks or shoot villagers.

That will be a peaceful demonstration not intended to topple the government

No, they just storm air towers and demand to know which flight the prime minister will be on. Personally, I think both sides really walk the line, but the difference is that when the reds do anything the axe comes down harder on them.

While I agree both sides "walk the line," when did PAD storm towers and demand flight numbers for either Abhisit, an ex-PM, or criminal fugitive on the run for that matter?

While I agree that PAD has had isolated incidents of violence, events such as the summit earlier this year in Pattaya where drivers and government officials were attacked and Black Songkran which has been discussed at length on this forum, I think those two incidents are enough to bring the hammer down a little harder on them.

[Dpolenz]

I'm not trying to put down your post,it was a good one but at the end of the day It doesnt matter what us foreigners think it aint our country. I think both the reds and the yellows at times have been highly stupid,i hope it all works out well in the end but judging by thailands history it wont

[hammered]

Basically in terms of violence both the yellows and reds have both shown they are willing to do it. For me the LPG tanker incident was a stand out and terrifying event beyond other ones as it was targetting those not involved. It is one thing for two gangs to have a meet. Anyone attending a rally knows there is a chance of violence and by going are willing to take the risk. Every rally also attracts some who want to see an off. Sometimes these things happen and sometimes they dont. However to deliberately drivean LPG tanker into a resdiential area and a poor one at that and then threaten to blow it up is a step beyond. This act was committed by the reds and to my mind shows they have gone the furthest in life threatening events. That doesnt mean that will remain the case in the future. We dont know as both have shown use of violence is not beyond them. It also doesnt mean the yellows are not capable of violence. It also doesnt mean all reds and yellows are violent. It just means there have been anumber of incidents but to date this has been imho the most irresponsible.

It would be wrong to label eithert red or yellow as peaceable.

Note this is an assessment of the violence and not other tactics or motivations or any comment on the politics of either side.

It is nice by the way to see the news today hasnt obsessed on the yellow rally as they havent been obsessing on the red rallies recently either. News reporting without obsession is a nice move away from the obsessional live stuff of the past.

And as much as I personally enjoy the banter and debate on here I do agree with posters who say it wont rerally matter what we think in the long run as the Thai people will determine their own future which is right.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Give it a day; it's Sunday, lets see what the journos at The Nation come up with when they get into the office and start doing what they usually do.

Edited November 15, 2009 by WinnieTheKhwai

[hammered]

Give it a day; it's Sunday, lets see what the journos at The Nation come up with when they get into the office and start doing what they usually do.

Im not so sure but I am intrigued to see several things:

have the PAD returned as flavour of the month and if so how much so?

have the PAD become completely abandoned and if so what does their core rally strength look like?

how much coverage will be given to their rally?

what will be the PAD line? if a small rally how will they react or if a big rally how will they react?

But you are right tomorrow will answer some interesting questions.

[animatic]

I'm not trying to put down your post,it was a good one but at the end of the day It doesnt matter what us foreigners think it aint our country. I think both the reds and the yellows at times have been highly stupid,i hope it all works out well in the end but judging by thailands history it wont

Actually I suspect we ARE being listened to here, not directly acknowledged of course,

especially when we are so adamant that a party or side is being so ineffective for reason X or Y,

and suddenly they address that reason in some fashion.

I suspect they are concerened about world opinion, and do at least

collate some ideas from here and other forums,

and use them as trial balloons to improve their image,

if not their intentions.

[h90]

Anyone know how many people came?

I got told Suanam Luang Park is full. I watched TV for a few minutes and the pictures where in the Red-Mob style which let 100 people look like 1000 people.

Anyone has a first hand impression?

[featography]

No implementation of the security act for the yellows only for the reds.

The yellows will feel left out, or does it indicate some sort of bias- surely not.

The Yellow protests are in general a lot more peaceful than those of the reds.

so much hogwash

[awd]

Let's just hope the Yellows don't peacefully decide to occupy the airport for a week like last time. Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Scoundrels, the lot of them!

[featography]

The PAD so-called rally is not the primary political event this weekend...far from it.

This PAD activity is a logical extension of the Govts. stoking the nationalist sentiment. An age-old practice when Govts. and/or dictators feel insecure.

Fabricating an external threat and creating a crisis atmosphere has been the tactic for centuries. For the ploy to seem credible however, there needs to be some sort of visible public support. That is where the PAD activity of this weekend fits in.

The major and only noteworthy event of this weekend is occurring in Khao Yai. It is anticipated that in excess of 100,000 will be gathering there for a fund raising concert to support the Democracy activities of the UDD.

It is doubtful that the domestic media will mention this however, as their sympathies are strongly with the PAD. It would also be embarrassing to see well over 100,000 gathering in Khao Yai, and less than 10,000 in BKK.

These two events and attendance numbers are a reflection of the electorate in Thailand.

It is not by accident that elections will be avoided at all costs by the current Administration.

A couple of fascinating points about Khao Yai event; It sure looked like more than 100,000 people. Elbow to elbow in the whole valley where it was held. Several tent "cities" everywhere. I've been to some major sporting, political, concert, religious, events back home, and this was the largest gathering I have ever witnessed. To call it peaceful, would be an understatement. Tens of Thousands of Thai men with their families, SOBER, happy, ejoying common ideals. That in itself should nominate the event for Guiness Book of World Records(tongue in cheek). It was the largest family campout I've ever seen. For the record, I don't wear red, yellow, blue or any other political color. For me, I am farang and have no business in Thai political involvement, and thats just me, and have no opinions, pro or con, about other farang that choose to be involved. For the wise guy that posts, 'why I was there if I am not red shirt?', the answer is; I'm retired, work no job and run no business. My activities are influenced by my curiosity with Thai life, and the sights that Thailand offers. I was invited by a few good neighbors that I enjoy and respect, to drive a load of them up. As of yet, I have not been invited by any Yellow shirt neighbors to ride up with them to any of their rallies.

[zzaa09]

Give it a day; it's Sunday, lets see what the journos at The Nation come up with when they get into the office and start doing what they usually do.

Indeed. The definitive objective source

[featography]

Given today's so-called PAD rally, let me add a slightly different perspective

>It could be argued that this is in fact a Democrat Party rally. But who really knows. The PAD and that Party are so intertwined. I do know that the organizers went to Government House to do some rally planning with Abhisit. And I read on this board that many participants arrived from the South via train. The south being the epicentre of the narrowly regional Democrat Party.

>The bigger political event of this weekend occurred in Khao Yai. It was a fundraising concert for the UDD. I understand that the participation was so huge, that there was traffic backed up from Rangsit to Pak Chong. Apparently over 150,000 were in attendance. Compare that to the group in BKK this weekend. If anything, this contrast speaks to the electoral majority/minority thing.

I don't see the comparison. One event is a music concert/festival where the proceeds are donated. Another is a rally. People go to concerts to see the artists and musicians live. People go to rallies to support a cause.

semantics

[webfact]

There are breaking news reports that an explosive device was thrown at tonight's PAD rally in Sanam Luang and that several people were injured.

the news are here: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Wounded-Bomb...rt-t314585.html

[webfact]

one off-topic post deleted. Next step will be a warning and suspension