Pm Abhisit Visits North

[webfact]

PM visits North to follow up government projects

SUKHOTHAI, Nov 21 (TNA) -- Anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) early Saturday protested against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva while he was visiting the people and following up his government's programmes to boost the incomes of farmers in lower northern Thailand.

Accompanied by several senior government officials, Mr Abhisit arrived at Sukhothai Historical Park by a helicopter as more than one thousand police officers provided security.

According to their itineraries, Mr Abhisit and his delegation will visit the lower northern provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phichit to inspect progress on the government-sponsored 'Strong Thai' program, rice-price guarantees by the government and to deliver his government's policy to private rice millers.

Mr Abhisit told journalists before departing from Don Muang Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base in Bangkok that he was not concerned about traveling to the three provinces although the UDD 'Red Shirt' protesters plan to mount major rallies against him when he visit Chiang Mai, the political stronghold of fugitive, ousted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, next Sunday to attend national seminar of chambers of commerce from around the country.

Several community radio stations in Chiang Mai have reportedly warned that attempts to assassinate Mr. Abhisit in a bombing may take place when he visits the province on that day.

The prime minister said he is not worried and that the authorities will take action against those who violate the law, especially one particular local radio broadcaster for whom an arrest warrant has been issued. (TNA)

-- TNA 2009/11/21

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Insight]

Well done Abhisit for not being intimidated by the Thaksin Mafia.

[webfact]

Majority of Chiang Mai residents feel Red Shirt activity has damaged tourism

Staff reporters

Chiang Mai has long been famous for abundant natural attractions, traditional way of life and unique art and culture. However, tourism has been on a decline since 2006, affecting thousands of people who rely on tourism for income. Maejo University conducted a poll of 1,106 Chiang Mai residents between the 19th and 26th of October to gauge local opinions on the reasons for the decline and solutions to this problem.

50.5% of those surveyed felt that the perception that Chiang Mai is the center of the Red Shirt activity has damaged Chiang Mai's tourism, that tourists feel it is not safe to travel to Chiang Mai. While 26.8 % believed that tourism has not been damaged by the Red Shirts but by the current economic crisis, 26.8% marked other. 29.4% of respondents felt that the statement that Chiang Mai was the center of Red Shirt activity was true, while 38.9% disagreed and that felt that only a few residents in Chiang Mai were supporters.

42.5% of those polled believed that the best way to improve Chiang Mai's tourism industry was more publicity about the unique attractions Chiang Mai has to offer, 25.6% felt that improving the image of the province, the preservation of its culture and customs and the restoration of its tourist attractions would improve the situation. 12.7% believed that solving the political and social conflicts would addres the issue, 9.7% believed that more interesting activities should be arranged, and 9.6% have other opinions.

Of the respondents, 36% believed that natural attractions were the biggest draw for tourists to Chiang Mai, 28.5% believed it is the traditional ways of living, art and culture, 14.6% felt it is the nice weather during cool season, 10.1% felt that it was Chiang Mai's temples and historical sites, while 8.2% marked other.

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2009/11/21

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[alant]

Majority of Chiang Mai residents feel Red Shirt activity has damaged tourism

Staff reporters

Chiang Mai has long been famous for abundant natural attractions, traditional way of life and unique art and culture. However, tourism has been on a decline since 2006, affecting thousands of people who rely on tourism for income. Maejo University conducted a poll of 1,106 Chiang Mai residents between the 19th and 26th of October to gauge local opinions on the reasons for the decline and solutions to this problem.

50.5% of those surveyed felt that the perception that Chiang Mai is the center of the Red Shirt activity has damaged Chiang Mai's tourism, that tourists feel it is not safe to travel to Chiang Mai. While 26.8 % believed that tourism has not been damaged by the Red Shirts but by the current economic crisis, 26.8% marked other. 29.4% of respondents felt that the statement that Chiang Mai was the center of Red Shirt activity was true, while 38.9% disagreed and that felt that only a few residents in Chiang Mai were supporters.

42.5% of those polled believed that the best way to improve Chiang Mai's tourism industry was more publicity about the unique attractions Chiang Mai has to offer, 25.6% felt that improving the image of the province, the preservation of its culture and customs and the restoration of its tourist attractions would improve the situation. 12.7% believed that solving the political and social conflicts would addres the issue, 9.7% believed that more interesting activities should be arranged, and 9.6% have other opinions.

Of the respondents, 36% believed that natural attractions were the biggest draw for tourists to Chiang Mai, 28.5% believed it is the traditional ways of living, art and culture, 14.6% felt it is the nice weather during cool season, 10.1% felt that it was Chiang Mai's temples and historical sites, while 8.2% marked other.

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2009/11/21

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

margin of error?

is the conclusion valid?

[Asa]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

[Jingthing]

What his opposition didn't factor in is that behind Abhisit's pretty boy face lies a brave man. He has already outlasted the naysayers predictions by a very long time.

[hammered]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

[Jingthing]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

Yes, that is how it should be indeed. However, I am sure you have noticed Thailand is now in a kind of civil war.

[rixalex]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Well it seemed worth you responding to it.

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him.

Some people consider it an honour to meet with the leader of their country.

[frodo]

Interesting how a radio station DJ can make a statement that the PM will be assassinated if he comes to Chiang Mai. In another online news source, one of the leaders of the Rak Chiang Mai Group 51 now is screaming that the government is slandering them since they might use military of police force against the protesters. Her claim that the radio show host DJ was "only joking" just doesn't hold water. Making such statements is not a joke, and with that, the government has every right to ensure the PM's safety regardless of it's military or police intervention. Slandering the reds, I don't think so...they have spoken loud and clear.

[Publicus]

The arrest warrant issued for the DJ is welcome and proper and should be pursued aggressively. Officials public and private in Chiang Mai need openly and vocally to denounce the statement. These pre civil war conditions need to be dealt with strongly and swiftly.

If Chiang Mai cares about its country and about its tourism, it shouldn't be allowing conditions to develop which could result in the country's leader being assassinated there. Chiang Mai people have to pull their heads out of their <deleted>.

Edited November 21, 2009 by Publicus

[LawnGnome]

Waiting for the red shirt brigage (Que Ulysses) to explain that is quite well and proper for them to try to intimidate and threaten the PM. I am sure they'll all join in when people start throwing things, shooting fireworks etc.

Those red shirts - nothing but class, from top to bottom.

[h90]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

Well some like to meet him.

The red shirts will receive 500 Baht each from Thaksin to demonstrate against him

The police get overtime.

For sure that will be a stimulus for the local businesses..

[h90]

Waiting for the red shirt brigage (Que Ulysses) to explain that is quite well and proper for them to try to intimidate and threaten the PM. I am sure they'll all join in when people start throwing things, shooting fireworks etc.

Those red shirts - nothing but class, from top to bottom.

May I try instead? Because today Thaksins kids start a new red Internet TV which tells all the secrets....

It is proper because Abhisit was never elected as premier by the people of Thailand and he let the army kill tens of thousands of the peaceful red demonstrators at black April (was it April). As well it is necessary because Kasit want to start war against our friendly, honest neighbour Cambodia.

After that our loved great leader can come back to Thailand and every poor will get rich.

Good enough?

[Stumbo]

I don't know what is scarier for the PM in Chiang Mai, the red shirt bile and resentment, or the Chiang Mai Forum, who hate the reds for canceling their gay parade wanting to hug and kiss him. Probably easier to deal with the reds.

[zzaa09]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

A popular PM? We really wouldn't know, as he wasn't elected - but appointed by a judicial coup. Fair to proceed with sound and just elections. And then we'll see.

[Old Man River]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

A popular PM? We really wouldn't know, as he wasn't elected - but appointed by a judicial coup. Fair to proceed with sound and just elections. And then we'll see.

Not again. This should be simple enough. In Thailand, the PM is selected by all the elected MP's. Hence, Abhisit is an elected MP who has been selected by the rest of the elected MP's to be PM, just like the PM's before him. If this is still hard for you to understand, google Thailand and read.

[rixalex]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

A popular PM? We really wouldn't know, as he wasn't elected - but appointed by a judicial coup. Fair to proceed with sound and just elections. And then we'll see.

Not again. This should be simple enough. In Thailand, the PM is selected by all the elected MP's. Hence, Abhisit is an elected MP who has been selected by the rest of the elected MP's to be PM, just like the PM's before him. If this is still hard for you to understand, google Thailand and read.

Save your breath OMR. The facts you state are repeated on this forum almost daily in response to this sort of ignorance and it falls on ears which have closed themselves to accepting anything else but the version of events which they wish to believe. They them be. They are a lost cause.

[jayboy]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

A popular PM? We really wouldn't know, as he wasn't elected - but appointed by a judicial coup. Fair to proceed with sound and just elections. And then we'll see.

Not again. This should be simple enough. In Thailand, the PM is selected by all the elected MP's. Hence, Abhisit is an elected MP who has been selected by the rest of the elected MP's to be PM, just like the PM's before him. If this is still hard for you to understand, google Thailand and read.

Don't patronise those who are as well informed or better informed on the Thai political structure as you are.You point is fatuous without the appropriate context.We know that Abhisit is constitutionally quite eligible to be Prime Minister of Thailand for the reasons you mention.However his path to to this post is certainly murky and "guided" and though it's unclear how much blame attaches to him personally, he has benefited from a criminal military coup, a rigged constitution, dubious court decisions and military patronage.The member who you unsuccessfully attempted to belittle has a perfectly valid point , namely that Abhisit needs to seek a popular mandate in fair elections as a matter of some priority.All the evidence suggests he will not obtain it.

[whatsupdoc]

If Abhisit benefitted from the coup than how about his predecessors? I really cannot understand the logic that the coup led to Abhisit being PM. He became PM because Newin's party changed sides, a thing that happens all the time in multiparty democracies.

And a rigged constitution? It was voted for in a nationwide referendum. How much more democratic can a constitution be?

[lensta]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

Well some like to meet him.

The red shirts will receive 500 Baht each from Thaksin to demonstrate against him

The police get overtime.

For sure that will be a stimulus for the local businesses..

"The red shirts will receive 500 Baht each from Thaksin to demonstrate against him".

Just curious where you got this imformation??

[Old Man River]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

He is PM and as such should be able to go anywhere in the country. In fact any person whatever status they have shoudl be able to do so likewise. There should be no no-go areas for anyone. The PM should be able to visit people of the country he is PM of. Quite simple really. That goes for a new PM if roles are reversed in parliament too.

A popular PM? We really wouldn't know, as he wasn't elected - but appointed by a judicial coup. Fair to proceed with sound and just elections. And then we'll see.

You are making this comment as if it is not just your opinion, but rather that you know it as a fact. Please, if it is a fact, prove it. I ask the same from anyone else (Jayboy?). If it is just an opinion then OK, we can agree to disagree, but if you can actually back up what you say as a fact, now that would be something else.

[rixalex]

Abhisit needs to seek a popular mandate in fair elections as a matter of some priority.All the evidence suggests he will not obtain it.

Which evidence is that?

[jif]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

I think this identification of the threatener is. He is the core leader of the Love Chiang Mai 51 group.

Death threats for Thai PM

BANGKOK - THAI Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visited the north of the country amid heavy security on Saturday after receiving death threats over a planned trip to a stronghold of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Some 1,500 police were sent to guard Mr Abhisit as he toured the three northern provinces of Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phichit, to inspect government works.

A supporter of fugitive Thaksin has reportedly used his radio show to threaten Mr Abhisit with a car bomb when he travels to the northern city of Chiang Mai for a commerce meeting next Sunday. The city is a stronghold for Thaksin loyalists, known as Red Shirts, who want to see the former leader return from his self-imposed exile as he dodges a jail term for graft.

A member of Mr Abhisit's Democrat party, Mr Boonyod Sooktinthai, said he had filed a police complaint against Red Shirt leader Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul for comments made on a community radio station earlier this month.

'In the radio clip that we obtained, Petchawat on Nov 3 said that a car bomb is ready to kill Abhisit when he arrives in Chiang Mai,' MP and party spokesman Boonyod told AFP. He added that in another show on Nov 13 the community radio presenter called on Red Shirts in the north to rally in Chiang Mai during the visit and again threatened Mr Abhisit's life.

Petchawat could not be reached for comment, but fellow Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan accused the Democrats of playing politics by over emphasising the risk of violence. -- Agence France Presse Nov 21, 2009

ww.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_457370.html

Edited November 21, 2009 by jif

[Old Man River]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

Anyway, I wish he could leave the local people (and officers) to spend their weekend with families instead of waiting on him. Even better to find a way to secure Thai Engineer release from Cambodian jail.

Well some like to meet him.

The red shirts will receive 500 Baht each from Thaksin to demonstrate against him

The police get overtime.

For sure that will be a stimulus for the local businesses..

"The red shirts will receive 500 Baht each from Thaksin to demonstrate against him".

Just curious where you got this imformation??

I have no idea if they are being paid or how much. What I can attest to is that in the past, everytime the Red Shirts have had a demonstration in Bangkok, you could see a great deal of buses near Hua Mark Stadium that weren't there the day before. Check it out on the 28th.

[ThaiPauly]

I don't know what is scarier for the PM in Chiang Mai, the red shirt bile and resentment, or the Chiang Mai Forum, who hate the reds for canceling their gay parade wanting to hug and kiss him. .

How do you arrive at this conclusion Pal?

Are you saying that everyone who posts on the Chiang Mai forum are gay yellow shirt supporters ?

What a stupid post

[frodo]

Is this visit news worth posting in the forum?

I think this identification of the threatener is. He is the core leader of the Love Chiang Mai 51 group.

Death threats for Thai PM

A supporter of fugitive Thaksin has reportedly used his radio show to threaten Mr Abhisit with a car bomb when he travels to the northern city of Chiang Mai for a commerce meeting next Sunday...

A member of Mr Abhisit's Democrat party, Mr Boonyod Sooktinthai, said he had filed a police complaint against Red Shirt leader Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul for comments made on a community radio station earlier this month.

'In the radio clip that we obtained, Petchawat on Nov 3 said that a car bomb is ready to kill Abhisit when he arrives in Chiang Mai...in another show on Nov 13 the community radio presenter called on Red Shirts in the north to rally in Chiang Mai during the visit and again threatened Mr Abhisit's life.

Petchawat could not be reached for comment, but fellow Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan accused the Democrats of playing politics by over emphasising the risk of violence. -- Agence France Presse Nov 21, 2009

ww.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/SEAsia/Story/STIStory_457370.html

I guess if I was Kanyaphak Maneechak or a member of the Rak Chiang Mai 51 group I would be laughing my arse off, after all according to Kanyaphak Maneechak, it was only a joke. Can't post the link, but you know where to find it.

Good old Jatuporn predictably spouting his loud mouth by accusing the Dem's for "playing politics," while two documented threats against the PM are shown. Over emphasizing violence? Isn't this the same group whose members murdered an innocent man for voicing his anti-Thaksin views? Isn't this the same group who caused mayhem against gay people, who had a valid permit to peacefully assemble? Reds for democracy? Right. Risk of violence from the reds is very real and the government has every right to protect themselves.

[jif]

Death threats for Thai PM

a police complaint against Red Shirt leader Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul for comments made on a community radio

said that a car bomb is ready to kill Abhisit when he arrives in Chiang Mai

Isn't this the same group who caused mayhem against gay people, who had a valid permit to peacefully assemble?

Risk of violence from the reds is very real

23 Feb 2009

Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul, a leading member of the "Rak Chiang Mai 51" group was quoting as saying,

"Chiang Mai people cannot accept this and will stop the parade by all means, even violence."

Edited November 21, 2009 by jif

[frodo]

23 Feb 2009

Petchawat Wattanapongsirikul, a leading member of the "Rak Chiang Mai 51" group was quoting as saying,

"Chiang Mai people cannot accept this and will stop the parade by all means, even violence."

Tomorrow we'll read, "It was all a misunderstanding. Petchawat was only kidding." Not all reds are violent, but as a group, they have do have a real propensity and well documented incidents of violence.

[h90]

I don't know what is scarier for the PM in Chiang Mai, the red shirt bile and resentment, or the Chiang Mai Forum, who hate the reds for canceling their gay parade wanting to hug and kiss him. .

How do you arrive at this conclusion Pal?

Are you saying that everyone who posts on the Chiang Mai forum are gay yellow shirt supporters ?

What a stupid post

I think stumbo refers to a gay parade (not yellow shirts) which was not allowed by the red shirts. A lot not gay people did not agree with that. Why not let them parade...it does not harm anyone.