38 Security Centres Set Up To Maintain Peace In Thailand

[monkfish]

What are these Centers? Leisure Centers? Prison Camps? Army Camps? or what? just too little information as usual.

There has been little violence since almost a year so why the move now? Do they intend to create some? again

[Chris Lawrence]

So are the UDD protest is to bring back democracy or to save Taksin’s money. What the democracy has to do with Mr. T finances. Yeah I am playing it stupid. their politics is all about money

Thats what this has been about all the time.

[eggomaniac]

Yuppers, add more alligators to the swamp; rather DRAINING THE SWAMP!!!

[poleax]

Guess we are going to witness a big propaganda/PR push by the red side as they try to create pressure or derail the asset seizure case. One problem they face is convincing anyone that their moves now are anythiong but about one persons money. PRwise their timing is bad

The money being the only issue right now and the amount being big means it will get very hot.

Thank you Hammered. I'm glad you brought that up.

"Control Centers" for the Democracy Movement to protect those intellectually challenged dolts in the NE is one political smear, but that pales in comparison to the other one that you have obviously bought in to.

That being all the UDD protest activities are exclusively focussed and motivated by the Thaksin financial thing.

A neat way to paint the opposition with self-serving principles, and avoid dealing with their demands for Electoral Democracy. For if they should respond in the least to that latter motivation, would bring an election to mind, and that obviously wouldn't do.

So best to divert, accuse, misrepresent, divert, accuse, etc. etc.

Hammered has been diverted!

[Dah fahrang]

At the first hint of civil protest - peaceful or not:

Round 'em up.

Send 'em to a 'Security' (internment) centre.

Falsely imprison 'em.

Extract guilty pleas for causing 'dis-harmony' amongst this 'most harmonious' of peoples out of 'em.

Then re-educate 'em.

We need a more user friendly name for these Security Centres.

I know. Why don't we call them - gulags.

[jayjayjayjay]

More importantly when will an Election be held? Thailand is being governed by aparty with no mandate by the people. Tis is clearly a more important issue.

Missinformation: The present government was given a mandate by election, or should I say judiciary!

[johncitizen]

What about those huge Bangkok numbers that swell Red Shirt Democracy Movement rallies of 100,000 and more...in fact doubling them.

But given that the largest demonstration in recent months was little more than 30,000-strong, it remains to be seen if the Red Shirts - however popular locally - have the momentum to overturn national rule.

Agence France-Presse

2010-02-08

"Little more than 30 000 strong", and STILL far larger than even the larger of the PAD rallies. Lately the Reds seem to have focused more on reinforcing their provincial support and smaller "rolling" protests than sporadic mass rallies in Bangkok. The aim of the game looks to be continuous exposure to the voters and a focus on the hypocrisy of the junta, rather than one-off media bonanzas.

Don't believe the hype- the UDD doesn't seem to be shaping up for a revolution (reinforced by their rejection of the Cold War rightist dinosaur Panlop's attempt at hijacking their movement.) Instead, their actions give the impression that they are here for the long haul, and that contrary to the apocalyptic cries of the conservative establishment, have actually become a genuine grassroots democratic movement aimed at real, sustainable and positive change.

The February 26 verdict won't be their "final struggle" at all- in fact these days the Reds seem more insistent on the restoration of the 1997 Peoples Constitution and the holding of free and fair general elections than the aquittal of Thaksin and the return of his money. And their tactics seem to be working- recent polls in the Bangkok Post report almost half of Thailand's population are solid Red supporters, and almost a third are undecided. The PAD on the other hand can only lay claim to 2% of voter support... and we don't need to hazard a guess at which end of the socioeconomic see-saw these 2% sit on...

jc.

EDIT: And in question to the last post- well, which one was it? Election or judiciary?

Edited February 8, 2010 by johncitizen

[jacobus]

They actually mean that the system in North Korea works! And the people illegally in power who wants to keep power till they have milked the country till the last baht want to stay there. Nothing new under the sun in a country where half the population informs on the other half. Thailand is after all not a democracy but a semi police state.

Hmmm, "semi police state" -- sounds like some of our "hallmark" countries in "the first world". Take the UK with all of their surveillance cameras. Or the USA, with it's patriot act stripping away more and more personal liberties or the fact that they have been spying on their own citizens (e-mails, phone calls, etc.) all in the name of "keeping us safe" -- what a joke.

As to "milking the country till the last ... ", how about the way that Wall Street is sucking the U.S. Treasury (ultimately the middle class tax payers) dry in the name of "too big to fail" -- (bailout, my a__) the biggest rip-off in recorded history.

We westerners certainly cannot afford to look down our noses at the Thai government.

[anon467367354]

this is the land of no consequence. Taksin's antics would never be tolerated in any developed civilization, much less allowing the stupid to be stupid and to follow his beckon and call which is nothing but self serving at it's best. Why can't these people be somewhat educated on the matter, and let Taksin's true colors be revealed? They blame a movie for promoting smoking cigarettes here, and they also blame Taksin for the stupid things people are willing to do that follow him. Why don't they educate the masses, don't smoke and don't fall for smoke and mirrors. I think they know somewhere deep down that education doesn't work here, and they don't expect it to either.

[vicco]

Another factoid I dont understand, is that 80% of this movement is made up of women.

(47 rai)

Women do about 80% of everything else in Thailand.....why would this be any different?

[jayjayjayjay]

~snip~

EDIT: And in question to the last post- well, which one was it? Election or judiciary?

Who is in power, who controls the courts, no matter what election result we have over the next ten years, we can see the voice of the people not being heard. If someone is critical of the system of election, all I can say is get of your high horses and live up country for more than your Bkk paypackets allow for a 4 day holiday. You'll learn a lot, and learn why Mr. T was and is so popular. The fact I have well over a thousand staff all on minimum wage, and take the time to visit their families and kin in their villages gives a pretty strong impression of what they think about political horse sh*t that comes out of Bkk. If they end up rising up in protest against PAD, Dems, or Prem, all I can say is keep your head down, coz they are one very cohesive group (50 million strong)and really pissed off with central rule right now.

Just reporting the facts.

Edited February 8, 2010 by jayjayjayjay

[JasonsPlace]

What about those huge Bangkok numbers that swell Red Shirt Democracy Movement rallies of 100,000 and more...in fact doubling them.

But given that the largest demonstration in recent months was little more than 30,000-strong, it remains to be seen if the Red Shirts - however popular locally - have the momentum to overturn national rule.

Agence France-Presse

2010-02-08

"Little more than 30 000 strong", and STILL far larger than even the larger of the PAD rallies.

:D

The rallies which began a week ago are similar to the PAD's street campaign against Thaksin before he was ousted in a 2006 coup. The protests two years ago started small but grew to 100,000-strong crowds

Reuters

2008-06-01

reuters.com/article/idUSBKK26871120080601

[slim]

England 1641 - 1651

America 1861 - 1865

Thailand 2011 - ?

[johncitizen]

"The rallies which began a week ago are similar to the PAD's street campaign against Thaksin before he was ousted in a 2006 coup. The protests two years ago started small but grew to 100,000-strong crowds"

I see. So so take the single largest PAD protest (which has not been equalled by them since) and compare it to an average UDD protest. Not forgetting that the yellow-establishment is based in Bangkok, and yet even in their best attempt they have failed to draw the numbers that any of the 4 or 5 biggest Red protests have.

Love your work!

[momentumwaves]

I find this a bit disturbing Control centres sounds like something Hitler set up in the 1940's. Next all Red shirts will be asked to wear an insignia on there shoulder.

No need for that - just look for the 'Red Shirt'.  

[johncitizen]

Government Keeps Close Watch on 38 Dangerous Provinces Amid Political Tension

UPDATE : 8 February 2010

The government is keeping a close watch on 38 provinces, fearing that political violence could erupt.

Meanwhile, the New Politics Party Secretary-general believes tensions will increase ahead of former prime minister 's judgment day.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva revealed that 38 provinces will be under the government 's close supervision, fearing that the anti-government movement could create turmoil in an effort to derail the court's verdict in the asset seizure case of the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He said concerned authorities will monitor community radio stations and that he will decide later whether to issue special laws in risky provinces.

The soft-spoken premier insisted there are no factors that could lead to a new coup, as the National Security Council met last week to discuss anti-riot measures after recent rumors claimed some groups might try to create a violent situation.

He stressed that the government is able to handle the red-shirts and will curb any violence by using only peaceful measures.

He also warned the public not to believe groundless rumors.

The New Politics Party secretary-general, Suriyasai Katasila is anticipating that the kingdom will experience some crises as the court is set to deliver a verdict concerning the seizure of the fugitive prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra's assests.

As a result, he is calling on the government to implement effective security measures and is asking the state news agency to broadcast only true news in an effort to avoid violent confrontations.

He believes there are conditions that could cause a coup d'etat soon.

Meanwhile, the Democrat Party leader's personal spokesperson, Thepthai Senapong claims that a conflict between Pheu Thai Party member, General Panlop Pinmanee and the red-shirts leader Chatuporn Prompan is only aimed to raise their fees.

SOURCE: TAN, http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1024672

There are two interesting things that stand out in this article for me. Firstly, the NPP/PAD's sec-gen's prediction that there will be a coup soon.

Secondly, his call for the state-controlled media to "broadcast only *true* news in an effort to avoid violent confrontations."

I wonder just what he means when he says *true* news?

Edited February 8, 2010 by johncitizen

[Wiley]

It doesn't take much of a search to find self described red shirts in BKK, and I am not just talking about taxi drivers. I am speaking of very well educated/ padded people.

When I make the statement "Red shirts support Taksin," They reply, "Not necessarily, we support democracy, we want an election."

In fact, I am a little more hard pressed to find a self described yellow shirt.

Just my observation.

"The revolution will not be televised" - Gil Scott-Heron

[Paul123456]

I'm getting very sick of this garbage.

Sick or yellows and reds playing politics and trying to get their hands on corruption money.

Sick of all the media attention that gets sucked into it.

Sick of all the police and army and other public resources that are sucked into it.

In the meantime there is a war in the South of Thailand.

HELLO greedy politicians but having a war in your country may be slightly more important than your petty squabbles for power.

I saw the mobile phone footage today of Muslim men kicking a young female Thai teacher to death - not very nice. So can we forget about Thaksin and his money and get onto holding the country together?

And if they have finished sorting out the South, there is always the huge corruption problems in the country, the massive environmental issues, the poverty, the crime, the worsening education system,....

Lets just shoot all the yellow and reds and have a government that governs the country.

[AsiaCheese]

~snip~

There are two interesting things that stand out in this article for me. Firstly, the NPP/PAD's sec-gen's prediction that there will be a coup soon.

Secondly, his call for the state-controlled media to "broadcast only *true* news in an effort to avoid violent confrontations."

I wonder just what he means when he says *true* news?

Well, let's be fair. If there are radio stations that are 101% red & spreading nothing but BS -- might it not be an idea to shut them down? The way I read it, it's not so much a question of censorship (there was enough of that during Taksin times...). But of course, these are paranoid times

[MUYTHAI]

The government should distribute the Thaksin Asset to the poor people of the North East so it will keep peace and make everyone happy

Best post so far. Great idea. Maybe even distribute it evenly to all Thais.

[Insight]

It doesn't take much of a search to find self described red shirts in BKK, and I am not just talking about taxi drivers. I am speaking of very well educated/ padded people.

When I make the statement "Red shirts support Taksin," They reply, "Not necessarily, we support democracy, we want an election."

In fact, I am a little more hard pressed to find a self described yellow shirt.

Just my observation.

"The revolution will not be televised" - Gil Scott-Heron

Come to Asok - there's two in my office today.

/edit - Where are these red shirts you speak of?

Edited February 8, 2010 by Insight

[johncitizen]

"The government should distribute the Thaksin Asset to the poor people of the North East so it will keep peace and make everyone happy"

Great! While we are at it lets have a look at the assets of all of our favorite bigwigs in the upper-echelons, including the ones that are tax-exempt. I'm sure there will be enough money going around to fatten up every Thai for decades! Socialism for everyone!

Edited February 8, 2010 by johncitizen

[Thailand]

this is the land of no consequence. Taksin's antics would never be tolerated in any developed civilization, much less allowing the stupid to be stupid and to follow his beckon and call which is nothing but self serving at it's best. Why can't these people be somewhat educated on the matter, and let Taksin's true colors be revealed? They blame a movie for promoting smoking cigarettes here, and they also blame Taksin for the stupid things people are willing to do that follow him. Why don't they educate the masses, don't smoke and don't fall for smoke and mirrors. I think they know somewhere deep down that education doesn't work here, and they don't expect it to either.

So you think the masses need to be re-educated, I have a feeling I have heard that recommended course of action sometime before- now where was that?

[Ricardo]

Fits in very well with the Chirmsak/Prem plan, and as usual there is no shortage of farang 'useful idiots' to help their cause.

I hadn't even heard, there was a shortage of locally-sourced 'useful idiots', now they're having to import farang ones too ?

There are two interesting things that stand out in this article for me. Firstly, the NPP/PAD's sec-gen's prediction that there will be a coup soon.

This may be an historic occasion, the first time when the PAD and the UDD agree on something, whatever is the world coming to !

[BlueSmurf]

The government should distribute the Thaksin Asset to the poor people of the North East so it will keep peace and make everyone happy

A worthy point but best to spend these ill gotten gains through out the country! That would be doing what Ts had been doing but I agree it would put a lot more back than he ever gave..

[Jirapa]

The government should distribute the Thaksin Asset to the poor people of the North East so it will keep peace and make everyone happy

Why do you think that's where Taksin's backbone of support is? Might have something to do with his government trying to drag them out of poverty. Basic free healthcare and education. He's got his faults but he's not all bad. Show me a business man or polititian who isn't corrupt in some way and I'll eat my flip flops!

[animatic]

It doesn't take much of a search to find self described red shirts in BKK, and I am not just talking about taxi drivers. I am speaking of very well educated/ padded people.

When I make the statement "Red shirts support Taksin," They reply, "Not necessarily, we support democracy, we want an election."

In fact, I am a little more hard pressed to find a self described yellow shirt.

Just my observation.

"The revolution will not be televised" - Gil Scott-Heron

Come to Asok - there's two in my office today.

/edit - Where are these red shirts you speak of?

It maybe harder to find self described Yellow shirts,

but easy enough to find anti-Red Shirts all about.

38 security centers, sort of like storm warning buoys.

Earl;y warning a communications annexes.

Likely a good idea, except also likely to be 38 new targets too.

Edited February 8, 2010 by animatic

[jdinasia]

More importantly when will an Election be held? Thailand is being governed by aparty with no mandate by the people. Tis is clearly a more important issue.

Welcome ---

and please refer to the raw numbers of votes in the 2007 elections

That should help you to understand a little more.

Poleax seems to be forgetting a Red General that appointed himself their leader and has threatened judges, and in the past threatened grenade attacks that then occured. He also seems to be forgetting the cinderblock through the PM's car window and the People's Army No surprise there!

[Jirapa]

It doesn't take much of a search to find self described red shirts in BKK, and I am not just talking about taxi drivers. I am speaking of very well educated/ padded people.

When I make the statement "Red shirts support Taksin," They reply, "Not necessarily, we support democracy, we want an election."

In fact, I am a little more hard pressed to find a self described yellow shirt.

Just my observation.

"The revolution will not be televised" - Gil Scott-Heron

Come to Asok - there's two in my office today.

/edit - Where are these red shirts you speak of?

It maybe harder to find self described Yellow shirts,

but easy enough to find anti-Red Shirts all about.

Red shirts haven't stagged a coup and as far as I can remember the last one was staged by the yellow shirts which ousted an elected government who had the majority. I don't agree with any group holding a government to ransom so sort your democracy out Thailand!

[backsoon]

The government should distribute the Thaksin Asset to the poor people of the North East so it will keep peace and make everyone happy

This is not a bad idea. Ask Mr. T if he loves his people so much to give all the funds held by the courts to be used to help the rural people. Make schools and hospitals use the money truly to help the people who he took it from. If Mr. T said yes to this I would forgive him on all accounts. Now I would never forget what he has done and the lives lost. But we could all move on and save what is left of our nation.

Ah, there it is! Three times in this forum I have been asking WHAT has he done. NOBODY remembers or answered. Now, seriously, tell me what did he do? I mean under 'good' and 'bad' sections. Truly, I do not know .

Come on, junglist, tell me, please.