Red Shirt Leaders Get Sudden Fund Boost

[webfact]

RED SHIRTS RALLY

Red shirt leaders get sudden fund boost

By Sathien Piriyapanpongsa,

Atthayuth Butsripoom

BANGKOK: -- Authorities have discovered that unusually large sums of money were transferred from overseas and local sources to the bank accounts of red-shirt leaders, government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday.

"We have to find out if the money has been transferred to violence-prone people. If that is the case, we can be sure the situation is going to be violent," he told reporters at Government House.

When asked if the money came from the Middle East and somewhere in Asia, the spokesman said that the reporter was right about the sources. "Part of the money was transferred from financiers in the country and some were smuggled through normal channels," he said, adding that security agencies were investigating the money transfers.

"The money is likely to help the violence-prone group to be cash-rich. But the government will try to control the red shirts like when you bake 'khanom thuai foo' (Thai cupcake). When the cakes start to swell, you cover them and prevent them from expanding too much," he said.

Panitan, who is also deputy secretary-general of the prime minister, said the authorities had expected violent moves by red-shirt supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra before and after the court verdict on February 26 over the assets-seizure case against him.

Thaksin has lived in exile in Dubai, a port city in the United Arab Emirates, and sometimes visits Cambodia.

On Monday, Panitan said the government had resolved to deploy about 20,000 security personnel in 38 provinces, more than 5,000 of them in Bangkok.

He said yesterday that the government was prepared to cope with the situation based on three violent scenarios:

- a joint force of police, soldiers and civilians would deal with small protests;

- when the situation worsens, the Internal Security Act will be imposed;

- if the situation gets even more serious, an emergency decree will be declared and soldiers will take over to bring the situation under control.

Panitan said the Cabinet had approved an initial budget of Bt50 million to fund the security operation ahead of the court ruling. He said the money was aimed at ensuring that the security personnel dispatched for the operation would get sufficient allowances.

"We won't allow a repeat of what happened in April 2009. The soldiers did not get allowances. They were so hungry while doing the job," he said.

Meanwhile, leaders of the red shirts insisted yesterday that they would not resort to violence in their campaign against double standards.

Veera Musigapong, a leader of the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship, said the government has adopted a dictatorial view dating back to the 1970s in casting suspicion on the people's movement.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan, who is also an MP from the opposition Pheu Thai Party, said the red shirts would adhere to peaceful means in their fight. "We don't want to take the same path as the April incident. The government passed the blame on us for the disturbance. So we have to declare our stance of never resorting to violence," he said.

In a related development, Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday announced his successful mediation to end the war of words between red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan and retired General Panlop Pinmanee.

The mediation took place on Monday night and the two agreed to set aside their differences, he said.

"There is no more conflict situation and every problem has been solved," he said yesterday.

He said there would be no more trading of barbs and all red shirts would work together.

In his Twitter message, former premier Thaksin Shinawatra said the red shirts need no longer be concerned about infighting among the leadership as the individuals involved had already buried their differences to work together for a "big task".

Meanwhile, red-shirt leader Weng Tojirakarn said the government's security alert is an overreaction. He said plans to boost security forces in 38 provinces, including the setting up of 200 checkpoints in the capital, will cause unjustified anxiety.

"The government is making a big fuss and it is not even clear when the red shirts will hold a mass protest," he said.

The red shirts are not organising armed units in 38 provinces as alleged by the authorities and their rally plan has not been finalised, he said.

The red shirts have yet to set the date for the rally, which may or may not coincide with the February 26 verdict on Thaksin's Bt76-billion assets seizure case, he said.

He voiced suspicion about the government squandering public funds for boosting security. Each time the Internal Security Act was invoked, the cost to taxpayers was estimated at Bt300 million, he said, hinting that certain figures stand to benefit from the security spending.

-- The Nation 2010-02-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[animatic]

Well the only think missing is to check if Oak and the Girls are still here before it kicks off.

Jatuporn, Veera and Nuttawat saying 'no violence' is just their protecting their own asses before it goes bad.

See! we never said that... The question is what word is give privately to kick things off,

and try and instigate army violence...

Their only hope is enough violence to make the army come in, and then enough shot soldiers to

make one platoon start shooting back. The reds need blood in the streets or it's all for naught.

Now they have the money to buy cannon fodder...

Bad business.

[poleax]

Wow, what a huge diatribe against a female dominated, citizen movement to regain some semblance of Democracy. To restore Electoral Democracy where all citizens have equal access to the voting booth, and where all can expect the political process to represent their interests.

Where do I begin?

All political movements are funded. Fund raising is critical. The local Red Shirt Democracy Movement (RSDM) is also heavily engaged on a small scale in fundraising to pay for costs of rallies, transport to BKK, food, etc. The one I am familiar with just raffled off a gold necklace, and earned 10,000 baht beyond cost. The National level needs to do even more.

You see, the Govt. and their media outlets are hoping their agenda to avoid political characterization of this Democracy Movement by repeatedly referring to them only as the "Red Shirts" is paying off. They would not want it generally known that this is in fact a citizens movement to restore Democracy, and certainly not that it has support, both in numbers and Financially. By extension, it is also obviously another in the never-ending demonization pokes at Mr. Thaksin.

So fund raising and transferring of it to this Democracy Movement is "smuggling" huh........Wow, is that agenda or what!

"......was the money transferred to violence prone people[/i]",........"...it is likely to help violence prone people be cash rich...." End of quote..............Wow again. And Governments are supposed to be representative. If statements like this doesn't expose them for what they are, representatives of only themselves and their minority backers, nothing will. This Democracy Movement is huge, growing and grassroots oriented. And with its' 80% female membership to be referred to as "Violence prone" is such a broad-stroke smear as to be incomprehensible. Unbelievable that a Govt. would demonize such a huge citizen movement and expect a 'future' With stuff like this coming out of them, I can fully understand why they had better avoid an election at all costs.

All this costly security stuff set over against a movement that is peacefull is pure political posturing, to the extreme. The Domestic Media's agenda prevents them from reporting on the many, hugely attended regional rallies (just in the last two weeks, 100,000 at Khon Kean, 50,000 at Udon Thani) all of them peaceful. Had one egg been broken, or had there been a "staged explosion", you can bet the media would have been all over it in a condemnatory manner.

The minority enemies of this movement always fall back on the Songkran thing. Ex-pats must understand that as Jatuporn said in this article, "The Government passed on the blame to us for that disturbance" They were empty handed, as most female Red Shirts will tell you. But never mind, most publicity of that event was funnelled through the Domestic Media with their strong anti-Red Shirt agenda, with expected bias. Suffice it to say, this event has many interpretations. The enemies will latch onto one, those of us who are inclined differently, will interpret it another way.

One last thing. I have mentioned frequently now, the 80% female make-up of this movement. I dont know why that is, but also am convinced that it is a large contributor to the MO of the RSDM. One doesn't need to look further than the military-type encampments of the PAD during their heyday, over against the open air, carnival type of RSDM rally's, where even with 100,000 in attendance, no security guards are evident, other than the ones around the leaders. Farangs are idolized at these events as being those who understand and appreciate Democratic principles.

Awright, enough of this drivel

Edited February 10, 2010 by poleax

[animatic]

Well at least you see it's drivel...

The remake continues apace.

If you can't wall paper over the old view of the Red Shirts, then all is lost.

Facade, charade, shelf paper, new coat of paint. Still the same, old same old.

Nice to try and say it's all ladies now, like PAD, oh no don't dare be

violent against our old ladies, we're just mostly old ladies.

I remember the Songkran 'old ladies' with molotov cocktails and sling shots

in red shirts burning tires and buses. Nice saris and designer sling shots.

Guess the students are steering a wide berth this go round.

This money stated above wasn't from individuals auctioning necklaces for 10 grand.

It came from sources wanting more power... no other reason to donate large sums.

Lets just see how REALLY peaceful the next 3 weeks stay.

We can recall PAD rallies being open and all were welcome,

until a continuous assortment of Red attackers forced it into

more martial encampments for DEFENSE.

You conveniently forget WHY they circled the wagons...

sword and sling shot attacks, drive-bys, and other violent red actions

most caught on camera too, and lets not forget Sae Daungs

pre announced hand grenade attacks.

Seems your REALLY in need of an image remake...

Maybe more 'stage' make up for leadership too...

Except many here don't believe this PR charade.

History speaks louder than words, and why forget history

just because someone suddenly says they've changed.

Public Relations budget seems to have gotten an injection too.

Edited February 10, 2010 by animatic

[coalminer]

"......was the money transferred to violence prone people[/i]",........"...it is likely to help violence prone people be cash rich...." End of quote..............Wow again. And Governments are supposed to be representative. If statements like this doesn't expose them for what they are, representatives of only themselves and their minority backers, nothing will. This Democracy Movement is huge, growing and grassroots oriented. And with its' 80% female membership to be referred to as "Violence prone" is such a broad-stroke smear as to be incomprehensible. Unbelievable that a Govt. would demonize such a huge citizen movement and expect a 'future' With stuff like this coming out of them, I can fully understand why they had better avoid an election at all costs.

All this costly security stuff set over against a movement that is peacefull is pure political posturing, to the extreme. The Domestic Media's agenda prevents them from reporting on the many, hugely attended regional rallies (just in the last two weeks, 100,000 at Khon Kean, 50,000 at Udon Thani) all of them peaceful. Had one egg been broken, or had there been a "staged explosion", you can bet the media would have been all over it in a condemnatory manner.

The minority enemies of this movement always fall back on the Songkran thing. Ex-pats must understand that as Jatuporn said in this article, "The Government passed on the blame to us for that disturbance" They were empty handed, as most female Red Shirts will tell you. But never mind, most publicity of that event was funnelled through the Domestic Media with their strong anti-Red Shirt agenda, with expected bias. Suffice it to say, this event has many interpretations. The enemies will latch onto one, those of us who are inclined differently, will interpret it another way.

One last thing. I have mentioned frequently now, the 80% female make-up of this movement. I dont know why that is, but also am convinced that it is a large contributor to the MO of the RSDM. One doesn't need to look further than the military-type encampments of the PAD during their heyday, over against the open air, carnival type of RSDM rally's, where even with 100,000 in attendance, no security guards are evident, other than the ones around the leaders. Farangs are idolized at these events as being those who understand and appreciate Democratic principles.

Awright, enough of this drivel

If the government want to talk about violent actions and see violence in action, they only have to look at hundred of video shootings about the PAD rallies.

The holy PAD which criminal members are still at large and not sought by the "democratic" governement lead by the marionet of Oxford.

The point at which this fovernment was hilarious is already passed a long time.

Now they are just moronic and pittyful.

[Ricardo]

Wow, what a huge diatribe against a female dominated, citizen movement to regain some semblance of Democracy. To restore Electoral Democracy where all citizens have equal access to the voting booth, and where all can expect the political process to represent their interests.

Excuse me, but you seem to claim that right now, not all citizens can vote ? I must be misunderstanding you. Could you please elaborate upon this, and give some evidence for it ?

Regarding the unusual funds-transfers from abroad, which the original article reports, this would indeed be bad news. Let's hope that nobody plans to use these funds to influence the outcome of a large court-case currently underway. Thaksin deserves justice !

Edited February 10, 2010 by Ricardo

[jdinasia]

Sorry Poleax -----

"The government is making a big fuss and it is not even clear when the red shirts will hold a mass protest," he said.

You make it out to be a conspiracy to call the Red shirts .. the "Red shirts" but even PTP calls them that.

Bringing in undeclared money is something EVERY government watches.

80% Female --- men work and women cost less to hire.

Gold being sold --- wow yeah buying gold is about helping the poor!

Violence prone --- self appointed Red shirt leader Sae Daeng .... People's Army of Thailand .... Songkran '09 etc etc

KK and Ubonratchathani (or was it Udon Thani as you suggest) --- bogus numbers real crowd estimates appear to be only 20%-50% of your claim

Minority enemies? You mean the masses of Thai people that oppose violence in any form?

Again with the 80% --- men work women are cheaper to hire ---- no security (outright fabrication as EVERY red shirt gathering has security) though there is less need for it since they have not been victim to grenade attacks etc the way that the PAD was at government house etc. and please document in any meaningful way "farangs are idolized at these events" because I sincerely doubt ANYONE, even the most ardent red shirt supporter will believe that.

[ChiangMaiFun]

There's a Yellow Rose of Thailand

That I am going to see,

No other Red fellow knows her,

No other, only Thai Visa Yellow me.

She cried so when I left her,

It like to break my Red heart,

And if I ever find her

We never more will hold elections.

Only time will see...

[jdinasia]

Wow, what a huge diatribe against a female dominated, citizen movement to regain some semblance of Democracy. To restore Electoral Democracy where all citizens have equal access to the voting booth, and where all can expect the political process to represent their interests.

Excuse me, but you seem to claim that right now, not all citizens can vote ? I must be misunderstanding you. Could you please elaborate upon this, and give some evidence for it ?

Regarding the unusual funds-transfers from abroad, which the original article reports, this would indeed be bad news. Let's hope that nobody plans to use these funds to influence the outcome of a large court-case currently underway. Thaksin deserves justice !

Well, we certainly know that not all political parties would be allowed to campaign in many areas (but the Red shirts want democracy! yeah right!)

[animatic]

There's a Yellow Rose of Thailand

That I am going to see,

No other Red fellow knows her,

No other, only Thai Visa Yellow me.

She cried so when I left her,

It like to break my Red heart,

And if I ever find her

We never more will hold elections.

Only time will see...

Ready for Eurovision Song Contest are we?

Andrew Lloyd Weber and Willie Nelson need not have worries

but other Texans weep.

Don't cry for me Rachisima by Madonawatra

"It won't be easy, you'll think I'm stranger

When I try to explain how I feel

That I still need your love after all that I've done

You won't believe me

All you will see is a PM you once knew

Although I'm dressed up to the nines

All '60's and 70's to you

I had to let it happen, I had to rearrange

Couldn't stay so belly up to the trough

Looking out of penthouse, staying out of the light

So I chose freedom

Taking a runner, escaping anew

But some thing depressed me ; my fall

I never expected it true.

Don't cry for me Rachisima

The truth I never told you

All through my blunders

My mad resistance

I kept my profits

Don't take your taxes.

And as for fortune, and as for face

They have been stolen

Though it's known to the world they were all I desired

They were just illusions

I've no solutions I'd promised to thee

The answer I've hidden is crime

I love you and hope you love me

Don't cry for me Ratchisima

The truth would only bore you

I took large percentage

Stifled resistance

I want my money

So drop your sentence

Have I said too much?

There's no truths more I can think of to say to you.

But all you have to do is look at me to know

That every word is true

Don't cry for me Rachisima

The truth I never told you

All through my blunders

My mad resistance

I kept my profits

Don't take your taxes"

Edited February 10, 2010 by animatic

[ChiangMaiFun]

Judges your score?

...nuls points

Congratulations and celebrations

when I tell everyone that the Yellows are in love with you.

Congratulations and jubilations

I want the world to know I'm as Red as can be.

Who would believe that I could

be happy and Red.

I used to think that happiness

were elections,

but that was in the bad old days

before I met the Yellows

when I let you walk into my government.

Congratulations and celebrations

when I tell everyone that you're just the electorate and no election.

Congratulations and jubilations

I want the world to know I'm happy as can be (with PM Abhsit).

I was afraid that maybe

you thought the politicians were above me.

That I was only fooling myself

to think you'd elect me.

But then tonight you said

you couldn't live without elections

that in government

you wanted stay.

Congratulations and celebrations

when I tell everyone that you're in love with Yellows.

Congratulations and jubilations

I want the world to know I'm happy as can be

10 out of 10?

Edited February 10, 2010 by cdnvic
excess quote removed

[geriatrickid]

Question: Where is the evidence to corroborate the allegations made about funds coming from Asia and the Middle East? How about naming the source and receipients? Why are they afraid to name names? Where is the evidence or is this the typical guilty until proven innocent philosophy that is typical of the bully brigade?

If people are up in arms over the alleged transfer of funds, why isn't something said about the large sums of funds transferred in every month from foreign sources in the EU and Australia? Do you think the loyal loving soulmates of farangs that run to the Western Union shops of Pattaya, Bangkok, and Patong every month are declaring their income to the tax man? If someone is living of the proceeds of prostitution adult caregiving, they still have to declare the income.

[webfact]

FLASH NEWS:

Suthep to Keep Close Eye on Money Movement of Thaksin's Close Aides

BANGKOK: -- Deputy PM, in charge of national security, Suthep Thaugsuban says the Thai authorities will keep a close watch on movement of financial transactions of individuals that could instigate chaos and violence in the country ahead of Feb 26 when the court is scheduled to hand down its ruling on the 76 billion baht assets seizure case against former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.

-- Tan Network 2010-02-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[hammered]

The government are palying a lot better PR game than they did in the past and the red side are playing a lot worse one. Quite why this change has occurred is hard to know. The government used to be useless at the PR game. Ok it is easy to see they have managed to getter a better PR team in but why have the red side become so inept?

[dick turpin]

"Part of the money was transferred from financiers in the country and some were smuggled through normal channels,"

Smuggled thru normal channels - mai kao jai boss?

[animatic]

Seems the gov is now bothering to try and have a PT campaign.

I don't think they much cared before.

But the violence stakes are upped at the moment

[hammered]

The PR campaigns of both sides are linked misinfornation and disinformation campaigns by both sides. The government are doing better than before and as the status quo suits them they can either win the campaign or just have both sides bore everyone. For the reds they need to win,. The status quo doesnt suit them right now.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Govt to verify funds if linked to red shirts: Suthep

By The Nation

The government are monitoring and verify the flow of funds destined to finance the violence-prone red shirts but there is no confirmation at the moment, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban said on Wednesday.

"The government is determined to strictly enforce the law against any groups planning to stir up violence," he said.

Suthep said the riot forces, comprising soldiers, policemen and civilians, will not allow the eruption of violence and that instigators of the mayhem will be penalised as traitors.

In a related development, red-shirt supporter Maj Gen Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol dismissed speculation that retired Gen Panlop Pinmanee carried a large amount of cash into the country last week after the two returned from visiting ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai.

Khattiaya said he and Panlop underwent a thorough check by customs officials upon arrival at the airport.

He also denied the allegation he was trying to set up armed units of the red shirts upcountry. He admitted to giving a pep talk to rally the red shirts around the country, his latest speech given in Ubon Ratchathani, but he said he did not attempt to arm them.

-- The Nation 2010-02-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[jdinasia]

Question: Where is the evidence to corroborate the allegations made about funds coming from Asia and the Middle East? How about naming the source and receipients? Why are they afraid to name names? Where is the evidence or is this the typical guilty until proven innocent philosophy that is typical of the bully brigade?

If people are up in arms over the alleged transfer of funds, why isn't something said about the large sums of funds transferred in every month from foreign sources in the EU and Australia? Do you think the loyal loving soulmates of farangs that run to the Western Union shops of Pattaya, Bangkok, and Patong every month are declaring their income to the tax man? If someone is living of the proceeds of prostitution adult caregiving, they still have to declare the income.

Hmmmm one would assume that you know the answers to all of this.

Why are individual names not mentioned? Banking law? Defamation laws etc?

Why aren't Western Union numbers etc an issue? Banking Law, limits are set by law ... under xxxxxx baht it doesn't have to be declared by financial institutions and over that it must be.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Govt Spokesman: Grounds about Unusual Funds into Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Acting Government Spokesman Panitan Watanayagorn revealed there are grounds to believe three groups are conducting unusual monetary transfers into Thailand. He assured the authorities are on top of the issue.

Speculations are abound the money came from fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, aiming to wreak havoc in Thailand before the verdict on his 76 billion baht asset seizure case comes out on February 26. However, Thaksin has denied any involvement via his twitter page today and so has the red-shirt group.

-- Tan Network 2010-02-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[hammered]

Sure money will be used for the red shirts whatever happens but what nobody has mentioned is that money can be used to buy all kinds of influence in other places. Sometimes only a few people are needed, sometimes it takes a party or two, sometimes it is a mob. Why would anyone expect any side in this to not have several strategies and options in play and opf course counter starteghies and options. There are too many sides and interested parties now to play with. Mobs are fun and easy but uncontrollable in large numbers and if they go off violence is as likely or maybe more likely to backfire than succeed. However, well targetted money can have big impacts.

Interesting games

[webfact]

THAKSIN'S FUNDING TO RED SHIRTS

Govt a rumour monger : Pirat

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government was the rumour monger about ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra financing the red shirts to stir up an upheaval, an aide to Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Wednesday.

"The government is trying to smear its opponents and it is not true Chavalit is pocketing the money from Thaksin," Pirat Sawamiwat said.

Pirat said he doubted whether Thaksin was in the financial position to finance the red shirts since he appeared not to be as wealthy as he used to be.

He said the rumour was cooked up to smear Chavalit and the red shirts. According to the rumour, Chavalit siphoned the funds from Thaksin earmarked for a retired general who acts as a coordinator with the red shirts to plan for a showdown with the government.

Red-shirt supporter Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol said Thaksin did not provide financial backing because the red shirts financed their activities through fund-raising dinner parties.

In his radio message on Tuesday's night, Thaksin said he supported the red shirts to fight for change by peaceful means although they needed to have guards to protect their rally to avoid a repeat of Songkran mayhem in which the crowds were dispersed and defeated because they were unorganised.

-- The Nation 2010-02-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Samuian]

Wonder what this sickening comedy should be named?

"Eatable Democracy"?

"How I ditched my Country"?

"The projectionist and his revolution"?

"little man, big dreams"?

"kettle full of cold steam"?

"The Nutter Incident"?

....

[hammered]

THAKSIN'S FUNDING TO RED SHIRTS

Govt a rumour monger : Pirat

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government was the rumour monger about ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra financing the red shirts to stir up an upheaval, an aide to Pheu Thai Party chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh said on Wednesday.

"The government is trying to smear its opponents and it is not true Chavalit is pocketing the money from Thaksin," Pirat Sawamiwat said.

Pirat said he doubted whether Thaksin was in the financial position to finance the red shirts since he appeared not to be as wealthy as he used to be.

He said the rumour was cooked up to smear Chavalit and the red shirts. According to the rumour, Chavalit siphoned the funds from Thaksin earmarked for a retired general who acts as a coordinator with the red shirts to plan for a showdown with the government.

Red-shirt supporter Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol said Thaksin did not provide financial backing because the red shirts financed their activities through fund-raising dinner parties.

In his radio message on Tuesday's night, Thaksin said he supported the red shirts to fight for change by peaceful means although they needed to have guards to protect their rally to avoid a repeat of Songkran mayhem in which the crowds were dispersed and defeated because they were unorganised.

-- The Nation 2010-02-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

More likely the rumour came form inside red HQ. Chavalit is right despised by at least one of the red leadership. It is getting like just before Songkhran when the red demonstrators on the street were praising Jakrapob and claiming the three self procalimed leaders were:

a. doing nothing

b. just taking money from Thaksin

[johncitizen]

Well this is popping up in yellow-friendly news outlets everywhere.

Wouldn't be part of the Governments publicly funded "media blitz" they've been warning about now, would it?

[SomTumTiger]

Tick Tick Tick....Get ready to say goodbye to the rest of your money soon, Mr. T.

Lets continue to write how the Red Shirts are "pro democracy". That never gets old....lol

[hammered]

Well this is popping up in yellow-friendly news outlets everywhere.

Wouldn't be part of the Governments publicly funded "media blitz" they've been warning about now, would it?

Why wouldnt you expect all sides to have a media blitz of propaganda, lies, damned lies, statistics, misinforamtion and disinformation? This is a high stakes game. It s up to each of us what we choose to beleive, or in the case of a lot of peopel I talk to jsut want to stop listening to from every side. Question everything you hear form all sides would be the way ahead.

[hardy1943]

Wow, what a huge diatribe against a female dominated, citizen movement to regain some semblance of Democracy. To restore Electoral Democracy where all citizens have equal access to the voting booth, and where all can expect the political process to represent their interests.

Where do I begin?

All political movements are funded. Fund raising is critical. The local Red Shirt Democracy Movement (RSDM) is also heavily engaged on a small scale in fundraising to pay for costs of rallies, transport to BKK, food, etc. The one I am familiar with just raffled off a gold necklace, and earned 10,000 baht beyond cost. The National level needs to do even more.

You see, the Govt. and their media outlets are hoping their agenda to avoid political characterization of this Democracy Movement by repeatedly referring to them only as the "Red Shirts" is paying off. They would not want it generally known that this is in fact a citizens movement to restore Democracy, and certainly not that it has support, both in numbers and Financially. By extension, it is also obviously another in the never-ending demonization pokes at Mr. Thaksin.

So fund raising and transferring of it to this Democracy Movement is "smuggling" huh........Wow, is that agenda or what!

"......was the money transferred to violence prone people[/i]",........"...it is likely to help violence prone people be cash rich...." End of quote..............Wow again. And Governments are supposed to be representative. If statements like this doesn't expose them for what they are, representatives of only themselves and their minority backers, nothing will. This Democracy Movement is huge, growing and grassroots oriented. And with its' 80% female membership to be referred to as "Violence prone" is such a broad-stroke smear as to be incomprehensible. Unbelievable that a Govt. would demonize such a huge citizen movement and expect a 'future' With stuff like this coming out of them, I can fully understand why they had better avoid an election at all costs.

All this costly security stuff set over against a movement that is peacefull is pure political posturing, to the extreme. The Domestic Media's agenda prevents them from reporting on the many, hugely attended regional rallies (just in the last two weeks, 100,000 at Khon Kean, 50,000 at Udon Thani) all of them peaceful. Had one egg been broken, or had there been a "staged explosion", you can bet the media would have been all over it in a condemnatory manner.

The minority enemies of this movement always fall back on the Songkran thing. Ex-pats must understand that as Jatuporn said in this article, "The Government passed on the blame to us for that disturbance" They were empty handed, as most female Red Shirts will tell you. But never mind, most publicity of that event was funnelled through the Domestic Media with their strong anti-Red Shirt agenda, with expected bias. Suffice it to say, this event has many interpretations. The enemies will latch onto one, those of us who are inclined differently, will interpret it another way.

One last thing. I have mentioned frequently now, the 80% female make-up of this movement. I dont know why that is, but also am convinced that it is a large contributor to the MO of the RSDM. One doesn't need to look further than the military-type encampments of the PAD during their heyday, over against the open air, carnival type of RSDM rally's, where even with 100,000 in attendance, no security guards are evident, other than the ones around the leaders. Farangs are idolized at these events as being those who understand and appreciate Democratic principles.

Awright, enough of this drivel

How dare you talk about against the Elite back by Brainwashing Media.

Well said THANK YOU

[animatic]

Potjamins complaining and explaining how some of the money was hers, actually digs the hole deeper.

Is she actually giving evidence of herself illegally hiding the money as reasons to prove she wasn't cheating

so should get it back??? The mind boggles at the lack of financial and legal insight and hubris on the hoof.

Oh wait it's hubris if you lose and logical if you win! It's revolution and anarchy if you lose,

but freedom fighting for democracy if you win....

It was my money but when it was in my brothers and childrens names it wasn't for purposes

of my ex husband being PM and we couldn't SHOW the money as ours, but now that he's not,

I can say it always was my money, not give it back to me.

Daft logic and not at all designed to actually win the case, only a sympathy signal for reddened minds...

Oh see how UNDFAIRRRRRRR.... they are to ME... it's MINE! Give it back.

What a crock of fermented fish paste and fecal detritus.

[Ricardo]

"Part of the money was transferred from financiers in the country and some were smuggled through normal channels,"

Smuggled thru normal channels - mai kao jai boss?

This surely refers to politicians' families, who seem prone to travel with very large quantities of baggage, indeed so much that Security don't need to bother to check it, why bother the 'poo-yais' on their holidays ?

Or perhaps it refers to Thai Airways Board-members, who may be able to accidentally bypass normal Customs-procedures ?

I must admit, it is a phrase reminiscent of 'known unknowns'.