Red Shirts Moving For A Showdown: Jatuporn

[Samuian]

Wonder if anyone ever asked Jatuporn how the Million Man March on February 20th turned out? Who showed up? A couple of soi dogs and a "meat on a stick" vendor?

he will answer: "you live in constant denial! Haven't you seen them all?" !

[webfact]

UPDATE

Red-shirt massive rally set for March 14

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Veera Musigapong announced Wednesday that the red-shirts will hold a massive rally on March 14 at Sanam Luang.

He said the red-shirt people from provinces would start moving to Bangkok on March 12.

He reiterated that the movement would not hold a rally on Friday.

-- The Nation 2010-02-24

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[frodo]

UPDATE

Red-shirt massive rally set for March 14

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Veera Musigapong announced Wednesday that the red-shirts will hold a massive rally on March 14 at Sanam Luang.

He said the red-shirt people from provinces would start moving to Bangkok on March 12.

He reiterated that the movement would not hold a rally on Friday.

-- The Nation 2010-02-24

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

March 14th now. Guess they need to make sure the checks don't bounce.

[Krobe]

This is like the 3rd final showdown, or is it higher than that?

Thailand - the Hub of Final Showdowns!

Good point. There are way too many showdowns going on. It's ruining the country and corrupting the youth. I suggest it's time for a crackdown on showdowns.

Right then, so its the final crackdown on showdowns... finally

[jayboy]

JD happens to be one of the better informed posters herein. When other posters ask questions or seek qualification about something (usually to do with T and the Reds), JD has been known to respond with historical facts. Supporters of the Reds, on the other hand, wax loquacious about future dire scenarios, but shy away from citing actual facts relating to the topic at hand - or descend to name calling when stumped for a thoughtful response.

Er yes quite.JD did produce an excellent reference recently with an interview from the late lamented FEER.Unfortunately it proved a point diametrically opposite to the one intended, namely Prem's illiberal and often bizarre dotage.The trouble with this kind of facile discussion is that it is over personalised and crudely black and white.Thus Thaksin is demonised and Prem for example is sanctified.The reality of course is that both men have their strengths and weaknesses.The following piece from the FT gives some flavour of the complexity.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/701c4202-201a-11...144feab49a.html

[webfact]

UPDATE

Red shirts too boastful about million-man march: Chalerm

The red shirts might be too ambitious in organising a showdown with one million protesters and 100,000 pick-up trucks, scheduled for March 14 to force the government's collapse, Pheu Thai MP Chalerm Yoobamrung said on Wednesday.

"I don't see how and where the red shirts could mobilise a million people," he said.

Chalerm said he did not anticipate an upheaval. He voiced scepticism that the red shirts would succeed in inflaming the sentiment against the government.

-- The Nation 2010-02-24

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[frodo]

For once, I agree with Chalerm...it's not going to happen.

[webfact]

UPDATE

Thaksin supporters to rally next month in Thailand

BANGKOK: -- (AFP) - Thailand's "Red Shirt" protesters, led by supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, said Wednesday they would start mass rallies from mid-March in a bid to force out the government.

The demonstrations will come two weeks after a Supreme Court verdict on the fate of 2.2 billion dollars' worth of frozen assets belonging to telecommunications tycoon Thaksin, which is due on Friday.

Red Shirts from around the country would start travelling to Bangkok on March 12 and the rallies would begin in the capital's historic district on March 14, organisers said.

"We told our people to prepare themselves to rally for at least one week. It'll be the largest political demonstration in Thailand," said Jatuporn Prompan, one of the movement's leaders.

"This time we are more ready than last April when we attracted hundreds of thousands of protesters," he said.

In April 2009 the Red Shirts stormed a summit of Asian leaders and then rioted in Bangkok, leaving two people dead, but the unrest failed to bring down the administration of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Police at the time said the biggest of those Red Shirt rallies attracted around 100,000 people.

Another leader of the movement, Nattawut Saikuar, said that the protests would go ahead whatever the verdict in Friday's case, in which the government is trying to seize Thaksin's fortune.

"The Thaksin asset case has nothing to do with our rally, so whatever the verdict is we will continue to rally until the government collapses," Nattawut told reporters.

Thailand is deeply divided between supporters and foes of Thaksin, who was toppled in a military coup in 2006 and is living abroad to avoid a two-year jail term for corruption.

The Red Shirts, most of whom hail from Thailand's impoverished north and northeast, say Abhisit's government is an undemocratic mouthpiece for the interests of elite cliques in the palace, military and bureaucracy.

Thaksin's opponents say he was corrupt, dictatorial and disloyal to Thailand's revered king. He recently angered them by becoming an economic adviser to neighbouring Cambodia, with which Bangkok has tense relations.

Abhisit's government says it has deployed up to 35,000 security personnel across the country in case of violence after Friday's case, which centres on assets frozen after the coup.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-02-24

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[jdinasia]

JD happens to be one of the better informed posters herein. When other posters ask questions or seek qualification about something (usually to do with T and the Reds), JD has been known to respond with historical facts. Supporters of the Reds, on the other hand, wax loquacious about future dire scenarios, but shy away from citing actual facts relating to the topic at hand - or descend to name calling when stumped for a thoughtful response.

Er yes quite.JD did produce an excellent reference recently with an interview from the late lamented FEER.Unfortunately it proved a point diametrically opposite to the one intended, namely Prem's illiberal and often bizarre dotage.The trouble with this kind of facile discussion is that it is over personalised and crudely black and white.Thus Thaksin is demonised and Prem for example is sanctified.The reality of course is that both men have their strengths and weaknesses.The following piece from the FT gives some flavour of the complexity.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/701c4202-201a-11...144feab49a.html

No and again .....

The point it showed was what I intended. It does beg the question though .... What do YOU think it proved and how?

Whatever you are trying to post is not available to me but I have a feeling that it is the redshirt nonsense about some random village and a guy that benefited from Thaksin? (I mean personally his business benefitted ... which does tend to prove that the patronage system under Thaksin bought him some followers that need him back or they lose everything due to loans they can't repay etc.)

The current redshirt attacks on Prem have turned off even more of their followers and I think you will find that they distance themselves from that tactic in the future. Attacking Prem is just stupid on so many levels .....

[RegularReader]

JD happens to be one of the better informed posters herein. When other posters ask questions or seek qualification about something (usually to do with T and the Reds), JD has been known to respond with historical facts. Supporters of the Reds, on the other hand, wax loquacious about future dire scenarios, but shy away from citing actual facts relating to the topic at hand - or descend to name calling when stumped for a thoughtful response.

Er yes quite.JD did produce an excellent reference recently with an interview from the late lamented FEER.Unfortunately it proved a point diametrically opposite to the one intended, namely Prem's illiberal and often bizarre dotage.The trouble with this kind of facile discussion is that it is over personalised and crudely black and white.Thus Thaksin is demonised and Prem for example is sanctified.The reality of course is that both men have their strengths and weaknesses.The following piece from the FT gives some flavour of the complexity.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/701c4202-201a-11...144feab49a.html

I read that Financial Times article yesterday, Jayboy. I think you used the correct word, "flavour" it is.

Balanced, it is not.

He went up country - an uncommon thing for an international journo to do in search of a story, so cudos to him - and got the story he was looking for.

It's not a surprise to anyone with family up country, that there are too many poor, underprivilaged and poorly educated people there.

The story might have highlighted these people's plight for an English readership - that's good.

But what it failed to do, was highlight that Thaksin and the TRT etal, took advantage of this, to garner support in favor of really helping with sustainable improvements to their lives.

Where is there ever any comment that perhaps, this has been a BIG wake up call to one side of "elites", that the other side of the "elites" have stolen the march on them with these people. And more, where is there any talk about how this current government - albeit one who has much wrong with it - hears the call and is doing something about it ?

He didn't even bother to give any sort of "right of response" to the legitimate acusations of these poor people and say what they are doing about them.

Instead the article left the impression that everything will be okay, if these poor uneducated people get their way and get their "saviour" back in power...

If this was in News of the World or The Mirror, one wouold say, "oh well". But this is the Financial Times - one of the most respected newspapers in the world. If they can't get it right, who can ??

[webfact]

UPDATE

Red Shirts claim mobilisation of million supporters March 12

BANGKOK: -- (TNA) - The anti-government Red Shirt movement of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Wednesday announced the group will mobilise its supporters to join a mass rally in the Thai capital from March 12, when it claims one million protesters will join a protest to oust the Abhisit Vejjajiva government from office.

Key Red Shirt leader Veera Musikapong reaffirmed that the Red Shirts won't rally on February 26--this Friday--when the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions announces its ruling whether or not to seize the Bt76 billion(US$2.3 billion) in frozen assets of convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Mr Veera said, however, that a largest ever UDD rally will begin March 12 and that it will be held peacefully without using violence.

Another Red Shirt leader, Jatuporn Prompan, said the UDD activists nationwide will begin moving to Bangkok March 12 and will gather at Sanam Luang on the morning of March 14.

"One million [protesters] will join our protest to overcome the government's contempt, especially that of acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayakorn who earlier said that only ten thousand people will join our rally," Mr Jatuporn said.

UDD leader Nattawut Saikua said the organisation would halt its political moves during this period following the government's prepared measures in handling the crowd.

The Red Shirts said there will be no rally or attempt to provoke disorder, Mr Nattawut said, affirming that any UDD actions will be "formally announced by the group's leaders and the setup of any stage must be presented by Red Shirt leaders."

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban confirmed on Wednesday that there has been no adjustment of the government's response plan to handle the anti-government protesters rally.

He said the plan is set to maintain order but not to crack down on the protesters. However, officials will strictly enforce the law if protesters block roads or otherwise cause public disturbances.

Red Shirt leaders earlier said up to 100,000 pickup trucks will transport their members from around the country to join the protest in the capital.

The deputy prime minister also said UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan’s claim that the government will use weapons to suppress protesters was intended to create misunderstanding.

A Security Centre set up at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) with the Hotline number 1555 is open around the clock to allow the public to inform the authorities of any suspicious incidents. City Hall workers will contact the Metropolitan Police Bureau to send response reams to control the situation in 15 minutes.

Mr Suthep told the BMA to step up security operation in local communities to prevent a crowd turning violent or a clash between rival groups.

Meanwhile, Pol Gen Prateep Tunprasert, acting police chief, said the police are ready and confident that they will be able to control the situation.

If the situation turns violence, police will seek reinforcement from the army.

Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat said on Wednesday Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul has instructed governors nationwide to monitor the flow of local residents travelling to Bangkok during this period.

Mr Boonjong said that the deputy prime minister also instructed the governors, especially in Chiang Mai and Udon Thani, prime political-base of Thaksin's ally Puea Thai Party, to tighten security at municipal offices as he has been informed of possible rallies there.

"There will be no checkpoints to obstruct the protesters, but they will function as usual.

Personnal assigned to the checkpoints are also being asked to try to defuse misunderstandings among travelling demonstrators and the public to view the court verdict via live broadcast at home and accept the court decision, said Mr Boonjong. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-02-24

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[jayboy]

I read that Financial Times article yesterday, Jayboy. I think you used the correct word, "flavour" it is.

Balanced, it is not.

It's just an article, not an attempt at a full "balanced" account.Actually the FT over a period of months has produced quality reporting.If there's a bias it's towards the Abhisit/Korn approach, and that's a position I share.The article I posted does make the key point that many millions of Thais believe unelected and unaccountable elites have suborned the courts and the democratic approach generally.From my experience that's also the view of most well educated foreigners, most of whom also detest Thaksin.

[otherstuff1957]

So, the date has been finalized? The suitcase full of cash must have arrived.

[Meridian007]

Okay, everybody! All together now!

"This is the song that doesn't end,

it just goes on and on, my friend..."

The "Million Man March" mark II. I wonder if it will be as successful as the first? I think it is now the time for Mr. Thaksin to admit defeat and go off to some other part of the world where he can pay some other group to listen to him, and let Thailand get back to important matters.

[h90]

Okay, everybody! All together now!

"This is the song that doesn't end,

it just goes on and on, my friend..."

The "Million Man March" mark II. I wonder if it will be as successful as the first? I think it is now the time for Mr. Thaksin to admit defeat and go off to some other part of the world where he can pay some other group to listen to him, and let Thailand get back to important matters.

Last time Thaksin told if the army comes he'll come and march down from Isaan to lead his ........ (hmm how to call them......) followers to Bangkok and .........

[jayboy]

Last time Thaksin told if the army comes he'll come and march down from Isaan to lead his ........ (hmm how to call them......) followers to Bangkok and .........

If you're struggling to come up with appropriate crude racist language (hmm how to call them) cast your mind back to the PAD rallies in Bangkok.I'm sure you will recall a wide range of suitable epithets.

[RegularReader]

I read that Financial Times article yesterday, Jayboy. I think you used the correct word, "flavour" it is.

Balanced, it is not.

It's just an article, not an attempt at a full "balanced" account.Actually the FT over a period of months has produced quality reporting.If there's a bias it's towards the Abhisit/Korn approach, and that's a position I share.The article I posted does make the key point that many millions of Thais believe unelected and unaccountable elites have suborned the courts and the democratic approach generally.From my experience that's also the view of most well educated foreigners, most of whom also detest Thaksin.

Okay, perhaps I didn't read it properly - my 1 free item a month subscription was used on this, so I'll take your word for it.

But, I know the FT has tended to focus a lot of the other articles as you say. If the paper is "balanced", I guess that means more.

As for your comment about many millions of Thais believing they've been subjected to the will of the "elites", I think that starts a lot lower down the food chain with the local headmen. It's been Thaksin/TRT which has woken many up, to those in the lofty towers - he/they didn't touch the "local" elites - he knew (back then) not to touch those guys. Even then the average people, such as my relations up country, always knew about how they were treated anyway. But up until they were thrown some trinkets by the snake oil salesmen, it never worried them. The practical facets of life mattered more and the "snake oil men" (Thaksin/TRT) helped ease that burden - even if like with much "quack" medicines the relief was temporary.

Will they do what he asks now ?

I doubt it.

And if they are provided with real reforms and other benefits from someone else who is less troublesome why not ?

Thai people - such as that guy mentioned in the article are not stupid.

"Show Me The Money"...

[yoshiwara]

What Thaksin and the reds would have liked is for violence and disorder to break out which cannot be clearly tracked back to them such as the Songkran thugs who attacked the Bangkok neighbourhood which objected to the reds rolling a hijacked tanker in their direction. The problem is precisely that they have used this tactic before and so are discredited. This is why the announcement of the march is littered with remarks about being peaceful etc. They are constrained by their previous actions and have to tread carefully. That is why it will be a damp squib. Apart from some isolated lunatic outbreaks. It is driving them all to distraction.

[Xangsamhua]

Last time Thaksin told if the army comes he'll come and march down from Isaan to lead his ........ (hmm how to call them......) followers to Bangkok and .........

If you're struggling to come up with appropriate crude racist language (hmm how to call them) cast your mind back to the PAD rallies in Bangkok.I'm sure you will recall a wide range of suitable epithets.

I've cast my mind back to the PAD rallies and can't think of any, either from my solitary visit to Govt House, occasional peeks at ASTV (rally speeches and "songs for life" concerts aren't my bag), or from any reliable source.

I do recollect an article (by Jonathan Head?) in which the journalist linked up with a few business types at Government House who made some pretty arrogant remarks about the level of rural people's education and general knowledge, but that's all.

There seems to be a lot of fantasizing about the PAD, its support base and their attitudes - quite a few urban legends. This is probably true of the main support base of the UDD, too, but I don't have any experience of them (was in Europe during their glory days last April) and they appear to be disunited.

International journalists don't seem to actually see and feel what's happening here. They see representations in their head, constructed from what is before them, filtered by their Eurocentric values and priorities (and that goes for the chap from the Straits Times, too). Once the idea that Thaksin won a couple of elections is lodged in their heads, everything else is relegated to the back and it's very difficult for them to dislodge their earlier thoughts.

If the UDD and the PAD could agree to join electoral democracy with accountability, that would be a major step forward, but the Reds don't want accountability and the Yellows have little faith in the ballot box, so we're between a rock and a hard place.

[jayboy]

I read that Financial Times article yesterday, Jayboy. I think you used the correct word, "flavour" it is.

Balanced, it is not.

It's just an article, not an attempt at a full "balanced" account.Actually the FT over a period of months has produced quality reporting.If there's a bias it's towards the Abhisit/Korn approach, and that's a position I share.The article I posted does make the key point that many millions of Thais believe unelected and unaccountable elites have suborned the courts and the democratic approach generally.From my experience that's also the view of most well educated foreigners, most of whom also detest Thaksin.

Okay, perhaps I didn't read it properly - my 1 free item a month subscription was used on this, so I'll take your word for it.

But, I know the FT has tended to focus a lot of the other articles as you say. If the paper is "balanced", I guess that means more.

As for your comment about many millions of Thais believing they've been subjected to the will of the "elites", I think that starts a lot lower down the food chain with the local headmen. It's been Thaksin/TRT which has woken many up, to those in the lofty towers - he/they didn't touch the "local" elites - he knew (back then) not to touch those guys. Even then the average people, such as my relations up country, always knew about how they were treated anyway. But up until they were thrown some trinkets by the snake oil salesmen, it never worried them. The practical facets of life mattered more and the "snake oil men" (Thaksin/TRT) helped ease that burden - even if like with much "quack" medicines the relief was temporary.

Will they do what he asks now ?

I doubt it.

And if they are provided with real reforms and other benefits from someone else who is less troublesome why not ?

Thai people - such as that guy mentioned in the article are not stupid.

"Show Me The Money"...

I think your comments are sensible and clearly not everyone reacts the same way.Where I might differ is to point out the widespread emotional attachment of so many to Thaksin/TRT, not necessarily logical but a factor that has to be recognised.

[RegularReader]

I read that Financial Times article yesterday, Jayboy. I think you used the correct word, "flavour" it is.

Balanced, it is not.

It's just an article, not an attempt at a full "balanced" account.Actually the FT over a period of months has produced quality reporting.If there's a bias it's towards the Abhisit/Korn approach, and that's a position I share.The article I posted does make the key point that many millions of Thais believe unelected and unaccountable elites have suborned the courts and the democratic approach generally.From my experience that's also the view of most well educated foreigners, most of whom also detest Thaksin.

Okay, perhaps I didn't read it properly - my 1 free item a month subscription was used on this, so I'll take your word for it.

But, I know the FT has tended to focus a lot of the other articles as you say. If the paper is "balanced", I guess that means more.

As for your comment about many millions of Thais believing they've been subjected to the will of the "elites", I think that starts a lot lower down the food chain with the local headmen. It's been Thaksin/TRT which has woken many up, to those in the lofty towers - he/they didn't touch the "local" elites - he knew (back then) not to touch those guys. Even then the average people, such as my relations up country, always knew about how they were treated anyway. But up until they were thrown some trinkets by the snake oil salesmen, it never worried them. The practical facets of life mattered more and the "snake oil men" (Thaksin/TRT) helped ease that burden - even if like with much "quack" medicines the relief was temporary.

Will they do what he asks now ?

I doubt it.

And if they are provided with real reforms and other benefits from someone else who is less troublesome why not ?

Thai people - such as that guy mentioned in the article are not stupid.

"Show Me The Money"...

I think your comments are sensible and clearly not everyone reacts the same way.Where I might differ is to point out the widespread emotional attachment of so many to Thaksin/TRT, not necessarily logical but a factor that has to be recognised.

The only difference I have with your comment now is to question how large that "wide spread emotional attachment is and if it is "real" or just "playing for the money". That's why I said if a less "demanding" provider is present and can sell to them with equal "charisma", then I believe their "loyalty" will move quickly.

Of course finding the tipping point for that is the hard part.

[rainman]

So ...on a similar note, why are the yellow shirt thugs still not in jail? Perhaps if the government practices a bit less double-standards, Thailand would move a tiny bit closer to democracy.

Edited February 24, 2010 by rainman

[jdinasia]

Last time Thaksin told if the army comes he'll come and march down from Isaan to lead his ........ (hmm how to call them......) followers to Bangkok and .........

If you're struggling to come up with appropriate crude racist language (hmm how to call them) cast your mind back to the PAD rallies in Bangkok.I'm sure you will recall a wide range of suitable epithets.

The word he was looking for was ..... "employees".

[RegularReader]

So ...on a similar note, why are the yellow shirt thugs still not in jail? Perhaps if the government practices a bit less double-standards, Thailand would move a tiny bit closer to democracy.

On a similar note, why are Arisaman, Jaturporn, Seh Deang, and the guys who planted the tanker outside the Din Deang apartments and the red shorts who set fire to the buses doing just as much damage to the "image of Thailand" also in jail, eh?

Talk about governments who practice "Double Standards"...oh, and what about the biggest exmaple of "double standrds" of all ?

Why isn't he in jail ??? If all these were in jail they'd be full and they'd still be mouthin off about "double standards"

edit note :

I was going to correct my mistake of red "shorts" for red "shirts", but I'll leave it. Those red leaders are just like little kids "wanna be in my gang" so weraing the school uniform for kindergaten kids (red shorts) is appropriate...

Edited February 24, 2010 by RegularReader

[h90]

Last time Thaksin told if the army comes he'll come and march down from Isaan to lead his ........ (hmm how to call them......) followers to Bangkok and .........

If you're struggling to come up with appropriate crude racist language (hmm how to call them) cast your mind back to the PAD rallies in Bangkok.I'm sure you will recall a wide range of suitable epithets.

Can't understand "racist"...Do we have a new race of Thaksin followers???

But how would you call people, who got ripped of by their complete corrupt leader, get the ear full of commi talk about being equal, but their leader only try to get every single Baht money in his private pocket.

Giving loans (from state banks) to farmer which they can't pay back and than he lead personally arab investors thru these lands....

Than a demonstration with the purpose to let him get back 76 Billons stolen money. Someone who go there for a 300 Baht fee, how would you call them???

[h90]

Last time Thaksin told if the army comes he'll come and march down from Isaan to lead his ........ (hmm how to call them......) followers to Bangkok and .........

If you're struggling to come up with appropriate crude racist language (hmm how to call them) cast your mind back to the PAD rallies in Bangkok.I'm sure you will recall a wide range of suitable epithets.

The word he was looking for was ..... "employees".

Thanks that was the word I was looking for.

[jdinasia]

So ...on a similar note, why are the yellow shirt thugs still not in jail? Perhaps if the government practices a bit less double-standards, Thailand would move a tiny bit closer to democracy.

Ummmm because they haven't been tried yet? Thaksin has and isn't in jail though.

[jayboy]

The only difference I have with your comment now is to question how large that "wide spread emotional attachment is and if it is "real" or just "playing for the money". That's why I said if a less "demanding" provider is present and can sell to them with equal "charisma", then I believe their "loyalty" will move quickly.

Of course finding the tipping point for that is the hard part.

I think it's real and widespread.The playing for money aspect exists but is ridiculously overstated by many members of this forum as motivation for the red movement.I can assure you senior members of the current government don't make this mistake,notwithstanding rhetoric about Thaksin's gold.They know very well they are up against a solid movement brought into being by the elite's neglect of the rural majority.Your point about someone with equal charisma is interesting.The lack of it is my main worry about the Abhisit/Korn approach.Equally it raises the possibility of a newcomer with the necessary qualities making a dramatic impact.

[RegularReader]

The only difference I have with your comment now is to question how large that "wide spread emotional attachment is and if it is "real" or just "playing for the money". That's why I said if a less "demanding" provider is present and can sell to them with equal "charisma", then I believe their "loyalty" will move quickly.

Of course finding the tipping point for that is the hard part.

I think it's real and widespread.The playing for money aspect exists but is ridiculously overstated by many members of this forum as motivation for the red movement.I can assure you senior members of the current government don't make this mistake,notwithstanding rhetoric about Thaksin's gold.They know very well they are up against a solid movement brought into being by the elite's neglect of the rural majority.Your point about someone with equal charisma is interesting.The lack of it is my main worry about the Abhisit/Korn approach.Equally it raises the possibility of a newcomer with the necessary qualities making a dramatic impact.

We'd better stop this agreeing with each other, or we'll put the other members to sleep...haha.

But, I do agree with your points.

I am not doubting there is still "real" support. More,I did not mean his supporters only do it for "cash". I was using "money" in more general terms, probably better exampled by the 30Baht Health Scheme, and Villiage Loans etc.

As flimsy and poorly implimented as they were, they provide real "benefits", which no one else had ever given them, or at least had such schemes sold to them in such an attractive way. There were similar schemes before, but no "sizzle".

I also know from talking with Bangkok Thais (neighbours) who are very much middle class but mostly low income, they liked those things too.

So Abhisit/Korn have a mammoth task ahead of them - if they last.

But first they have to get over the "old politics" of Thailand and that is where my "genuine" Super Hero, who wants to do it for the country first, comes in to play.

Until such a person emerges, I would rather be stuck with what is in place now, than go backwards (even further) to the "Man from Dubai" and his ragbag, of Red Shirt opportnists.

Edited February 24, 2010 by RegularReader

[jayboy]

So Abhisit/Korn have a mammoth task ahead of them - if they last.

But first they have to get over the "old politics" of Thailand and that is where my "genuine" Super Hero, who wants to do it for the country first, comes in to play.

There have of course in the twentieth century been a number of political leaders in the super hero format who came to power with a self determined mandate to crush "old politics."In almost every instance these heroes rule resulted in economic disaster and in some cases mass murder.My point is that we shouldn't be too enthusiastic about any leader.Scepticism is sometimes a great virtue.