March 12: 'Most Worrying Day' For Thailand

[webfact]

PRO-THAKSIN RALLY

March 12: 'most worrying day'

By THE NATION

It may be declared an extra public holiday

BANGKOK: -- The government's Security-related Situation Monitoring Committee agreed at its meeting yesterday that March 12, when the red shirts plan to gather at six locations around Bangkok, would be the "most worrying" day of their new major activities, a source said.

At the meeting at Army headquarters, the possibility of declaring March 12 an extra public holiday was also raised, according to the source.

During the Songkran festival last April, the government declared some extra public holidays after a road blockade at the Victory Monument and violent protests at other locations in Bangkok turned into riots.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, chaired the meeting, which lasted more than three hours. The other participants included Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, permanent secretary for defence General Apichart Phenkitti, armed forces supreme commander General Songkitti Jakkabatra, the commanders-in-chief of the three armed forces, and acting national police chief General Patheep Tanprasert.

Maj General Ditthaporn Supawong, spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command and for the panel, told a press conference after the meeting the participants expressed concern for the safety and convenience of Bangkok residents.

Suthep, as the panel's chairman, instructed the Royal Thai Police and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to minimise the impact of expected traffic congestion during the street protests to help Bangkok residents already suffering from the problem, according to the spokesman.

Ditthaporn said that yesterday's meeting did not discuss imposing the Internal Security Act.

The Army chief maintained yesterday that the armed forces had no political bias and told unit commanders to relay the message to their subordinates and their families, Army deputy spokesperson Colonel Sirichan Ngathong said.

She told a press conference yesterday that Army commander-in-chief General Anupong Paochinda stressed on the Army's duty of serving society and maintaining peace, while chairing a meeting of commanders.

He also urged the commanders to prevent their subordinates from being persuaded to "do anything that would cause negative effects on the country due to misinformation", the spokeswoman said.

"The Army is for the benefit of the country. We take no [political] colours or sides," Anupong was quoted as saying, referring to the rival red shirts and yellow shirts.

Regarding the planned major rally by the anti-government red shirts, the Army chief told the meeting that he expected a "fragile situation" around mid-March. Anupong expressed concern and instructed the unit commanders to closely follow the situation, according to Sirichan.

She said the Army chief also told the commanders to ask their subordinates and their family members not to take sides in the conflict between groups of different political colours.

Anupong told the commanders that in addition to the First Region Army, which is now assisting police in manning checkpoints in Bangkok, the remaining units such as the Second to Fourth Region Armies should be on standby in case reinforcements are needed, according to the spokesman.

However, the spokeswoman rejected reports that soldiers were blocking protesters from the provinces from joining the red shirts' rally in Bangkok. She said the soldiers were just maintaining peace and providing convenience to motorists.

Meanwhile, Democrat MPs estimated that it would cost the red shirts about Bt70 million a day to hold their major rally in Bangkok, a Government House source said yesterday.

A group of Democrat MPs met Deputy Premier Suthep at Government House yesterday to discuss preparations for the rally. The Democrats estimated that given the fact each Pheu Thai MP was expected to hire 200 pickup trucks to carry people joining the rally at Bt3,000-Bt3,500 for each vehicle, as well as Bt300 in daily allowance for each participant, it would cost Bt70 million a day to hold the rally, according to the source.

-- The Nation 2010-03-05

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[davejonesbkk]

yawn. more scaremongering from the Nation

[shawndoc]

Why should we believe they'll actually have the rally? Several dates for the million man rally have come and gone with no huge rally in sight.

[jayjayjayjay]

yawn. more scaremongering from the Nation

gutter newspaper, news makers, not news reporters, that's why I never buy it, BUT buy the Bangkok Post daily.

Edited March 5, 2010 by jayjayjayjay

[hammered]

yawn. more scaremongering from the Nation

gutter newspaper, news makers, not news reporters, that's why I never buy it, BUT buy the Bangkok Post daily.

The Post reports pretty much the same thing but at least it does allow the so called analyst and distant rtelative of the PM to espouse red propaganda so I guess it is more suited to some tastes

I wonder how many remember the respective records of the two papers back in 92. That said a lot more about which was willing to stand up for what it believed in rather than tow the market driven dont take a risk line. Nothing wrong with a newspaper having a political line that at least is honest and not some we are independent lie. Still 92 was the big test and one paper failed it miserably in terms of sticking up for freedom of the press.

[KireB]

Not so clever, announcing a public holiday! That would enable more people to join in.

[hammered]

Not so clever, announcing a public holiday! That would enable more people to join in.

It leaves the streets clear so if the reds repeat the Songkhran riots and threats to people it is easier to clear them without inconveniencing people not rioting. Even red supporters I talk to think it will go off as the same organized groups of Songkhran are being mobilized from the provinces close to Bangkok controlled by the PTP feudal barons.

Funnily enough one red supporter said to me the thing he feared was that the MPs supporters would give the reds a bad name by becoming violent. Different opinions among real reds.

Hopefully it wont get out of control but few on any side seem to expect this in reality

[neverdie]

Got to love this place, theres always another 'D' day, just around each corner.

Time to stock up on baked beans again

[Axelg]

Got to love this place, theres always another 'D' day, just around each corner.

Time to stock up on baked beans again

Don't you know that yet? It's D-day every day...

Amazing Thailand... they should change it to : Thailand, where D-Day is EVERY day!

[jayjayjayjay]

yawn. more scaremongering from the Nation

gutter newspaper, news makers, not news reporters, that's why I never buy it, BUT buy the Bangkok Post daily.

The Post reports pretty much the same thing but at least it does allow the so called analyst and distant rtelative of the PM to espouse red propaganda so I guess it is more suited to some tastes

I wonder how many remember the respective records of the two papers back in 92. That said a lot more about which was willing to stand up for what it believed in rather than tow the market driven dont take a risk line. Nothing wrong with a newspaper having a political line that at least is honest and not some we are independent lie. Still 92 was the big test and one paper failed it miserably in terms of sticking up for freedom of the press.

The BP does not take a political line IMO. It allows an intelligent reader to choose for himself. For a newspaper to be a slave to it's vindictive owner and editors in the method The Nation does, just manages to give euphoria to supporters of their mission and alienate those whom might have opposing views. Thus The Nation is not reporting the news, it's taking a stand as you have suggested is a political line, wrong IMO and not worthy of reading. Plus BP comics are better (and I don't feel anyone working for TN should comment, you have a vested interest!)

[mackayae]

So is March 12 a day to stay out of Bangkok for an out-of-towner? I was planning on coming in for the day.

[johncitizen]

"The Army is for the benefit of the country. We take no [political] colours or sides," Anupong was quoted as saying, referring to the rival red shirts and yellow shirts.

No colours? (link)

Tell that to the PPP, who were consistently refused help from the military in controlling the PAD when they went their rampage through Bangkok... yet every time the UDD has held a protest in Bangkok the ISA has been enforced and you have military coming out of your ears...

Edited March 5, 2010 by johncitizen

[frodo]

Now the red's want to hold Bangkokians hostage....regardless of how they do it, it's stated rather clear. To think, government MP's are part of this form of hostage taking. Shameful.

The red-shirt leaders indicated they plan to hold Bangkokians hostages by causing traffic gridlock with so huge number of trucks they would take to Bangkok streets.

Government Concerned About Traffic

[mca]

hire 200 pickup trucks to carry people joining the rally at Bt3,000-Bt3,500 for each vehicle,

Bloody hel_l! what scam artist did he get those figures from?

[Preferential]

Not so clever, announcing a public holiday! That would enable more people to join in.

It leaves the streets clear so if the reds repeat the Songkhran riots and threats to people it is easier to clear them without inconveniencing people not rioting. Even red supporters I talk to think it will go off as the same organized groups of Songkhran are being mobilized from the provinces close to Bangkok controlled by the PTP feudal barons.

Funnily enough one red supporter said to me the thing he feared was that the MPs supporters would give the reds a bad name by becoming violent. Different opinions among real reds.

Hopefully it wont get out of control but few on any side seem to expect this in reality

Have you heard about how each PTP MP is giving out 1,000 special Truth Today red shirts to the attendees at the planned festivities?

[sbk]

Post deleted, as per notice that has been given many times, the Bangkok Post does NOT allow us to post full quotes of their articles.

[steelepulse]

I'm hoping all this turmoil will weaken the baht a few percentage points.

[geriatrickid]

I wish everyone a happy holiday

[bkkjames]

I wish everyone a happy holiday

I am holding onto the fact that this may get postponed again because of some excuse like fear over ISA etc.

Keeps the newspapers busy though.

[johncitizen]

Here's a press release from the UDD on the upcoming rally, copied from their Facebook page: UDD International facebook page

A MESSAGE TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF BANGKOK

On Friday the 12th of March, a campaign aimed at ending the age of the Thai military dictatorship and restoring freedom, democracy and justice to our beautiful nation will begin. At this very moment, hundreds of thousands of people from all across our country not already in Bangkok are preparing to make their way to the capital, in defiance of a regime that has proven its willingness to commit violence and strip away the human rights of those who speak against it.

These people have peace in their hearts, but change also. Some wear red shirts, and some do not. Some of them march in support of a democratically elected leader who, for good or evil, was brought down by design of the military, not the will of the people. And yet others come too, some of whom used to wear yellow, who marched against what they perceived to be an authoritarian regime but have since witnessed far worse injustices.

These people are united by a few key beliefs. The belief in our constitutional monarchy. The belief in the power of non-violent change. The belief in double-standards-free justice. And the belief that, as Thai citizens, they deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed. These people are united under the banner of the United front for Democracy against Dictatorship, or the UDD. And they are not to be feared- because if you believe in these things, then you are one of them as well.

This campaign will be the largest ever seen in Thai history. It is aimed at forcing the Abhisit regime (and the shadow government that supports it) to recognise what they are doing to our country and respond by dissolving parliament and calling for free and fair, internationally monitored elections- nothing more, nothing less. You might be forgiven for your scepticism that a non-violent campaign could achieve what we are seeking, but I would ask you to consider how the Indian nation was born. It was thanks to a peaceful struggle led by a man called Mahatma Gandhi, and was successful in liberating the Indian nation from the rule of the British Empire.

We are convinced that for the coming struggle we need no guns, bullets or blades, but only solidarity and sincerity in our hearts. We have learned from the mistakes of the past, and will allow no repeat of them. We will stand together, we will remain vigilant against troublemakers, and we will take care to ensure that no foreigner is harmed or intimidated. We will stare defiantly down the barrels of the guns of the soldiers who remain loyal to the men who wish us to remain silent and submissive, and we will embrace with open arms those who wish to put down their weapons and join us. We will make the Abhisit government make a final choice between democracy and dictatorship.

The junta knows that it will not survive a fair election, and it fears our demands, and wants you to fear us too. It wants you to ignore us, prevent us, or worse- stand by as we are arrested or cut down for exercising our democratic rights. But you should not. Because beneath every red shirt is a Thai citizen, and within their chests beats a heart that, like every other Thai, wants prosperity, wants freedom, wants respect and wants to see Thailand become the nation its citizens deserve.

On the 12th of March, the peaceful struggle for Thailand’s future will begin. The UDD calls for every person in Bangkok who has realised what our nation is in danger of becoming to welcome us as friends, to come onto the street and to join us in our call for change in Thailand.

[animatic]

"The Army is for the benefit of the country. We take no [political] colours or sides," Anupong was quoted as saying, referring to the rival red shirts and yellow shirts.

No colours? (link)

Tell that to the PPP, who were consistently refused help from the military in controlling the PAD when they went their rampage through Bangkok... yet every time the UDD has held a protest in Bangkok the ISA has been enforced and you have military coming out of your ears...

What rampage? When?

Or do you mean when Somchai and Chavalit boxed them in like fish in a barrel

and started shooting exploding ordinance at them allowing no exit?

All so they had a free hand and could rewrite the constitution

and give Thaksin a free pass for his crimes? You mean that rampage?

Hyperbole now...

[Jingthing]

Here's a press release from the UDD on the upcoming rally, copied from their Facebook page: UDD International facebook page

A MESSAGE TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF BANGKOK

Good propaganda there indeed. And completely meaningless until the reds fully divorce themselves from their corrupt puppet master Thaksin. The fact that they have not done so in the least speaks volumes. Edited March 5, 2010 by Jingthing

[oceano]

ONLY EXAMPLE!!

I want that my green t-shirt are on the power.

I want send away the prime minister.

I want make trouble to the governament.

What i do?

I said in advance all my plan, I said in advance the date when I organize the next rally, i said all about the people that come on the rally, were thay come from, which car they use eccc????

YES...I'm so stupid.... so the governament and the soldier can stop everybody before arrive in Bkk, they can organize controll and the armed soldier can surround us, and before can arrest or block the leader.....sure I'm so stupid!

ONLY EXAMPLE!!!!!

[WinnieTheKhwai]

So is March 12 a day to stay out of Bangkok for an out-of-towner? I was planning on coming in for the day.

Me too.

[ovaltina]

I just mapped that photo from the Times onto an old Adolf H.-raises-his-fist to the cheering crowds photo from WW2, and it actually mapped 95%,even the drooling lol.

I tried doing that for Ahmadinejat too because he loves the old fist-in-the-air thing, but his face isn't as contorted with rage as the other too.

Reminds me of the mantra ' those who wave flags don't deserve to own one.'

peace xxx

[jitenshaman]

Got to love this place, theres always another 'D' day, just around each corner.

Time to stock up on baked beans again

baked beans are an extravagance here, better to get your local vendor to make you a week's worth of som tam!

[anotherpeter]

"The Army is for the benefit of the country. We take no [political] colours or sides," Anupong was quoted as saying, referring to the rival red shirts and yellow shirts.

Tell that to the PPP, who were consistently refused help from the military in controlling the PAD when they went their rampage through Bangkok... yet every time the UDD has held a protest in Bangkok the ISA has been enforced and you have military coming out of your ears...

I have been told, that up until recently that the military were not going to step in to stop any UDD problems unless they had legal protection ... ie: they had cabinet approval for each step. This was only agreed with the government a couple of weeks ago.

Maybe the PPP didn't want to give them that protection, so the army weren't prepared to step in against the PAD. If they did and people were injured, then the PPP would simply say it was the army's fault.

[jayjayjayjay]

hire 200 pickup trucks to carry people joining the rally at Bt3,000-Bt3,500 for each vehicle,

Bloody hel_l! what scam artist did he get those figures from?

Suthep know's the figures well. He and Kasit have a pretty good filed history of PAD equivalent social gatherings!

[jayjayjayjay]

HEADLINES: March 16th.

Chatuckuck market overrun-soldout after influx of North Eastern families enjoy shopping spree in Bangkok.

[henryalleman]

I can't comprehend that people will demonstrate to protect the billions of a billionaire. Are they realy that gullible to believe that itis in their interest to do so.

The Red shirt movement is compremising itselfs to take Mr. T as their allie. Or would their simply no Red movement without Mr. T.

Many things MUST change in Thailand on social, political and democratic issues but again I can't believe that Mr. T is the solution.

Certainly when the leaders of the Red Shirts movement are leftwingers or even hidden commies. We all know that Left wingers and Democracy is an "contraditio in terminis" history proved it.

Edited March 5, 2010 by henryalleman