March 12: 'Most Worrying Day' For Thailand

[Insight]

If this rally does turn out to be a total flop next weekend, lets hope the local media can move along from this overrated Mafia bookkeeper and his silly little cult.

[wayfarer108]

On Friday the 12th of March, a campaign aimed at ending the age of the Thai military dictatorship

I suppose they think that if they unseat the current government, that will have some effect on military influence. If so, they're barking up the wrong tree. I say take your demands direct to the military, if you dare. The current government was installed following constitutional procedures. If red mobsters unseat the incumbents, they're no better than the military themselves.

[elcent]

Retail section in Bangkok soaring in low season - Bangkok 15/03/2010

(Leuters) A new strategy to keep retail business up during the low season in Bangkok's notorious capital ...

[jayjayjayjay]

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.

You and many on here really do not get it, that from your own admission is worthy of respect. It really is simple. I'm not here to debate the rights and wrongs of either side, but the reality is, the up country poor felt his government was the first to really place and emphasis on trying to give a "fair go" to plight of the average upcountry rural person. It is that simple. They will not forget easy. It has nothing to do with his billions, but it does have somethings to do with there wanting to see him back. You don't have to believe Mr T is the solution, but they sure do. Only the electorate voting Mr T out due to failure would have settled this dragon, but unfortunately the amataya intervened thus not allowing democracy to take it's course (for possibly the first time in Thai history)

[Insight]

You and many on here really do not get it, that from your own admission is worthy of respect. It really is simple. I'm not here to debate the rights and wrongs of either side, but the reality is, the up country poor felt his government was the first to really place and emphasis on trying to give a "fair go" to plight of the average upcountry rural person. It is that simple. They will not forget easy. It has nothing to do with his billions, but it does have somethings to do with there wanting to see him back. You don't have to believe Mr T is the solution, but they sure do. Only the electorate voting Mr T out due to failure would have settled this dragon, but unfortunately the amataya intervened thus not allowing democracy to take it's course (for possibly the first time in Thai history)

So why did they not demonstrate after the coup?

Why wait a whole four years until after a court case which exposed to the world how much Thaksin was on the fiddle?

Edited March 5, 2010 by Insight

[Wolfie]

So why did they not demonstrate after the coup?

Why wait a whole four years until after a court case which exposed to the world how much Thaksin was on the fiddle?

You make a good point

[Colabamumbai]

On thing that I have learned in my short time living here is that if they tell you something will happen, it usually will not.

[johncitizen]

Er- all gatherings were banned, the media was seized, movements of more than 4 people were not allowed, all political activity was forbidden...

a little hard for a mass protest don't you think, especially when the city was already full of soldiers and tanks!

Besides, the PPP won the next election anyway, so the people still got their choice despite the TRT being banned.

Obviously, things are different now.

[gymboy33]

So why did they not demonstrate after the coup?

Why wait a whole four years until after a court case which exposed to the world how much Thaksin was on the fiddle?

You make a good point

i thought they did start demonstrating after the coup,,didnt they kick off outside prems home? had running battles?

thatss going back a few years

[Thai at Heart]

Seems there are finally 4 seasons in Thailand.

Hot, Dry, Wet and Protest

[Insight]

Er- all gatherings were banned, the media was seized, movements of more than 4 people were not allowed, all political activity was forbidden...

a little hard for a mass protest don't you think, especially when the city was already full of soldiers and tanks!

Besides, the PPP won the next election anyway, so the people still got their choice despite the TRT being banned.

Obviously, things are different now.

I remember. People opted for giving the soldiers flowers instead.

There wasn't much resistance to it at all, online or elsewhere, as far as I could see.

[draftvader]

She said the soldiers were just maintaining peace and providing convenience to motorists.

I am sure that to most motorists in Thailand, myself included, that sounds GREAT. I love the convenience of being stopped on regular occasions, it makes travelling so much more convenient. The big question is "What kind of convenience are they supplying?". Maybe we'll see the military with Portaloo's coaxing motorists into using them

[scorecard]

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?

So what's your point?

Do you think the numbers quoted are too high / too low //or what is your point?

[scorecard]

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.

Agree with Jingthing.

Unfortunately I think many people might read the 'facebook' letter and see this an accurate summation of the situation when in it's far from reality, and deliberately / very cleverly written, to manufacture & create several 'mr nasties'. I suggest we should all be quite careful of what we read.

[jdinasia]

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!)

:-) I have the BP delivered daily at work as I get The Nation right here

I have always preferred The Nation as they weren't slaves to the AIS and related companies' advertising dollars. I just don't bother taking it at work any more.

I do admit to missing not getting the Nation's crossword puzzles daily.

[Roachiebkk]

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

Time to stock up on baked beans again

Maybe they need a 'Crackdown' on 'D Days'

[Trouble]

"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.

Did I miss something. Wasn't it the military that staged the coup that tossed Taksin out?

"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."

Seems like a fair and reasonable request to me in view of the fact that there seems to be continuing disagreement on whether the current government has the backing of the majority of the Thai people. Of course free, fair, and internationally monitored elections might be opposed by many of the posters on Thai Visa who seem vehemently opposed to Taksin and his red shirts. Again, I am not particularly a fan of Taksin but I do believe the voters should be able to elect the fool of their choice. We have certainly done it in the last three presidential elections here in the USA. Of course I should add that the choices we had have been pretty dismal.

Edited March 5, 2010 by Trouble

[wlcart]

Let's all remember that just over a year ago a political uprising shut down the airport for weeks.

As a worker in Thailand commuting on the road, all this seriously worries me. It already takes me too long to get home from work driving in Bangkok. Imagine if the roads are in chaos.

No body knows what is going to happen, and that itself reeks havoc. Some schools and companies are considering closing around protest time because they simply do not know what will happen, and figure being safe is better than being sorry.

All this sounds like it will end up giving me a big nasty headache.

[jdinasia]

"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.

Did I miss something. Wasn't it the military that staged the coup that tossed Taksin out?

"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."

Seems like a fair and reasonable request to me in view of the fact that there seems to be continuing disagreement on whether the current government has the backing of the majority of the Thai people. Of course free, fair, and internationally monitored elections might be opposed by many of the posters on Thai Visa who seem vehemently opposed to Taksin and his red shirts. Again, I am not particularly a fan of Taksin but I do believe the voters should be able to elect the fool of their choice. We have certainly done it in the last three presidential elections here in the USA. Of course I should add that the choices we had have been pretty dismal.

Sorry but even in the US you can't vote for the fool of your choice. You can't run if you are disqualified for whatever reason.

[Navalator]

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.

What a crock of sh*t this statement is. Pure propaganda and incitement to riot. Must have been phanthom authored by Senator John McCain.

[thom22]

March 12, when the red shirts plan to gather at six locations around Bangkok

Anyone know at which six locations they will be?

Particularly interested if Victory Monument will be one again as I am living close to there now

[Colabamumbai]

Let's all remember that just over a year ago a political uprising shut down the airport for weeks.

As a worker in Thailand commuting on the road, all this seriously worries me. It already takes me too long to get home from work driving in Bangkok. Imagine if the roads are in chaos.

No body knows what is going to happen, and that itself reeks havoc. Some schools and companies are considering closing around protest time because they simply do not know what will happen, and figure being safe is better than being sorry.

All this sounds like it will end up giving me a big nasty headache.

If you live in the moment the future never comes.

[Foggy Bottom]

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, .....

These people are united by a few key beliefs. .... 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. ......

OK

My wife is seriously concerned at how much I have to pay under dual-pricing. She is outraged that Thais can buy land in my country, but I cannot buy it in hers. She thinks it a major civil liberties destruction that I have to report to Immigration every 90 days, whereas she does not in my country. She believes it is childish and degrading that a work permit is tied to a single employer, job-title, and business address, rather than the open system of my country that ties permission to work to the type of visa, without employment restrictions once the right visa is acquired.

Will the Red Shirts take up these causes on her behalf, or will they employ their own double standards to sideline her and shut her up, because what she wishes for is not on their manifesto?

This question is posed without bias for or against any Thai political party, because all of them have the same agenda regarding the one way street of dual standards against foreigners.

Liberalise Thailand, Liberalise - it has dug more than one western superpower out of economic and political dungheaps. It can do the same for you.

Foggy

[CLOD]

Most worrying day for thailand?

All of thailand or just thailand minority elites and vested interests.

Could turn out to be the best day ever for thailand if it is a pre-cursor to the return of democracy.

[Preferential]

March 12, when the red shirts plan to gather at six locations around Bangkok

Anyone know at which six locations they will be?

Particularly interested if Victory Monument will be one again as I am living close to there now

The leaders announced this afternoon that the sea of red would stretch from Sanam Luang to the Equestrian Statue of King Rama V and that the protest operation center will be at Phanfa Leelad bridge on Ratchadamnoen Klang road.

Edited March 5, 2010 by Preferential

[frodo]

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.

What a crock of sh*t this statement is. Pure propaganda and incitement to riot. Must have been phanthom authored by Senator John McCain.

Agreed!

With people like Arisman Pongruangrong asking the protesters to bring liter jars filled with petrol or self appointed leaders such as Sae Daeng advocating violence and posting assassination hits, this is absolute nonsense.

Not sure why Facebook is now permitted here (not questioning moderation), but historically, it has not been allowed. Might as well include much better and well-suited websites such as antithaksin.com which show the true face of the leader cavorting with past coup leaders, whom by the way, were responsible for the bloodiest massacres known. Facebook also has a few websites dedicated to showing the truth about Thaksin. Perhaps I can include these threads here.

The dedication to the reds on Facebook is nothing but pure propaganda and bs.

[Acharn]

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.

I dunno, I don't think The Nation is driven by market forces. I think the editor and publisher really believe that PAD stuff. They certainly wrote some strong opinion pieces defending the concept of appointed members of Parliament and lots of lies in support of the PAD. The BKK Post is really not much better. At worst it's not the market they're following, it's the monarchists. And it's so strange -- it seems the monarchists have done more harm to the institution than anyone else. Before the PAD started accusing Thaksin of Republican intentions, the idea of the monarchy changing was virtually unthinkable, even in areas where Thai Rak Thai was strongest. Now lots of common people are talking about it.

[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?

So what's your point?

Do you think the numbers quoted are too high / too low //or what is your point?

Well I've never heard of a scam being to the benefit of the victim have you?

Edited March 5, 2010 by mca

[jdinasia]

Most worrying day for thailand?

All of thailand or just thailand minority elites and vested interests.

Could turn out to be the best day ever for thailand if it is a pre-cursor to the return of democracy.

Will you next start talking about the RSDM and 80% women?

[LannaRed]

Here's a press release from the UDD on the upcoming rally, copied from their 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.

What a crock of sh*t this statement is. Pure propaganda and incitement to riot. Must have been phanthom authored by Senator John McCain.

This is in no way a "crock" -- it is a very true statement of the desire of most of the rural poor ( the reds if you like the label).

It is information, opinion and statement of intent -- not "propaganda".

There is nothing even close to "incitement to riot", quite the opposite, in fact -- your statement is closer to incitement to riot, than is this very clear staement of position.

More incitement is in the Thai Visa headline " Pro Thaksin Rally " -- this is NOT a pro Thaksin rally, but a peaceful demonstation, by those who have been deprived and disadvantaged for far too long. K. Thaksin is involved only from the point of view that he gave all of these people hope -- hope for a decent future !

Get out sometime and see for yourself -- get out of your comfort zone -- go where farang do not go -- where education, health care, standard of living and self esteem are all pathetically bad -- is it propaganda to want a decent future -- at least for their children !