20,000 Monks Tipped To Join Red-shirt Rally On March 12

[webfact]

20,000 monks tipped to join red-shirt rally on March 12

BANGKOK: -- Up to 20,000 Buddhist monks are reported to be preparing to join the mass red-shirt rally in Bangkok on March 12, threatening to mirror the “Saffron Revolution” in Burma in 2007.

Earlier today, Saturday March 6, Arisman Pongruangrong, a prominent member of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), said he expected up to 20,000 monks from temples such as Dhammakaya and Kaew Fah will join the rally to give moral support to the red shirts, at the same time reminding the government, police and army officials not to harm the protesters”.

Sean Boonpracong, international media spokesman for the UDD, was quoted saying there “is widespread support from monks throughout the country, who feel there is now a serious imbalance in Thai society.

“Whether 2,000 or 20,000 monks join the protest is yet to be seen, but the message the UDD leadership is receiving is that there is a genuine feeling of unhappiness amongst the monks at the way things stand in Thailand now”.

The report of large numbers of monks planning to join the red-shirt’s protest comes just one day after deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban said, “monks should not take part in the planned mass anti-government rally next weekend as it is not their affair”.

At the same time, red-shirt groups around the country are said to be chartering boats and barges and plan to travel to Bangkok by river to bypass road blocks to be set up by the government in an attempt to minimize traffic disruption in the capital from the large number of protesters expected.

Though the government is yet to decide whether to impose the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) for next weekend, a massive security operation has already commenced in the lead up to the protests.

Amidst reports of increased numbers of CCTV cameras being installed around the Sukhumvit Road home of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, government officials are reporting an increased police and military presence wherever the prime minister travels, with his personal security detail now comprising 20 personnel and five vehicles.

Amongst those taking extra security measures is Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, who now has two sets of guards numbering about 15 each from the marine corps, and army commander Anupong Paojinda who has assigned a team of 12 officers from the 21st Infantry Regiment Queen's Guard to his personal security detail, in addition to adding two motorcycle escorts to the existing two that precede him on his travels.

On September 22, 2007, 2,000 Buddhist monks marched through Yangon and 10,000 through Mandalay, with other demonstrations in five townships across Burma, to protest at the ruling junta’s unilateral decision to remove fuel subsidies.

On September 23 the number of monks protesting had risen to an estimated 15,000, with protests over the ensuing days seeing the number increase, before a violent crackdown by the Burmese military which reportedly resulted in many monks and protesters being killed, and hundreds more rounded up and imprisoned.

-- thaivisa.com 2010-03-06

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[webfact]

ISA mulled to keep lid on red shirts

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Invoking the Internal Security Act to pre-empt possible violence during the upcoming red-shirt rally remains an option for the government, top security officials said yesterday.

A meeting of the Security Situation Monitoring Committee will be held on Monday, during which the need to impose the ISA will be reviewed.

The government has declined to comment on the necessity of invoking the ISA, but recent developments, including open threats of violence by pro-Thaksin hardliners, have caused considerable anxiety among the public.

"If we conclude there is a high chance of violence, we may propose the Cabinet invoke the ISA," said General Pirun Paewpolsong, Army chief of staff and secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command.

The ISA authorises the government to deploy troops to control potentially explosive situations, restrict the public's movements and regulate the media.

The committee is concerned about possible acts of sabotage aimed at creating chaos, he said, adding that security units were already prepared and on alert.

Army chief General Anupong Paochinda said Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of national security, would have the final say on whether to invoke the ISA.

"There are many considerations, such as the possible effect on Thailand's image and the economy," he said.

Meanwhile, General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, chairman of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, cautioned any talk about violence would only hurt Thailand's image.

"If you ask me, the government should not jump to the conclusion that the ISA is needed. But the government must do what it must do. Just don't go around advertising it. The more you talk, the more the whole world knows about it," Chavalit said.

The red shirts have threatened to "shut Bangkok down" during the planned rally in a bid to bring about political change.

However, protest organiser and red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua yesterday pledged an orderly and peaceful protest and dismissed fears of violence.

"We've mapped out a detailed plan, and our protests will intensify day by day in order to achieve our objective of forcing a House dissolution," he said.

"Thai citizens must decide to shut down Bangkok for a few days if the country is to move forward."

Natthawut said the crowds would be well behaved but relentless in pushing for the collapse of the government. The red shirts do not condone violence as alleged by the authorities.

He said the planned rally would project an impressive show of force and that the prime minister would see for himself the strength of the opposition before departing for an official visit to Australia.

From the main rally site in Sanam Luang, the crowds will surge into Rajdamnoen Avenue, passing the main rally stage at the Phan Fah Bridge on their way to the Royal Plaza, Natthawut said.

The red shirts will install loudspeakers on both sides of the avenue to enable the protesters to follow the speeches from the stages. Guard posts, first-aid tents and food- and water-distribution centres will be set up at designated locations throughout the rally site.

The plan is to confine the rally to the main site, but the red shirts will announce in advance if they decide to hold mini-rallies at other locations.

A week before the mass rally starts, the red shirts have already notified organisers they will bring at least 35,000 pickups to the rally site.

They have also threatened to seize any tow trucks the authorities use to try to remove the vehicles from the streets.

The red-shirt faction, led by Natthawut, Jatuporn Promphan and Veera Musigapong, insists it is not linked to the violence-prone clique of Maj-General Khattiya "Seh Daeng" Sawasdipol and Panlop Pinmanee.

It does admit to an alliance with the Pheu Thai Party but says it maintains an independent leadership.

-- The Nation 2010-03-06

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[hammered]

The impression is that either the rally will be utterly humongous as the reds claim (previous claims have been seen as exaggerations though) or that everything is being said to try and encourage a government side or military side (and they are different) reaction before the event. Well not long to wait now.

The red side need soemthing to happen whether directly by their action or by a misstep of their opponents. The government and military sides need nothing to happen. A peaceful demo of any size that just then goes home does nothing for the reds. Everyone knows this and that is why tension is high.

[londonthai]

it's a significant development, if the monks do join in the rally. They migh tip off the change not by numbers, but by giving a moral support to the cause.

If the deputy PM is warning monks against participation, means that temples are really planning to be in Bangkok and warnings, like those, will make them even more determined to show their will.

Edited March 6, 2010 by londonthai

[slapout]

The numbers being thrown out for this upcoming wannabe national disruption is a small % of the total population of Thailand and the monk participation when compared to total is even less. Come, bleed or blister comes to mind as far as the red shirt innuendo/threats recently, and the answer will be apparent over the next few days.

[Jingthing]

Monks supporting the same movement that spawned Black Songkran. Its a pure propaganda farce. Shame!

[thepodest]

Is it just me or leaders of red like to falsely accuse people without proper evidence and embellish their protests which never live up to the hypes?

I am neither yellow nor red, but these day there just seems to be the case with the reds lately. It's either they are accusing someone, declaring war or hyping up massive protests. Maybe it's just media, but that how i perceive it lately.

And also, woo-hoo.. monks at protest. Monks hardly represent something significant like they are supposed to be. They are ubiquitous and not as revered or held in high regard as they were or supposed to be. I don't see the point of saying "Look at us, we have 20,000 monks at protest", that might stir some sh1t up because simply they are "monks" but doesn't really mean anything anyways. Btw, the number 20,00 is probably pulled out of someone's a*ss. I'd be surprised to see even 1000 or 2000 monks there.

Edited March 6, 2010 by thepodest

[Tokay]

Will they be sporting red robes?

[BigWheelMan]

So this may turn into an orange habit mass rally.

This will make a refreshing change.

[termad]

it's a significant development, if the monks do join in the rally. They migh tip off the change not by numbers, but by giving a moral support to the cause.

If the deputy PM is warning monks against participation, means that temples are really planning to be in Bangkok and warnings, like those, will make them even more determined to show their will.

Many people have questioned whether or not it is feasible to feed and house such a large crowd but if you look at the map of Bangkok you will see that there must be up to a hundred Wats (just to the west) across across the river - all of which are within easy reach of Phra Pink Klao bridge.

[bigkahuna123]

What is the most realistic way to come to bangkok on Friday March 12th (from western thailand) without getting caught in traffic jams? I assume victory monument will be crippled? Thanks...

[SeanMoran]

So this may turn into an orange habit mass rally.

This will make a refreshing change.

Considering the relatively neutral colour that saffron is in this context, I hope that the participation of these good fellows might help towards a peaceful resolution by democratic mechanism.

[givenall]

Funny that the government , media, all of the current government are raising the alarm about March 12^th. Does it really making it to be so big and actually the expectation it will be a small ray and hence show the failure of the Red Shirt. Well I hope so

[Jingthing]

it's a significant development, if the monks do join in the rally. They migh tip off the change not by numbers, but by giving a moral support to the cause.

If the deputy PM is warning monks against participation, means that temples are really planning to be in Bangkok and warnings, like those, will make them even more determined to show their will.

Many people have questioned whether or not it is feasible to feed and house such a large crowd but if you look at the map of Bangkok you will see that there must be up to a hundred Wats (just to the west) across across the river - all of which are within easy reach of Phra Pink Klao bridge.

You are making the assumption that all the wats will be open to being used in this way. I don't know either way, but I somehow doubt it.

[Carib]

It is the pre text to the so desired state ( constitutional) religion by the monks.

[anon467367354]

this doesn't sound like it's for real, since when do monks assist in disruptive behavior related to politics? I would think they would be completely detached from that kind of thing.

[Jingthing]

Well there surely will be some monks there, or at least, people appearing to be monks, and we can be sure the numbers of them will be greatly exaggerated by Truth Today.

[george]

Update:

Security tightened at Bangkok's government offices ahead of planned mass rally

BANGKOK: -- Combined Thai army and police forces have tightened security at government offices in Bangkok ahead of a planned major demonstration by anti-government movement of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) next weekend in a bid to pressure the coalition government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to bring about massive political change.

Checkpoints have been set up in Bangkok round the clock while suspicious-looking vehicles were searched, particularly those passing Government House, Parliament, the Supreme Court, the horse racing stadium and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Assistant national police chief, Pol Lt-Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen, as Royal Thai Police spokesman, is to meet with police officials nationwide Sunday afternoon via video conference about the movements of the UDD protesters.

Meanwhile, Bangkok Metropolitan Police on Tuesday will announce traffic measures in effect during the demonstrations in the capital next weekend, when Red Shirt demonstrators say they will bring thousands of vehicles to block the roads.

Red Shirt UDD protesters nationwide will begin moving to Bangkok on March 12 and will gather at Sanam Luang on the morning of March 14. The movement leaders have said that one million protesters would join the protest in an attempt to bring about either the dissolution of parliament, or the departure of the Abhisit government as the political change the movement desires.

-- TNA 2010-03-06

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[BlackJack]

seems like trying to move the focus from MR T to democracy

say that rymes

i think i could do a rap on dat too

[Jingthing]

seems like trying to move the focus from MR T to democracy

say that rymes

i think i could do a rap on dat too

Perhaps, and perhaps they take the Thai public for idiots given the timing of this latest great event to the loss of Thaksin's assets.

[HS Mauberley]

If true, good news. It would, after all, be nice to see the sangha providing a little moral support for the people, rather than providing such extraordinary levels of legitimacy to the exisiting - and deeply undemocratic - power structures.

[moskito]

The numbers being thrown out for this upcoming wannabe national disruption is a small % of the total population of Thailand and the monk participation when compared to total is even less. Come, bleed or blister comes to mind as far as the red shirt innuendo/threats recently, and the answer will be apparent over the next few days.

guess its better not to underestimate the influence of the monks. Every THAI except maybe, the chinese-thai population is in one way or another connectet to the monks!

anyway, there are not many farangs which understand Thailand and its politcs, neither do I. There are things going on here WE NEVER understand 100%

I will not even place any bet that Abhisit is primeminister in a couple of month, there was a government change while another former pm was out

of town, who my fellow members saw that coming before?

[SeanMoran]

The numbers being thrown out for this upcoming wannabe national disruption is a small % of the total population of Thailand and the monk participation when compared to total is even less. Come, bleed or blister comes to mind as far as the red shirt innuendo/threats recently, and the answer will be apparent over the next few days.

guess its better not to underestimate the influence of the monks. Every THAI except maybe, the chinese-thai population is in one way or another connectet to the monks!

anyway, there are not many farangs which understand Thailand and its politcs, neither do I. There are things going on here WE NEVER understand 100%

I will not even place any bet that Abhisit is primeminister in a couple of month, there was a government change while another former pm was out

of town, who my fellow members saw that coming before?

For some reason, I have the words, "Abhisit, the tribe has spoken." running through my head.

[Igor]

Nothing to see here. Move along.

HEY! LOOK! Free tourist visas!

[RegularReader]

The numbers being thrown out for this upcoming wannabe national disruption is a small % of the total population of Thailand and the monk participation when compared to total is even less. Come, bleed or blister comes to mind as far as the red shirt innuendo/threats recently, and the answer will be apparent over the next few days.

guess its better not to underestimate the influence of the monks. Every THAI except maybe, the chinese-thai population is in one way or another connectet to the monks!

anyway, there are not many farangs which understand Thailand and its politcs, neither do I. There are things going on here WE NEVER understand 100%

I will not even place any bet that Abhisit is primeminister in a couple of month, there was a government change while another former pm was out

of town, who my fellow members saw that coming before?

Really ?

Please explain your comment about the "Chinese-Thai" population.

Amongst our "Sino-Thai" friends I would say having family members as monks is quite important.

At least as important - if not more so, than for my extended Isaan family.

That is of course as long as you feel Thais "segregate" themselves along these lines?

Edited March 6, 2010 by RegularReader

[george]

Update:

PM receives reports on planned sabotage, but hasn't invoked security law

BANGKOK: -- With only eight days before anti-government United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) protesters planned large-scale demonstration in the capital, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Saturday that he had received information on possible acts of sabotage aimed at creating unrest in the country but until Saturday he still did not invoke Thailand's Internal Security Act (ISA).

Urging the Red Shirt UDD supporters to conduct their planned Bangkok rally from March 14 onward in a peaceful manner, Mr Abhisit said the protesters should refrain from bringing vehicles from upcountry to block traffic in the capital during the rally, aimed at ousting his administration.

The UDD leadership has said they would bring pickup trucks to the rally and threatened to seize any tow trucks authorities would use in removing their vehicles from the streets.

Touching on threats made by the top UDD leaders that their movement would try to oust the government within three days, Mr Abhisit said it is usual for the movement's leaders to arouse the protesters’ morale, but his government has “no plan to invoke the ISA unless it’s necessary”.

He admitted that a government committee monitoring the protesters’ movements had received an information indicating that possible acts of sabotage aimed at creating chaos in the country are looming.

Mr Abhisit said security personnel at all checkpoints have been ordered to inspect vehicles for any weapons being taken to the rally site to prevent acts of violence.

He said volunteers from the Interior Ministry would be dispatched during the demonstration while police and other security-focused officials were ordered to exercise extreme restraints from intimidation which would be created by the protesters.

Key UDD leaders have threatened that activists nationwide will begin moving to Bangkok on Friday (March 12) and will gather at Sanam Luang on Sunday morning March 14. They have boasted that one million protesters would join the protest.

-- TNA 2010-03-06

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[Footloose1949]

I don't know much about the political history of Thailand, but if the present and successive governments took on board and delivered on some of the issues that Thakasin said he would address, regarding the inequalities in income between people in the North and North-East, and the perceived much larger incomes of those living in the Cities, I suspect a fair number of Red-Shirts would feel their greivances are being sorted out, and not attend rallys. However, this view of mine may be just too simple a solution to the underlying problem in Thailand?

[RegularReader]

For some reason, I have the words, "Abhisit, the tribe has spoken." running through my head.

Perhaps that's why he can afford to go off to Oz next week leaving others in charge ?

[johncitizen]

this doesn't sound like it's for real, since when do monks assist in disruptive behavior related to politics? I would think they would be completely detached from that kind of thing.

Not at all! Buddhist monks were at the front and centre of the pro-democracy rallies in Burma as well.

[george]

Update:

Potentially terrorist attacks are not unrealistic

The Bangkok Post quotes PM Abhisit as saying: "News reports about potentially terrorist attacks are not unrealistic."