Red Shirts Ready To Descend On Bangkok As Planned

[jdinasia]

Um. Maybe because it isn't actually about Thaksin? Maybe because the UDD knows that in order to get support for an election, they will have to distance themselves from him?

The absence of his name in their press releases is as telling as his name being mentioned in every one of the governments.

Rubbish, this is all about Thaksin. He, and his proxy poltical party, is far too entwined with the red shirt leadership for it not to be. Any true democracy believing leader would have split from the movement long ago and formed their own grouping. Since we're constantly told that most of them aren't in it for Thaksin they would have a lot of support, with the majority of the current red shirts also splitting. Or would they?

Not to mention that it Thaksin's name was absent in an English Language press release. Listen to anything from any red stage etc and you will constantly hear his name. Whoever the patsy is that is writing the English language stuff knows that Thakson has lost all his credibility and are trying to sell a different product to people that don't speak or read Thai, than the product being sold to the people that do read and speak Thai.

[anotherpeter]

You reckon 500 baht is enough to put all of these people in direct confrontation with the army and potentially the population of Bangkok.

These people have seen what has happened in times past in Thailand. It is in no way beyond that realms of possibility that a significant amount of blood could be shed. Times must be desperate if they are willing to put themselves on the line for a few hundred baht. Or maybe, just maybe, some of them believe rightly or wrongly that Thaksin may make life better for them.

For some of them, 500 baht is enough. It is supposed to be a peaceful protest. They have nothing to worry about. Some of them do believe that Thaksin will make a better life for them, because he handed out so much money before.

[OZEMADE]

You reckon 500 baht is enough to put all of these people in direct confrontation with the army and potentially the population of Bangkok.

These people have seen what has happened in times past in Thailand. It is in no way beyond that realms of possibility that a significant amount of blood could be shed. Times must be desperate if they are willing to put themselves on the line for a few hundred baht. Or maybe, just maybe, some of them believe rightly or wrongly that Thaksin may make life better for them.

For some of them, 500 baht is enough. It is supposed to be a peaceful protest. They have nothing to worry about. Some of them do believe that Thaksin will make a better life for them, because he handed out so much money before.

I remember the Yellow shirts were being paid if I am not mistaken.

I think I also wrote somewhere in this forum that half the Military and Police are Red Followers as they come from the provincer's that back them (The Reds) as well.

Edited March 11, 2010 by OZEMADE

[golferchin76]

Jatuporn said the government's efforts to derail the rally would fail.

He also reminded Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thuagsuban to "find a new place to live" if he abused his power in enforcing the security measures against the red shirts.

Jutaporn obviously does not know Deputy premier Suthep Thuagsuban well, a extremist militant so ready to crackdown the red with force. I think Jatuporn will regret if he meets Suthep on the battlefield.

[golferchin76]

I remain neutral based on the garbage being served up on a daily basis by both sides.

I think both sides need their heads banging together and then hopefully an adult will come into the equation who has qualities such as accountability, bravery and responsibility.

There are far too many cowards making big statements and hiding behind others. I see far better behaviour from primary school kids on a daily basis.

Hopefully any violence will bring the cretinous filth on both sides of the political divide, who lead their brainwashed followers by very poor example, to their knees and a new dawn will bring in people who truly believe in taking the country, rather than themselves, forward. The chances of this occurring remain very distant.

It is always good to just observe and read the news and see them as entertainment.

Both sides bang their heads together already, and their accountability, bravery, and responsibility is culturally different from yours. They just decided to act differently. Can't expect them to behave in civilized manner, this is a country that previously was categorized as 'third world.'

Now, better behavior from primary school kids. Wait until they grow up, enter the society, and see what they will turn out to be, you will be surprised.

I doubt possible violences from the upcoming rally would bring down leaders of red or yellow to their knees. I am in Thailand long enough to know someone in the lower ranks will take the blame, while the elites get away.

[golferchin76]

I think both sides need their heads banging together and then hopefully an adult will come into the equation who has qualities such as accountability, bravery and responsibility.

Hopefully any violence will bring the cretinous filth on both sides of the political divide, who lead their brainwashed followers by very poor example, to their knees and a new dawn will bring in people who truly believe in taking the country, rather than themselves, forward. The chances of this occurring remain very distant.

I find the government being extremely cautious so far, they have promised the Red Shits a place to gather and protest, providing they do it peacefully. It is the reds trying to stir it up.

and they have every right, elected by the people of thailand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

get some balance in your argument

Military or political intelligence at work. Abhisit has been a good public speaker and has great pulic image. So far his government is being cautious and polite, that's what the Bangkokians want to hear. Who will fire the first fake shot or lob the first fake grenade though. Remember the protest is allowed if it performs 'peacefully.' If I am a militant wing of the government, I will have someone dress up in red, and create wrong doings with cameras ready, then broadcast to the public. By that time, red's imaged will be tainted, and Abhisit's crowd control will move in. This is tried and tested in China.

[britmaveric]

If I am a militant wing of the Reds, I will have someone dress up in police/military uniforms or yellow shirts, and create wrong doings with cameras ready, then broadcast to the public. By that time the govt image will be tainted, and Abhisit's govt will have to resign.

Quite possible for either side to do such a thing....

[golferchin76]

It seems that the majority of you 'yellows' assume that the 'reds' are all Thaksin supporters.

I submit that you are most likely wrong.

This story is much, much bigger than Thaksin.

It is about justice and equality.

These two things do not exist in Thailand.

We, as foreigners, have no rights politically but we are obviously allowed an opinion and the opportunity to express it on whichever forum will allow it within the rule of law.

My opinion is that if you think the 'yellows' of this country are justice-minded and fair, then you need your head examined.

In your opinion, I suppose it is fine for the 'yellows' to take over Government House and the airport and hold the country to ransom.

How many times has the verdict over the Government House takeover been postponed?

Do you think it would have been postponed if the takeover had been carried out by the 'reds'?

Justice is justice - it must be the same for one and all.

Not one law for the rich, privileged elite and another for the rest of society.

People say this is 'Thai' democracy.

Well, I say there is no such thing as 'Thai' democracy.

There is only 'democracy' and part of democracy is freedom of speech, justice and one law for all - equality.

If such things do not exist, then it is not democracy.

I do not take any side - and it would not matter if I did as I have no rights here - but the people involved in politics are worse than a bunch of jealous schoolgirls fighting over the most handsome boy - in this case money.

Even the people on this forum are 'fighting' like kids.

What is it all for?

No matter what we think, nothing changes.

No matter what happens, corruption will continue until the politicians' asses heal up.

The best way, if you want to stay here, is enjoy the food, enjoy the beer, enjoy the weather, enjoy whatever turns you on, and leave the clawing and backbiting to those who are best at it.

I'm looking forward to my weekend and I really do not care what happens at the red rally.

However, I would be really pleased if it resulted in a fair election (remember that the current government was not elected) and those in charge of running this country were those that the majority of people chose.

That is democracy.

Amen

a lot of us in this forum DO NOT agree that 'yellows' of this country are justice-minded and fair.' And our brains are not sold ill-functioning to forget what happened since the military coup. Therefore we do not need our heads examined as you blatantly put it. There are a lot of smart people here, with great reasoning ability.

As for your comment, 'Well, I say there is no such thing as 'Thai' democracy.' I have posted many times that this country operates under pseudo-democracy.

And you said, I quote, 'Not one law for the rich, privileged elite and another for the rest of society There is only 'democracy' and part of democracy is freedom of speech, justice and one law for all - equality....If such things do not exist, then it is not democracy.' unquote.

In my opinion, democracy is not the 'best' political system, but it is the best amongst available choices. You can disagree with me, but I don't think even in advanced countries people are treated equal. Rich and elites frequently get away from their wrong doings.

you know why, because we are homo sapiens, and the our human nature tells us to step on others' shoulders to advance.

[Nuchanart]

Mark is a good guy. However, we must not accept a military coup, hence we must not accept Mark.

[jdinasia]

Mark is a good guy. However, we must not accept a military coup, hence we must not accept Mark.

Huh? But you accepted Samak and Somchai ... which means you must accept PM Abhisit

[animatic]

so many new voices all speaking with the same voice,

all showing up RIGHT on time for the big rally weekend.

Coincidence... NOT!

PROPAGANDA 101 bash home your message over the other guys every chance you get.

Interesting the push to convince farang boyfriends of Thai ladies,

that their up country views are correct. That must be one of the main targets,

because farangs out of country with open minds already know of the blantant lies.

But if the Reds can silence the in country voices of logic, that make the

ladies question their assumptions then they can keep Issan on message

and voting as they want.

[anotherpeter]

Military or political intelligence at work. Abhisit has been a good public speaker and has great pulic image. So far his government is being cautious and polite, that's what the Bangkokians want to hear. Who will fire the first fake shot or lob the first fake grenade though. Remember the protest is allowed if it performs 'peacefully.' If I am a militant wing of the government, I will have someone dress up in red, and create wrong doings with cameras ready, then broadcast to the public. By that time, red's imaged will be tainted, and Abhisit's crowd control will move in. This is tried and tested in China.

Beware of red shirts (or blue shirts or yellow shirts or green shirts) because they might actually be blue shirts or yellow shirts or green shirts (or red shirts) dressed as red shirts (or blue shirts or yellow shirts or green shirts).

The reds apparently have security guards to control and protect their protestors and they have said that rally will be peaceful. So any red shirt that steps out of line should be attacked by the red shirt security guards.

[anotherpeter]

It seems that the majority of you 'yellows' assume that the 'reds' are all Thaksin supporters.

I submit that you are most likely wrong.

<snip 90% of post>

The problem is, by supporting the reds you are effectively supporting Thaksin, since many of the reds leaders have stated that they want to bring back Thaksin and get his money back.

Most of the anti-reds are not anti-poor or pro-yellow. They are just anti-Thaksin.

If Thaksin wasn't involved in the reds campaign, I am sure the tone of most of the posts would change considerably. I am sure mine would.

[NativeBob]

Now it begins.. 7AM Friday, 5 trucks with military police on Lard Prao / Ratchada junction. Fully armored.

[nikster]

If Thaksin wasn't involved in the reds campaign, I am sure the tone of most of the posts would change considerably. I am sure mine would.

I guess I'd instantly turn into a silent supporter for the UDD if Thaksin and his henchmen weren't involved. But since they're bankrolling the whole thing none of the UDD "statements" or "goal" can be taken seriously in any way. It's all just BS to get the man back in power.

Cui bono?

When the UDD says they are for peace and democracy, all I hear is "Thaksin will be back". Thaksin never cared for either peace or democracy. When they say they are for free and fair elections, all I hear is "Thaksin will be back". Thaksin's love for elections begins and ends with him winning them - otherwise he wouldn't care for elections at all.

Thaksin is a big danger for Thailand. He is not the one to take this country into the future, but he is one who could start a dark period here. He has already proven that he is not above instigating death squads to kill

[britmaveric]

Khun T will make Thailand a better and brighter place. We must all support his return.

[Ulysses G.]

PROPAGANDA 101 bash home your message over the other guys every chance you get.

Interesting the push to convince farang boyfriends of Thai ladies,

that their up country views are correct. That must be one of the main targets,

because farangs out of country with open minds already know of the blantant lies.

But if the Reds can silence the in country voices of logic, that make the

ladies question their assumptions then they can keep Issan on message

and voting as they want.

You don't seem beyond spreading a little propoganda yourself!

[Insight]

Propaganda or not, the latest estimates for the number of reds looks pretty pathetic given the original "one million" claims. Guess we'll soon see what the real numbers are.

[animatic]

...Most of the anti-reds are not anti-poor or pro-yellow. They are just anti-Thaksin...

[tominbkk]

The other paper we cannot name here is reporting that protesters are preparing ammunition of 'fish bombs' and faeces.

Sorry to say, but if I was in charge of keeping tabs on this 'peaceful demonstration' and someone threw a 'fish bomb' or faeces at me, I would feel more than justified to respond with a volley or two of water cannon, tear gas, or rubber bullets. Seem fair?