Thaksin's Rural Red Shirts Swarm The Capital

[ukrules]

They've been parading past the end of Sukhumvit Soi 23 for at least the last 20-30 minutes or so.

There's a lot more than to 20-30 pickups mentioned in some earlier posts made an hour or so ago, maybe they are also arriving from other areas as well. Some of them are on foot.

I'd say there have been several hundred pickups go past, some with quite loud music blaring out, it woke me up !

They're still going past now.

[Meridian007]

Perhaps they don't realize that the rain will wash away their "red liquid", (I'm not convinced how much of it is blood), as soon as they pour it? Come on clouds, keep raining!

Eeze: Good video! There are, (supposedly), still about 10,000 protesters left, so that is why it's taking them so long.

[thaihome]

Sukhumvit at Asok heading east is pretty much full on boht sides with redshirt vehicles with some normal traffice mixed in. There is one lane of west bound traffice after Asok. Police are stopping the procession to let traffic from Asok cross Suk. Raining pretty hard.

This looks like it will go one for a while, but I suspect by 5:00PM it will have petered out.

TH

[ukrules]

They seem to be congregating around the end of Soi 23, there's a 'truck' style vehicle with some people on top with loud speakers, etc.

Now they are also coming down Soi 23, past Cowboy towards Sukhumvit Road.

I will get some good pictures of this one !

[thaihome]

Police are now diverting the vehicles that did not make it past Asok onto Asok, southbound. Some vehicles now coming west on Suk are also turning south on Asok.

Appears it is breaking up already.

TH

[thepodest]

Those reds are heading for Abhisit's house to pour blood on it like they did with the govt building. Isn't that illegal to vandalize someone's private property? I guess not for the red's version of democrazy

[jdinasia]

Boy, I bet the reds didn't think anything would "rain on their parade" until now

They will blame the government for cloud seeding

[ukrules]

Only a few came down Soi 23 away from the PM's house, managed to get a couple of pictures though.

I can hear the main speakers and music coming from the direction of the PM's house, I don't really know why they are bothering, from what I've heard he doesn't even live there full time any more. He has an official residence doesn't he ?

[thaihome]

The flow is now west bound on Suk. The Asok Suk intersection is a complete chaos now but still moving slowing. Should be over in an hour or so.

TH

[ukrules]

The flow is now west bound on Suk. The Asok Suk intersection is a complete chaos now but still moving slowing. Should be over in an hour or so.

TH

I wonder what happened in Soi 31 then as they do all appear to be retreating somewhere.

[thaihome]

Asok and Sukhumvit about 15 minutes ago. The walkers and motorcyles that were leading are now at the back and going through the intersection now.

TH

[bkkjames]

They managed to throw some blood at the PM's fence apparently a few locals were spraying them down with garden hoses. Now they are retreating back down sukhumvit like they have brought down the Berlin wall or something.

May I take this opportunity on behalf of Local Businesses to say thanks to the reds for visiting the city and spending your money here.

[ukrules]

They seem to have kept all the traffic lights on 'green' to let them get out of the area as fast as possible.

They are moving down Sukhumvit past Soi 23 area towards the lower numbered Soi's, several hundred vehicles have just passed by in a minute or two and they are still coming.

I've never seen traffic move at this speed during the day on the Sukhumvit Road, normally it's a crawl at best.

I don't know where they're heading but they seem to be in a hurry to get there.

[rametindallas]

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1026348

UAE to Ban ThaksinUPDATE : 17 March 2010The United Arab Emirates has pledged to prohibit Thaksin from getting into their country and will arrest him as requested by the Thai government.

In addition, the United Arab Emirates will inform Montenegro that Thaksin's movements are politically motivated.

Assistant to Foreign Affairs Minister Phanit Wikitset revealed that the United Arab Emirates has vowed to prohibit the fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from entering its soil, as Thaksin's remarks during the anti-government protest over the past few days are considered to be politically motivated.

The UAE insists that it will ban Thaksin from returning to Dubai on March 19 as he has had planned and will also explain that Thaksin's appearances via video-links are aimed at instigating chaos in Thailand from Montenegro.

Phanit said the UAE should arrest Thaksin if he does enter Dubai. He explained that not doing so could result in a negative image for the UAE.

Phanit added Thai staff are currently deployed in Dubai to handle the arrival of Thaksin.

The staff are to coordinate with the local UAE officials to extradite Thaksin back to Thailand immediately.

http://www.thailandoutlook.tv/tan/ViewData...?DataID=1026349

Thaksin Draws Comparison between Abhisit and HitlerUPDATE : 17 March 2010Thaksin said via a video conference call to the Red Shirt protesters that the government has been bribing protesters to leave the rally.

The ousted premier also claimed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has a mental disorder similar to Adolf Hitler's.

At the Red Shirt rally at Phanfa Lilat Bridge in Bangkok, fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made another video conference call to his supporters.

Thaksin has accused the government of trying to bribe some protestors into leaving the rally and said that someone laced the protestors' water with poison.

However, the ousted premier thanked his supporters and asked them to remain patient, saying that the current government has a hearing problem.

Thaksin also talked about the yesterday's blood collection. He said that despite the disapproval of many people, the Red Shirt protesters have done the right thing in sacrificing their blood for democracy.

In his speech to the Red Shirt protesters, the fugitive former prime minister claimed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has some psychological condition similar to Adolf Hitler's.

Thaksin added that just like the German schizophrenic dictator, Abhisit does not like to talk alone, has problems controlling his ambitions, and violent tendencies.

Thaksin also said that Abhisit is surrounded by homosexuals with emotional problems.

Toward the end of this call, Thaksin thanked his supporters again and urged them to continue their fight against the government for the sake of the younger generations.

However, he warned the protesters that the government might resort to violence since Abhisit has a mental disorder.

[ukrules]

He explained that not doing so could result in a negative image for the UAE.

That's one of the funniest things I've heard in a long time.

This collection of Emirates has one of the most negative images of them all, they lock up people and kick them out on a whim. I don't blame them for not allowing Thaksin to return but their stance against ordinary people is disgusting. They seem to never miss a chance to imprison any foreigners for the most minor of infringements. For example the 'poppy incident' and the incident where someone had a tiny trace of cannabis on the bottom of his shoe - both imprisoned initially for four years. Then there was the case of the British woman who was locked up as she had an over the counter pain killer in her urine, no tablets, just something prescribed by her doctor was still present in her urine.

There are few places in the world where I wouldn't travel but the UAE is most definitely one of them.

[Wolfie]

Thaksin has accused the government of trying to bribe some protestors into leaving the rally and said that someone laced the protestors' water with poison.

However, the ousted premier thanked his supporters and asked them to remain patient, saying that the current government has a hearing problem.

Thaksin also talked about the yesterday's blood collection. He said that despite the disapproval of many people, the Red Shirt protesters have done the right thing in sacrificing their blood for democracy.

In his speech to the Red Shirt protesters, the fugitive former prime minister claimed that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has some psychological condition similar to Adolf Hitler's.

Thaksin added that just like the German schizophrenic dictator, Abhisit does not like to talk alone, has problems controlling his ambitions, and violent tendencies.

Thaksin also said that Abhisit is surrounded by homosexuals with emotional problems.

Toward the end of this call, Thaksin thanked his supporters again and urged them to continue their fight against the government for the sake of the younger generations.

However, he warned the protesters that the government might resort to violence since Abhisit has a mental disorder.

Is this guy for real?

Thaksin bribed/paid protesters to come to bangkok and he complains that the government (allegedly) bribed people to go home... Pot, Kettle, Black anyone?

Then to compare Aphisit to Hitler, violent tendencies (where? when?) and the homosexual references - really shows that Thaksin has not only lost the plot, but also cannot remember which Theater to goto!

[rainman]

Question of the Day :

Should we hold an election every time when there are 250000 out of 67 million people come out and march?

Btw, 250000/67000000 = 0.04% of total population.

Another the question is how you define "legitmate". In terms of the consitution, Abhisit's government is totally legit.

Now you have a group of people who are not happy with the current government and label them "illegitimate".

Who is right? Also, the government is supposed to represent the people, and can be democratically overthrown. Has that time come?

I hope everyone realises that the problem is within the system. Throwing Abhisit government out will never end problems. If Puea Thai comes back then we will get to see The Yellow Return of the Yellow Shirt.

In your opinion, if the army removes a legally elected Prime Minister through a coup, then a military- and opposition-backed court gets rid as many Members of Parliament as needed for the opposition to get a majority, that is democratically elected? I'm sorry, but that is not democracy.

[mrtoad]

Thaksin has really lost the plot.

Love the water poisoning story.

[Netfan]

Is this guy for real?

Thaksin bribed/paid protesters to come to bangkok and he complains that the government (allegedly) bribed people to go home... Pot, Kettle, Black anyone?

Then to compare Aphisit to Hitler, violent tendencies (where? when?) and the homosexual references - really shows that Thaksin has not only lost the plot, but also cannot remember which Theater to goto!

A few years back a new york mafia don tried to convince the court he was insane to avoid a prison sentence. he walked around greenwhich village in a bathrobe and talked to himself. i think this is the tack thaksin is taking, thinking the government and courts will take pity on an insane old man.

Edited March 17, 2010 by Netfan

[thaihome]

In your opinion, if the army removes a legally elected Prime Minister through a coup, then a military- and opposition-backed court gets rid as many Members of Parliament as needed for the opposition to get a majority, that is democratically elected? I'm sorry, but that is not democracy.

I agree, but none of what you say happened in Thailand in the last 4 years.

You probably should read the thread on Abhisit for the facts, but a quick run down may help you understand.

Thaksin was a caretaker PM, in the 2006 election he could not form a government because there was not a majority of legally elected TRT MP's. A coup did indeed remove him from office.

The court disbanded the lead political party (PPP) in a coalition that controlled Parliament. All but 29 of the MP's from that party moved to another party (PTP). 2 parties that were members of the old coalition chose to align with the Democrats to form a new government. In a subsequent by election held to replace the 29 MP's of the disbanded parties, the Democrats and their new coalition partners won 20 seats.

TH

[jdinasia]

In your opinion, if the army removes a legally elected Prime Minister through a coup, then a military- and opposition-backed court gets rid as many Members of Parliament as needed for the opposition to get a majority, that is democratically elected? I'm sorry, but that is not democracy.

Yet AGAIN you are impugning the courts in Thailand!

[anotherpeter]

In your opinion, if the army removes a legally elected Prime Minister through a coup, then a military- and opposition-backed court gets rid as many Members of Parliament as needed for the opposition to get a majority, that is democratically elected? I'm sorry, but that is not democracy.

1) Thaksin wasn't the elected PM when the coup happened. A year after the 2005 elections he disolved the government and had new elections. He couldn't form a government (according to the 1997 constitution) and he also stood down. The Election Commission invalidated the 2006 election and the king appointed Thaksin as caretaker PM. The coup happened in September while he was still care taker PM.

2) The courts disbanded the PPP and banned only some MPs (both PPP and democrat). Some PPP MPs moved to other parties. By-elections were held to replace the banned MPs. A MAJORITY of MPs representing ALL of Thailand chose Abhisit to be PM. That's democracy.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Abhisit-Legi...in-t347392.html

[zirc]

In your opinion, if the army removes a legally elected Prime Minister through a coup, then a military- and opposition-backed court gets rid as many Members of Parliament as needed for the opposition to get a majority, that is democratically elected?

Yet AGAIN you are impugning the courts in Thailand!

You mean it's done that before?

I know that's against the law in Thailand, but even if he's not in Thailand, it's also one of the rules on this board I read when joining. I'm surprised that someone who's been a member as long as he has doesn't know either of those.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

What Rainman said is nowhere close to being against Thai law. It'd be a slippery slope towards complete cancellation of freedom of expression if it was; think about it, and if you would really want to live in a country that repressive? I think you don't, and I don't either.

Edited March 17, 2010 by WinnieTheKhwai

[WinnieTheKhwai]

The "Reddies" seem to be out of Lower Sukhumvit. I'm at Asoke and not a See Daeng in sight.

Good riddance

Chances are that most people you meet in those parts are, even though they don't wear red on the outside. (Depends a little on what sort of people you speak to of course, but I'm making assumptions. )

[bkkjames]

The "Reddies" seem to be out of Lower Sukhumvit. I'm at Asoke and not a See Daeng in sight.

Good riddance

Chances are that most people you meet in those parts are, even though they don't wear red on the outside. (Depends a little on what sort of people you speak to of course, but I'm making assumptions. )

on the street and driving cabs yes, in the offices on the corner, not likely.

[thepodest]

I think the leaders are just trying to drag on the failed protest to save face. How would they end this without admitting they lost?

It's reported that they are heading for U.S. Embassy next.

A bunch of red clown running around Bangkok pouring blood.

Can't we just call it a day and go home?

[animatic]

Is this guy for real?...

A few years back a new york mafia don tried to convince the court he was insane to avoid a prison sentence. he walked around Greenwich village in a bathrobe and talked to himself. i think this is the tack thaksin is taking, thinking the government and courts will take pity on an insane old man.

I met this guy 2 times in the West Village when I lived there.

'Mad Vinny' Gigante, one scary eyed bugger for sure.

He had been pointed out by an long time village resident

friend of mine. So you ran into him from time to time,

just as advertised bathrobe, slippers, mr. mumbles attitude,

gestural randomness etc.

But the 3rd time I met him, he'd realized I wasn't a Fed,

but just another guy in the village, he talked quite sanely,

in the mafioso 'fek off' go away style.

It was clear to me he was quite sane....just an anti-jail scam.

He was convicted in '97 soon after my encounters with him.

Regardless of actual sanity, he was one scary MOFO,

Truly malevolent darkness behind those eyes.

Edited March 17, 2010 by animatic

[moresomekl]

In your opinion, if the army removes a legally elected Prime Minister through a coup, then a military- and opposition-backed court gets rid as many Members of Parliament as needed for the opposition to get a majority, that is democratically elected? I'm sorry, but that is not democracy.

I agree, but none of what you say happened in Thailand in the last 4 years.

You probably should read the thread on Abhisit for the facts, but a quick run down may help you understand.

Thaksin was a caretaker PM, in the 2006 election he could not form a government because there was not a majority of legally elected TRT MP's. A coup did indeed remove him from office.

The court disbanded the lead political party (PPP) in a coalition that controlled Parliament. All but 29 of the MP's from that party moved to another party (PTP). 2 parties that were members of the old coalition chose to align with the Democrats to form a new government. In a subsequent by election held to replace the 29 MP's of the disbanded parties, the Democrats and their new coalition partners won 20 seats.

TH

Yes and thats how the thai "circus democracy" perpetuate itself with no end in sight

PS : agree on Thaksin

[moresomekl]

The "Reddies" seem to be out of Lower Sukhumvit. I'm at Asoke and not a See Daeng in sight.

Good riddance

Chances are that most people you meet in those parts are, even though they don't wear red on the outside. (Depends a little on what sort of people you speak to of course, but I'm making assumptions. )

on the street and driving cabs yes, in the offices on the corner, not likely.

Agreed, the people hawking food or cabbies, yeah. I'm assuming the 50/50 split in my building of BMW/Benz driving Thai's or the Farang constituency are weighted towards the yellow shirts.

My personal feeling is that although Thaksin previously did well for the economics of the country, he cheated too blatently and has since lost his mind.

The strain of power .... !