Thaksin's Rural Red Shirts Swarm The Capital

[Netfan]

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. )

Uh huh. And that's why in a city of 10,000,000 how many bothered to turn out for the rally? Of course some residents of Bangkok are "the elite" - but how many? Can't be a big percentage or they wouldn't be very "elite". But let's say 1.000,000 or 10%. How many of those remaining 9,000,000 are so convinced that the government needs to be thrown out that they came out for the rally?

Considering that most estimates put the crowd at (ok, lets be generous) 150,000 and how many of those came from the north / NE, - 100,000? That means there were 50,000 Bangkok people there, out of a possible 9,000,000. Not a great show of support. And this was their big chance. There is very little support for the Reds outside of their stronghold. And with no plan for Thailand's economy, education, foreign policy, etc they are not likely to sway many over to their side, nevermind having an obviously mentally unstable leader and using tactics (the blood, voodoo rites) that were embarrassing to most Thais.

[rainman]

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!

Uhm, no I'm not. But you're as dumb as a peanut, that's for sure. And I don't care if the mods edit this post because of this. You've read it and you know it.

[hunglikea]

UhUh!!

Vice Versa.

The truth as you and ALL thinking people in Thailand know

but can't accept is that the current PM is a legitmate PM

unlike another 'nut' that I could mention.

Edited March 17, 2010 by hunglikea

[rainman]

UhUh!!

Vice Versa.

Oh wow look! You found Microsoft Paint.

[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!

Uhm, no I'm not. But you're as dumb as a peanut, that's for sure. And I don't care if the mods edit this post because of this. You've read it and you know it.

Yes .. you really are and it isn't the first time. I am rather fond of peanuts and you do make me smile with your attempts to convince people of your conspiracy theories but we saw how the last one worked out for you regarding the Assets seizure case My prediction nailed it ... and yours ... well .... yours just didn't.

[hunglikea]

UhUh!!

Vice Versa.

The truth as you and ALL thinking people in Thailand know

but can't accept is that the current PM is a legitmate PM

unlike another 'nut' that I could mention.

Nothing so Takki

(sorry to mention your master) as MS paint...Photoshop.

[CLOD]

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!

WRONG.

Abisits Military Junta impugned the court's, along with democracy and the constitution.

[CLOD]

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. )

Uh huh. And that's why in a city of 10,000,000 how many bothered to turn out for the rally? Of course some residents of Bangkok are "the elite" - but how many? Can't be a big percentage or they wouldn't be very "elite". But let's say 1.000,000 or 10%. How many of those remaining 9,000,000 are so convinced that the government needs to be thrown out that they came out for the rally?

Considering that most estimates put the crowd at (ok, lets be generous) 150,000 and how many of those came from the north / NE, - 100,000? That means there were 50,000 Bangkok people there, out of a possible 9,000,000. Not a great show of support. And this was their big chance. There is very little support for the Reds outside of their stronghold. And with no plan for Thailand's economy, education, foreign policy, etc they are not likely to sway many over to their side, nevermind having an obviously mentally unstable leader and using tactics (the blood, voodoo rites) that were embarrassing to most Thais.

I'd say forget the hypothesising and simply return the place to democracy and have an election.

[Thanh-BKK]

Hi.

What kind of "democracy", the red style? "Thaksin or else"..? That ain't democracy. Democracy is what they have right now, unfortunately the reds won't accept that.

If elections were tomorrow, regardless what side would win, the respective other side would be in the streets on Saturday.

So keep the situation "as is" because the current red movement is maintained and paid for by one single person who is in the process of completely losing his mind and who also seems to run out of money quickly.... once he is out of the picture the current government might be able to actually get started on doing something for the country, red and yellow alike. As long as one side keeps the government occupied they (the government) can't do much.

Regards.....

Thanh

[Cayenne]

Hi.

What kind of "democracy", the red style? "Thaksin or else"..? That ain't democracy. Democracy is what they have right now, unfortunately the reds won't accept that.

If elections were tomorrow, regardless what side would win, the respective other side would be in the streets on Saturday.

So keep the situation "as is" because the current red movement is maintained and paid for by one single person who is in the process of completely losing his mind and who also seems to run out of money quickly.... once he is out of the picture the current government might be able to actually get started on doing something for the country, red and yellow alike. As long as one side keeps the government occupied they (the government) can't do much.

Regards.....

Thanh

Totally agree. The most divisive figure in Thai history needs to go out now. Nationaly reconcilliation can never occur as long as Thaksin is around sprewing total crap and nonsense. Mainstream society will never accept that.

[Zolt]

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!

Said court was set up by the military, and operating under the military-backed constitutional framework of 2007. That gives it zero legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of people, and is creating division and unrest in the country.

This country badly needs an election, even for show. Problem is, according to polls a couple months back, if an election was to be held now the result would be about the same as the current setup: 39% for Puea Thai and about 35% for the Democrats, so a coalition could go either way. The good thing is that Newin's Bhum Jai Thai is expected to get less than 1% and become basically irrelevant so they'd no longer be the arbiter of which side gets to form a government. Most likely the role would fall to Barnharn and the other coalition partners. Neither side is sure of Barnhan's allegiance now which is why they don't want to chance an election.

Edited March 18, 2010 by Zolt

[ChiangMaiFun]

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!

Said court was set up by the military, and operating under the military-backed constitutional framework of 2007. That gives it zero legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of people.

This country badly needs an election, even for show. Problem is, according to polls a couple months back, if an election was to be held now the result would be about the same as the current setup: 39% for Puea Thai and about 35% for the Democrats, so a coalition could go either way. The good thing is that Newin's Bhum Jai Thai is expected to get less than 1% and become basically irrelevant so they'd no longer be the arbiter of which side gets to form a government. Most likely the role would fall to Barnharn and the other coalition partners. Neither side is sure of Barnhan's allegiance now which is why they don't want to chance an election.

Zolt - 100% true - watch this guy though he tries to trick you into breaking the law - he has done it with several others.

My view is we should debate and argue as much as we like - and I know you are right - but this guy plays nasty games to trick you into breaking the law - nice fellow farang huh? just be careful.

It is PLAINLY obvious, apart from those yellow apologists on here, that an election is needed as the government (good or bad) has no mandate - and people feel they did not vote for it - even Abhsist has said that 'his election was not ideal'

no mandate = no mandate

[yoshiwara]

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!

Said court was set up by the military, and operating under the military-backed constitutional framework of 2007. That gives it zero legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of people, and is creating division and unrest in the country.

This country badly needs an election, even for show. Problem is, according to polls a couple months back, if an election was to be held now the result would be about the same as the current setup: 39% for Puea Thai and about 35% for the Democrats, so a coalition could go either way. The good thing is that Newin's Bhum Jai Thai is expected to get less than 1% and become basically irrelevant so they'd no longer be the arbiter of which side gets to form a government. Most likely the role would fall to Barnharn and the other coalition partners. Neither side is sure of Barnhan's allegiance now which is why they don't want to chance an election.

Now that Thaksin's red forces have been decisively defeated this last weekend, even Thaksin has given up the hope of forcing a pardon for himself and is spending more time with his builders in Montenegro.

The next election is scheduled for 2011.

Speculate all you want but the caravan has moved on.

[Ricardo]

WRONG.

Abisits Military Junta impugned the court's, along with democracy and the constitution.

"Abisits Military Junta" ?

I was not aware that the leader of the Democrats, and the current-PM, had formed a junta, or was a member of the one which illegally took power in September-2006. Do you have a source for this claim, Clod ?

[animatic]

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!

WRONG.

Abisits Military Junta impugned the court's, along with democracy and the constitution.

Ah return of the blood clod, finished at the protests eh?

Please wipe your shoes before entering, blood is hard to get out of carpets.

The courts and the army seemed pretty in tune referencing Thaksins crimes.

The police couldn't or wouldn't take him down for prosecution so the army did,

and then the courts have started a string of convictions.

You try to impugn our intelligence with statements like this.

[animatic]

Hi.

What kind of "democracy", the red style? "Thaksin or else"..? That ain't democracy. Democracy is what they have right now, unfortunately the reds won't accept that.

If elections were tomorrow, regardless what side would win, the respective other side would be in the streets on Saturday.

So keep the situation "as is" because the current red movement is maintained and paid for by one single person who is in the process of completely losing his mind and who also seems to run out of money quickly.... once he is out of the picture the current government might be able to actually get started on doing something for the country, red and yellow alike. As long as one side keeps the government occupied they (the government) can't do much.

Regards.....

Thanh

Totally agree. The most divisive figure in Thai history needs to go out now. Nationaly reconcilliation can never occur as long as Thaksin is around sprewing total crap and nonsense. Mainstream society will never accept that.

If not the most, he is in the top percentile for sure.

Time for a loooooong time-out in the corner with the pointy hat on.

Who theoretically is his target to be up in arms because there are SHUDDER

gays anywhere near the government?.... Quick, quick, bring the firehoses,

they have questionable sexuality... What a prat.

[kraxlhuber]

Red shirts to move through Bangkok Monday AM

BANGKOK: -- Key anti-government red-shirt leader and Puea Thai politician, Jatuporn Promphan, has told a press conference back stage of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) rally on Rajdamnoen Avenue that the red-shirts will take their protest on the road Monday morning.

Mr. Jatuporn said the red-shirt movement had demonstrated its ability to mobilize a large number of people, demonstrating there was a large level of dissatisfaction with the current government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Though red-shirt leader Veera Musikapong earlier today (March 14) gave the government 24-hours to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections, Mr. Jatuporn said protesters would lay siege to the 11th infantry regiment in Bangkhen district where Mr. Abhisit has set up a “war room” to monitor the protest rally prior to the deadline expiring.

“We will be out the front of Mr. Abhisit’s hiding place by midday unless he agrees to dissolve the parliament and hold elections. We will start moving from here (the Rajdamnoen Avenue rallying area) starting at 9am and by midday will have the [military] base surrounded”, he said.

The comments by Mr. Jatuporn follow speculation the Government will today declare a state of emergency in Bangkok, on top of enacting the Internal Security Act (ISA) last week.

The declaration of a state of emergency will enable the military to take total charge of security in the capital, whereas the ISA only permits the military to assist the police if required.

Earlier today Royal Thai Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said an additional 20 companies of troops had been sent to protect the 11th Infantry Regiment in Bangkhen district against any invasion by red-shirts.

The 11th infantry regiment is located close to 2006 coup maker and former national army chief Sonthi Boonyaratgalin’s residence.

-- thaivisa.com 2010-03-14

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Bangkok Red-shirt rally - Live updates Sunday:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...da-t347258.html

Its not tTroops and Police and SWAT Teams,the Red Scourge must be made afraid of.

A simpleVigilantes troop with appropriale weapons,like Syringes to draw the last drop, and Whips,and Billyclubs would teach em a lesson.

I am NOT inciting Hatred,simply support to take Thailand back from the Draculas.

Beware of the silent Mayority,the Missus says" Many who Cheered sang, drank on their way to BKK are not coming back home the way they were leaving".

A Great mental Disorder will befall many.

[steveromagnino]

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!

Said court was set up by the military, and operating under the military-backed constitutional framework of 2007. That gives it zero legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of people, and is creating division and unrest in the country.

This country badly needs an election, even for show. Problem is, according to polls a couple months back, if an election was to be held now the result would be about the same as the current setup: 39% for Puea Thai and about 35% for the Democrats, so a coalition could go either way. The good thing is that Newin's Bhum Jai Thai is expected to get less than 1% and become basically irrelevant so they'd no longer be the arbiter of which side gets to form a government. Most likely the role would fall to Barnharn and the other coalition partners. Neither side is sure of Barnhan's allegiance now which is why they don't want to chance an election.

Actually, the judiciary could hear the case under the 1997 constitution and assuming that the judiciary has independence (which is nothing to do with democracy and coup and everything to do with clear lines of separation) then the result would be exactly the same.

The reason why Thaksin is pushing for a complete and total pardon is under either constitution he will be found guilty on this case and others; the evidence is overwhelming; there are ample people who know about the various schemes (it is almost open knowledge now and was back then, many hands means many informants willing to sell eachother out) and so this is why he needs, not a trial under a neutral court under the constitution of his choice, but a pardon. A neutral trial he will lose. Maybe not all of them, but some.

Out of interest, most of the senior red shirts and TRT officials will off the record admit the guilt, but skirt the issue that 'well they all do it, at least he did some good'. That's the legalise murder/drugs/prostitution can't beat em join em argument and irrelevant. I think if you actually believe he is innocent, you would be in a minority of people familiar with the case and the law.

As for the future election.....not sure, but I'm willing to see any poll. If you could please provide the article I'd be curious to see the figures. Newin will get a number of seats but probably not a huge list vote; Peua Thai and Dems will be about even on the party/list votes (same as the house stands now) or Dems slightly higher based on the byelection where Peua thai had dropped considerably against both PJT and Dems; Chart Thai were widely considered the big failure last time and are likely to do worse not better due to Banharn not personally being involved.

I am hoping against hope that in the next 6 months a true rural party appears, which represents the farmer's interests and shows up with a real agenda for change. Not this constitution irrelevance (which is a non partisan issue anyhow) but a proper manifesto.

I can't really see it happening though, because rural people have their own system. BJT is probably the closest thing in appearance but not reality.

So instead....either Bhumjaithai and the other smaller parties will buy the factions up or PT will buy some back although I am unsure they have the budget anymore. The vote will be held and the winner will likely walk in with some rather unsavoury upcountry MPs the same as has happened in every election held in Thailand to date (including both TRT victories, that also required buying the factions wang num yen, etc etc).

The unsavoury upcountry MP people will (no matter who is the main lead party) fail to provide any real contribution to the rural poor same as has occured in every election to date; that falls to the city folk - Thaksin/Somkid/Purachai in TRT and Korn in Dems; Korn's contribution for crop prices being probably the most significant change to the rural economy to date in a positive way.

Social welfare will be the technocrats also; social order technocrats....basically you get the picture right....the rural MPs are paid to secure the seats and majority, then live on graft, any real changes for the rural poor always comes from non rural folk. It's no surprise that TRT stopped helping the poor once all the technocrats of the first govt were pushed aside as the factions demanded more representation once they were actually part of TRT.

Which is the whole issue that the red shirts haven't faced up to. They need their own true local leaders. Who push rural agendas. When PPP were in power what was the first and last suggestion you heard from Jatuporn focused on improving the rural poor's long term growth? Or Jakapop?

[silence]

That's why this whole protest is an exercise in frustration. They are angry at the cityfolk; the threaten to bring petrol, to cause gridlock, to make Bangkok 'wake up'.

But when pushed, what exactly did Thaksin do that the current government is not doing and what exactly policy wise are you asking for, there is virtually not a single answer I have heard from a red shirter other than the holistic, he cares more than them answer - no actual tangible points of what they want other than they should listen to us.

A real rural political movement would have more than just

stop ignoring us

change the constitution back to the previous one even though the guy who ran the country ignored it back then

stop political intereference

give a pardon to that guy and forgive him of any future charges so he can come back and run the country

what exactly do they want from this democracy where people listen to people - right now I can do that on youtube. What is it that they actually want other than immediate next 24 hours actions?

[rixalex]

Zolt - 100% true - watch this guy though he tries to trick you into breaking the law - he has done it with several others.

Tricked into breaking the law?!

That's a good one! Thaksin would be very proud.

[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!

Said court was set up by the military, and operating under the military-backed constitutional framework of 2007. That gives it zero legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of people, and is creating division and unrest in the country.

This country badly needs an election, even for show. Problem is, according to polls a couple months back, if an election was to be held now the result would be about the same as the current setup: 39% for Puea Thai and about 35% for the Democrats, so a coalition could go either way. The good thing is that Newin's Bhum Jai Thai is expected to get less than 1% and become basically irrelevant so they'd no longer be the arbiter of which side gets to form a government. Most likely the role would fall to Barnharn and the other coalition partners. Neither side is sure of Barnhan's allegiance now which is why they don't want to chance an election.

Sorry, but you are clearly wrong. Can you demonstrate that the coup leaders or the government that the coup placed in power for a year changed the make-up of the court OR changed the organic laws in Thailand? Of course not since it didn't happen.

Since then Thaksin has been found guilty and owes the Thai people 2 years in jail (and is NOT eligible for an appeal since that time period has passed.) He has had his ill-gotten cash taken by the courts opening him to 10 or more new charges. He has unanswered charges waiting for him to show up in court again.

He acknowledged the legitimacy of both courts that then made rulings against him. He promised to abide by their results. He ran away from justice.

You don't get to have it both ways.

PS CMF -- I encourage people to discuss things fairly but I do not accept that people get to lie and impugn the courts. Be a man and say what you mean or be quiet. There are certainly adult ways to say what you mean without breaking the law. You are just mad that you keep getting caught out in your own double standards. you admit the legitimacy of the current government and say that you are not calling for them to step down but at the same time are calling for early elections which DOES call for them to step down.

[ChiangMaiFun]

Zolt - 100% true - watch this guy though he tries to trick you into breaking the law - he has done it with several others.

Tricked into breaking the law?!

That's a good one! Thaksin would be very proud.

I mean a fellow contributor trying to trip up another into 'impugning judges' in writing - not nice right? Whatever our disagreements we should not do that

And for the record I disagree with lying/cheating whosoever does it - and I have no doubt Thaksin did/does it in spades (along with others of all political colours) - that has nothing to do with my thoughts on elections.

[animatic]

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!

Said court was set up by the military, and operating under the military-backed constitutional framework of 2007. That gives it zero legitimacy in the eyes of a lot of people, and is creating division and unrest in the country.

This country badly needs an election, even for show. Problem is, according to polls a couple months back, if an election was to be held now the result would be about the same as the current setup: 39% for Puea Thai and about 35% for the Democrats, so a coalition could go either way. The good thing is that Newin's Bhum Jai Thai is expected to get less than 1% and become basically irrelevant so they'd no longer be the arbiter of which side gets to form a government. Most likely the role would fall to Barnharn and the other coalition partners. Neither side is sure of Barnhan's allegiance now which is why they don't want to chance an election.

The Military backed the 1997 constitution too.

So your point is moot.

A Show Election is nothing more than a show, an expensive show. And it proves nothing.

The country should save the money, and us it to help people not just appearances.

[rixalex]

I mean a fellow contributor trying to trip up another into 'impugning judges' in writing

Nobody is tripping anyone. It's very obvious what your friends below are saying.

then a military- and opposition-backed court

Said court was set up by the military,

[thaihome]

The main reason, and maybe the only reason, for the insistence on holding an election now is that with current government continuing most of the populist programs and the improving economy the PTP knows it will be a very had battle to even maintain their current strength in an election 18 months from now.

TH

[ChiangMaiFun]

I mean a fellow contributor trying to trip up another into 'impugning judges' in writing

Nobody is tripping anyone. It's very obvious what your friends below are saying.

then a military- and opposition-backed court

Said court was set up by the military,

my friends? sorry I missed something? I stand by what I post and if some agree or disagree thats fine - none are my friends nor my enemies - please stop - you are not helping your cause

[ericthai]

Hello as i have said in other post my gf has gone to bkk as she did last time but one thing i have noticed this time in our village is that a lot older thai people have jumped on the bus as well , has anyone made the same observation .

cheers .

hey roo, look at it this way:

1/ no social security as in old age pension

2/ older thais remember when a baht had 100 satang which actually could buy something

3/ plenty of time on their hands if they're not looking after the grandkids

4/ a trip to the big smoke might beat looking at the same boring village for the rest of your life

Fair enough? the alternative is that they are all die-hard Thaksin supporters, which is not as convincing to me

In my wife's village, they are ALL die-hard Thaksin supporters...everyone of them. And I think the same can be said for most of the rural villages in Issan. He did do a lot for them while he was in office and they love him for that.

Corruption? As they well know, it is everywhere and committed by pretty everyone who can. Example: we had to get a paper from a local office last year for my wife to get a Thai passport with her married name. It should be free, but as soon as they heard she was married to a farang, "tea" money had to be paid. My wife wasn't even there...her mother did it for her.

Dont know that is true allover Issan. In the village Im in here in Surin they dont like Taksin, some have problems with loans they got from the Taksin government which now has put the farmers in more trouble. Yes, Taksin made money available to the farmers but what happens when the money needs to be repaid. so I dont think all of Issan is behind him. The show of low numbers in BKK gave proof the support is dwindling

[hammered]

The main reason, and maybe the only reason, for the insistence on holding an election now is that with current government continuing most of the populist programs and the improving economy the PTP knows it will be a very had battle to even maintain their current strength in an election 18 months from now.

TH

Of course it is about competetive advantage

[animatic]

Steve:

The reason why Thaksin is pushing for a complete and total pardon is under either constitution he will be found guilty on this case and others; the evidence is overwhelming; there are ample people who know about the various schemes (it is almost open knowledge now and was back then, many hands means many informants willing to sell eachother out) and so this is why he needs, not a trial under a neutral court under the constitution of his choice, but a pardon. A neutral trial he will lose. Maybe not all of them, but some.

Maybe not all of them, but enough to make his end of days totally unpleasant.

And soft cushy and pleasant, are things he has grown over-accustomed to...

[animatic]

The main reason, and maybe the only reason, for the insistence on holding an election now is that with current government continuing most of the populist programs and the improving economy the PTP knows it will be a very had battle to even maintain their current strength in an election 18 months from now.

TH

Yes if they actually can be seen for doing the good I believe thay have started,

it would be an insurmountable advantage, especially with an utterly discredited Thaksin,

languishing sans Twitter in a Montenegro Sanitarium and no checkbook access.

In the best of all possible worlds.

[termad]

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. )

Uh huh. And that's why in a city of 10,000,000 how many bothered to turn out for the rally? Of course some residents of Bangkok are "the elite" - but how many? Can't be a big percentage or they wouldn't be very "elite". But let's say 1.000,000 or 10%. How many of those remaining 9,000,000 are so convinced that the government needs to be thrown out that they came out for the rally?

Considering that most estimates put the crowd at (ok, lets be generous) 150,000 and how many of those came from the north / NE, - 100,000? That means there were 50,000 Bangkok people there, out of a possible 9,000,000. Not a great show of support. And this was their big chance. There is very little support for the Reds outside of their stronghold. And with no plan for Thailand's economy, education, foreign policy, etc they are not likely to sway many over to their side, nevermind having an obviously mentally unstable leader and using tactics (the blood, voodoo rites) that were embarrassing to most Thais.

They don't need that much support outside their strongholds as you call them. I don't know offhand the population of Chieng Mai or the Central Plains but Isaan holds about 30% of the Thai population.

I don't think that you understand what the term Ruling Elite means in Thailand. It's not enough just to be rich you have to be from an aristocratic family, The Amataya.