Thai Protests Turn Bloody -- But Not Violent

[basjke]

Red-shirts Pour Blood at Govt House

BANGKOK: -- The pouring of blood by the red-shirt group at Government House has been carried out peacefully although the amount of blood gathered did not reach the group's objective of one million cc.

It seems Thailand fails on another hub.The hub of 1 million promises.First the 1 million people march,now the 1 million cc blood.What will be next.

[bifftastic]

Do you suppose those same donors would be prepared to give blood at a Red Cross or hospital donation day in order to save lives, a rhetorical question.

I would imagine they would do it, if needed - as they did today

I would hope they would, but I highly doubt it

Today was not a blood donation in the correct sense.

It was a total waist of time and serves zero purpose.

The red shirt leaders are making themselves laughing

stocks inside and outside of Thailand.

Obviously today was not a blood donation in the 'correct sense'.

I don't believe it was intended to be.

I doubt you can assume the thinking of all red shirt supporters with regard to donating blood at hospitals. The fact you do not agree with someone elses political views, does not make them more or less likely to donate blood.

Whether or not it was a waste of time remains to be seen.

As for the purpose, I think it's quite an emotive gesture and will play well on the news media around the world, 'the blood of the people', quite a clever idea really.

People in Thailand may well laugh, or not, but generally speaking, I think most people outside the region don't care either way. It's hard enough to get people involved in their own democracies, let alone those of other countries.

Hard to shift the perceptions of many people in western Europe, and why would they need to?

[arthurriding]

Kewl display - I wouldnt do it, but I give them credit they set out and did what they said they would do. Visuals are powerful and this one is wicked.

'Wicked' in the old sense of the word, yes, perfectly vile and nasty. What an absolute disgrace to the country are these awful 'red shirts'. This has nothing whatsoever to do with democracy or justice, it is all to do a bunch of people, fooled by that evil ex tyrant Thaksin, trying to regain for him a whole load of loot that he stole from the Thai people in the first place. The 'red shirts' are a complete and utter disgrace and should fall on their knees and deeply apologise to all Thai people for their grotesque behavior.

[steven100]

Kewl display - I wouldnt do it, but I give them credit they set out and did what they said they would do. Visuals are powerful and this one is wicked.

'Wicked' in the old sense of the word, yes, perfectly vile and nasty. What an absolute disgrace to the country are these awful 'red shirts'. This has nothing whatsoever to do with democracy or justice, it is all to do a bunch of people, fooled by that evil ex tyrant Thaksin, trying to regain for him a whole load of loot that he stole from the Thai people in the first place. The 'red shirts' are a complete and utter disgrace and should fall on their knees and deeply apologise to all Thai people for their grotesque behavior.

Agree 100% ... just a disgusting act.

Oh well .... next show ... buy your tickets now .. lol

Edited March 16, 2010 by steven100

[lannarebirth]

This blood ritual can be spun any which way in the press. I think it would be a mistake to assume all or even most Thais would find it outrageous and a sympathetic foreign correspondent could twist its import and symbology any way that suits their interest.

[keepsamuiclean]

"The OP says 'Hindu priests'. In fact this is a black magic ceremony presided over by Brahmin magic men known as phrams to Thais. It's typical Thaksin. The blood will force Abhisit and his government from office apparently. His brother lead a black magic ceremony in Chiang Mai a few years ago. Thaksin regularly consulted his astrologer and various phrams while in office. "

Yes, Loaded - but did it help?? Is there any fortune teller who told him that he would spend years like the "flying dutchman" - would get kicked out of UK, Germany and perhaps now UAE? He should be the last person believing in black magic. He said just that Suteph is 60 and should act like an adult. Mr. Thaksin, you are 60 too!

[Old Man River]

Tusathit is saying that Arisman has been designated to lead the blood pouring at Abhisit's house tomorrow.

[lazygourmet]

I still worry about what Jatuporn might do. He knows this protest has failed. While I had hoped the blood drive was an exit strategy, instead it appears to be an attempt at a rallying cry. What next?

Seppuku

[PanzerJohn]

I guess the next thing will for them to have a mass dump in front of govt house.

[Loaded]

"The OP says 'Hindu priests'. In fact this is a black magic ceremony presided over by Brahmin magic men known as phrams to Thais. It's typical Thaksin. The blood will force Abhisit and his government from office apparently. His brother lead a black magic ceremony in Chiang Mai a few years ago. Thaksin regularly consulted his astrologer and various phrams while in office. "

Yes, Loaded - but did it help?? Is there any fortune teller who told him that he would spend years like the "flying dutchman" - would get kicked out of UK, Germany and perhaps now UAE? He should be the last person believing in black magic. He said just that Suteph is 60 and should act like an adult. Mr. Thaksin, you are 60 too!

While he was in power there were whole programs on Thai TV devoted to who his astrologer was. But it wasn't just him - the military coup leaders joined together and flew to a respected astrologer in Chiang Mai on a military hercules 130 transport before handing back power. I know the astrologer btw.

[tavarich]

good on them and good on monks who dare to join protests against the government - they might become a new symbol of a fight against the injustice, as monks became symbols for the same ideas in the other countries (vietnam, myanmar)

rituals do play role in politics as well, but won't replace a rational, scientific education and a clear political program - for that we have to wait yet.

Here is another brave soul, sitting in another country far away and spouting off. It seem the further away the braver they are.

[samesamebutdifferent]

Personally, not a big fan of the blood protest, as I'll bet the cleaners that had to clean it up were'nt either.

I can't speak for what opinion the Thai people have on the spectacle, but if that's the best the Reds can do, is a black magic type ritual the sort of thing you want from a group of people who want to form a government?

[Rideau]

I am wondering if Bangkok Authority has the tools and equipment in place to deal with the bio waste. It is not just garbage.

Will the janitors be equipped with enough protection in cleaning it up?

Where have those used syringes and needles ended up? I hope they wouldn't just end up in garbage bins somewhere.

I understand that even hospitals usually need a special sterilization to get rid of the waste completely.

[teacherpaul]

No, not good on them at all. Throwing blood on the ground - that blood was not even tested before it was thrown around. It could have been infected blood. Not clever, but totally stupid. Next time, THINK before you write.

good on them and good on monks who dare to join protests against the government - they might become a new symbol of a fight against the injustice, as monks became symbols for the same ideas in the other countries (vietnam, myanmar)

rituals do play role in politics as well, but won't replace a rational, scientific education and a clear political program - for that we have to wait yet.

[Carib]

I still worry about what Jatuporn might do. He knows this protest has failed. While I had hoped the blood drive was an exit strategy, instead it appears to be an attempt at a rallying cry. What next?

Seppuku

Jonestown Guyana style???

[LuckyLew]

It was the lead story on the BBC news at 19:00. The reporter said something about all Thais seeing it as a powerful symbol as "the body should not be separated from the blood" and generally raved on as if all Thais would be impressed by the symbolism of it. Where does the BBC get these idiots from? My wife is not one for high emotion, but even she was extremely pissed off by this woman making out that all Thais are black magic, voodoo worshippers. If the BBC wanted to be completely fair why doesn't it get a neutral translater and randomly pick out a young, middle aged and elderly male and female from the protestors and ask them, on live television, why they are there? No doubt at least some of them would say to kick out Abhisit, but then ask them "and then what?" Let's see what the average red shirt supporter on the streets really thinks.

They should get Ning to do the interviews

[MaxLee]

Just imagine any innocent citizen walking past those areas being contaminated with the bacteria of the spilled blood...

[Loaded]

A little more insight in to how Thais perceive the world using the the Erawan shrine as an example:

"When the people of Thailand woke up on the morning of March 22nd and learned what had happened as the blood stained street where Thanakorn Phakdeephol was still fresh the inconceivable had presented itself to the nation. Brahma had been destroyed. Thaksin was in Burma and many people felt fearful and saddened beyond anything they had ever experienced before. The visible outpouring was greater than anyone had seen before which was a testimony to the perceived power Brahma gave to his devotees. It would take two months before the shrine could be restored and on April 5th, a little over two weeks, Thaksin Shinawatra left government house and his duties as caretaker of the Nation. The demonstrations leading up to the ousting of the Prime Minister were the largest in the history of Thailand.

Coinciding with all this drama of the Erawan Shrine King Bhumibol was preparing for all the celebrations for his 60th anniversary to his accession to the throne. May 5th, coronation day, was to be celebrated, and on that day Brahmin priests were going to present the king with a sacred urn filled with holy water from five of the most sacred rivers in India. Again, the ancient rites performed by Brahmins was again a sign that the real spiritual substance that lie in Thailand was gained from Hindu roots. Without Thaksin Shinawatra acting as the leader of the nation the King's 60th anniversary became the rallying call for all the Thai people. It was in their King the Thai people were able to find peace of mind. It was the King who came forward with advice on how the nation could reach some balance in its obvious turmoil."

http://www.earthportals.com/Portal_Messeng...awanshrine.html

[bangon04]

The OP says 'Hindu priests'. In fact this is a black magic ceremony presided over by Brahmin magic men known as phrams to Thais. It's typical Thaksin. The blood will force Abhisit and his government from office apparently. His brother lead a black magic ceremony in Chiang Mai a few years ago. Thaksin regularly consulted his astrologer and various phrams while in office.

A Buddha statue was also mentioned - how does it fit in?

[connel707]

good on them and good on monks who dare to join protests against the government - they might become a new symbol of a fight against the injustice, as monks became symbols for the same ideas in the other countries (vietnam, myanmar)

rituals do play role in politics as well, but won't replace a rational, scientific education and a clear political program - for that we have to wait yet.

Bloody nonsense I say.....

[tonglen]

ALOT of hullabaloo for a LITTLE amount of blood that does a LARGE amount of damage to this country. All of the hype for that teeny little amount of blood? So sad, I mean if youre going to do something, do it BIG and make an impression.

I say leave it where it is and wait for Songkran. A few squirt guns and it will be gone. Problem solved.

[mdechgan]

Did they come close to the 1,000 liters or 1 ton of blood claimed? That's just nasty though, one would think all that blood should have been donated for good use or donated to hospitals.

[Yunnie]

Thats so gross and unhygienic! But.. at least its not half as bad as the crazy protesters in S.Korea do. Lets hope the Reds dont google them.

I understand that they are unhappy but, isnt the point of all countries and political parties is to work together to improve the country and care for the well being of the people? Why live in the past. What is done is done. better to work together and move on to create a better country.

I've never seen such remarkable restraint by Abhisit. Other countries would just turn on the water or sound cannon, tear gas, or more lethal methods.

Still, what a waste of blood. Could have been better used by hospitals and Red Cross. There is a blood shortage up here in Chiang mai too. So wasteful.

[connel707]

i'm sorry, i'm a bit intellectually handicapped, so please excuse my ignorance.

but as far as i can read your comments: to achieve democracy, it's fine for members of the sangha to transgress the Lord Buddha's vinayana? to achieve democracy, it's fine to let a hindu priest perform "rituals" & spill blood?

while, to achieve democracy, for you, it's fine "to wait yet" for a "clear political program"?

may i ask you, _what is "democracy"?_ as i said, i'm intellectually handicapped & i'd appreciate your answer.

I do not care what religious Zelots will make out of this events, those monks did not make harm to anybody and showed their stance on the moral issue

1) pls, stop immediately, calling me a "religous zelot", while i just question merit of your argumentation.

2) you say, "those monks showed their stance on the moral issue" & _i_, humbly, disagree. so what we've now, you say. "it's right" & i say, "it's wrong" - & _that_ exactly is the reason, vinayana demands monks to stay out of "worldy affairs".

3) if you believe political situation (& social involvement of monkhood) between thailand & myanmar is comparable - you've just disqualified yourself.

anything else to offer? i asked you:

but as far as i can read your comments: to achieve democracy, it's fine for members of the sangha to transgress the Lord Buddha's vinayana? to achieve democracy, it's fine to let a hindu priest perform "rituals" & spill blood?

while, to achieve democracy, for you, it's fine "to wait yet" for a "clear political program"?

Well said commons..... I wholeheartedly agree... but thats what the Red Shirts are all about.. they just make no sense to normal people.. its not about democracy... its about Adolf..... sorry I mean Thaksin... and where is he and his family, did they donate any blood..!!!!! or just blood money....

[jonclark]

This was basically a publicity stunt to try to save face - The PM to his credit handled the whole situation calmly and simply rode out the storm, the media whipped itself into a frenzy, schools closed and people stocked up on food, water and beer fearing and impending crisis.

The Reds have been more than defeated they have been humiliated and humbled by the sheer stupidity and lack of planning by their leaders.

This blood ritual is simply a prank to gain publicity and to allow them to have closure on their terms, stagger off and lick their wounds and wait for the election when they will have another opportunity to test the water and see if they actually have the support they believe they have.

Personally I think this demonstration has made the government look better than it has in a while and made the reds and their political allies look like complete <deleted>.

And for all those constant whiners who complain that this isn't a legitimate government - well the lack of popular support spoke volumes about the view of the majority on that issue. An illegitimate government - debatable yes, but get use to it until the next set of elections cause it ain't going anywhere.

Personally I shocked to think that his majesty is sick in hospital and this fiasco goes on.

[Dario]

I've never seen such remarkable restraint by Abhisit. Other countries would just turn on the water or sound cannon, tear gas, or more lethal methods.

I second that completely. Water cannons would be good, just flush them away! They have water cannons here, but never been used, I think. Funding of those is now unjustified. Water cannons do not harm, but are effective. No other means, but water cannons would do the job. Guaranteed.

[animatic]

I still worry about what Jatuporn might do. He knows this protest has failed. While I had hoped the blood drive was an exit strategy, instead it appears to be an attempt at a rallying cry. What next?

Seppuku

Oh... no... can ...do!

Whale sushi is illegal and immoral.

[neverdie]

What image does Thailand have to lose?

Very valid point.

[janderton]

What image does Thailand have to lose?

to me... NONE.

but for those who believe at the fake historical that the people is good and friendly, this blood poured is shocking...

black magic and macabre rituals are a part of thai "culture"..

video not suitable for weak-stomached

[Jirapa]

Repulsive people, What about the Aids or Hepatitis risk.

Londonthai @ 19:07:49

This is not a Brave gesture, what has this to do with monks burning themselves, and hunger strikes?

This is just a load of unhygenic low lifes doing what they are told to do.

No respect

"Low lifes?" Who are you? Go home!