Thai Protests Turn Bloody -- But Not Violent

[britmaveric]

I would say the govt lost - I think they were hoping smth violent occurred, but the reds were very peaceful. So I think this legitimizes the red movement even more. Prior to the blood letting I don't think most of the world took notice, once they did this it went down like a media firestorm. Very impressed and well done to the reds for having a successful demo. I think they will get even more support next protest!

[anotherpeter]

I would say the govt lost - I think they were hoping smth violent occurred, but the reds were very peaceful. So I think this legitimizes the red movement even more. Prior to the blood letting I don't think most of the world took notice, once they did this it went down like a media firestorm. Very impressed and well done to the reds for having a successful demo. I think they will get even more support next protest!

The government didn't lose. They are still the government.

The world took notice of some looneys spreading blood.

[Cayenne]

Let's see the UDD's KPI so far:

1) Million People for the march: only a tenth showed up and losing steam fast. Almost as fast as Thaksin losing his money

2) Call for house dissolution: Er...nope

3) Generate worldwide PR: yeah, the world now views them as a bunch of blood letting looneys.

[anotherpeter]

I find this quite repulsive,,it does nothing for Thailands image around the world.

It makes Thailand seem like the Dictatorship it is. The ordinary people fighting for democracy.

How is that "fighting for democracy"?

Just go home and vote properly in the next election. That's democracy.

[Rinrada]

Just go home and vote properly in the next election. That's democracy.

Thats what the reds are asking for..............a next election....like a proper one...yes

However now that "Mr Mark" will be forever known as the "bliddy one" maybe its time for him to depart gracefully ..go home and retire in Newcastle....do summit really exciting like joining.... UKIP perchance...and.....MPR

[lannarebirth]

The heart of the non Thaksin oriented Red Shirt movement is communistic. Jakrpop, Sae Daeng, Ungkaporn, Surachai, all communists and most with a belief that it will require a violent overtthrow of the "aristocracy" to achieve their aims. They seem to be coming to a parting of the ways with Thaksin's 3 clowns and far from this movement coming to a close, it could very well morph into something much more dangerous. Not saying it's good or bad for Thailand, but I'd have to imagine its probaly not going to be too good for foreigners.

Edited March 17, 2010 by lannarebirth

[Old Man River]

The heart of the non Thaksin oriented Red Shirt movement is communistic. Jakrpop, Sae Daeng, Ungkaporn, Surachai, all communists and most with a belief that it will require a violent overtthrow of the "aristocracy" to achieve their aims. They seem to be coming to a parting of the ways with Thaksin's 3 clowns and far from this movement coming to a close, it could very well morph into something much more dangerous. Not saying it's good or bad for Thailand, but I'd have to imagine its probaly not going to be too good for foreigners.

Nuttawut is coming as close to talking of violence without saying the word. It isn't going to be good for Thai's either. Time to close this circus down.

[hammered]

The heart of the non Thaksin oriented Red Shirt movement is communistic. Jakrpop, Sae Daeng, Ungkaporn, Surachai, all communists and most with a belief that it will require a violent overtthrow of the "aristocracy" to achieve their aims. They seem to be coming to a parting of the ways with Thaksin's 3 clowns and far from this movement coming to a close, it could very well morph into something much more dangerous. Not saying it's good or bad for Thailand, but I'd have to imagine its probaly not going to be too good for foreigners.

The three buddies have indeed denounced these people for being critical of the peasant movement. That may mean a real split or a split of convenience as those advocating direct action are about to take a lead and the three buddies group are distancing. We will see. However, it must be said that secular leftists are not likely to think all the cultish stuff is the way to go in poltitical struggle.

By the way Sae Daeng shouldnt be regarded as a communist. The other three Jakrapob, Surachai, Giles are leftists and seemingly united. Sae Daeng and a few others are in a group more likley advocating direct action but of a non-communist nature.

[bubba]

Was the link to this already posted here?

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/thaksin-ju...Ministers-House

At the very end of the clip, someone has a bottle of blood and they are slinging the blood at the policemen lining the gate.

[lannarebirth]

The heart of the non Thaksin oriented Red Shirt movement is communistic. Jakrpop, Sae Daeng, Ungkaporn, Surachai, all communists and most with a belief that it will require a violent overtthrow of the "aristocracy" to achieve their aims. They seem to be coming to a parting of the ways with Thaksin's 3 clowns and far from this movement coming to a close, it could very well morph into something much more dangerous. Not saying it's good or bad for Thailand, but I'd have to imagine its probaly not going to be too good for foreigners.

The three buddies have indeed denounced these people for being critical of the peasant movement. That may mean a real split or a split of convenience as those advocating direct action are about to take a lead and the three buddies group are distancing. We will see. However, it must be said that secular leftists are not likely to think all the cultish stuff is the way to go in poltitical struggle.

By the way Sae Daeng shouldnt be regarded as a communist. The other three Jakrapob, Surachai, Giles are leftists and seemingly united. Sae Daeng and a few others are in a group more likley advocating direct action but of a non-communist nature.

I drew that inference from the fact that he is calling for Jakropob to take over leadership of the movement and there's no question which way Jakropob leans.

[brahmburgers]

I would say the govt lost - I think they were hoping smth violent occurred, but the reds were very peaceful. So I think this legitimizes the red movement even more. Prior to the blood letting I don't think most of the world took notice, once they did this it went down like a media firestorm. Very impressed and well done to the reds for having a successful demo. I think they will get even more support next protest!

What did the government lose? The government showed admirable restraint - though I would have recommended some tangible concession to the Issanaites (actual free education, rather than pseudo-free). Another thing the government could do is send ag experts up there are have community discussions on what types of crops to grow, and which would do better than rice during droughts and poor soil (hint: hemp). Such things would have taken even more air out of the Reds' sails.

The Reds should be commended for not being their usual violent selves. Other than that, the Reds didn't come close accomplishing any of their goals. They spooked the Japanese royalty from coming to visit, and what else? They should now prepare for elections. Groom their best people to become candidates (albeit a very un-Thai practice. In reality, Thai political parties pick their oldest, dodgiest, and richest reps, and put them on the ballot.) Britmaveric, who desperately tries to find something about the Reds' protest to praise, is down to seeds and stems. There is nothing to praise about the recent protest, other than it was non-violent.

[britmaveric]

Praising the right for assembly and free speech should always be applauded especially in a peaceful and well mannered way. You are correct they are not going to bring down the present regime, but its a good start in addition to smth to build on.

[DickFarang]

I find this quite repulsive,,it does nothing for Thailands image around the world.

Most thais do not have a sense of 'around the world', ask an Isaan farmer a geographical question outside of their immediate geographical boundaries and the response will be slow...not much curiosity needed in ones life when you are doing back breaking harvest work in rice fields from the age of 4 or 5 on your mothers back in the heat, cant afford to indulge in the body politik in the same way as we in the West do as a matter of daily chit and chat...but they do know something about distrubution of wealth and that essentially needs addressing....I built a modest house for my thai partner in his Roi Et village, I was welcomed of course, could not possibly live there personally but at least I know he has a roof over his head when I am dead and buried, spent many times in the village...saw the dire poverty, got to understand that the rice is grown for their consumption not to sell, maybe from time the sale of a buffalo got them through a hard time, yes I did provide small amounts of money but never on a regular basis nor through any demanding behaviour of these gentle people...poverty drives people to all kinds of behaviour, I am sure if I were black, in America, poor, I most likely would be dealing in illicit stuff....but not blood letting! Dukkha..

You need not “ask an Isaan farmer a geographical question”, just ask a hi-so university student the same question.

Most university students in Thailand are not even able to find a (Thai) word in a (Thai) dictionary.

[davee58]

A couple of good articles in today's Guardian

Blood, sweat ... and custard: unusual styles of protest around the world

Thailand's Blood Protests: what does it actually mean?

Good idea..

Red=Blood, Yellow=Custard

To counter this sick, immature display by the Red shirts, a winning protest by the Yellow shirts would be:

A custard wrestling competition.

Worldwide media attention, venue Soi Cowboy, Increased tourist numbers, a fun time for all..

I doubt it will happen though.

[CraXeliCroX®]

I find this a bit disturbing - its good that I have a sense of black humor!

My question: Would Tha(n)ksin support the protests with HIS own blood? Or is that too much for him? Is he not dedicated the cause so much that he would give his blood for it - or does he prefer to let his supporters bleed on his behalf?

[bangon04]

No, they didn't do (1,000,000 cc = 264 gallons of blood) what they said they would do. Same as they didn't have 20,000 monks and didn't have 1,000,000 protesters.

They have failed at everything "they set out to do."

Their only consistency is that of failure.

The HUB of overestimating / hyperbole

[warmwater7]

What image does Thailand have to lose?

AIDS ANYONE?

as iv'e been saying, the right lense size, angle, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY DISTRIBUTION, can really distort the truth. Textbook example here. Propaganda 101, done badly . A relief

Question: When is the next payday for the "actors " ?,................................ next step-------DESPERATION. SEE: MEXICO

I truly feel for good Thai people.

[Zolt]

You’re right; there was a King named Taksin, and Mr. Thaksin is the reincarnation of a King. A Thai colleague told me that story, easy to understand, or? Doesn’t he look like a joker?

Funny parabole that. If memory servers the previous was a general Thaksin pushed back Khmer invaders from Ayuttaya, after the sacked the town and did with the ruling family. He then crowned himself king and was quite revered for a few years. Then he got hit by mental illness and... I'll have to self-censor the rest of the story.

His chief general deposed him, and built a statue to honor his memory.

[Zolt]

I would say the govt lost - I think they were hoping smth violent occurred, but the reds were very peaceful. So I think this legitimizes the red movement even more. Prior to the blood letting I don't think most of the world took notice, once they did this it went down like a media firestorm. Very impressed and well done to the reds for having a successful demo. I think they will get even more support next protest!

What did the government lose? The government showed admirable restraint - though I would have recommended some tangible concession to the Issanaites (actual free education, rather than pseudo-free). Another thing the government could do is send ag experts up there are have community discussions on what types of crops to grow, and which would do better than rice during droughts and poor soil (hint: hemp). Such things would have taken even more air out of the Reds' sails.

The Reds should be commended for not being their usual violent selves. Other than that, the Reds didn't come close accomplishing any of their goals. They spooked the Japanese royalty from coming to visit, and what else? They should now prepare for elections. Groom their best people to become candidates (albeit a very un-Thai practice. In reality, Thai political parties pick their oldest, dodgiest, and richest reps, and put them on the ballot.) Britmaveric, who desperately tries to find something about the Reds' protest to praise, is down to seeds and stems. There is nothing to praise about the recent protest, other than it was non-violent.

Hey non-violent is the most important, right? Personally I think the blood thing was scary and gross, but it managed to grab attention without causing chaos. I'm also happy to see the mainstream Reds divorcing themselves from the more hard-line leaders like Seh Daeng and co. Now if only they could divorce themselve from Thaksin too their movement might mean something.

All in all I'd say Abhisit won some. He kept his cool, gave the impression that he genuinely cared for the protester's demands, and generally was very visible at the peak of the crisis.

Suthep lost some. We always knew Suthep was the back-room negotiator and media spin doctor for the ruling coalition, unfortunately he does not seem to actually be good at it. His spin attempts and generally more hard-line approach fell flat when the threat of violence failed to materialize. Also his so-called coalition allies are running wild and doing whatever they want with the ministries he so graciously provided them, and they still threaten to switch side whenever they feel like.

Mainstream Reds won some. They showed that they could rally in a peaceful and orderly manner, which might win them back some of the support they lost last Songkran. They might want to redefine their objectives in the long run though. When you clamor for an election, you might want to consider preparing for it, and what you're going to do in the event you win it.

Thaksin lost, period. I don't mean his billions, that could have been worse. They could have seized everything, and the Tax office still wants a 12 billion cut regardless of the outcome. He lost pretty much his last chance to get back into Thai politics and much of his credibility with his support base. His speeches were weak and just a bit too desperate, and even spawned rumors about his declining health. Plus he invoked Godwin's Law, that's a pretty sure herald of The End.

[webfact]

Gun seized from soldier at red-shirt rally

BANGKOK: -- It has ben revealed that a man caught with a gun at the red-shirt rally site on Phan Fa Bridge last night is a military deserter.

The man, Somchart Taw-U-Toom, a private from the 1st Army Region, was detained by red-shirt guards monitoring the rally at about 7pm Wednesday night and a search of a bag he was carrying revealed a compressed gas charged pallet firing air-pistol, a quantity of copper coated 4.5mm (0.177 caliber) ball pallets and a multi-function pocket knife.

Red-shirt guards detained the man around Democracy Monument, which they had maintained surveillance on after a number of ping-pong bombs were found there the night before.

A further search of the man by red-shirt security guards unearthed a military identity card and during interrogation he told them he had gone Awol from his unit several months ago before completing his two years of national service training.

Red-shirt security guards suspect the man may have had a roll in the ping-pong bombs found the night before and information recorded on the paper in the photograph contains his name, the hotel he has been residing at, and a statement informing him he was considered a suspect in relation to the bombs.

After signing the statement red-shirt guards handed Somchart over to police who in turn passed him over to military authorities. It is understood he will be charged by the army and face a court martial for being Awol and face five-years or more imprisonment for desertion.

-- thaivisa.com 2010-03-18

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[ukrules]

Red-shirt security guards suspect the man may have had a roll in the ping-pong bombs found the night before........

What is it with the Thai's and ping pong balls !

[shawndoc]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but that looks like a cheap spring based air pistol, which is unlikely to break any skin unless shot point blank.

Good thing there weren't any empty cans lying around or he might have been able to hurt one.

[insert Steve Martin pic from The Jerk] "He hates those cans!"

[Dodobird]

Thai politics is not only about political one-upmanship through money, power and guns-it is also about the battle of black magic

[frodo]

An update from the BangkokPost:

The blood that was thrown on the gates of the PM's House, Government House, and the Democratic HQ's was contaminated with HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Even though the leaders stated they had a constitutional right to do this, the report said the leaders of the red-shirts showed no sense of responsibility for the hygiene and physical welfare of their fellow Thais.

Not surprised at all.

[happyvalleylady]

Umm, I am totally unfamiliar with posting here but I have to fly into BKK tomorrow and I have a number of questions that I need answers to and do not know where to turn and is this is the wrong place please be kind, I am very worried and I need you guys okay?

I don't really know how to use this thing, but here goes:

I need to pick up a visa at the Embassy of India, which is closed on Tue/Wed but open on Monday which totally changes my travel plans, but what I want to know is:

1) are there protests on Sukhumvit, particularly around Soi 23, where Glass House is located?

2) Is it best for timing to take a cab direct to Soi 23 from the airport or would it be better to take it to another SkyTrain station and SkyTrain from there and if so, does anyone know which SkyTrain station is closest to Soi 23?

I am planning on staying at Suk11 and someone told me there are tanks on SUkhumvit = is this true and really, how much bloodshed is realy happening in BKK and should I just avoid the place entirely? I am supposed to fly to New Delhi on Wednesday and of course all the tickets are all non-refundable, but I am currently in Phuket and don't know Bangkok all that well and it would be cool (and maybe this exists somewhere and maybe someone could send me a link) if there was a map of BKK with known "protest hotspots" marked on it so people could plan this kind of stuff without bugging you guys.

PLEASE HELP.