Second Round Of Talks With Red Shirts - Updates

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Monday March 29 Second Round Of Talks With Red Shirts

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Thai PM set for second day of talks with Red Shirts

by Boonradom Chitradon

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Red Shirt leaders were defiant as they prepared to meet Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Monday for a second day of televised talks to press for elections following weeks of disruptive protests.

A first round of negotiations, watched live on television by millions of Thais, failed on Sunday after Abhisit refused to bow to the demands of the protesters, who are loyal to fugitive deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

"We have our demand and I believe Abhisit has his answer," Red Shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar told reporters at the Reds' Bangkok protest site.

The Red Shirts, supported mainly by Thailand's poor rural population, first gathered two weeks ago in the capital's government quarter, laying open again the country's wide social chasm following months of rival street campaigns.

The red-dressed movement say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power on the back of a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling ousted Thaksin's allies from power.

Nattawut said the group would "brainstorm" their next move if Abhisit refused their request to organise snap elections, but "we will continue fighting," he said.

During three hours of talks on Sunday three Red Shirt leaders told Abhisit he had two weeks to dissolve the house, but agreed to meet again Monday at 6:00pm (1100 GMT) to resume discussions at a Bangkok educational institute.

A minister in the premier's office, Satit Wongnongtoey, said the government was "optimistic" about the outcome.

"We believe a solution is possible," Satit told reporters.

The Reds' populist political icon, former telecoms tycoon Thaksin, made one of his regular speeches by videolink following Sunday's talks, urging the thousands-strong rally to get behind the movement's leaders, who he admitted had been deflated following their face-to-face with the eloquent Abhisit.

Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006 and currently lives in Dubai to avoid a jail sentence for corruption. The Reds began rallying on March 14 after a court ruling seized 1.4 billion dollars of Thaksin's fortune.

Their demonstrations have peaked at the weekends, with 80,000 Red Shirts on Saturday forcing troops to retreat from security posts in the heart of Bangkok.

They have staged a series of dramatic stunts in their bid to force Abhisit out, picketing the army barracks where he is holed up and throwing their own blood at his office gates.

The Reds say the British-born, Oxford-educated Abhisit is only able to lead his six-party coalition with military backing.

Abhisit had ruled out talks while the protesters remained on the streets, but made an about-face on Sunday, a move analysts said might hint at a weakening of his support.

"How united is the military in bolstering Abhisit? Could this be why he is meekly agreeing to negotiations?" said Thailand analyst Paul Chambers of Germany's Heidelberg University. "One wonders what he has to gain from it."

While the demonstrations have passed peacefully, security forces have taken few chances, putting a 50,000-strong force on the streets and using a strict security law to police the rallies.

Deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban said the cabinet would decide on Tuesday whether to extend again the Internal Security Act in Bangkok and two neighbouring provinces, which is due to expire on Tuesday.

Suthep said the law, which allows authorities to set up checkpoints, impose curfews and limit movement, could also be enforced to cover a regional summit being held at the weekend on the Thai coast to discuss Mekong river flows.

The capital was hit late Sunday by the latest in a series of explosions at politically significant sites and army buildings.

A woman was injured by the grenade attack at the home of ex-prime minister Banharn Silpa-archa, and six bullet traces were found nearby, police said.

Two other grenades exploded close to a court building in the northern city of Chiang Mai but there were no injuries.

A dozen people were hurt over the weekend when grenades were lobbed at the gate of the barracks where Abhisit has been living and working during the protests.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-29

Published with written approval from AFP.

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PM Touches down in Bkk ahead of Talks with Red Leaders

BANGKOK: -- PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has touched down in Bangkok after his visit to Bahrain.

He's meeting with PM Secretary General Korbsak Saphavasu ahead of the scheduled talks with key red-shirt leaders who are standing by for PM's arrival at the King Prachadipok Institute.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-29

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THE NATION: Suthep will forward to PM-red shirts talk this evening the coalition parties’ proposal for a referendum on 6 points of charter amendment.

THE NATION: If the PM and the red shirts accept the proposal, as acting PM, Suthep will propose to the Cabinet tomorrow and set the referendum date.

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Foreign Press on Red Shirt - Government Talks

The international press sees the direct talks with the government as way out for the red-shirt members, but believes Thailand's deep political divide is yet to be resolved.

The attention of the foreign press was focused on the yesterday's talks between red-shirt core leaders and the government, stating that it is the first of its kind. Before yesterday, political negotiations have been kept behind closed doors and away from the public eye.

The Wall Street Journal clearly pointed out that amidst the escalating confrontations and strings of bomb attacks, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has agreed to hold direct talks with the anti-government core leaders to give red-shirt demonstrators camped in the capital a way to return home.

BBC stated that the smiles and handshakes exchanged between the two sides reflected their readiness to listen to each other; however, neither side budged on their stance.

BBC also said the talks showed that the government acknowledges the red-shirt demonstration as a legitimate political movement, but that it is also undeniable that they represent the ambitions of fugitive former premiere, Thaksin Shinawatra.

Hong Kong's Phoenix Television said the red-shirt demonstration shows Thailand's divide between the rural people and the middle class, which is more important than the House dissolution.

The red-shirt's weakness lies in the the fact that they are fighting for Thaksin's personal gain, without policies and ambitions to move the country forward, especially after Thaksin obtained Montenegrin citizenship, closing many doors for his return to Thai politics.

Phoenix Television believes that Thaksin is a hindrance in the progress of the red-shirts, because if Thaksin wins a general election, the demonstrations were merely a publicity stunt.

Therefore, if the red-shirts are really fighting for class equality, they must change their leadership, which will defeat the policies of the original red-shirts.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-29

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MCOT: PM back from Brunei, meets Korbsak and Chamni before seeing Red Shirt leaders; UDD trio leaving Phan Fa for King Prajadhipok's Institute

THE NATION: Second round of talks about to begin soon.

THE NATION: Abhisit, Chamni and Korbsak have arrived at Pokklao Institute. More reporters than red shirts on certain days.

THE NATION: Red leaders on their way.

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THE NATION: Red leaders have arrived, wearing red, as opposed to the government representatives' white.

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THE NATION: Red leaders have arrived, wearing red, as opposed to the government representatives' white.

Yesterday's talks seemed to have broken a few broadcast rating records, we've learned.

THE NATION: Jatuporn Promphan, a red shirts leader was seen at Pheu Thai HQ before going to King Prajadhipok Ins to attend the political talk.

THE NATION: The three Red leaders have paused for a hectic photo session that put Oscar night to shame.

THE NATION: The six have settled down on their usual seats. Wow. Everyone is smiling ear to ear.

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THE NATION: More photo taking inside the conference room.

THE NATION: As much as I think Weng was the reds' star man yesterday, hope he keeps it concise today.

TAN Network: Waiting for talks to start now!

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THE NATION: Ok, chitchat dying down now. Veera starting

THE NATION: Veera: "We are here to reiterate our demand, which is House disolution within 15 days"

THE NATION: Veera: "We don't want to call this the last round. But we would like a conclusion."

THE NATION: Abhisit: "It's like I said yesterday. There are conditions that we all should fulfil so as to make this really fruitful."

THE NATION: "We have consulted many parties. I have to tell the truth that many people don't want House dissolution now," PM said.

THE NATION: "No problem with House dissolution before this govt lasts its term," PM said.

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THE NATION: "Are we ready to talk within this framework? 15 days is impossible demand," PM said.

TAN Network: PM: Dissolving House today or in 15 days is really the same; it's not a realistic time frame

THE NATION: "If u r interested, we can continue talking," PM said. "If u r not intersted..."

THE NATION: "I'm not saying no to House dissolution. I'm just saying not today or within 15 days," PM said.

THE NATION: TV shows red protesters listen intensely at Phan Fa.

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THE NATION: Jatuporn: "You have been PM one year and four months without deserving it."

THE NATION: "Double standard has left a deep scar on Thai society."

THE NATION: Jatuporn: "Aside from being illegimate, yr govt has adopted various questionable policies."

THE NATION: Jatuporn is listing govt shortcomings, which makes me think why doesn't he just get up and go? Or Reds are ready to compromise?

THE NATION: Charter amendment should be done under new legislature, Jatuporn insisted, not under a pro-military structure.

Bangkokpundit: Jatuporn says 5 reasons for dissolution. 1. Illegitimate PM (missed this) 2.Thais under martial law at time of referendum of 07 Constitution

Bangkokpundit: Jatuporn: 3. Missed this, but he was talking about increase of red shirts & public opposition of the government.

Bangkokpundit: Jatuporn: 4. Failure of policy. Borrowed large of amount and a large increase of debts

Bangkokpundit: 5. We see that no chance of amendment of constitution under this govt. The Dems themselves disagreed with amending 6 provisions

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THE NATION: Jatuporn: "You and me and other groups should sign a ratification stating that all this must end with a new election."

THE NATION: Jatuporn: "If you don't do it (dissolve House) you will be a tyrant".

THE NATION: Jatuporn really playing hard ball here.

THE NATION: To loud cheers of protesters at Phan Fa.

Bangkokpundit: atuporn: 6. The number of corruption allegations. Sufficiency Econ project which Korbsak resigned; canned fish

THE NATION: PM: "I thought we would not talk about what was already discussed."

PM: "I thought we would not talk about what was already discussed."

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THE NATION: "Accusing this govt of being illegimate is an insult to the MPs that back this govt," he said.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: On me being illegitimate PM, I was chosen by MPs & up to each MP to vote for as per constitutional process

THE NATION: "It has been normal parliamentary process all along, including by elections won by this govt more than 20 out of 30." PM said.

THE NATION: "If you abhor this system, why did you contest in the elction?" PM said.

THE NATION: After yesterday's sparring session, this one 's building up to be a real bout.

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Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: If you (looking at Jautporn) u r so against this current constitution, why do you stand as an MP?

THE NATION: PM said "double standard" has more to do with Thaksin than him.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: Double standards was coined in reference to the Thaksin asset concealment case in 01, but we accept the judicial decisions

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Jatuporn insists new election must be held

Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt negotiator, told Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva Monday that a new election will have to be held to end the on-going political problems.

Jatuporn said it is too late to amend the Constitution now.

He said the Abhisit government had committed a lot of problems, including alleged corruption.

He said all sides should ratify a pact that all sides would accept the result of the next election so that the political crisis could end.

-- The Nation 2010-03-29

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THE NATION: "If we accept one court's decision and reject another, then this country can't go on", PM said.

THE NATION: PM said he never tried to speed up Songkran cases in which protesters ambushed his car or even aimed for his life.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: There is no delay in the PAD cases. It is part of justice system process & not related to govt.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: Money borrowed as part of stimulus package, but it was not largest amount borrowed. Largest amount was under Thaksin

THE NATION: This "peace talk" has turned into a censure debate....

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THE NATION: Why don't u discuss corruption that has already been judged by court, Abhisit asked Jatuporn, who had raised "corruption" issues during talk

THE NATION: Veera nodding again.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: There is new standard for Ministers under this government and they resign unlike in previous govts.

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Bangkok Pundit: We don't seem to be getting anywhere today.

THE NATION: "How many people believe we can have election under this atmosphere?" PM said.

THE NATION: "you said you could control ituation , but can u tell me who were responsible for the attack at Interior Ministry last year?" PM said.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: You did not do anything to speak out against the violence at Interior Ministry when my vehicle was attacked

THE NATION: That , i think , was Abhisit's hardest punch so far.

TH NATION; "Your leaders were standing near where the Interior Ministry attack took place. Nobody said stop," Abhisit said.

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THE NATION: "there have been clashes. grenades were fired at protesters. I don't want to see that happen," PM said.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: I have not said that I need to stay as PM until the end of my term. Need to have an additional period of time first

THE NATION: PM: Let's pave the way first (for election)

THE NATION: Who are the red protesters cheering? Is it signal delay or are they cheering Abhisit occasionally?

Bangkokpundit: Jatuporn: Back when PAD Govt. House was seized, u called for dissolution. Korn even visited Govt. House then, but now u disagree

THE NATION: Veera looking very lost, if not bored.

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THE NATION: Jatuporn and PM debating what happened at Interior Ministry last Songkran.

Bankokpundit: Jatuporn: Money borrowed under Thaksin was to pay for the NPL loans from the previous govt. Not money borrowed for spending

Bangkokpundit: Jatuporn: We never asked to amend the constitution for an amnesty

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: Will you consider a dissolution beyond 15 days?

THE NATION: Veera separating the two men like a boxing referee. Abhisit and Jatuporn were heatedly squabbling.

Bangkokpundit: Finally, Veera, Korbsak & Dr. Weng get the talks back on course

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THE NATION: Weng took the opportunity to take the microphone.

THE NATION: It has been reported that Pheu Thai believed talks would collapse. The party would announce its stance tomorrow.

THE NATION: Weng is speaking like he 's afraid someone would ask him to stop. Very rapid fire.

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THE NATION: "Reds are disciplined. Yellows are mad and bloodlust," Weng said.

THE NATION: Other negotiators tried to stop Weng left and right but he kept talking.

THE NATION: Weng showing photos of soldiers aiming guns during songkran mayhem.

Bangkokpundit: Dr. Weng is showing Abhisit photos of what he says of photos of soldiers aiming guns at protesters & wearing red cross symbol

THE NATION: "I've never ordered that people be harmed," PM said.

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Bangkokpundit: Abhisit says the photos have been investigated, but we can look at it again

THE NATION: PM: "Pls check my comments on the rally. I have never accused protesters. Look who's encouraging violence and aggressivness."

THE NATION: Veera: "If 15 days isn't acceptable. What's yr offer?"

THE NATION: PM can't give a definite answer, though, talking about readiness, rules and atmosphere again.

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THE NATION: PM: "What about the end of the year?"

THE NATION: Finally.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: We have the budget to consider & other factors. Dissolution at the end of the year

THE NATION: It's bargain time now. Veera speaking.

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Bangkokpundit: Veera: From what I have heard on the time needed to get legal things in order from academics is that it can be down within 3 months

THE NATION: Veera: "To lay down rules, two months should be enough."

Bangkokpundit: So Abhisit says end of year; Veera says about 2-3 months. At least we are moving ahead

THE NATION: Now debate (soft debate) on budget timeframe.

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: (now explaining on budgetary reasons why need more time)

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit is jack of all trades & Korbsak & Chamni are just sitting there for now

THE NATION: My take on the three red negotiators: Weng will be promoted, Jatuporn will get a raise. Veera will be fired.

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THE NATION: Red negotiators standing firm on two months.

Bangkokpundit: Jatuporn: For 9 month time frame, will the economy actually get better? Will we be able to amend the constitution in that time?

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: Explaining that this financial year is different from others because of financial crisis

THE NATION: PM looking serious on charter referendum.

THE NATION: referendum will take 3-4 months, PM said.

Bangkokpundit: Korbsak says 240 days (so 8 months)... Reds seem stuck at 2 months

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THE NATION: "Wanna read sms people sent 2 me? They said they won't vote for me if I dissolve House under pressure from just one group," PM said.

THE NATION: Weng's back.

Bangkokpundit: Dr. Weng: Govts r good at creating conditions & extending the time. This is my experience in the past. Not sure if this will happen here

THE NATION: Someone slap me. Weng took just two mins!!! All I could catch Weng say was "Please dissolve. Please dissolve."

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Bangkokpundit: Reds questioning whether Abhisit will really have a dissolution at the end of year or will be delayed again

Bangkokpundit: Abhisit: If he gives a promise for dissolution at end of year then if goes back on his word he will be punished at election.

Bangkokpundit: Ok, Korbsak talking now....(Korbsak and Veera are actually old friends from the 80s)

THE NATION: Korbsak talking. "We are here for thailand, not for Abhisit to continue to be PM or Pheu thai to be govt."

THE NATION: 'Let's be realistic if u want to do this for Thailand," Korbsak said.

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THE NATION: Korbsak outshines Abhisit today, probably because he (korbsak) was not under attack.

Bangkokpundit: Korbsak: We can each say we not trust each other. I thought I heard you say we have day 3. Meet again tomorrow?

THE NATION: Jatuporn: "Your side contributes to the bad atmosphere as well."

THE NATION: "Our difference is so vast. If u buy time, in the end nothing will improve and resentment will only grow," Jatuporn said.