Thai Reds Refuse More Talks, Plan Fresh Weekend Demo

[WAERTH]

The city folk can do what they did along Ratchada ... mutilate all of the red shirt signs

W

[frodo]

I gotta' give kudos to the Bangkokians for putting up with this. <snip>

Seeing what I had seen over the weekend, I'm not sure how much longer the nice city folk will allow themselves to be trampled on. Protesting is fine, but keep it confined. People are getting a little tired of this.

I've read other posters saying the same thing, but realistically what can the "city folk" do?

The most that the city-folk *should* do is to peacefully block any red protestor "parades". The red protestors have a right to protest, and people have a right to protest against them.

The city-folk should at least make it obvious that the red protestors are not welcome with signs making it obvious that the reds do not have the city-folk support. But they must keep it peaceful.

I hope they do. If I'm not mistaken, there was a group this past weekend doing that very thing at the Siam BTS. I don't know the numbers, but one source stated "thousands" were there. It's a good start and they also have the right to protest in non-violent ways.

[Slaps]

I gotta' give kudos to the Bangkokians for putting up with this. <snip>

Seeing what I had seen over the weekend, I'm not sure how much longer the nice city folk will allow themselves to be trampled on. Protesting is fine, but keep it confined. People are getting a little tired of this.

I've read other posters saying the same thing, but realistically what can the "city folk" do?

The most that the city-folk *should* do is to peacefully block any red protestor "parades". The red protestors have a right to protest, and people have a right to protest against them.

The city-folk should at least make it obvious that the red protestors are not welcome with signs making it obvious that the reds do not have the city-folk support. But they must keep it peaceful.

So what you are trying to say is?

There's gona be fewer girls in the bars then

This is looking grim

[ovaltina]

Most of my Thai friends in Bangkok are neither yellow/red, some of them supported the airport protests at the time because they felt it was for the long-term good of the nation.

But today, non of them support any colour, they uniformly respect Abhisit & in particular his cool head and friendly professionalism through this whole sad thaksinite march.

Feelings towards the red's was jovial at first, and everyone I know always said that the rural areas need investment etc. ,as the protests kicked off my best friend said " in Thai we like watch TV series" and this was to her a sort of repetitive tv show with same old cast etc. But as the weeks dragged on and bottles of blood, grenades against bystanders & troops etc. the feeling is largely one of anger and also fear. My friends, are genuinely concerned about being caught up in a bomb etc. Its heartbreaking, watching neighbours and even schoolfriends being driven apart by arguments about this stuff, and just normal working-class Bangkok people feeling nervous in their own country.

Most foreign tourists care more about the Thai people than Thaksin does. It is the most shocking thing of all.

Edited March 30, 2010 by ovaltina

[webfact]

Metropolitan Police Adjust Security Plans

BANGKOK: -- The Center for Administration of Peace and Order has ordered reinforcement of police personnel to maintain security at important places, including government offices, military units, police stations, prominent figures' houses and community areas.

Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Colonel Piya Uthayo, revealed that the Center for Administration of Peace and Order, or CAPO, has recently notified all police and military units to enhance security at their bases, prominent figures’ residences, and government offices.

Police Colonel Piya said those particular security officers are allowed to carry firearms in order to protect themselves.

However, he stressed that security officers who are stationed at the protest site are still prohibited from carrying any weapons.

As for the expected inflow of red-shirt protesters from the provinces to join the mass demonstration in Bangkok, Police Colonel Piya said security forces at Panfa Bridge and Rajdamnoen Avenue have been reinforced.

Police forces have also been deployed to maintain security at the annual Red Cross Fair near the Royal Plaza and the 122nd Inter-Paliamentary Union, or IPU, at the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok and Convention Center in the downtown Rajprasong area.

Authorities are also securing the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, or BITEC , and the 8th Bangkok International Book Fair at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

He added that the Metropolitan Police Division 1 is in charge of security at the annual Red Cross Fair which is scheduled to be held between March 31 and June 7.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-30

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[TheOldWolf]

Perhaps Reds should have Songkran in Bangkok? Be fun for all.

I think they had that last year, and if i remember right it was no fun at all

[britmaveric]

Perhaps Reds should have Songkran in Bangkok? Be fun for all.

I think they had that last year, and if i remember right it was no fun at all

Well be a good do-over then.

[shawndoc]

Thaksin on last night's phone in

"Are you tired yet of trying to bring me home?"

I thought this had nothing to do with Thaksin all about "Democracy" and "the poor"?

[Tod Daniels]

The only person on the Red side who has a SHRED of credibility is Veera Musikapong! And I am loath to say that (from his flip flopping), but it's true!

Certainly it is not the thug/gangster; Jatuporn, nor the ancient history/number thrower, and rambler; "Dr." Weng. Only Veera had anything to say constructive to get the country out of the 'deadlock' it seems to be in now. I give kudos to him for his level headedness during the "debate" errr, I mean the 'negotiations'. ..

Say what you will about "Mark" (as ALL the thai papers call him, trying to alienate him from thai people) but he did extend the 'proverbial olive branch' to them (as in the Redz), and they, meaning the fire-brand, psycho, mafia, thug, Jatuporn, while receiving SMS's from someone unknown (aka Thaksin) threw it back in Abhisit's face saying 15 days is it. ..

Sad really.. ..

Abhisit NEEDS the next 9 months to do three things (in reality only two but. ..).

First; get the budget passed as that will dole out the money to the parties who support him.

Second to be IN power during the up-coming military re-shuffle as that will close ANY door Thaksin thought he might have in that area.

And lastly, third (4 u retardz); he wants to push thru some constitutional reform, but believe me that is a far distant third, as the other two trump it.

Shrewd for Abhisit to do that, but this is politics, not the playground. .. Playing nice is not an option. It's hard ball now boyz, and if throwing sand in your face makes me win, bad luck 4 U huh?

And not to give breaking news, but last time I checked Channel 5 was the Royal Thai Army Channel, so why wouldn't they broadcast news that is pro-Army?? Sheesh, the mind wobbles at some of these posts. ..

[frodo]

Thaksin on last night's phone in

"Are you tired yet of trying to bring me home?"

I thought this had nothing to do with Thaksin all about "Democracy" and "the poor"?

Most of us know the real reason for these protests and it isn't about Democracy. Thaksin himself admits it with these type of statements.

If only those poor uneducated red shirts could see how blind they really are. Lemmings.

[Oldvisitor]

Oxford boy is doing good so far

[Slaps]

Oxford boy is doing good so far

Yeah I can go with that

[tumtong]

I can't see the Bangkok locals willing to put up with another disrupted weekend. Enough is enough... the red shirts have outstayed their welcome and their refusal to accept an honourable compromise in bringing forward a fresh general election shows the true mindset of these "thugs".

Go home now Please!

[traderjm]

The most that the city-folk *should* do is to peacefully block any red protestor "parades". The red protestors have a right to protest, and people have a right to protest against them.

The city-folk should at least make it obvious that the red protestors are not welcome with signs making it obvious that the reds do not have the city-folk support. But they must keep it peaceful.

I personally know of three villages in the Lad Phrao/Bangkapi area that have come up with their own game plans to BLOCK any attempted parades in their neck of the woods.. the first Parade all three were gridlocked all day by those red Yahoo's these people (vast majority are Thai) are not going to let that happen again. All of us Farang that live in the villages were told we are welcome to join but will not lose any face if we choose to watch at a distance, understanding that we might be uneasy about getting in the middle... I know I will be at a pretty close distance camera in hand

[Ijustwannateach]

Sadly, normal businesses in Bangkok are suffering as a result and will probably have to let go of staff overall- meaning more of those protesting poor folks will lose remittance money from their relatives in Bangkok and also have to support more mouths to feed as those workers return to the provinces without jobs to do rice-farming.

...but at least their party 'cares' about them.

[animatic]

Jatuporn is saying one million Red Shirts in Bangkok this Saturday. He is back to the one million level. Well, we know the bulk of the unseized money of Thaksin's has been transferred (but still in Thailand). There may be a lot of cash being thrown around upcountry right about now.

Ironic economic stimulus plan?

Totally ironic, finally Thaksin is

spending some of HIS money on the Thai people, but NOT taking credit for it!

As opposed to his old ways of

spending other peoples money on Issan, and taking full credit for it.

The irony is deeper than anglers waders

Edited March 30, 2010 by animatic

[Puccini]

I've read other posters saying the same thing, but realistically what can the "city folk" do?

Neighbourhood watch teams are being formed in some parts of Bangkok, to deter demonstrators from vandalising private property.

[Publicus]

Metropolitan Police Adjust Security Plans

BANGKOK: -- The Center for Administration of Peace and Order has ordered reinforcement of police personnel to maintain security at important places, including government offices, military units, police stations, prominent figures' houses and community areas.

Spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Police Colonel Piya Uthayo, revealed that the Center for Administration of Peace and Order, or CAPO, has recently notified all police and military units to enhance security at their bases, prominent figures' residences, and government offices.

Police Colonel Piya said those particular security officers are allowed to carry firearms in order to protect themselves.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-30

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Yeah, while the government has been sensitive, cautious and well-prepared without being armed, this

"adjustment" to the overall security plan seems to indicate the government may be anticipating or expecting a possible new turn of events in what we seem to agree could be an intensified and more desperate weekend of Redshirt activities. The nationally televised talks have broken down, the parliament won't soon be dissolved, Thaksin not only won't quit but with his loot removed from bank vaults but likely still in the country, we may well see more Redshirts which might include some of different attitudes and behaviour patterns than the light-hearted ones we've seen so far, posing for PR purposes and all that nonsense.

Thaksin needs his allies in government sooner not later so his side has a keen sense of urgency. But Abhisit and his coalition government is set and isn't going anywhere soon. Something's got to give.

[SurinLA]

Perhaps Reds should have Songkran in Bangkok? Be fun for all.

Yes and they will splash each other with blood. Bangkok will be a ghost town from 4/11 - 4/19. The reds will not stay through that time.

I am so curious why so many RED leaders are either former communists or have associated with a communist party. Dr. Weng is one of them.

I feel like the RED movement is losing some supporters since the truce talk started.

It seems like many Taksin supporters in rural area( my village) have seen how terrible the 3 reds performed on TV and they now feel like they all were fooled. They believed the REd agendas are a lie.

Last night one of the leader on the stage told the protesters to take the picture of themselves with Somchai WongSawat; Taksin brother in law(Ex PM for 29 days). When they get home, they should take any pictures they have hung on the wall down and replace them with Somchai or Taksin pictures.

They are sending out a wrong message. We all know what pictures the Thai People hang them on the wall in their houses.

[webfact]

Reds to resume pressure

By THE NATION

BANGKOK: Leaders of the red shirts yesterday announced that their rally to "bring down the elitist government" would continue following a deadlock in the truce talks with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The red shirts announced a plan for their third weekend march this Saturday to force an immediate dissolution of the House of Representatives.

They also threatened to move on Parliament if soldiers were dispatched and road barriers set up around the compound when MPs convened for their meetings today and tomorrow.

In a statement read out by red-shirt leader Veera Musigapong at the protest site, the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship said its "fight" would continue until its goal was attained.

"We will continue our fight until we win," Veera said, adding that the rally would remain peaceful and unarmed.

The statement also expressed regret at the unsuccessful end of the second round of talks between government figures and red-shirt leaders. It said the prime minister would have to take responsibility for any negative consequences from the failed talks.

During the broadcast session at the King Prajadhipok's Institute, the red shirts' representatives insisted on their demand for dissolution of the House of Representatives within 15 days - while the government's representatives proposed that House dissolution could be achieved before the end of this year.

The red shirts rejected the government's offer for a third round of talks.

Veera told the red shirts yesterday the movement is led by a group of people, and not any individual.

He said group leaders often made their decisions after discussion among themselves and based their decisions on demands from the public.

The statement was aimed at countering allegations that fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was pulling strings behind the red shirts.

Earlier yesterday, another protest leader Jatuporn Promphan announced the red shirts would hold another large rally on Saturday as part of their move to "further intensify the demonstration".

He said details of the event would be disclosed shortly. He said the protesters would try to remove any road barriers set up around Parliament and would demand a pullout of troops from the compound.

Last week, opposition MPs from the Pheu Thai Party staged a noisy protest outside Parliament and boycotted House meetings due to a large presence of soldiers and several road barriers as part of tightened security.

Kwanchai Praipana, a red-shirt leader from Udon Thani, said yesterday he had changed his mind about leading more than 4,000 people from his Kon Rak Udon group to return home for a previously scheduled function.

Kwanchai said he had second thoughts after talking with Thaksin on the phone.

He said Thaksin asked him to retain the 4,000 people at the protest site for five more days, adding that the ex-leader wanted an "end game" before Chakri Day next Tuesday.

"I have to postpone the Kon Rak Udon's function until April 15. About 3,000 more people from the group will come on 100 buses and it will cost another Bt800,000," Kwanchai said.

Meanwhile, Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister's secretary-general, said the government would attempt to hold a third round of talks with the red-shirt leaders. When asked if he was still hopeful, he responded: "I never give up. I will have to try more."

In a separate development, an explosion occurred shortly after 8pm last night at the Foundation of Statesman Prem Tinsulanonda in Dusit district.

The explosion was believed to have been caused by a hand grenade that hit the foundation's fence and destroyed plant pots. The foundation is located about 100 metres from the Privy Council president's residence.

Later another explosion, believed to have been from a ping pong bomb, was reported at Sanam Luang.

Veteran politician Newin Chidchob advised MPs from the coalition Bhum Jai Thai Party to keep a low profile and allow the ruling Democrat Party to play the negotiating role, a source said.

Representatives from a group of academics who earlier called for a House dissolution, yesterday met with red shirt leaders and asked them to ease their demands for the government to dissolve the House within 15 days.

Also yesterday, senior Democrat adviser Banyat Bantadtan advised the government to prepare for more fights with the red shirts who appear to have grown in number and are better funded than previously expected, according to a party source.

DeputyPrime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban told a Democratic Party meeting that a roadmap had been completed for the next general elections, to be held on January 23, according to a source.

A senior military officer said the government would try to stay in power for as long as possible to be able to pass the budget bill to improve its popularity and to have a say in the annual transfers of state officials, particularly senior military officers.

In the meantime, Thaksin would "go all out and spent a lot" in a bid to force the government out of power as soon as possible in order not to allow the government an advantage in the next general elections.

-- The Nation 2010-03-31

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[anotherpeter]

Kwanchai Praipana, a red-shirt leader from Udon Thani, said yesterday he had changed his mind about leading more than 4,000 people from his Kon Rak Udon group to return home for a previously scheduled function.

Kwanchai said he had second thoughts after talking with Thaksin on the phone.

He said Thaksin asked him to retain the 4,000 people at the protest site for five more days, adding that the ex-leader wanted an "end game" before Chakri Day next Tuesday.

"I have to postpone the Kon Rak Udon's function until April 15. About 3,000 more people from the group will come on 100 buses and it will cost another Bt800,000," Kwanchai said.

This protest is not about Thaksin and he isn't funding it.

[brahmburgers]

Talks have broken off. Neither proposal was agreed upon by the other side.

When there's no agreement, there's no pact. Abhisit does not have to abide by his earlier proposal of holding elections a year earlier. However, Abhisit seems to be indicating that he intends to stick with his proposal even though there was no agreement. Yes, it's his prerogative to dissolve parliament when he chooses, yet, since there was no agreement with the Reds, he has no requirements (to stick with a gentleman's agreement) to call elections a year early.

[animatic]

Kwanchai Praipana, a red-shirt leader from Udon Thani, said yesterday he had changed his mind about leading more than 4,000 people from his Kon Rak Udon group to return home for a previously scheduled function.

Kwanchai said he had second thoughts after talking with Thaksin on the phone.

He said Thaksin asked him to retain the 4,000 people at the protest site for five more days, adding that the ex-leader wanted an "end game" before Chakri Day next Tuesday.

"I have to postpone the Kon Rak Udon's function until April 15. About 3,000 more people from the group will come on 100 buses and it will cost another Bt800,000," Kwanchai said.

This protest is not about Thaksin and he isn't funding it.

Yes, insert 'irony smiley' right above!

[Cayenne]

Kwanchai Praipana, a red-shirt leader from Udon Thani, said yesterday he had changed his mind about leading more than 4,000 people from his Kon Rak Udon group to return home for a previously scheduled function.

Kwanchai said he had second thoughts after talking with Thaksin on the phone.

He said Thaksin asked him to retain the 4,000 people at the protest site for five more days, adding that the ex-leader wanted an "end game" before Chakri Day next Tuesday.

"I have to postpone the Kon Rak Udon's function until April 15. About 3,000 more people from the group will come on 100 buses and it will cost another Bt800,000," Kwanchai said.

This protest is not about Thaksin and he isn't funding it.

Kwanchai is just submitting his expense report to his boss ahead of time. Of course, out of the 100 buses and 2,000 baht per head expenses, maybe only 40 buses will come and each villager will get 1,000 baht. Kwanchai will just skim off the rest and laugh all the way to the bank

[frodo]

Kwanchai Praipana, a red-shirt leader from Udon Thani, said yesterday he had changed his mind about leading more than 4,000 people from his Kon Rak Udon group to return home for a previously scheduled function.

Kwanchai said he had second thoughts after talking with Thaksin on the phone.

He said Thaksin asked him to retain the 4,000 people at the protest site for five more days, adding that the ex-leader wanted an "end game" before Chakri Day next Tuesday.

"I have to postpone the Kon Rak Udon's function until April 15. About 3,000 more people from the group will come on 100 buses and it will cost another Bt800,000," Kwanchai said.

This protest is not about Thaksin and he isn't funding it.

Veera told the red shirts yesterday the movement is led by a group of people, and not any individual. He said group leaders often made their decisions after discussion among themselves and based their decisions on demands from the public. The statement was aimed at countering allegations that fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was pulling strings behind the red shirts.

Nothing but contradictory statements from UDD leaders. Left hand, right hand. How can they ever expect to gain respect or even attempt to "end game" as their dear criminal fugitive put it.

Happy to read posts here that some areas of Bangkok are preparing to keep these "democracy lovers" out of their areas. I hope they succeed in driving these people back to where they belong.

[Thai at Heart]

Have you heard the one about Abhisit and the extended Debt Moratorium for farmers.

Check out the front page of the paper that must not be named. This is a game changer.

Thaksin is going to have a fit and Abhisit has put all his cards on the table. Reading it, it looks like a very elegant scheme.

[brahmburgers]

Have you heard the one about Abhisit and the extended Debt Moratorium for farmers.

Check out the front page of the paper that must not be named. This is a game changer.

Thaksin is going to have a fit and Abhisit has put all his cards on the table. Reading it, it looks like a very elegant scheme.

I read it, and though I'm in favor of easing debt burden for farmers, I think it could have been crafted better. The ceiling of Bt.2.5 million seems high. Also, every farmer with a debt will want to enter in on the scheme, so that's added bureaucracy for each one (or whomever does his/her financial chores). Any farmer who sticks with his original loan agreement will feel like a dumb fool for being responsible. The debt relief plan essentially reinforces irresponsibility. There also needs to be across the board consciousness adjustment (you can tell I'm from California) for Bank/Gov't Loan officers AND realistic assessment of what farmers really need to make a decent living.

Example: much of current farming expenditure goes to unnecessary and/or environmentally harmful things: Prime example: toxic chemicals. Also choice of crop options is a big issue. I would imagine that every farmer who proposes (to the loan officer) that he's planning to grow rice, gets an OK from the lending institution - without a consideration of the wisdom of growing rice in drought stricken regions.

To give an example of how myopic the thinking level is here in Thailand: There's a large tract of rural land near my house which is a Government station (Ag Dept?) for experimenting to find best crops for Thailand. It looks to be 50 rai with lots of buildings and personnel and a fat budget. What sorts of interesting plants are they experimenting with? Answer: nearly the whole compound is dedicated to one type of indigenous fruit tree, and there's been no noticeable development in many years. This was told to me by one of the senior staff there. The place is basically stymied in to doing nothing. Anyone familiar with how Thai bureaucracy works won't be surprised. Perhaps it's where some of the hundreds of people per month go - who go who get "assigned to an inactive post."

The psychology of an announcement like the debt forgiveness will put a stop on most farmers' payments right away. It will also send a message to all farmers who plan to take out new debt: "don't worry too much about the money owed or the interest, as subsequent governments will likely forgive the debt in the future." It's like the psychology of Mexicans continually coming in to the US. They know it's illegal, but they also know that every 9 years or so there's a general amnesty, and each Mexican who is in the States will get given a green card.

[quiksilva]

Somehow I don't think they are too concerned with the long term implications of this measure!

This costs 80bn and they just came into quite a bit of cash courtesy of Thaksin.

That's got to sting a bit eh? We'll seize your cash and use it to pay your supporters debts.. he'll be seething!

Edited March 31, 2010 by quiksilva

[animatic]

Somehow I don't think they are too concerned with the long term implications of this measure!

This costs 80bn and they just came into quite a bit of cash courtesy of Thaksin.

That's got to sting a bit eh? We'll seize your cash and use it to pay your supporters debts.. he'll be seething!

LOL, yes it IS a pretty picture...

It is an interesting stratagem, because it makes a lot of friends instantly,

and yanks the rug out from under many Red arguments,

and would seem to be money where your mouth is sincerity...

[brd199]

UDD to stage another big march on 3 Apr

BANGKOK, 31 March 2010 (NNT) – The United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) has issued the 5th announcement saying it will mobilize 20 million supporters on 3 April 2010 to press the Democrat-led government to dissolve the house.

UDD Chairperson Veera Musikapong on Tuesday evening read the announcement indicating 20 million people would rally at Phan Fa Bridge and stay until winning the victory.

He criticized the government for having no sincerity to end the division in the society resulting from the 19 September coup d’้tat. Mr Veera however confirmed that the movement of the UDD would be peaceful using neither violent measures nor weapons.

UDD Deputy Chairperson Jatuporn Prompan added that details of the third mass-march of the UDD on 3 April would be disclosed later. He stressed that the movement would be changed to be more intense in tactics but would still be peaceful.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255303310002

Edited March 31, 2010 by brd199