US Calls For Peaceful Resolution In Thailand

[webfact]

US calls for peaceful resolution in Thailand

WASHINGTON (AFP) --The United States on Tuesday voiced support for talks to resolve Thailand's political turmoil, and urged protesters to avoid violence.

"We are encouraged by the recent talks between the government and opposition leaders," State Department spokesman Mark Toner told reporters.

"We hope frankly that differences can be addressed through Thailand's democratic institutions and certainly not through violence," he said.

Anti-government "Red Shirts" have engaged in two rounds of talks with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva but said Tuesday that the negotiations had failed and promised a new mass rally.

Toner urged protest leaders to "foreswear the use of violence" while voicing support for their right to take to the streets.

"Peaceful demonstrations are a hallmark of a democratic society," Toner said.

The protesters, who stem mostly from Thailand's rural poor, first gathered more than two weeks ago in Bangkok's government quarter -- the latest in a string of rival street campaigns in the politically riven kingdom.

The demonstrators support former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a billionaire tycoon ousted in a 2006 coup and now living abroad.

Thailand is the oldest Asian ally of the United States.

The kingdom offered elephants to President Abraham Lincoln as he waged the 1861-1865 Civil War.

More recently, it supported the United States in the Vietnam War and the second Iraq war which ousted Saddam Hussein.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-31

Published with written approval from AFP.

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[webfact]

Thai PM still holds out hope of talks with reds

MANAMA (AFP) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in Bahrain Tuesday he still held out hope that anti-government "Red Shirts" will agree to further talks despite their flat refusal of more negotiations.

"I have had two rounds of talks with the leaders of the demonstrations ... when I get back I will see if they are willing to resume the talks," Abhisit, on a visit to the Gulf Arab state, told a media conference in Manama.

Leaders of the red-clad protest movement rejected in Bangkok earlier Tuesday the prime minister's offer of more talks, saying negotiations to end their protests had failed and promised a fresh mass rally on Saturday.

The leaders have held two rounds of televised talks with premier since Sunday, in which they demanded he call elections within 15 days, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.

"Negotiations have completely failed and have already ended. No more talks, everything is finished," a defiant Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan told reporters, refusing Abhisit's offer to hold new discussions on Thursday.

Jatuporn later said that for the third Saturday in a row, they would hold a mass rally in Bangkok on April 3. "Our activities will be only known on that day," he said.

"In this demonstration, we will intensify our fight with the government, but I can reaffirm that we will stick to non-violent means."

Referring to the possibility of fresh demonstrations, Abhisit told the Manama news conference that his government would handle them in the same way as they have in the past.

"There were some demonstrations recently... as far as this government is concerned we will ensure the demonstrations do not lead to violence," he said.

During talks late Monday, Abhisit offered Jatuporn and two other Red Shirt representatives a compromise deal, saying he was willing to call elections by the end of the year, one year ahead of schedule.

"We need 15 days, while the government needs nine months," Jatuporn said after the two sides parted without agreement. "The government is insincere."

In Bahrain, the prime minister was adamant however he would not concede to the demand of immediate dissolution of parliament.

"I think the country needs a cooling down period," that would allow dialogue between groups, "whether they are the Red Shirts or other groups," he said.

This would, he added, allow the drafting of "a road map to achieve reconciliation and agree on the rules for holding the next elections."

The supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power through a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from power.

The group, who stem mostly from Thailand's rural poor, first gathered more than two weeks ago in Bangkok's government quarter -- the latest in a string of rival street campaigns in the politically riven kingdom.

The cabinet on Tuesday extended for a week a harsh security law that allows the military to take control of a 50,000-strong force deployed across Bangkok and surrounding provinces to monitor the rallies.

While the demonstrations have been peaceful so far, a series of small explosions have hit politically significant sites and army buildings, injuring more than a dozen people in the last four days.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-03-31

Published with written approval from AFP.

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[webfact]

TELEVISED PEACE TALKS

Compromise nowhere in sight

By NATHAPAT PROMKAEW,

ONRAVEE TANGMEESANG,

MANASSA MANORAT,

WIMONTRI KAEWPRACHUM

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- If an unofficial poll from Twitter is to be believed, the savvy-looking government team led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva outclassed the three red-shirt leaders in the two live televised debates.

Obviously, as in any other debate, perception does matter.

Nevertheless, the die-hard and exhausted red-shirt protesters, observing the first round of the debate from their stronghold on Phan Fa Bridge, insist on standing by Veera Musigapong, Weng Tojirakarn and Jatuporn Promphan - the three leaders representing the movement at the debate.

Though the red shirts at the Phan Fa outpost agreed that the dialogue was a good start towards a peaceful resolution, they admitted there was no sign of a solution.

One man from Surin, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he would like to return home before Songkran, though he would not say if he would continue rallying if the government refused to dissolve Parliament. Like many others, the Surin native has been here since March 12.

While most if not all appeared to be exhausted from the searing heat, emotions ran high as the Monday debate kicked off live on television. Judging from the cheers and jeers, it was obvious whose side the crowds were on.

Jatuporn's remarks were greeted with loud cheers, and the PM's with big boos.

"I don't believe in what the PM has said because he has not answered the points. He tries to create an image and convince people to believe in him. Except, it doesn't work for me," said Amrin, a 32-year-old music teacher from Bangkok.

A fellow protester agreed. "Abhisit has tried to use rhetoric to lure us. He doesn't answer sincerely or truthfully," said Pornsak, 57, a retired government official from Bangkok.

Meanwhile, 73-year-old red-shirt protester Manit believed the so-called negotiations were just a way for the government to buy more time.

As for the sticky subject of fugitive ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, many red shirts said their struggle was more important than the plight of the convicted man.

"I didn't take part because of Thaksin. I just want new elections, but before that happens, there should be a settlement between the two sides. Otherwise, the rally will not come to an end," said Somchai, a 41-year-old university lecturer from Bangkok.

Most of the protesters continued clinging to the red-shirt narrative that sees the Abhisit government as a product of the 2006 coup plotters and the elite or ammart. Dissolving Parliament would return the mandate to the people, they say.

However, nobody could tell how this would guarantee an end to future uprisings and street protests by other political groups.

Somchai, an employee of a private firm in the capital, said he was not very optimistic because he saw the entire social-political structure being stacked up against grass-roots people.

While some failed to understand why the government had agreed that dissolution, though not immediate, was the best way out, others burst into tears upon hearing that the talks were a failure.

Regardless of what was said during the debate, the red shirts at Phan Fa Bridge have already concluded that their struggle is just and that they are determined to fight on.

Some did quietly retreat as the movement began losing momentum, however.

"I come here every day to encourage our friends from upcountry to keep their chins up," said Pornphan Phanpruek, 52, a market vendor at Wang Lang.

Thanapol Sila-aas, 22, a Ramkhamhaeng University student, said that regardless of who emerged victorious in this battle, the red-shirt leaders were the champions of his heart.

He expressed concern about the level of apathy among today's younger generation, saying it was unfortunate that few students showed interest in politics.

Echoing Thanapol but leaning more towards a conspiracy theory was Keasorn Sontanmino, 61, who said Abhisit did not have full control but was being manipulated by some unnamed puppet masters.

Yodying Boonyanooch, a Bangkok resident, said social injustice and inequality had brought her to the rally. She said a win-win compromise was the desired outcome, but something had to give in a predicament like this.

However, from the look of things, compromise is still nowhere in sight.

-- The Nation 2010-03-31

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[anotherpeter]

The supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power through a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from power.

I don't understand how Thaksin says he is fighting for democracy when he says things like this!

Because the PPP executive broke the law, the court had to make the decision that they did. It was a clear cut decision.

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

It just shows that Thaksin wants to ignore the courts AND ignore democracy.

Edited March 31, 2010 by anotherpeter

[kalbo123]

The supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power through a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from power.

I don't understand how Thaksin says he is fighting for democracy when he says things like this!

Because the PPP executive broke the law, the court had to make the decision that they did. It was a clear cut decision.

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

It just shows that Thaksin wants to ignore the courts AND ignore democracy.

So how do you combine a military coup and democracy?

[SM7WGP]

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

Not in my book it isn't. Elected by the people not the parliament thats democracy.

[jackdawson]

US calls for peaceful resolution

oh u mean the country which started not one but 2 wars in the 00s (and more importantly wasn't able to "win" either)

who asked it?

Edited March 31, 2010 by jackdawson

[mazeltov]

The supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power through a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from power.

I don't understand how Thaksin says he is fighting for democracy when he says things like this!

Because the PPP executive broke the law, the court had to make the decision that they did. It was a clear cut decision.

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

It just shows that Thaksin wants to ignore the courts AND ignore democracy.

"after a controversial court ruling"

see that word 'controversial'? if you keep ignoring certain details you will not be able to understand.

[MyphuketLife]

US calls for peaceful resolution

oh u mean the country which started not one but 2 wars in the 00s (and more importantly wasn't able to "win" either)

who asked it?

Look I don't agree with the wars, but did not win? so Iraq is still lead by the same man before the war? The Iraq army kept the US from taking controll of the capitol?

Maybe we have different meaning of win, but the war took down the iraq leadership. Was it a clean war? no, but remind me of a war that was "clean"?

[anotherpeter]

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

Not in my book it isn't. Elected by the people not the parliament thats democracy.

Then you don't understand Democracy.

Thaksin wasn't voted for by the people. The PPP weren't voted for by the people.

They were ALL voted for by a parliamentary vote.

[anotherpeter]

The supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power through a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from power.

I don't understand how Thaksin says he is fighting for democracy when he says things like this!

Because the PPP executive broke the law, the court had to make the decision that they did. It was a clear cut decision.

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

It just shows that Thaksin wants to ignore the courts AND ignore democracy.

So how do you combine a military coup and democracy?

The coup wasn't democratic. There plenty of good reasons for it, but in no way was it democratic.

But there have been elections. And there will be new elections by the end of 2011. Isn't that democracy?

[anotherpeter]

The supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra say the government is elitist and undemocratic because it came to power through a parliamentary vote after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies from power.

I don't understand how Thaksin says he is fighting for democracy when he says things like this!

Because the PPP executive broke the law, the court had to make the decision that they did. It was a clear cut decision.

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

It just shows that Thaksin wants to ignore the courts AND ignore democracy.

"after a controversial court ruling"

see that word 'controversial'? if you keep ignoring certain details you will not be able to understand.

It was controversial. But was it wrong?

The executive or the PPP were involved in electoral fraud. The law said that if the executive are involved in electoral fraud then the party has to be disbanded.

[hammered]

Looks like nobody wants to comment on the US statement. Strange how nearly every topic on TV politics board gets sidetracked into the same boring old rows that have been done to death hundreds of times.

Anyway here is to hoping that the US advice is listened to.

[shawndoc]

There's really nothing to comment on about the US Statement.

[jdinasia]

And a parliamentary vote is EXACTLY what democracy is all about.

Not in my book it isn't. Elected by the people not the parliament thats democracy.

Parliament is how every PM is elected. There is no direct election of the PM in most parliementary democracies. PPP (the former Thaksin proxy party) could have called for new elections before they were disbanded but they didn't because they thought that their allies that helped form the Samak and SOmchai governments would stay loyal. They didn't. Parliamentary democracies allow for the elected representatives of the populace to vote for a new government when they need to. The vote was required when PPP was disbanded on real evidence of a PPP official paying off village leaders to buy votes/influence voters. The decision was given on that particular case MONTHS before the PPP was disbanded, which gave them time to create a "shell" party for their MP's to join after they were disbanded.

The current impasse derives from Thaksin disbanding parliament early when he was in power. For those mentioning the 2006 coup; there have been elections since then that did NOT give any side a 50% majority. All three governments that have been in place since that election have been coalition governments.

[anotherpeter]

Looks like nobody wants to comment on the US statement. Strange how nearly every topic on TV politics board gets sidetracked into the same boring old rows that have been done to death hundreds of times.

Anyway here is to hoping that the US advice is listened to.

Sorry. I know it's been done to death. But they just keep on coming out with statements that need to be corrected.

[jdinasia]

Looks like nobody wants to comment on the US statement. Strange how nearly every topic on TV politics board gets sidetracked into the same boring old rows that have been done to death hundreds of times.

Anyway here is to hoping that the US advice is listened to.

I don't see much chance that this does not progress into direct conflict between the reds and government troops. The only thing the reds can do at this point is to try and take government house and parliament and this government is not going to allow this to happen.

[hammered]

Looks like nobody wants to comment on the US statement. Strange how nearly every topic on TV politics board gets sidetracked into the same boring old rows that have been done to death hundreds of times.

Anyway here is to hoping that the US advice is listened to.

Sorry. I know it's been done to death. But they just keep on coming out with statements that need to be corrected.

It is diversion. A common political tactic. Soon everyone is debating something away form a subject that someone or one side doesnt want debated or highlighted.

[mca]

"We hope frankly that differences can be addressed through Thailand's democratic institutions and certainly not through violence," he said.

From the guys who aren't adverse to overthrowing democratically elected leaders themselves.

[hammered]

Looks like nobody wants to comment on the US statement. Strange how nearly every topic on TV politics board gets sidetracked into the same boring old rows that have been done to death hundreds of times.

Anyway here is to hoping that the US advice is listened to.

I don't see much chance that this does not progress into direct conflict between the reds and government troops. The only thing the reds can do at this point is to try and take government house and parliament and this government is not going to allow this to happen.

This weekend will beinteresting. My feeling is it will be a monster rally as it is getting close to Songkhran and time is running out.

The government just need nothing to happen. Do they relax security and give the reds little to aim at or do they try to stop the rally getting big and inconvenience it? That is their dilemma.

The reds need something to happen to undermine the government. Do they do something very provocative or even mildly violent to cause this or do they just try and use peaceful huge numbers to intimidate the government and hope for a climbdown or government overreaction? Their dilemma is that they need something to happen but cant be seen to be overly provocative or violent.

Then there is also the extremists on both sides who could trigger something to push their own agenda and of course possible third hands if they really exist.

All imho

I hope it stays peaceful

[jdinasia]

If the reds try to tear down/remove barriers that are in place to prevent them from taking Government House or Parliament; I think they will get their intended reaction. I hope that the government can make a show out of peacefully soaking the crowd in an early Songkran celebration, but if the reds bring women and babies into the line of fire that ups the ante considerably.

[anotherpeter]

If the reds try to tear down/remove barriers that are in place to prevent them from taking Government House or Parliament; I think they will get their intended reaction. I hope that the government can make a show out of peacefully soaking the crowd in an early Songkran celebration, but if the reds bring women and babies into the line of fire that ups the ante considerably.

There should be two lines of protection.

One where the security try to stop the reds peacefully (ie a line of police with sheilds).

Once the reds have broken through that, then they have broken the law, so the army can start with the more persuasive methods.

The second line is the one that the army use all methods (without guns) to stop the reds.

EDIT: And just to keep it a little on topic, I'm sure the US would skip the first line and go straight to the second line.

Edited March 31, 2010 by anotherpeter

[webfact]

Red Shirt Leaders Calls off Negotiation with Government

BANGKOK: -- The red-shirt leaders have called off the negotiation with the government after two failed attempts. Additionally, they have prepared to step up their protest to pressure the government.

Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt leader, has insisted the anti-government movement will no longer continue the negotiation with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, claiming irreconcilable differences in political standpoints between the two sides.

Jatuporn also said that if the negotiation is to be resumed as Abhisit wants, it could even deteriorate the situation.

As for the government's proposal to dissolve the House within nine months, Jatuporn believes it was merely a delay tactic employed by the government.

The red-shirt leader claims the government wants to buy time before the annual police and military appointment period. The group's leaders plan to meet to discuss how to increase their pressure on the government.

Jatuporn has even issued a warning to the government to withdraw soldiers from the areas surrounding the rally, or the red-shirt protesters will have to do it themselves.

He has also threatened the President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Dusit Nontanakorn, and acting President of the Federation of Thai Industries, Santi Wilassakdanont, saying they could be targeted for their roles in supporting the government.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-31

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[quiksilva]

The red-shirt leader claims the government wants to buy time before the annual police and military appointment period. The group's leaders plan to meet to discuss how to increase their pressure on the government.

If this is not about Thaksin, why would they care about this point?

Jatuporn has even issued a warning to the government to withdraw soldiers from the areas surrounding the rally, or the red-shirt protesters will have to do it themselves.

How exactly would they manage that without force?

He has also threatened the President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Dusit Nontanakorn, and acting President of the Federation of Thai Industries, Santi Wilassakdanont, saying they could be targeted for their roles in supporting the government.

and now he is threatening business leaders? !

Seriously, if this is not about Thaksin (which perhaps maybe the case for some supporters, but its clearly not for the leadership) then this guy is doing more harm to the 'cause' of the Red shirts than almost anyone else.

[coconutmonkey]

Yep

well said

"We hope frankly that differences can be addressed through Thailand's democratic institutions and certainly not through violence," he said.

From the guys who aren't adverse to overthrowing democratically elected leaders themselves.

[webfact]

Jatuporn vows to beat govt before Songkran holidays

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan Wednesday vowed to beat the government in the on-going political game before the Songkran holidays.

He said the red-shirt movement would do everything to make the game over for the government before the Songkran holidays so that the red-shirt people could return home to celebrate the water-splashing festival.

The red-shirt movement demanded that the government unconditionally dissolve the House within 15 days.

-- The Nation 2010-03-31

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[Stjohnm]

So the country that backed a Military Junta during the Vietnam War wants peace through democratic means. Hypocrites!

[anotherpeter]

So the country that backed a Military Junta during the Vietnam War wants peace through democratic means. Hypocrites!

So lets go back through the history of EVERY country and call the current people hypocrites.

It was a long time ago. Different people. Different times. Move on.

Edited March 31, 2010 by anotherpeter

[Stjohnm]

Jatuporn vows to beat govt before Songkran holidays

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan Wednesday vowed to beat the government in the on-going political game before the Songkran holidays.

He said the red-shirt movement would do everything to make the game over for the government before the Songkran holidays so that the red-shirt people could return home to celebrate the water-splashing festival.

The red-shirt movement demanded that the government unconditionally dissolve the House within 15 days.

-- The Nation 2010-03-31

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Might be better to cancel Song Gran as according to this fortnights Asia News Magazine we're in the middle of the worst drought in years.

[anotherpeter]

Might be better to cancel Song Gran as according to this fortnights Asia News Magazine we're in the middle of the worst drought in years.

But that's what Songkran is all about. Splashing water around brings the rains. Maybe they should have had Songkran early to bring the rains earlier.