Anti-Red Shirts Protest Grows

[webfact]

NETWORK OF PEACE

Anti-red protest grows

By NATHAPAT PROMKAEW

WIMONTRI KAEWPRACHUM

THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- Network of academics, businessmen, civic grouups asks citizens to join forces t counter red shirts

A rapidly expanding network of academics, businessmen and civic-society organisations has urged peace-loving citizens to join forces tomorrow in a bid to counter the red-shirt protesters.

Their venue is Chulalongkorn University's lawns in front of the twin statue of King Rama V and King Rama VI.

Meanwhile, 1,000 representatives of 25 tourism and related associations will also gather tomorrow inside Bangkok's Lumpini Park in a show of unity against violence as they urge all parties concerned to quickly end the current conflict.

Three-dao Aphaiwong, a Chulalongkorn lecturer, who has helped organise the event, said the April 2 rally was aimed at all citizens, businessmen and civic-society organisations who support the cause of peaceful conflict resolution.

She stressed that the movement was non-partisan and "colour-blind" as far as the current political rifts were concerned.

Pornsak Limboonprasert, secretary-general of a pro-democracy businessmen's club, said the business community was largely opposed to the red-shirt protesters' demand for the government to immediately dissolve the House of Representatives.

DISSOLUTION 'WON'T SOLVE PROBLEMS'

"This will hit foreign investors' confidence in Thailand. Such a House dissolution would not solve any problems if we don't have proper short-, medium- and long-term measures to manage the consequences.

"It's the business of everyone, not just some groups of people. And we want to resolve this conflict with no violence. This country will move forward only when we invest and create new jobs."

He said export businesses were growing and there was a growing demand for workers. "The stock market is rising. Overall, we don't want the business and investment atmosphere to be hurt by the political conflict," he said.

Vichian Nak-indaranont, a businessman, said several hundred businessmen are expected to join tomorrow's gathering at Chulalongkorn University.

Nutthapol Kerdkasem, chairman of a council of civic-society organisations in Bangkok, said the council's representatives would attend the gathering at Chulalongkorn University.

Council members include a network of 1,800 self-defence, civil-rights and other communities in Bangkok.

To attract a large number of supporters, e-mails and forwards have been widely used to invite people to gather at Chulalongkorn University at 2pm tomorrow.

The movement's organisers said their key objectives were as follows:

- A show of unity for peace against some groups of people.

- People who have occupied public roads and the right of way are asked to disperse, as Bangkok residents have been held hostage by their fight against the government in the past several weeks.

- People who have insulted the monarchy are asked to stop doing so.

- The movement is against a House dissolution at an inappropriate time.

- The movement is against amending the Constitution to benefit wrongdoers.

Meanwhile, tourism and related operators in major tourist cities, including Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Udon Thani, Samui |and Krabi, will join a separate |gathering to call for a peaceful and quick resolution of the current conflict.

The weeks-long protests in Bangkok have hurt hotels, tour operators, airlines and other related businesses, as the number of foreign tourist arrivals has plunged as a result of increased political instability.

Tourism and related business operators are also worried that the upcoming Songkran festival, when a large number of foreign tourists visit Thailand, will be hit hard if the anti-government protests extend well into April.

For example, Bangkok's areas from Sanam Luang to Khao San Road - near the red shirts' rally site at Phan Fa Bridge - are usually a major celebration spot during the festival.

To address this problem, the Tourism Authority of Thailand plans to move the venue to Silom Road in the business district this year so round-the-clock security can be provided to visitors.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[MellowYellow]

She stressed that the movement was non-partisan and "colour-blind" as far as the current political rifts were concerned.....

And then proceeded to list off a list of demands/request that solely target one side and benefit the other in the debate.

That's a popular form of "non-partisan" around these here parts.

[webfact]

City Residents Hold Gathering to Oppose House Dissolution

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents are gathering at Chulalongkorn University today at 2PM to show opposition towards a House dissolution.

They will also wear pink to show their displeasure towards the red shirt movement.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Phuket1]

It's time that the Bangkokians take their city back by what ever means.

[gotlost]

About time the silent majority speaks out.

[david96]

There was a very good documentary on the political instability in Thailand on Australian SBS-TV.

sbs.com.au/dateline

Mentioned the les majeste laws and the fact that discussion of politics in Thailand needs to be more open to public debate. Also mentioned the possiblity of a Republic which may be worrying the ruling elite and the Privy council was mentioned.Interviews with current PM and some other ministers.

[connel707]

There was a very good documentary on the political instability in Thailand on Australian SBS-TV.

sbs.com.au/dateline

Mentioned the les majeste laws and the fact that discussion of politics in Thailand needs to be more open to public debate. Also mentioned the possiblity of a Republic which may be worrying the ruling elite and the Privy council was mentioned.Interviews with current PM and some other ministers.

There has NEVER been a good documentry on Australian TV.... is this an April Fools Trick..

[animatic]

She stressed that the movement was non-partisan and "colour-blind" as far as the current political rifts were concerned.....

And then proceeded to list off a list of demands/request that solely target one side and benefit the other in the debate.

That's a popular form of "non-partisan" around these here parts.

poppycock.

[mazeltov]

City Residents Hold Gathering to Oppose House Dissolution

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents are gathering at Chulalongkorn University today at 2PM to show opposition towards a House dissolution.

They will also wear pink to show their displeasure towards the red shirt movement.

http://www.khonthaihuajaipakdee.com

i thought the pink shirts or the concept and idea behind is something to show love and positive emotions. IMHO, it should not be used in a counter-action against the red shirts.

[shawndoc]

Not to mention the King has been wearing pink in his recent appearances and it seemed to have replaced yellow as the color of shirt to wear to show support for the King.

[Thai at Heart]

Not to mention the King has been wearing pink in his recent appearances and it seemed to have replaced yellow as the color of shirt to wear to show support for the King.

Oh dear, the colour of the shirts issue again.

But then again, this is one of the few countries of the world that seems to think it important that children learn that certain days of the week have certain prescribed colours.

Do government workers still have to wear yellow on Mondays?

[webfact]

Jatuporn warns Chulalongkorn University against letting academics counter red-shirt movement

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan Thursday warned the Chulalongkorn University against allowing its academics to come out to organize campaigns against the red-shirt movement.

He alleged that the group of academics, which is against the red-shirt movement, belongs to the yellow-shirt movement or the People's Alliance for Democracy.

A group of Chulalongkorn lecturers will organise a peace rally at the university on Friday to counter the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[animatic]

Oh so now he is warning Universities not to dispute his ideas.

What a arrogant prat.

[frodo]

Jatuporn warns Chulalongkorn University against letting academics counter red-shirt movement

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan Thursday warned the Chulalongkorn University against allowing its academics to come out to organize campaigns against the red-shirt movement.

He alleged that the group of academics, which is against the red-shirt movement, belongs to the yellow-shirt movement or the People's Alliance for Democracy.

A group of Chulalongkorn lecturers will organise a peace rally at the university on Friday to counter the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

I get where Jatuporn is coming from now. Only the red shirts are allowed to protest and anyone else demonstrating will now be warned by the UDD. Little does Jatuporn know, everyone is allowed to protest, even against the UDD, and the red movement only represents a small fraction of Thailand.

I see double standards brewing on this one.

[Insight]

I get where Jatuporn is coming from now. Only the red shirts are allowed to protest and anyone else demonstrating will now be warned by the UDD. Little does Jatuporn know, everyone is allowed to protest, even against the UDD, and the red movement only represents a small fraction of Thailand.

I see double standards brewing on this one.

Have you checked with Jatuporn whether you're allowed to label this a double standard?

[mazeltov]

She stressed that the movement was non-partisan and "colour-blind" as far as the current political rifts were concerned.....

And then proceeded to list off a list of demands/request that solely target one side and benefit the other in the debate.

That's a popular form of "non-partisan" around these here parts.

during the "Airport fun, food, music and PAD party" there came also peace calls from such peaceniks. demaning that the PAD should go home and let it be restore democracy and so on.

" Ask Gorvernment to Leave due to inefficiently in solving political conflict

And PAD to leave Suvarnabhumi Airport

Let legitimacy back on the track and free democracy

We don't want Thais people to fight each other, We don't want to see violence and so The Civil War"

People Stop Civil War through Peace Network (PWPN)"

http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/jitasa/message/351

undersigned by a impressive list of many different groups, network of academics, businessmen and civic-society organisations and so on.

these dudes had their priorities and where able to focus the main problem and the following demands made clear that they are truly 'non-partisan' and not target only one side.

I am wondering when they will come forward these days. its about time.

[frodo]

I get where Jatuporn is coming from now. Only the red shirts are allowed to protest and anyone else demonstrating will now be warned by the UDD. Little does Jatuporn know, everyone is allowed to protest, even against the UDD, and the red movement only represents a small fraction of Thailand.

I see double standards brewing on this one.

Have you checked with Jatuporn whether you're allowed to label this a double standard?

LOL...I better check with that. Last thing I need is Jatuporn accusing me of a double-double standard and having my house surrounded with a bunch of blood throwers.

[Who, me ?]

Jatuporn warns Chulalongkorn University against letting academics counter red-shirt movement

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan Thursday warned the Chulalongkorn University against allowing its academics to come out to organize campaigns against the red-shirt movement.

He alleged that the group of academics, which is against the red-shirt movement, belongs to the yellow-shirt movement or the People's Alliance for Democracy.

A group of Chulalongkorn lecturers will organise a peace rally at the university on Friday to counter the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

Now , this is becoming of the utmost ridiculous. This guy should be sent to an asylum....He's really loosing it.

[anotherpeter]

City Residents Hold Gathering to Oppose House Dissolution

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents are gathering at Chulalongkorn University today at 2PM to show opposition towards a House dissolution.

They will also wear pink to show their displeasure towards the red shirt movement.

http://www.khonthaihuajaipakdee.com

i thought the pink shirts or the concept and idea behind is something to show love and positive emotions. IMHO, it should not be used in a counter-action against the red shirts.

All the other colours have been taken.

[Guest]

Jatuporn warns Chulalongkorn University against letting academics counter red-shirt movement

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan Thursday warned the Chulalongkorn University against allowing its academics to come out to organize campaigns against the red-shirt movement.

He alleged that the group of academics, which is against the red-shirt movement, belongs to the yellow-shirt movement or the People's Alliance for Democracy.

A group of Chulalongkorn lecturers will organise a peace rally at the university on Friday to counter the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

So this is the UDD's idea of democracy - Red shirts can demonstrate but others can't. I look forward to the next government...

[frodo]

According to the Nation, he is now threatening the NBT for reporting "negative reports against the red movement."

Again, Jatuporn and his very own double-standards prevail. It's okay to broadcast hate speeches made by a fugitive criminal. It's okay to broadcast altered audio clips on stage to his own masses. It's okay to vandalize private property...only if you belong to the UDD.

This guy is so full of crap.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Jatup...--30126104.html

Edited April 1, 2010 by frodo

[webfact]

Jatuporn threatens to lead protesters to rally at NBT station

BANGKOK: -- Jatuporn Promphan, a red-shirt leader, Thursday threatened to lead protesters to rally at the NBT head office if the station does not stop airing negative reports against the red-shirt movement.

"If the station does not stop framing the red-shirt people, we will visit it," Jatuporn said.

-- The Nation 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[poskat]

my friends who teach at chula describe it as "a pretty yellow place". So i can see the Red's displeasure at their now presenting themselves as "pink," as if they are neutral in this debate.

[anotherpeter]

my friends who teach at chula describe it as "a pretty yellow place". So i can see the Red's displeasure at their now presenting themselves as "pink," as if they are neutral in this debate.

Even if they are yellow, that shouldn't stop them from protesting.

Jatuporn just seems to be threatening anyone that talks about protesting against the reds. Red Democracy for all to see.

[frodo]

my friends who teach at chula describe it as "a pretty yellow place". So i can see the Red's displeasure at their now presenting themselves as "pink," as if they are neutral in this debate.

They're not allowed to protest?

[Who, me ?]

my friends who teach at chula describe it as "a pretty yellow place". So i can see the Red's displeasure at their now presenting themselves as "pink," as if they are neutral in this debate.

Even if they are yellow, that shouldn't stop them from protesting.

Jatuporn just seems to be threatening anyone that talks about protesting against the reds. Red Democracy for all to see.

I think that he is in for a very bumpy week end if he keeps on threatening every one this way....He's certainly losing his credit a bit more every time he opens his mouth... Keep on talking dude, the show is almost over!

[bangon04]

City Residents Hold Gathering to Oppose House Dissolution

BANGKOK: -- Bangkok residents are gathering at Chulalongkorn University today at 2PM to show opposition towards a House dissolution.

They will also wear pink to show their displeasure towards the red shirt movement.

http://www.khonthaihuajaipakdee.com

i thought the pink shirts or the concept and idea behind is something to show love and positive emotions. IMHO, it should not be used in a counter-action against the red shirts.

All the other colours have been taken.

The royal Tailor must be worried - working overtime on new ideas.....

[webfact]

One thousand tourism businesses urge government, Red Shirts, to end conflict

BANGKOK (TNA) -- With the prolonged political conflict causing a huge drop in foreign visitor arrivals, about one thousand operators of businesses in Thailand's tourism industry plan to gather in the Thai capital Friday to demand that the government and the anti-government Red Shirt movement find solutions to end the political crisis.

Charoen Wangananont, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), who is also spokesman for the Federation of Thai Tourism Associations (FETTA), said that Federation executives and presidents of 25 tourism-related associations will meet at Lumpini Park in downtown Bangkok on Friday at 4pm, with about 1,000 tourism operators joining the gathering.

The FETTA spokesman said that the meeting is aimed at expressing the stance of the tourism business operators over the current political crisis which has severely hit the industry resulting in the sharp drop of foreign tourists, and to urge the government and the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) to find a way out of the conflict and end the protest as soon as possible.

Mr Charoen added that tour operators in Thailand's other well-known tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Samui and Pattaya will gather in their provinces and towns, with banners such as "Stop conflict for Thailand's tourism industry. Stop hurting Thai tourism and reconcile for Thai tourism."

Thai Hotels Association president Prakit Chinamourpong said that hotel reservations for Thai New Year , the Songkran Festival, is only at 50 per cent occupancy, down from an earlier estimate of 70 per cent.

Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Asociation president Wichit Prakobkosol said that the number of charter flight Chinese arrivals in the kingdom during the Thai new year celebration dropped nearly half, with only 50-60 flights from earlier forecasts of one hundred flights expected to land.

The reaction of the tourism industry came following the deadlock in two rounds of negotiations between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the key Red Shirt leaders.

The UDD negotiators rejected the government's proposal of a House dissolution in nine months, after the charter amendment is completed, and insisted to give the premier a 15 day deadline to dissolve Parliament.

Mr Abhisit, who hopes to open a third round of talks with the Red Shirt leaders, reemphasised that his government needs nine months to amend the Constitution and restore a better atmosphere for a new election, while Deputy Premier Suthep Thaugsuban asserted Wednesday that the coalition parties are backing Mr Abhisit's decision.

Mr Suthep added that the coalition partners proposed that the premier stay until his term expires at end of 2011 if the UDD still rejects his nine-month roadmap.

The Red Shirt leaders earlier ruled out any further talks with the premier and vowed to stage a mass protest, in which they claimed much bigger than the two previous ones, this Saturday, to oust the Abhisit administration. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-01

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[frodo]

Another small quote from Jatuporn from a site that cannot be linked.

"I also would like to warn academics at Chulalongkorn University not to be the enemy of the red-shirts.

The academics who have been on the PAD stage should not play dirty by dragging the public to side with the government and pressure the red-shirts," Mr Jatuporn said.

Anyone who disagree's with the red-shirts is an automatic enemy.

Don't make the public side with you, they can only side with the UDD.

We can pressure the government, cause inconveniences for Bangkok, my heaven forbid, don't even think about putting pressure on the red-shirts.

This guy needs a shot of lithium and fast.

[hammered]

Jatuporn isnt doing the red shirts any favours. Everyone of any colour including red has a right to protest peacefully. Also why tell people they cant use their right to freedom of speech. That undermines the claimed red position on freedom of speech. Both of the very thigns he is opposed to should theoretically be part of a red platform: freedom of speech and right to protest