Anti-Red Shirts Protest Grows

[rainman]

That makes sense. I wonder where those pinks shirts were 2 years ago when the airports were taken over by the yellow shirts.

Who cares?

Or is your rule that to have the right to protest for peace you MUST have spoken out against the PAD? The right to 'free speech' and the 'right to freedom of assembly' does not seem to have a requirement that you must use it all the time, just that it not be abridged unreasonably.

Did some of them speak out against the PAD? I don't know, feel free to go on down there and poll them if you wish

You didn't get what I meant. Let me put it this way ...one of the current pink shirt leaders is one of the yellow shirt leaders. It's funny that he finds it unacceptable to protest on the streets, but he did find it quite acceptable to take over the international airport for over a week and strand all tourists. Do you understand it now? I can't write it any easier.

[johndpoole]

Isn't this what the pink shirts are doing? Saying that the red shirts can't protest?

No and no. Not even close but the Reds have threatened consequences to a Univ. if their staff and/or students express their right to free speech if it opposes the Reds.

[geriatrickid]

Pink is worn for breast cancer awareness. i commend Bangkok's citizens for taking up a good cause. Now if only the Abhisit would fund the screening program. Maybe divert some funds away from the military golf courses?

Anyhooo, it's quiet here on Phuket. Traffic is lighter than usual at this time of year. Maybe it's the reduced tourist presence. I hope you poor dears that are sooooooooooooo being inconvenienced by the rallies survive, even though most TV members don't seem to be anywhere near the rallies, which begs the question as to why some are having conniptions?

[ozzieman05]

Which military rule was the country under when this government was elected?

The constitution just gave amnesty for that particular coup, not future ones. They will need to amend the constitution again following the next coup.

Isn't the current government suggesting changes to the constitution and then voted on by the people? And elections when due in 2011 (unless the reds come back and accept the government offer for the end of this year).

maybe the military they staged the coup????

and if i read it correctly it does give amnesty for future coups as well, but not sure, my thai is not perfect.

and i think elections should be now, as they would end these protests, and put the leaders of all collor together and let them declare that they will stand by the election and wont demonstrate whoever might win. and end this whole cartoon story

My friend you are both uninformed and dreaming

to call and end to the Thai government now would be a total disastor

I have no preference Red or Yellow

but at least I have a brain

[jdinasia]

That makes sense. I wonder where those pinks shirts were 2 years ago when the airports were taken over by the yellow shirts.

Who cares?

Or is your rule that to have the right to protest for peace you MUST have spoken out against the PAD? The right to 'free speech' and the 'right to freedom of assembly' does not seem to have a requirement that you must use it all the time, just that it not be abridged unreasonably.

Did some of them speak out against the PAD? I don't know, feel free to go on down there and poll them if you wish

You didn't get what I meant. Let me put it this way ...one of the current pink shirt leaders is one of the yellow shirt leaders. It's funny that he finds it unacceptable to protest on the streets, but he did find it quite acceptable to take over the international airport for over a week and strand all tourists. Do you understand it now? I can't write it any easier.

Oh, I read what you wrote. What you wrote this time is different.

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

If the Reds are about Democracy then they just have to suck it up when other people are practicing something basic to democracy. They are free to speak out and try and point out inconsistencies BUT to try and stifle the voice of others just shows how authoritarian their nature really is.

People can choose when to protest and what to protest. They don't get to violate the law with impunity. The yellow leaders are all still in the legal process for the PAD rallies in the past, but today is today.

Please give us more information about which of the Pink's leaders was a PAD leader. Please explain to me where this leader says that it isn't OK to protest OR where their counter protest is only based upon the one point you make (and not about dissolving parliament early etc).

If a Pink leader is in fact one of the PAD leaders that is on trial then that certainly is a valid talking point by the Reds. It is not,however, an excuse to stifle the freedom of speech that people should have in a democracy, now is it?

[hammered]

Is the pink thing still ongoing? Media seems quite light on it.

Jatuporn does seem to be the reds biggest enemy at times with his own goals. While the macho we can out muscle you atuff might appeal to his inner street fighter, barely disguised intimidation of people or organizations that might want to use their democratic rights to oppsoe his group is certainly not the way forward for any organization that has any real belief in democracy. I hope his coleaders will denounce this stupidity and preferably publically.

[steveromagnino]

Pink is worn for breast cancer awareness. i commend Bangkok's citizens for taking up a good cause. Now if only the Abhisit would fund the screening program. Maybe divert some funds away from the military golf courses?

Anyhooo, it's quiet here on Phuket. Traffic is lighter than usual at this time of year. Maybe it's the reduced tourist presence. I hope you poor dears that are sooooooooooooo being inconvenienced by the rallies survive, even though most TV members don't seem to be anywhere near the rallies, which begs the question as to why some are having conniptions?

personally is neither here nor there. I've personally lost earnings and a lot of time as I unfortunately live in a dead end soi that was blocked in the mobile rally for 6 hours and I work where the blood and the other embassy stuff always affects. But that's ok, I can live with it. It's not much different to flooding, or so on; you try to live with it.

3/4 weeks ago company couldn't open 2 weekends in a row (we do most of our work in the weekend) due to proximity to red shirt threats (first weekend) and mobile rally (second weekend). Result - 50 staff who are all on contract didn't earn a cent; these are all the red shirt type workers low paid.

I can handle not driving much. Feel sorry for the 'poor dears' who are paid on contract; that's about 1,000b a weekend that they went without. Twice. Some of them at least got to go to the rally, so that's ok, but a fair few were pretty sad about it, and in the end we ended up paying a lot of extra cost for security, shutting down and preparing for the worst (as required by our insurers) all for nothing. Lost sales...well that's only going to affect the rank and file worker bonuses so their loss. Long term...long term stability affects the workforce of 3,000 people. Again, mostly upcountry folk.

The red shirters have every right (speaking for myself) to protest. Good on them.

But the way in which they are doing it; sudden last minute choices and decisions; moving around the streets and blocking traffic without giving people a chance to know in advance....it may be peaceful but it is very annoying and rather impractical unless their purpose is to deliberately inconvenience (which it probably is).

And if they felt they wanted democracy...then frigging negotiate for it. But since they haven't bothered to persue that having been owned twice on TV, and since they refuse to decouple the idea of constitutional reform, elections and the issues of returning fugitive criminals back into power....I am somewhat forced to conclude that their reasons for protest perhaps has merit in some ways, but is somewhat illogical and grandstanding when what they really are asking for is a little hidden from view.

But that's only because I try not to 'weng' when I write.

Regarding the colour pink, I did PPP and TRT heavily funded breast cancer treatment, and Abhitsit has personally removed this funding during his term, for you to bother making this point regarding the colour Pink Geriatrickid? I must admit to not knowing much about cancer, although I have done a fair bit of research on the breasts bit. Private research.

I wear pink for sport as it is not too hot, how was I to know that suddenly I was actually speaking out for breasts. In that case, I'll wear it more often :_)

To be honest GK, I am very jealous. Phuket sounds awesome right now. Traffic will be a shocker driving home....I can only imagine the peace of driving back to Naiharn and relaxing with a beer by the water. Enjoy ;-)

Edited April 2, 2010 by steveromagnino

[rainman]

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

[jdinasia]

Pink is worn for breast cancer awareness. i commend Bangkok's citizens for taking up a good cause. Now if only the Abhisit would fund the screening program. Maybe divert some funds away from the military golf courses?

Anyhooo, it's quiet here on Phuket. Traffic is lighter than usual at this time of year. Maybe it's the reduced tourist presence. I hope you poor dears that are sooooooooooooo being inconvenienced by the rallies survive, even though most TV members don't seem to be anywhere near the rallies, which begs the question as to why some are having conniptions?

One could assume that some of us, like me, are not having conniptions at all and are just continueing on with our anti-Thaksin stance and our Pro-Democracy stance. That others (again like me) have family that are potentially in harm's way in Bangkok. Other people might actually just be concerned about the basics of Democracy that suggests that speaking out against what you see as wrong is a good thing and that stifling others from speaking out is a bad thing!

[Wolfie]

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

He has 'threatened' a lot more than that recently...

[webfact]

Senators Deplore Red-shirt Threat against Opponent Group

BANGKOK: -- A group of senators have come out to slam the red-shirt group for their opposition to the pink-shirt group, saying that infringes on their rights. The senators also called on the government to prosecute websites with lese majeste content.

Today's Senate session was a special meeting to review several legislatures that are still pending. During the session, many senators expressed concern about the red-shirt rally that is being prolonged and heightening in intensity.

Senator Surasak Sri-arun commented that the red-shirt denunciation of the gathering by the pink-shirt movement is not appropriate as it constitutes to infringement on the rights of the general public.

He called on the Center for Administration of Peace and Order to deploy security personnel to make sure the two groups do not clash and urged police to gather all footage and sound evidence to prosecute those who violate the law.

Senator Kamnoon Sitthisamarn called on the government to go after websites with lese majeste content.

With the latest arrest of a webmaster who happens to have set up the website for red-shirt supporters in the United States, Senator Kamnoon asked the group to come out to clarify the issue.

Today's Senate session also reviewed draft bills on a national farmers' council, the national telecommunications and broadcasting commission and the appropriation of land for the construction of the Ramindra Outer Ring Road route.

These three draft bills were passed by the House meeting which saw the absence of the opposition Pheu Thai Party due to the military presence at the Parliament House.

-- Tan Network 2010-04-02

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[anotherpeter]

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

Organizing a red rally where others are planning to organize a rally against them is an obvious scare tactic. It's a plan to cause confrontation and any violence that results can only be blamed on the reds.

[johndpoole]

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

Organizing a red rally where others are planning to organize a rally against them is an obvious scare tactic. It's a plan to cause confrontation and any violence that results can only be blamed on the reds.

It is an attempt to scare rational people who are sick of this BS from going out and exercising their right to freedom of speech. Obviously the vast majority of BKK's people are tired of this 3-weeks of BS but certainly don't want to be involved in a physical altercation to express their unhappiness.

[Kiccoro]

Some photos to share:

I heard this is only half the number of pink shirts there right now. There are so many right now some pink guys are unable to get in to the area:

[hammered]

Thanks for the pics

[johndpoole]

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

Chulalongkorn University announced on Thursday that it would suspend all activities, starting from tonight until Monday after red shirts leaders plan to march to the university on Friday.

Kua Wongbunsin, vice dean of the university said the university will re-open on Monday (April 5) out of concern for the safety of personnel, students and lecturers.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Chula...--30126167.html

[hammered]

By the way people should be aware that what gets said on stage is a lot lot more extreme than what is released in statements to the media. You can watch it on red TV or go along if you want to get a feel for it yourself although avoiding tomorrow may be a good idea.

Edited to add: just to make it clear talking about the red demos here

Edited April 2, 2010 by hammered

[Chaimai]

Nice pictures

[johndpoole]

Some photos to share:

What I want to know is what subway exit do you take that lets you off actually inside Lumpini Park??? Every time I go I have to cross the main road there and never see any sign in the subway saying there is a Lumpini Park extit yet this appears to be an MRT station inside the park.

[scorecard]

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

I'm amused by the way you have reported one think that jatuporn said but not the other things that he has said in regard to chula.

Your a little short of the truth, not nice.

And in any case, would you seriously believe anything that jatuporn said? The man has made a career of making false statements and claims in parliament, using doctored tapes, etc. Hardly the ethics one would expect of a member of the legislature.

I wouldn't believe him if he told me Friday was Friday. Never.

[frodo]

Nice photos, Kiccoro.

These are Jatuporn's new enemies? Looks rather peaceful and non-aggressive.

Perhaps a colonic spa treatment can help Jatuporn get rid of those crappy thoughts that keep creeping in.

[jdinasia]

The specious tactic that reds on this board use is to disregard the violence and threats of violence and the totally non-democratic behaviour of the Reds by trying to make the discussion about events of 2+ years ago.

Violence and threats of violence? You need to read Jatuporn's statement again. He said that he would organize a peaceful rally in front of the University. That's the only "threat".

He has 'threatened' a lot more than that recently...

Rainman knows that already ...

[anotherpeter]

What I want to know is what subway exit do you take that lets you off actually inside Lumpini Park??? Every time I go I have to cross the main road there and never see any sign in the subway saying there is a Lumpini Park extit yet this appears to be an MRT station inside the park.

2 exits at Silom MRT. One exit goes up to Silom Rd and Saladaeng BTS. The other end goes up to Lumpini Park.

[frodo]

Can't make much of this, but it seems that the red motorcyclists went into the Lumpini area, provoked a fight, and lost? This can only get worse it would seem.

TAN Network: Red-shirts on motorcycle engaged in brawl with pink-shirt protesters gathering to protest against red rallies at Lumpini

THE NATION: INN sms reported that "provoked" pink demonstrators 'beat up' 4 reds on motorcycles.

[hammered]

Can't make much of this, but it seems that the red motorcyclists went into the Lumpini area, provoked a fight, and lost? This can only get worse it would seem.

TAN Network: Red-shirts on motorcycle engaged in brawl with pink-shirt protesters gathering to protest against red rallies at Lumpini

THE NATION: INN sms reported that "provoked" pink demonstrators 'beat up' 4 reds on motorcycles.

Tulsie has an utter classic twitter comment on this paraphrasing the red speak on false and real colours

[johndpoole]

What I want to know is what subway exit do you take that lets you off actually inside Lumpini Park??? Every time I go I have to cross the main road there and never see any sign in the subway saying there is a Lumpini Park extit yet this appears to be an MRT station inside the park.

2 exits at Silom MRT. One exit goes up to Silom Rd and Saladaeng BTS. The other end goes up to Lumpini Park.

You are saying to not get off at Lumpini stop and instead go to the Silom stop?

I believe Lumpini has 3 exits but not sure about Silom to verify I'm understanding you right.

Thanks

[Insight]

Nation article mentions the pink rally is "dispersing" at 5.30pm? Have they got the ol' Flux Capacitor out?

[frodo]

Can't make much of this, but it seems that the red motorcyclists went into the Lumpini area, provoked a fight, and lost? This can only get worse it would seem.

TAN Network: Red-shirts on motorcycle engaged in brawl with pink-shirt protesters gathering to protest against red rallies at Lumpini

THE NATION: INN sms reported that "provoked" pink demonstrators 'beat up' 4 reds on motorcycles.

Tulsie has an utter classic twitter comment on this paraphrasing the red speak on false and real colours

That's hilarious! Thanks for that

[webfact]

Live updates - Red Shirt Rally Friday

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...id-t352611.html

[anotherpeter]

Can't make much of this, but it seems that the red motorcyclists went into the Lumpini area, provoked a fight, and lost? This can only get worse it would seem.

TAN Network: Red-shirts on motorcycle engaged in brawl with pink-shirt protesters gathering to protest against red rallies at Lumpini

THE NATION: INN sms reported that "provoked" pink demonstrators 'beat up' 4 reds on motorcycles.

I'll save the red supporters some time.

"Red-shirts on motorcycle engaged in brawl with pink-shirt protesters" does not equal "red motorcyclists went into the Lumpini area, provoked a fight, and lost".

But, having said that, the red shirts are all about peaceful protests, so they should be avoiding anti-red protests because confrontation with anti-reds is just asking for violence.