Thai Protesters Target Bangkok's Tourist Centre

[webfact]

Thai protesters target Bangkok's tourist centre

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Tens of thousands of red-shirted Thai protesters overran the streets of Bangkok Saturday, swarming into the capital's tourist heartland in a renewed bid to overthrow the government.

Bemused foreign visitors looked on as the supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra turned a swathe of Bangkok home to five-star hotels and major shopping centres into a sea of red with another peaceful rally.

Despite sweltering temperatures, police estimated that as of early evening about 60,000 people had joined the protest -- the latest in a series of demonstrations since mid-March against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"They are provoking the authorities to use force to disperse them," Abhisit said at a news conference.

He said the government hoped to end the standoff through dialogue but refused to rule out invoking emergency rule -- which would ban gatherings of more than five people -- if the situation worsens.

An army spokesman, Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd, said the authorities were confident they could clear the district of Reds by nightfall.

The area "is not fit for a long-term rally and this is a key factor to force protesters to retreat," he said.

The Reds' push into the capital's tourist centre came a day after representatives of the hotel and leisure industries mounted their own counter-rallies urging an end to turmoil they fear is scaring away visitors.

Saturday's protest snarled traffic and forced some shopping malls and stores to close, but tourists seemed largely unfazed by the rally, which had a carnival-like atmosphere with dancing and live music in the streets.

"It doesn't scare me because I come here every year and know it won't be serious," said Adolf Gutounik, a 57-year-old visitor from Germany.

Thailand has been wracked in recent years by a string of protests by the Red Shirts and their rival Yellow Shirts, whose campaign in 2008 led to a crippling nine-day blockade of the country's airports.

"I don't think most tourists will like it when they come to Bangkok and face this," said Selina Poh, a 30-year-old from Singapore.

The military has mounted a heavy security response involving 50,000 personnel for the protests.

The Reds oppose the coup that toppled Thaksin in 2006 and say Abhisit's government is undemocratic because it took office through a parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin's allies of power.

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

The Reds had vowed that Saturday's rally would be the biggest since the demonstrations began with more than 100,000 protesters on March 14.

But authorities expected attendance to dwindle as the Songkran water festival, celebrating the traditional Thai new year, approaches in mid-April.

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

The Reds have staged a series of dramatic stunts to press their demands, including throwing their own blood at Abhisit's offices.

Hailing mainly from the rural poor north, they seek the return of twice-elected Thaksin, a former telecoms tycoon who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft at home.

The Reds rioted in Bangkok in April last year, leaving two dead and scores injured.

While their recent protests have been peaceful, a series of small explosions have hit politically significant sites and army buildings, injuring more than a dozen people.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-03

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[johndpoole]

Looks like they are on TV now saying the Red Shirts need to leave the area tonight or face up to a year in jail.

[pimay11]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

[Rtwo]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Sorry I didn't realise that the electorate had actually voted to put the current custodians of power in office, rather I thought that they'd been imposed by those on high.... Some democracy that is, bit like that shower running the show in Burma really!

Edited April 3, 2010 by Rtwo

[Chaimai]

Sorry I didn't realise that the electorate had actually voted to put the current custodians of power in office, rather I thought that they'd been imposed by those on heigh.... Some democracy that is, bit like that shower running the show in Burma really!

It's the same old song..................

[pimay11]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Sorry I didn't realise that the electorate had actually voted to put the current custodians of power in office, rather I thought that they'd been imposed by those on heigh.... Some democracy that is, bit like that shower running the show in Burma really!

Interesting reply. I suppose you forgot that Mr. T brother-in-law was put into office by the exact same process. Didn't see any protest from the reds then.

[Smiles]

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

That statement must come from the boss!

[johndpoole]

Send in the troops and wack'em all!!!

At least the average IQ of Thailand would go up

[Rtwo]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Sorry I didn't realise that the electorate had actually voted to put the current custodians of power in office, rather I thought that they'd been imposed by those on heigh.... Some democracy that is, bit like that shower running the show in Burma really!

Interesting reply. I suppose you forgot that Mr. T brother-in-law was put into office by the exact same process. Didn't see any protest from the reds then.

And Mr T's Brother-in law didn't last long either, did he? It would be interesting to know what your definition of democracy is or don't you believe in it?

[johndpoole]

Sounds like police are giving the Reds until 9pm to clear out.

This sounds about right and a good way of handling pushing the crowds out ... at night when they are tired and less eyes will be able to see what is happening. These things are never pretty but at least police and soldiers will be working tonight after a mostly relaxing day out of the heat.

Lets just hope they follow through with actions on this demand.

[Insight]

Abhisit's Facebook page now full of people asking him take action against the protesters - the time for negotiations is over.

I wonder if this has provoked the 9pm deadline...?

Edited April 3, 2010 by Insight

[connel707]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Sorry I didn't realise that the electorate had actually voted to put the current custodians of power in office, rather I thought that they'd been imposed by those on high.... Some democracy that is, bit like that shower running the show in Burma really!

Abhisit was put in power by those who were legally elected... thus he is democratically elected.... why do some people have an issue with this.. are they completely ignorant..? suicide is painless..!

[Tod Daniels]

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

Strange, I could have sworn just yesterday I watched a video on You Tube where Jatuporn told everyone to come down to Bangkok from Nakhon Nowhere with empty 1 liter bottles that the reds would fill with gasoline for free and if a single drop of thai blood was spilled he’d burn the place down (paraphrased).

Now that doesn’t sound anything remotely like adhering to a non-violent agenda. Then again this is thailand, so I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. .. .

This entire ploy by the redz taking over a HUGE money maker for thailand, the entire Rajprasong shopping district is akin to a 'game of chicken'.

Each side trying to see if the other will resort to violence first. It's a very frickin' dangerous game for all concerned but especially the average red shirt thai who happens to be out on the street when this 'powder keg' explodes. Believe me the red leaders are too protected to have ANYTHING happen to them.

Given the hateful rhetoric (or the same ol' repackaged <deleted>) the fire-brand red mouthpiece Jatuporn has been spouting today, I think it's down to the end game for the redz, and sadly for all involved; my prediction is the redz will 'chicken out' first and push this to a violent confrontation. A bad end to any day. ..

[dobadoy]

Yes, I hope Abhisit is smart enough to realise that there comes a point where diplomacy looks like weakness ( a lesson the Israelis, Iraninans, the Burmese and N.Koreans have all taught the U.S in varous ways in recent years), and that there comes a point where the State's promise to uphold the law must be backed by force when wantonly disregarded.

I said this about the yellow shirt invasion of the airport in 2008, and the fact that the government didn't have the physical power to stop it was why they had to go. Abhisit should not make the same mistake. The reds are destroying the country; they'v had their chance to put the case to the gov't adn the public, they've been offered more and indulged for far longer than any other government in the world - democratic or totalitatirian - would have done.

It's time to see who's who.

Edited April 3, 2010 by dobadoy

[pimay11]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Sorry I didn't realise that the electorate had actually voted to put the current custodians of power in office, rather I thought that they'd been imposed by those on heigh.... Some democracy that is, bit like that shower running the show in Burma really!

Interesting reply. I suppose you forgot that Mr. T brother-in-law was put into office by the exact same process. Didn't see any protest from the reds then.

And Mr T's Brother-in law didn't last long either, did he? It would be interesting to know what your definition of democracy is or don't you believe in it?

The point I was trying to make is when Mr. T's brother-in-law was PM the reds has no cause to demonstrate simply because Mr. T was in power. By the way it is now a mute point since he was convicted but while he was in power he raped all Thai people of billions. Surely you know this also. Surely you are not naive enough to think these demonstrations are about democracy. If so you need to read more.

My definition of democracy is as follows. Government of the people, for the people and by the people. A form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system

[Ijustwannateach]

I think it is time for me to issue a 'politeness' warning here too. Avoid making comments towards other posters and focus on the issues or face warnings and penalties. Some may shortly be issued based on material already posted.

[seanocasey]

Analysts say regardless of the outcome, the mass rallies mark a turning point in a country where the richest 20% of the population earn about 55% of the income while the poorest fifth get 4%, according to a November World Bank study. That income disparity is among Asia's widest, it showed.

[frodo]

Wonderful news, indeed.

They've been given more than enough and very ample warning. This government has been extremely fair with them.

Haul the leaders in first, since most do have outstanding charges against them already, let the folks know they have a choice and put it in their lap. If they refuse, water cannons should work fine.

Maybe they can get the Bangkokians to gently take them by the hands, load them on a bus and send them home where they belong.

[dobadoy]

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

Strange, I could have sworn just yesterday I watched a video on You Tube where Jatuporn told everyone to come down to Bangkok from Nakhon Nowhere with empty 1 liter bottles that the reds would fill with gasoline for free and if a single drop of thai blood was spilled he’d burn the place down (paraphrased).

Now that doesn’t sound anything remotely like adhering to a non-violent agenda. Then again this is thailand, so I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. .. .

This entire ploy by the redz taking over a HUGE money maker for thailand, the entire Rajprasong shopping district is akin to a 'game of chicken'.

Each side trying to see if the other will resort to violence first. It's a very frickin' dangerous game for all concerned but especially the average red shirt thai who happens to be out on the street when this 'powder keg' explodes. Believe me the red leaders are too protected to have ANYTHING happen to them.

Given the hateful rhetoric (or the same ol' repackaged <deleted>) the fire-brand red mouthpiece Jatuporn has been spouting today, I think it's down to the end game for the redz, and sadly for all involved; my prediction is the redz will 'chicken out' first and push this to a violent confrontation. A bad end to any day. ..

if the youtube story is true i hope it gets played out on thai national tv tonight.

deos anyone have the link to that vdo?

[kuffki]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Well 500-1000thb per day beats the 200thb(if that) so of course many of them want to stay for as long as possible. Not to mention FREE food and drinks

It is very sad indeed that many if not most of those people actually understand, and are easily manipulated by the people who have alternate interests

[frodo]

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

Strange, I could have sworn just yesterday I watched a video on You Tube where Jatuporn told everyone to come down to Bangkok from Nakhon Nowhere with empty 1 liter bottles that the reds would fill with gasoline for free and if a single drop of thai blood was spilled he’d burn the place down (paraphrased).

Now that doesn’t sound anything remotely like adhering to a non-violent agenda. Then again this is thailand, so I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. .. .

This entire ploy by the redz taking over a HUGE money maker for thailand, the entire Rajprasong shopping district is akin to a 'game of chicken'.

Each side trying to see if the other will resort to violence first. It's a very frickin' dangerous game for all concerned but especially the average red shirt thai who happens to be out on the street when this 'powder keg' explodes. Believe me the red leaders are too protected to have ANYTHING happen to them.

Given the hateful rhetoric (or the same ol' repackaged <deleted>) the fire-brand red mouthpiece Jatuporn has been spouting today, I think it's down to the end game for the redz, and sadly for all involved; my prediction is the redz will 'chicken out' first and push this to a violent confrontation. A bad end to any day. ..

if the youtube story is true i hope it gets played out on thai national tv tonight.

deos anyone have the link to that vdo?

Those words were in fact said, but it was Arisiman. Then again, maybe Jatuporn said it as well. His rhetoric has been violent as of late.

[johndpoole]

Analysts say regardless of the outcome, the mass rallies mark a turning point in a country where the richest 20% of the population earn about 55% of the income while the poorest fifth get 4%, according to a November World Bank study. That income disparity is among Asia's widest, it showed.

Wow, I need to go back and look at stats but if this is true then the rich here are not at all that rich. 20% of the population?!?!? That is huge or more than half of the working people in Thailand. Another words, the middle class. I think the richest 1% of American account for the same amount of income.

The problem I really see is the claim to 20% of the population only earning 4%. But since you don't supply a link to these findings, I also have to assume they are VERY VERY flawed. Just take one thing into consideration ... Most thais don't pay income tax and therefore nobody knows what the heck they actually make.

I am not denying there are problems here, like everywhere, but like any democratic society ... you wait to cast your vote and hope your person wins. And the same is true when it comes to laws and courts dictating who will be a leader ... just go back and look at Bush's win in the US back in 2000. He clearly had the majority of votes and possibly more electoral votes too but the supreme court ultimately ruled he would be the president regardless.

Also have to wonder how that income earning is distributed now that Thaksin is no longer in the country.

[Netfan]

"Our patience is running out, but because of our patriotism we must adhere to non-violence," said Red Shirts leader Jatuporn Prompan.

Strange, I could have sworn just yesterday I watched a video on You Tube where Jatuporn told everyone to come down to Bangkok from Nakhon Nowhere with empty 1 liter bottles that the reds would fill with gasoline for free and if a single drop of thai blood was spilled he’d burn the place down (paraphrased).

Now that doesn’t sound anything remotely like adhering to a non-violent agenda. Then again this is thailand, so I could be wrong, but I don’t think so. .. .

This entire ploy by the redz taking over a HUGE money maker for thailand, the entire Rajprasong shopping district is akin to a 'game of chicken'.

Each side trying to see if the other will resort to violence first. It's a very frickin' dangerous game for all concerned but especially the average red shirt thai who happens to be out on the street when this 'powder keg' explodes. Believe me the red leaders are too protected to have ANYTHING happen to them.

Given the hateful rhetoric (or the same ol' repackaged <deleted>) the fire-brand red mouthpiece Jatuporn has been spouting today, I think it's down to the end game for the redz, and sadly for all involved; my prediction is the redz will 'chicken out' first and push this to a violent confrontation. A bad end to any day. ..

if the youtube story is true i hope it gets played out on thai national tv tonight.

deos anyone have the link to that vdo?

It was Arisman, who has a warrant out for his arrest, but is still, for some reason, running amok. The speech was given last month

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NTRBxEDp7w...feature=related

Edited April 3, 2010 by Netfan

[oceano]

They said now: the police can come now to take us, we dont move from here.

Red channel.

[johndpoole]

They said now: the police can come now to take us, we dont move from here.

Red channel.

Internal Security Act to be enfourced should Red Shirts fail to leave Ratchaprasong

[Smiles]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Well 500-1000thb per day beats the 200thb(if that) so of course many of them want to stay for as long as possible. Not to mention FREE food and drinks

It is very sad indeed that many if not most of those people actually understand, and are easily manipulated by the people who have alternate interests

Without toilet facilities is not that worthy of the 500-1000thb per day?

[johndpoole]

I figure it will be about 1 AM, give or take an hour, before they move in to clear out the Reds.

[kuffki]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Well 500-1000thb per day beats the 200thb(if that) so of course many of them want to stay for as long as possible. Not to mention FREE food and drinks

It is very sad indeed that many if not most of those people actually understand, and are easily manipulated by the people who have alternate interests

Without toilet facilities is not that worthy of the 500-1000thb per day?

LOL. Thats why there are reports that some have been using the streets and Red leaders have also requested for shops and shopping malls to stay open so the reds can use their toilets.(Yeah sure, i would love to have thousands use my shop as a toilet)

[Gary A]

The very bottom line is that the poor people are tired of the middlemen stealing from them. You have to admit that the red shirts have not taken over government buildings nor have they closed the airport.

The yellow shirts and their pet politicians managed a coup to oust Thaksin and then their puppet politicians managed to oust the two other two legally elected PM's. You could call Abhisit legally elected, but that is quite a push. You are not happy with the politicians? Wait for the next election rather than oust three legally elected PM's.

Like it or not the current government owes the yellow shirts BIG time. If Abhisit holds elections within six months, I think the red shirts are being unreasonable if they refuse to accept those terms.

[pimay11]

Nat Jantakat, a 38-year-old lychee farmer from the north, for one vowed to keep up the fight, making light of the 37 degrees Celsius (99 Fahrenheit) temperature.

"I've been here since the first day and I'll be here until we achieve democracy."

Spoken like a true patriot. Democracy is ending the present government, sending Thailand in a downward spiral and bringing back the man on the run to restore his ill gotten gain. What a buffalo.

Well 500-1000thb per day beats the 200thb(if that) so of course many of them want to stay for as long as possible. Not to mention FREE food and drinks

It is very sad indeed that many if not most of those people actually understand, and are easily manipulated by the people who have alternate interests

Without toilet facilities is not that worthy of the 500-1000thb per day?

I really feel sorry for the people from my village here in Issan who were inticed to join the rally (about 100) because they are now potentially in harms way. These are salt of the earth people. Of course they are making three times as much daily wages and sending money back to the family weekly. As I stated in a previous post the man who works for me has eight extended family members who joined the rally. They do not have a clue as to why this is all happening but are happy to participate for the money.