Thai 'Red Shirts' Pledge More Protests After Court Ruling

[webfact]

Thai 'Red Shirts' pledge more protests after court ruling

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Jubilant red-shirted Thai protesters vowed Monday to keep up their efforts to overthrow the government after a court declined to issue a legal order to evict them from Bangkok's tourist hub.

Tens of thousands of supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra paralysed the capital's main shopping and luxury hotel district for a third day and also briefly stormed the offices of the election commission.

Loud cheers rang out among the Red Shirts after a Bangkok court dismissed the government's request for an injunction to force the protesters out of the tourist district, where they have halted traffic and caused stores to close.

They are demanding immediate elections, accusing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government of being undemocratic because it took office in 2008 through a parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin's allies of power.

"It's clear that Abhisit cannot do everything in Thailand," Reds leader Jatuporn Prompan told the cheering crowd.

"Our demonstration is constitutional and we will continue to press for House dissolution to return power to people," he said.

But it was not a clear-cut victory for the protesters because the court also said that the government already had power to evict the Reds under a tough emergency security law, so a legal injunction was not necessary.

The government has already announced a ban of the mass rally in the tourist heartland but had sought the backing of the judiciary to evict the protesters.

The authorities said they would continue to press the Reds -- mostly from the country's rural north -- to leave the area, but added they wanted a peaceful end to the standoff.

"The government will explain to protesters about the authority under (the security law) but so far the government has no plan to use force to disperse the demonstrators," said government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn said.

The military has mounted a heavy security response involving 50,000 personnel at its height to try to contain the protests.

Tensions grew with an early-hours explosion outside a Bangkok massage parlour owned by the family of the commerce minister, and a grenade fired into a supermarket parking lot in northern Chiang Mai city. Nobody was injured.

Elsewhere an unexploded hand grenade was found outside the government-run National Broadcasting Service of Thailand, in the latest unexplained attacks since the rolling demonstrations began in mid-March by Thaksin's supporters.

The government wants to avoid a repeat of last April's clashes with Red Shirts that left two people dead, six months after riot police took on the rival Yellow Shirts in bloody scenes outside parliament.

Business chiefs have warned the action could inflict heavy losses on tourism and other industries.

But the stock exchange said it would operate as usual Monday, urging investors to "consider the credibility of news sources" on the protests.

Despite protesters blocking Bangkok's commercial district for a third day, the Thai market rose 0.87 percent on Monday to close at 808.15.

Thai society is split between the Reds, who accuse Abhisit's government of being elitist and army-backed, and the Yellow Shirts, supporters of the country's establishment who accuse Thaksin of gross corruption.

Thaksin, a billionaire former telecoms tycoon, lives abroad to avoid a jail term for graft at home.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-05

Published with written approval from AFP.

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[ThailandLovr]

Another setback for Abhisit -- makes him look foolish for asking. He already had the authority, can't he take "yes" for an answer?

[pedro01]

"Thai society is split between the Reds, who accuse Abhisit's government of being elitist and army-backed, and the Yellow Shirts, supporters of the country's establishment who accuse Thaksin of gross corruption."

Is that so ? Very poor reporting...

Doesn't the court rejecting this prove that there isn't a 'third hand' at play pulling all the strings ?

Edited April 5, 2010 by pedro01

[jdinasia]

That will silence the people that say the courts have been subourned and now he can still deal with the issue. Kinda smart!

[TheOldWolf]

"But it was not a clear-cut victory for the protesters because the court also said that the government already had power to evict the Reds under a tough emergency security law, so a legal injunction was not necessary"

Maybe this was a way for the goverment to get a court decsion on what they are doing it is done within the law. Now the reds shirts can´t run to the court and say that goverments actions are illegal.

[bangkokrick]

Another setback for Abhisit -- makes him look foolish for asking. He already had the authority, can't he take "yes" for an answer?

Not a set back just a confirmation that the Government has the power to do what is necessary if things get out of hand. I also think that you will find that Abhisit has been doing other things today, for the good of all the Thai people, not just a few thousand minority protesting group.

I hope it all ends peacefully.

Cheers, Rick

[traderjm]

Where are all the posters that keep saying how the red shirt support is rising in BKK? I mean what part of BKK are then as I see the complete opposite by the rank and file members of society. Even many of the people I know and employee from the NE have had it with the REDS and want them to just go home OR take up the PM on his offer of elections in nine months... NO ONE of the people I know in BKK supports the current actions.

Please save the well the Yellows this, the Yellows that comments I don't care I didn't support those actions either... we are talking about the here and now... oh also save the past caused the future comments.. NOBODY has to act like a crazed animal.. too many of the RED leaders are doing just that right now.

[leekman]

That will silence the people that say the courts have been subourned and now he can still deal with the issue. Kinda smart!

the way ive read between the lines the courts have back healed it. saying its up to the goverment to sort out. i hope the reds reach their goal.

[Old Man River]

Another setback for Abhisit -- makes him look foolish for asking. He already had the authority, can't he take "yes" for an answer?

While it wasn't foolish for Abhisit to petition the courts (you can't predict what the courts will say), clearly the ball has been thrown back at him. Does he have the guts to act? I don't think he has a choice. The Reds are saying we are going to go where you have prohibited us from going, what are you going to do about it?

The big question is whether Abhist can garner support. It is clear to many that the police are not in his camp. They are happy to direct traffic, but not to serve outstanding warrants (hence, their failure to serve Arismon's outstanding warrant). The police have taken themselves out of the picture. He cannot rely on them.

So, it is up to the military. We will see whether the military still supports Abhisit.

[givenall]

That will silence the people that say the courts have been subourned and now he can still deal with the issue. Kinda smart!

the way ive read between the lines the courts have back healed it. saying its up to the goverment to sort out. i hope the reds reach their goal.

I wonder who side is the owners of the Central World. I can see why they are still where they are if the Central world is Thaksin’s supporters. May be is the way the government is punishing these people

[animatic]

Another setback for Abhisit -- makes him look foolish for asking.

He already had the authority, can't he take "yes" for an answer?

Actually no. He wanted it verified for all to see.

Dot the I s and cross the T s very publicly IN ADVANCE.

The Parliament makes laws

and the courts interpret law in relation to facts.

So in this case the need for an injunction was stated as redundant.

The courts need not give a ruling because the courts understand

that the government already has the appropriate powers in hand.

But now the protesters ALSO have been told this quite publicly.

So for Jatuporn to say Abhisit has lost makes no sense, except in his scattered mind I guess,

since the courts have just stated Abhisit is more powerful than he pretended to be.

They said he can evict them right now under existing law, an injunction is not needed.

That is the executive power to maintain order in the public places of the nation.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

What Teddy Roosevelt also said was be prepared to use it too.

Remember San Juan Hill, and Rajprasong Square!

The only reason Red protesters can rejoice is

if the don't understand the rulings real meaning.

Edited April 5, 2010 by animatic

[keemapoot]

It was wise for Abhisit to have the court affirm his ability to act. This amounts to a public proclamation by the court that he has full legal authority to act now. Seeking an injunction was merely a public CYA move.

[noahvail]

While the rank-and-file protesters "consider this a victory" I have to wonder if they were read the whole of the court statement. If it has been read, has it been explained? (Legalese can be very difficult for the lay person to understand.) Obviously, I haven't read the court's decision; but as reported it seems as though the government has been given the court's imprimateur to continue within the bounds of the existing order.

I'm also curious...if the attorney for the Red Shirts was there in court, why did he not appeal the ruling on the grounds that the order in effect was unconstitutional? I don't know if that's possible under Thai jurisprudence, but if it is possible I would think it could hang up the order for quite a while.

[commons]

1) i think it's characteristic for contemporary thai mind-set: if you _perceive_ a court-ruling to be in your favour... you're jubilant & claim to be protected by law. if it's _not_ in your favour, you're angry, threaten to intimidate judges & cry "double standards".

2) i agree with a comment on tulsathit's tweets who interprets it as, " The courts are saying they've done enough w/party dissolutions, confiscations, etc., they won't take all the blame." i'd say, it's a good sign judges no longer want to be the trashmen to solve a society's problems.

3) in case udd/red shirts don't understand: court ruling _affirms_ government's authority to _act_. & i hope it does.

-

so tomorrow, holiday of foundation of chakri-dynasty, will up the ante again. interesting times.

[Old Man River]

Forget the courts. The thread is not about the courts, but about continuing protests. The Reds are rejoicing as they see Abhisit as being weak. Even some in his own party see him as weak. It is time for Abhisit to put up or shut up. If he puts up, then the question is whether he has the support to shut the Reds down.

[webfact]

Court rejects ordering protester evictions: special law already gives authority.

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's Civil Court has rejected the government's request for a legal order to evict protesters from Bangkok's prime business area of Ratchaprasong, saying it already has full authority to enforce expulsions under the Internal Security Act (ISA) that has been enforced in Bangkok since March 11.

The anti-government 'Red-Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Saturday sent some protesters from Phan Fa Bridge, its main protest site, to rally at Ratchaprasong intersection, paralysing traffic and forcing closure of several nearby luxury malls frequented by high-end shoppers and tourists.

The Red Shirts announced they would stay put at the two locations until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva announced a House dissolution for fresh general elections.

The Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO), authorised under the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), filed a complaint with the Civil Court for an order to force the Red Shirt protesters to leave the capital's prime commercial centre and not to enter 11 roads which were considered critical business and public areas.

The Court said the ISA has power to immediately enforce a removal and that it was not necessary to seek the court's approval for any legal action.

Any violator must be punished under the ISA and the ISOC has the authority to carry out what it considered appropriate and necessary to enforce the law, said the Court.

After the Court's ruling, demonstrating that he did not understand the Court action, UDD leader Jatuporn Prompan told the cheering Red Shirt supporters that It was clear that Mr Abhisit could not do everything in Thailand.

He said their demonstration was constitutional and they will continue to press for House dissolution to return power to people.

In related developments, Red Shirt leader Natthawut Saikua said that in defying CAPO order, the Red Shirt protesters on Tuesday at 11am would move from Phan Fa Bridge on Ratchadamnorn Avenue to 11 roads that CAPO announced off limits to protesters.

He said the only one motorcade, to be led by Arisman Pongreungrong, Suporn Atthawong, Kwanchai Praipana and Payap Pankate, would not stop at any location and would return to their protest site at Phan Fa Bridge and Ratchaprosong intersection.

CAPO on Sunday issued its 6th statement to prohibit protesters from entering the areas, unless permitted by the concerned authority -- Rama IV from Sathorn to Samyan intersection; Sathorn from Rama IV to the intersection with Charoenkrung; Silom from Rama IV to the intersection with Charoenkrung; Surawongse from Rama IV to the intersection with Charoenkrung; Charoenkrung from Surawongse to the intersection with Sathorn; Rajdamri from BTS Rajdamri station to the intersection with Rama IV; Phyathai from Samyan intersection to Rajthevi intersection; Ratchadapisek from the intersection with Sukhumvit to the intersection with Rama IV; Dindaeng from the ntersection with Ratchadapisek to the intersection with Thaveemitr; Thaveemitr; Ratchadapisek from its intersection with Dindaeng to the intersection with Ratchadapisek Soi 8.

Those in violation may be jailed for a maximum of one year, or fined a maximum of Bt20,000 baht. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-04-05

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[monkfish]

I can see the logic now.

The courts have passed the buck back to Habisit.

If they Court were to issue the legal order he could claim it was the courts decision.

Now the decisions back with him should anything go wrong its only his head which will roll.

[lannarebirth]

Forget the courts. The thread is not about the courts, but about continuing protests. The Reds are rejoicing as they see Abhisit as being weak. Even some in his own party see him as weak. It is time for Abhisit to put up or shut up. If he puts up, then the question is whether he has the support to shut the Reds down.

Any word of additional troop movements anywhere? The greater the size of the military/_police presence the more restrained they can afford to be.

[paulbkk]

Abhisit has given the red shirts so much freedom of movement to block roads, and basically do whatever they want. This makes the government look like a joke. The situation i think is now out of hand. Abhisit should grow a pair of balls, and stop this soft peaceful approach. Ratchaprasong would be open again, with the help of some tear gas, and water canons. Peaceful protest I agree with, but the reds doing pretty much whatever they want!!!!! I think its time for Abhisit to get his act together, and use force to stop this mess.

Edited April 5, 2010 by paulbkk

[rainman]

The tide is turning. The police aren't following orders by Abhisit to arrest protesters. The courts are declining as well.

Keep on fighting, Abhisit. For your own good, not for the good of the Thai people.

[Jingthing]

He's a good man. He doesn't want blood on his hands. But Thaksin wants to MAKE him have blood on his hands. Its what you might call a Mexican standoff.

[Sunderland]

Well I don't think the police are that bothered about the reds' occupation of downtown Bangkok. They're barely bothered about the traffic. I walked back from playing tennis earlier and bumped into a traffic policeman that I used to play 5-a-side football against about 4 years ago. He stopped me as I was crossing Ratchayothin intersection and insisted on handshakes and talking about the Premier League title race for a couple of minutes in the middle of one lane of moving traffic. Completely ignored the traffic building up in that lane as cars and bikes tried to negotiate their way around us! If I hadn't moved he would still be having a chat with me there now. Was completely disinterested in talking about the red shirts, but has switched from cheering for Liverpool to Arsenal since I last met him. So fickle ...

Edited April 5, 2010 by Sunderland

[pedro01]

Interstingly, this decision by the courts does actually block the ability of the reds to appeal.

Had the court decided in the govts favour, the opposition would have had a case to appeal. As it is, they do not.

I do think though, that the govt looks very weak right now and would not be at all suprised if Thaksin is PM this time next year.

[CLOD]

Abisit knows the right thing to do.

He isn't daft, he knows the situation in thailand.

He also knows there is a junta pointing gun that prevents him from doing it.

Oh for those dreamy days at Eton, when it was Boris doing the pointing.

[commons]

The tide is turning. The police aren't following orders by Abhisit to arrest protesters. The courts are declining as well.

Keep on fighting, Abhisit. For your own good, not for the good of the Thai people.

rainman, i read your posts. imho, you indulge in compulsive & extremely selective interpretations of events - what you _will_ call "reality" & i call a "narrative", a story, a view.

even if people reply to your posts, deconstruct them & point out the obvious fallacies - you're not able to integrate criticism as a method of reflection to _improve_ your views. no. you just stubbornly insist.

i'll _now_ ask you a question: do you sincerely believe your inability to integrate different opinions enables you to speak about something like... "democracy"?

-

re this, your latest post:

1) _please_, if you've time, show me _any_ evidence Abhisit would be fighting for - as you claim - "his own good, not for the good of the Thai people." (btw, rainman, who _are_ you... to be able to speak in the name of "good of the Thai people"? anybody ever entitled you to do so?

well, i'll not even ask other questions. like, am i supposed to assume _you are_ an example for the "bright democratic future of thailand?"

[OzMick]

The tide is turning. The police aren't following orders by Abhisit to arrest protesters. The courts are declining as well.

Keep on fighting, Abhisit. For your own good, not for the good of the Thai people.

Do you have evidence that orders to arrest have been issued? Please enlighten us all. Or is another fact known only to you?

[monkfish]

He's a good man. He doesn't want blood on his hands. But Thaksin wants to MAKE him have blood on his hands. Its what you might call a Mexican standoff.

He doesn't want blood on his hands that's why he passed the decision onto the courts.

I really hope there is no blood though.

[anotherpeter]

The tide is turning. The police aren't following orders by Abhisit to arrest protesters. The courts are declining as well.

Keep on fighting, Abhisit. For your own good, not for the good of the Thai people.

I don't remember him giving any orders to arrest any protestors ... except maybe the leaders, and the police have said they won't arrest them while on stage because of the expected back lash by the protestors.

[TheOldWolf]

The tide is turning. The police aren't following orders by Abhisit to arrest protesters. The courts are declining as well.

Keep on fighting, Abhisit. For your own good, not for the good of the Thai people.

Do you have evidence that orders to arrest have been issued? Please enlighten us all. Or is another fact known only to you?

There is a warrent for Arisman, last seen at EC

[Old Man River]

Forget the courts. The thread is not about the courts, but about continuing protests. The Reds are rejoicing as they see Abhisit as being weak. Even some in his own party see him as weak. It is time for Abhisit to put up or shut up. If he puts up, then the question is whether he has the support to shut the Reds down.

Any word of additional troop movements anywhere? The greater the size of the military/_police presence the more restrained they can afford to be.

There is no need for additional troops. Right now it is over one soldier with a rifle against one unarmed Red Shirt. There is talk that some of the military won't obey orders to attack Red Shirts (they come from the same areas). Of course, there are special forces that won't question orders. Of these, there are more than enough. The question is whether the generals still back this government. That is what we will find out (assuming Abhisit stops playing politics).