Bangkok Residents Become Hostages To Red-Shirt Anarchy

[Guest]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Whose on first????????????? Preventing sholdiers crom coming out? Are these soldiers only boy scouts? Unbelievable.

TAN Network: red-shirt motorcycles block entrance and exit to Lumpinee Park to prevent soldiers from coming out

TNN says red shirts now in Silom Road

[moresomekl]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Or it is the police and the soldiers that are rounded up by the reds and held in the stadium .

Edited April 6, 2010 by moresomekl

[animatic]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

[moresomekl]

Err, I think you got your wires crossed.

Unless I'm mistaken it was Arisuman and a bunch of Reds who caused the clsing down of the ASEAN meeting in Pattaya.

There were unconfirmed reports about a small band of "blue" shirts/ Newin. But, I know what I saw with my own eyes on TV for the world to see...the TShirts were most definately RED!!!

Maybe it was pattaya AIRPORT

Very droll...good one.

Then again, Suvanabhumi is nearly there anyway - so I guess he could be right ?555

Cheers

[moresomekl]

Unbelieveable! Why has TV not banned this guy? Calling people terrorists is not legitimate journalism. I know you are beholding to The Nation, but his is over the top. There are enough people here in TV posting insutlts and calling name without aloowing a supposed journalist to post insult and call names. We have people of people here in TV with radical opinions. We must demand that journalists do their job and record the facts. We certainly someone spouting insults and clling name to tell us what we should think.

This is a new low in journalism. C'mon TV moderators ban this guy. I'd like to civil exchanges and we must require them from jouranalists.

I'm no fan of the Nation and their reporting is certainly biased, BUT Red Shirt leadership have made and continue to make numerous and repeated threats of violence and there is no arguing that they committed TERRORIST acts in the streets of Bangkok last Songkran.

Suggest you look up the definition of "TERRORIST".

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck...

Thaksin is in Bangkok ?

Wow he lost weight

[Old Man River]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

First, the government needs to call a State of Emergency (SOE), but so far the Reds have not been violent. I suspect the government will continue to wait this out to see if it takes a violent direction. If it does, then an SOE and curfew. If not violent, it will go on until it does as there are several Red leaders who would like to get their martyrs (as long as it isn't them, of course).

[johndpoole]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

Lets hope. I also hope that the protesters still here when they do they rounds ups are made to serve at least a month in jail before they are pardoned. There really needs to be consequences for the ignorant sheep of the country who are willing to be led into this kind of situation for 500 baht a day by people like this ...

[elcent]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Whose on first????????????? Preventing sholdiers crom coming out? Are these soldiers only boy scouts? Unbelievable.

TAN Network: red-shirt motorcycles block entrance and exit to Lumpinee Park to prevent soldiers from coming out

Things will be different when the public is off the streets. Even the reds may try to hide they will be reported as long as a good treatment is guaranteed. --- Just a guess ---

[johndpoole]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

First, the government needs to call a State of Emergency (SOE), but so far the Reds have not been violent. I suspect the government will continue to wait this out to see if it takes a violent direction. If it does, then an SOE and curfew. If not violent, it will go on until it does as there are several Red leaders who would like to get their martyrs (as long as it isn't them, of course).

How are you defining violent? Is not assaulting the police violent? I have watched numerous news reports showing the reds pushing the police back. Not to mention they splashed and poured blood over the police legs and feet. And would you not consider a mob forcing their way into your house or business a violent act? What about inciting violence? What about intimidation? In most countries when you use threat of violence to get something you want it is considered a violent crime.

[moresomekl]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

Lets hope. I also hope that the protesters still here when they do they rounds ups are made to serve at least a month in jail before they are pardoned. There really needs to be consequences for the ignorant sheep of the country who are willing to be led into this kind of situation for 500 baht a day by people like this ...

That only shows how the so called "ignorant sheeps" have been mistreated and neglected in the past by their so called "governements" , that they are willing to follow thugs and crooks .

[elcent]

It could also be an emergency when health hazard, like the heat, is put into consideration.

[johndpoole]

Protesters force some 100 troops to retreat into Lumpini Park .. Then a group of motorcyclists locked all the park's gates to prevent the troops from coming out.

Let the peaceful protests continue ?!?!?

[pimay11]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

First, the government needs to call a State of Emergency (SOE), but so far the Reds have not been violent. I suspect the government will continue to wait this out to see if it takes a violent direction. If it does, then an SOE and curfew. If not violent, it will go on until it does as there are several Red leaders who would like to get their martyrs (as long as it isn't them, of course).

How are you defining violent? Is not assaulting the police violent? I have watched numerous news reports showing the reds pushing the police back. Not to mention they splashed and poured blood over the police legs and feet. And would you not consider a mob forcing their way into your house or business a violent act? What about inciting violence? What about intimidation? In most countries when you use threat of violence to get something you want it is considered a violent crime.

Advocating on national TV to invade the Prime Minister's house and saying they will not be responsible for what happens is surely not violent is it? Naa happens every day an any cilivised country.

[moresomekl]

Protesters force some 100 troops to retreat into Lumpini Park .. Then a group of motorcyclists locked all the park's gates to prevent the troops from coming out.

Let the peaceful protests continue ?!?!?

Told you , its a crackdown ... in reverse

[johndpoole]

It could also be an emergency when health hazard, like the heat, is put into consideration.

The Issan folks will have a leg up in any fighting if hear is a factor. Don't they deal with temps above 40 normally during April?

[Robroy]

"The horror of mob rule..."

"These acts have reduced the status of the red-shirt leaders from that of campaigners for democracy - being used as a cloak - to that of terrorists and perpetrators of treason."

I don't think hype & overkill helps the case against the redshirts much.

It's true that people have thrown bombs (terrorism), but this hasn't been the guys in the streets, and we don't know that the two groups are connected. And even if they were, you still could not direct a charge of 'terrorism' against the street protestors.

Sane language is a part of the way out of this mess.

[Thai at Heart]

It could also be an emergency when health hazard, like the heat, is put into consideration.

The Issan folks will have a leg up in any fighting if hear is a factor. Don't they deal with temps above 40 normally during April?

Sort of shows a certain dedication for the cause doesn't it? 500 baht or not, I wouldn't sit in the sun all day for these nutters.

[hammered]

For those who missed it Sae Daeng the other day spelt it out. Thaksin has ordered the reds into top gear to finish it. That is what we are seeing. It is just a matter of who prevails now but a good guess will be that it wiont be Thailand or its people but one power elite or the other.

[DickFarang]

Confused as to location of the protesters...

Can I or should I come as planned, today and tomorrow for two nights, from Chonburi, to:

1. Shop at Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery?

2. Visit the nightlife venues known as "Nana Plaza" and "Soi Cowboy" and "Thermae"?

3. Use the BTS and MRT without any fanfare, going to Mo Chit from On Nut and to Chinatown?

Thanks in advance. The news stories never mention Sukhumvit, the BTS or MRT systems.

If you are only concerned about shopping or nightlife, not about democracy, you better stay where you are.

You can also visit Pattaya that suffered so badly from the impact of the yellow terrorists' actions.

Err, I think you got your wires crossed.

Unless I'm mistaken it was Arisuman and a bunch of Reds who caused the clsing down of the ASEAN meeting in Pattaya.

There were unconfirmed reports about a small band of "blue" shirts/ Newin. But, I know what I saw with my own eyes on TV for the world to see...the TShirts were most definately RED!!!

Nobody cares about that ASEAN meeting, but the pictures of the tourists, many of them families with babies and young children, blocked in the airports, have been shown all over the world, even in Europe, day after day.

[Thai at Heart]

For those who missed it Sae Daeng the other day spelt it out. Thaksin has ordered the reds into top gear to finish it. That is what we are seeing. It is just a matter of who prevails now but a good guess will be that it wiont be Thailand or its people but one power elite or the other.

The issue is, that as long as the army won't let Abhisit dissolve parliament because of the upcoming shuffle, the only outcome should the reds appear to prevail is a coup. And I don't believe that the army won't do it if it means saving their own skins from a potential UDD controlled parliament. They need Abhisit to stay in for at least 2 terms to get rid of the spectre of Thaksin.

So it is virtually impossible for the reds to prevail.

[johndpoole]

If this was anywhere else, we would all believe the Gov't & police have some grand plan in running away from protesters such as they want the Red to become more bold so the Reds will become even more aggressive when the cameras are on and the gov't truly try to restore peace.

BUT this is Thailand and I am really starting to believe the Thai authority is clueless in how to manage mobs and rioters even though they continue to have great experience with these mobs.

Please somebody tell me I am wrong and the police (or military) have some sort of training in crowd and riot control. Especially given they have a month to plan for this. And don't they have folks on the inside of the Red movement to know what they are planning? If they cannot even manage to get informants into the inner core of this money motivated motley crew then Thailand needs to raise the white flag and let itself be invaded because it really would prove the gov't here is a joke and is in capable of protecting its people,

[johncitizen]

Silom Intersection has just been blocked by the Reds. The mobile rally has moved out of Pan Fa and is doing a tour of all 11 "restricted areas."

EDIT: I'm also hearing reports that Reds in the Northern regions have blocked the entrances to the provincial halls as well.

Edited April 6, 2010 by johncitizen

[johndpoole]

We may see the martial law invoked today. Be prepared for curfew tonight. I think it will be over by tomorrow night then.

They may round up protesters and put them in holding places like the stadium with official TV present so that it can be witnessed that they are treated well. --- Just a guess ---

Plausible.

Lets hope. I also hope that the protesters still here when they do they rounds ups are made to serve at least a month in jail before they are pardoned. There really needs to be consequences for the ignorant sheep of the country who are willing to be led into this kind of situation for 500 baht a day by people like this ...

That only shows how the so called "ignorant sheeps" have been mistreated and neglected in the past by their so called "governements" , that they are willing to follow thugs and crooks .

And or they could use the 500 baht a day ...

[hammered]

For those who missed it Sae Daeng the other day spelt it out. Thaksin has ordered the reds into top gear to finish it. That is what we are seeing. It is just a matter of who prevails now but a good guess will be that it wiont be Thailand or its people but one power elite or the other.

The issue is, that as long as the army won't let Abhisit dissolve parliament because of the upcoming shuffle, the only outcome should the reds appear to prevail is a coup. And I don't believe that the army won't do it if it means saving their own skins from a potential UDD controlled parliament. They need Abhisit to stay in for at least 2 terms to get rid of the spectre of Thaksin.

So it is virtually impossible for the reds to prevail.

Who knows. Once you wipe out all the minority socialist stuff spouted and look at the make up of the PTP. Elections with PTP back and a deal between the army and PTP of non-interference and they arent that far apart. Dodgy army types have a lot mor ein common with dodgy feudal baron types than they do with any Korn or Abhisit. The real stumbling block is Thaksin but a say Chaavlit led deal could see a perceived red victory with Thaksin told just wait a year and then another and then.... and Abhisit also out in the cold with the ledt of the reds also pushed out there while the upcoutnry voters sit around knowing Thaksins party is back in and expecting him to reurn home soon but not knowing....

Thaksin also looks rather unhealthy these days.

Anyway just saying dont rule anything out as we dont really know what is going on behind the scenes. Many people are surprised to find some Dem and PTP MPs are best mates. The elite has options in resolving this

[johndpoole]

At this point the issue maybe dismissing the ineffective police force and then send in the Army.

[mythBuster]

The Nation is simply a lousy biased newspaper. The entire world became hostage when their friends the yellow shirts took the airports and entire bangkok was held hostage for 7 months. See it as your deserved deja vous.

[Old Man River]

For those who missed it Sae Daeng the other day spelt it out. Thaksin has ordered the reds into top gear to finish it. That is what we are seeing. It is just a matter of who prevails now but a good guess will be that it wiont be Thailand or its people but one power elite or the other.

The issue is, that as long as the army won't let Abhisit dissolve parliament because of the upcoming shuffle, the only outcome should the reds appear to prevail is a coup. And I don't believe that the army won't do it if it means saving their own skins from a potential UDD controlled parliament. They need Abhisit to stay in for at least 2 terms to get rid of the spectre of Thaksin.

So it is virtually impossible for the reds to prevail.

The issue is that Abhisit doesn't want to dissolve parliament, not that the military won't let him. The few thousand people roaming Bangkok now do not represent the wishes of the entire country. Fourteen million people voted for the Democrats in the last election and when you add the votes for the coalition parties that is the real majority of this country. Since this government represents the majority of the people in the country, they do not have to do what the minority wants.

[pimay11]

At this point the issue maybe dismissing the ineffective police force and then send in the Army.

We can only hope. I just wonder what K Abhist and K Suthep are doing at the moment?

[hammered]

At this point the issue maybe dismissing the ineffective police force and then send in the Army.

We can only hope. I just wonder what K Abhist and K Suthep are doing at the moment?

I would guess waiting for the reds to make a mistake at one of the BKK and provincial rallies that will give them a justification to move in. I would additionally guess they are waiting on things like tiredness, frustration and heat and splitting into multiple groups to work in their favour. If none of this does happen they are probably praying for Songkhran

[Thai at Heart]

Who knows. Once you wipe out all the minority socialist stuff spouted and look at the make up of the PTP. Elections with PTP back and a deal between the army and PTP of non-interference and they arent that far apart. Dodgy army types have a lot mor ein common with dodgy feudal baron types than they do with any Korn or Abhisit. The real stumbling block is Thaksin but a say Chaavlit led deal could see a perceived red victory with Thaksin told just wait a year and then another and then.... and Abhisit also out in the cold with the ledt of the reds also pushed out there while the upcoutnry voters sit around knowing Thaksins party is back in and expecting him to reurn home soon but not knowing....

Thaksin also looks rather unhealthy these days.

Anyway just saying dont rule anything out as we dont really know what is going on behind the scenes. Many people are surprised to find some Dem and PTP MPs are best mates. The elite has options in resolving this

I wasn't necessarily referring to the bigger picture, rather more today. In that if Abhisit backs down and gives the reds elections say in 2 months time, the army will step in.

In the bigger picture, there is every chance that the PTP will prevail. I think the situation politically for Abhisit and the Dems is looking terrible. The New Politics bunch will crucify them after this mess (if they run). I also don't buy this story about the PTP buying every vote that comes it's way. I think they will have no problem getting their supporters to the polls, but I bet quite a few Democrat supporters will be a bit reluctant after seeing Abhisit's handling of this.

This is not to say that I don't believe that Abhisit has handled this well from MY perspective. From a Democrat perspective though I don't think too many will be saying he has handled this well.

As for Thaksin's health, wouldn't know, but I wouldn't imagine sitting in the heat of Dubai and flitting to Montenegro of all places would do much for me.