Bangkok Residents Become Hostages To Red-Shirt Anarchy

[kissdani]

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

"a fiery orator on the red-shirt stage, denouncing the existence of the monarchy and the system Thaksin dislikes."

What else they need? The Internal Security Act is there to protect that system the Reds want overthrow.

[jayboy]

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.

To my mind this is all a bit confused.Firstly this is a legitimate government (one can argue about its "guided" path to power but that's a different matter).A government should govern and this often means defying the majority.If the majority don't like a government they can vote them out an election and choose one more to their taste.Abhisit is the legitimate leader of the government and commands a majority in parliament.He does not have to hold an election for some time.The Reds have no right to demand a dissolution now.I suppose more accurately they have the right to demand anything they like but on this matter Abhisit should hold fast.Actually as we know he has actually reached out half way in terms of offering a dissolution early next year.

You have lost me when you talk about the government doing or not doing what the majority wants.That's not what government is all about.Who wants the tyranny of the majority?As far as the numbers you quote it's all very subjective.You can slice or dice electoral numbers in a thousand ways.The test is who wins seats and who can form a government (uninfluenced of course by politicised court decisions, heavy handed military interference etc - not of course that ever happens here).What the Reds sense I feel is that they and their allies are in pole position.They should go home and wait it out.

Edited April 6, 2010 by jayboy

[dominique355]

To me the color RED has some very serious connotational problems. Look at other "red" fights for what they call "power to the people" or "democracy":

- the little Red Book by Mao. Result: about 20 million died under Mao's government.

- the Read Army terrorizing Eastern Europe for almost 40 years

- the Khmer Rouge (or Red Khmer) under Pol Pot. (BTW, did you know that Hun Sen was a close ally of Pol Pot?)

- the usually red shirt of Hugo Chavez. This guy obviously has a lot in common with Thaksin. Slowly turning a a democracy into a dictatorship with one leader for life.

Of course, that's all just a coincidence, but doesn't it give you something to think about?

In today's Bangkok Post they quote one Red Shirt lady with what I believe is the basic truth in the present situation. Here is what she said:

" We are all calling for democracy and want Thaksin Shinawatra to come back because we will have money in our pockets when he returns as Prime Minister of Thailand again."

She sells flowers at the Erewan shrine.

My Thai wife said: "What a brainless idiot. But then again that's why she only sells flowers."

[Guest]

Its sickening to see the weak kneed authorities backoff time and time again to let these morons run amok. A stand has to be taken at some point.

[culicine]

Its sickening to see the weak kneed authorities backoff time and time again to let these morons run amok. A stand has to be taken at some point.

Pretty much the reds are doing whatever the hel_l they like at the moment. They will be on Abhisit's doorstep for dinner at this rate.

[johndpoole]

To me the color RED has some very serious connotational problems. Look at other "red" fights for what they call "power to the people" or "democracy":

- the little Red Book by Mao. Result: about 20 million died under Mao's government.

- the Read Army terrorizing Eastern Europe for almost 40 years

- the Khmer Rouge (or Red Khmer) under Pol Pot. (BTW, did you know that Hun Sen was a close ally of Pol Pot?)

- the usually red shirt of Hugo Chavez. This guy obviously has a lot in common with Thaksin. Slowly turning a a democracy into a dictatorship with one leader for life.

Of course, that's all just a coincidence, but doesn't it give you something to think about?

In today's Bangkok Post they quote one Red Shirt lady with what I believe is the basic truth in the present situation. Here is what she said:

" We are all calling for democracy and want Thaksin Shinawatra to come back because we will have money in our pockets when he returns as Prime Minister of Thailand again."

She sells flowers at the Erewan shrine.

My Thai wife said: "What a brainless idiot. But then again that's why she only sells flowers."

I am guessing flower sales were higher under Thaksin given the thousand who died due to the summary executions that took place. But I think it might have more to do with having to repay loans that were given out by their leaders who were in Thaksin's pocket.

[johndpoole]

I wonder when, if it hasn't already passed, the time will come were the PM is a day late and a dollar short in terms of his political career as a result of his dealing with this situation.

Even if the Reds do something grand and overtly violently, I believe many people will hold him 1/2 responsible too since he has as of yet done NOTHING to restore peace and prevent overt violence (death and injuries) which we all know is coming if this group is left unchecked.

Edited April 6, 2010 by johndpoole

[rogerdee123]

To me the color RED has some very serious connotational problems. Look at other "red" fights for what they call "power to the people" or "democracy":

- the little Red Book by Mao. Result: about 20 million died under Mao's government.

- the Read Army terrorizing Eastern Europe for almost 40 years

- the Khmer Rouge (or Red Khmer) under Pol Pot. (BTW, did you know that Hun Sen was a close ally of Pol Pot?)

- the usually red shirt of Hugo Chavez. This guy obviously has a lot in common with Thaksin. Slowly turning a a democracy into a dictatorship with one leader for life.

Of course, that's all just a coincidence, but doesn't it give you something to think about?

In today's Bangkok Post they quote one Red Shirt lady with what I believe is the basic truth in the present situation. Here is what she said:

" We are all calling for democracy and want Thaksin Shinawatra to come back because we will have money in our pockets when he returns as Prime Minister of Thailand again."

She sells flowers at the Erewan shrine.

My Thai wife said: "What a brainless idiot. But then again that's why she only sells flowers."

There was also the "Red Gaur" ... does anyone else here remember them?

[RegularReader]

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.

Dick Farang why not just admit you made a mistake, rather than make it worse by trying to divert attention to another topic ?

You should be down on the stage with Jatuporn, Weng & co...

[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.

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.

To my mind this is all a bit confused.Firstly this is a legitimate government (one can argue about its "guided" path to power but that's a different matter).A government should govern and this often means defying the majority.If the majority don't like a government they can vote them out an election and choose one more to their taste.Abhisit is the legitimate leader of the government and commands a majority in parliament.He does not have to hold an election for some time.The Reds have no right to demand a dissolution now.I suppose more accurately they have the right to demand anything they like but on this matter Abhisit should hold fast.Actually as we know he has actually reached out half way in terms of offering a dissolution early next year.

You have lost me when you talk about the government doing or not doing what the majority wants.That's not what government is all about.Who wants the tyranny of the majority?As far as the numbers you quote it's all very subjective.You can slice or dice electoral numbers in a thousand ways.The test is who wins seats and who can form a government (uninfluenced of course by politicised court decisions, heavy handed military interference etc - not of course that ever happens here).What the Reds sense I feel is that they and their allies are in pole position.They should go home and wait it out.

I too cant see why they dont just wait the next election or why they didnt accept the PMs offer before. They seem confident they will win. Why the rush now? The only reason I can think of seems to be some Thaksin thing about cases or some promises made. Certainly from a democratic point of view the need for elections now as opposed to later makes little sense if you genuinely believe you have the majority

[rogerdee123]

Its sickening to see the weak kneed authorities backoff time and time again to let these morons run amok. A stand has to be taken at some point.

Pretty much the reds are doing whatever the hel_l they like at the moment. They will be on Abhisit's doorstep for dinner at this rate.

Well I have to admit I don't know what to think now. The Govt definitely seems to be losing in the "face" department. The Govt is either showing extraordinary patience to avoid bloodshed ... or the Govt is in disarray. Could the military have refused to act? Or is the Govt (and/or military) giving a little more rope to the Reds so that when they eventually step in and start arresting people, the public will cheer them on.

I now think the situation is unpredictable and anything could happen.

[anotherpeter]

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.

"all over the world, even in Europe, day after day" ???

The current mess is barely mentioned. Something that happened 2 years ago would hardly be mentioned, let alone "day after day".

Edited April 6, 2010 by anotherpeter

[Thai at Heart]

Its sickening to see the weak kneed authorities backoff time and time again to let these morons run amok. A stand has to be taken at some point.

Pretty much the reds are doing whatever the hel_l they like at the moment. They will be on Abhisit's doorstep for dinner at this rate.

Well I have to admit I don't know what to think now. The Govt definitely seems to be losing in the "face" department. The Govt is either showing extraordinary patience to avoid bloodshed ... or the Govt is in disarray. Could the military have refused to act? Or is the Govt (and/or military) giving a little more rope to the Reds so that when they eventually step in and start arresting people, the public will cheer them on.

I now think the situation is unpredictable and anything could happen.

According to your message Roger, unpredictable is an understatement.

Unknown situation would be a better description.

I would like to think that Abhisit is having a meeting trying to work out what he can do.

[LevelHead]

Hi.

For some reason i always get to places at the wrong time.... i went to Panthip Plaza and MBK yesterday morning, no problems with the traffic at all (using Phetchaburi Rd.) and, while i had the bike parked at Panthip, took a walk to the protest area. Must have been around noon, it was HOT.

All i could see was, maybe, one thousand red shirts there - no more. A small crowd around the stage and n even smaller crowd in the shade under the pedestrian bridge there. Left and right footpaths were filled with small stalls selling red shirts, flags, foot clappers and related things. I myself was, as always when getting into a political crowd, dressed all-black as to remain very clearly neutral.

Nobody approached me, nobody made any comments, nobody felt disturbed by me or disturbed me in any way, shape or form. I took a ton of pictures with my phone, walking up that pedestrian bridge which was also filled with red-shirted people, they smiled and were friendly, but seemingly quite exhausted. No wonder, it must have been well beyond 40 degrees Celsius there at that time.

I left the area not without getting me a little souvenir - a small-size foot clapper for 10 Baht. The lady who sold those spoke English - she asked me if i supported the reds, my answer "the reds, yes, but not Thaksin" was well accepted.

I just hope that the majority of those people there get out on their own before a crackdown comes down on them. Most of them ARE peaceful, it is just a few who want to start violence, unfortunately once violence is started the counterstrike will hit the masses of the innocent, too.

Having all those major shopping malls closed for an extended time does sure generate economic losses in the Billions of Baht - and it, too, inconveniences tourists as specifically that area there is a hub for tourists with all the big brand-name shops located there. Even places like Peninsula, while not closed, will not receive many customers these days - as people won't bother going anywhere near a potentially-violent mass protest. And the customers in that kind of mall are the ones Thailand needs and wants the most - high-spending rich foreigners.

Best regards.....

Thanh

Loads and loads of other malls are open, so its not going to generate any losses. Just because Paragon is shut does not mean the whole of Bangkok is shut, Emporium is open, Central Lad Prao is open and many many shopping malls are open.

Its crazy to say all of Bangkok shopping is just there, when in fact there are more malls and shops in other places than just there.

So people are still spending, nothing is not being spent, its just being spent in other places. Simple really.

[Neurath]

I wonder when, if it hasn't already passed, the time will come were the PM is a day late and a dollar short in terms of his political career as a result of his dealing with this situation.

Even if the Reds do something grand and overtly violently, I believe many people will hold him 1/2 responsible too since he has as of yet done NOTHING to restore peace and prevent overt violence (death and injuries) which we all know is coming if this group is left unchecked.

Using force now (and it's necessarily attendant violence) would, like holding an election now, solve nothing and lead to more unrest and violence. Gently does it.

[LevelHead]

It is true. The last Thaksin puppet government was "mobbed out" by the yellows and now the reds are using this as a rationale for lawlessness.

Let's break this down.

The yellow tactic was indeed very bad.

However, what were they trying to stop?

They were trying to stop a dictator named Thaksin. Thaksin was not a normal PM, he was consolidating a dictatorship to be leader for life. He was and is totally ANTI-democratic. He is a totalitarian.

They used radical tactics to save their country.

The proof? Look at Thaksin now. If he was NORMAL he would have made a deal, left politics, and been happy to enjoy his ill gained riches for the rest of his life.

But his mad power and money lust knows no limits or price and he is willing to totally destroy his country in the process.

Bottom line -- yes this is all about this destructive man Thaksin, and the continuing struggle to get him out of the way so Thailand can move forward.

I beg to differ with you . Even following your logic that mobs can decide in some cases

Number one : Thaksin was not himself in power at the time of the airport stunt . Somchai was

Number two : Somchai governement was indicted for electoral fraud already , there was little doubt

that they will be convicted .

So there was no need to occupy the airport by the yellows . What they did is not excusable

Of course its the past

Hand grenades thrown at PAD encampment at Gov House was a strong incentive to up the anti.

No one was at that point 100% SURE that the laws would not be rewritten BEFORE PPP was dissolved,

absolving TRT and Thaksin of all crimes and misdemeanors.

That with the grenades KILLING people, was what pushed PAD to the next level.

IMO another misjudgment of Thaksin et al, that violence would make things better.

We know from PAD's move that this was NOT the case.. and has never been.

Each increase of violence against PAD made them MORE militant, not more wimpy.

Yet Team Thaksin tries the violence route yet again, clandestinely more or less.

What part of, 'this doesn't work', can't they understand....???

The consitution was ripped up, the laws thrown in the bin and the coup leaders granted themselves "immunity" in 2006.

Do not seeing you moaning about people who do this..... but you claim someone was trying to do it and that was wrong, even with no proof of it.

So why do you not bemoan the people who actually did change the law and grant themselves immunity ?????????

[culicine]

Its sickening to see the weak kneed authorities backoff time and time again to let these morons run amok. A stand has to be taken at some point.

Pretty much the reds are doing whatever the hel_l they like at the moment. They will be on Abhisit's doorstep for dinner at this rate.

Well I have to admit I don't know what to think now. The Govt definitely seems to be losing in the "face" department. The Govt is either showing extraordinary patience to avoid bloodshed ... or the Govt is in disarray. Could the military have refused to act? Or is the Govt (and/or military) giving a little more rope to the Reds so that when they eventually step in and start arresting people, the public will cheer them on.

I now think the situation is unpredictable and anything could happen.

Seems some Bangkokians have had enough and are taking matters into their own hands. Two cars have now ploughed into protestors on Silom. Maybe this will encourage the police/army to be a little more assertive.

[pimay11]

It is true. The last Thaksin puppet government was "mobbed out" by the yellows and now the reds are using this as a rationale for lawlessness.

Let's break this down.

The yellow tactic was indeed very bad.

However, what were they trying to stop?

They were trying to stop a dictator named Thaksin. Thaksin was not a normal PM, he was consolidating a dictatorship to be leader for life. He was and is totally ANTI-democratic. He is a totalitarian.

They used radical tactics to save their country.

The proof? Look at Thaksin now. If he was NORMAL he would have made a deal, left politics, and been happy to enjoy his ill gained riches for the rest of his life.

But his mad power and money lust knows no limits or price and he is willing to totally destroy his country in the process.

Bottom line -- yes this is all about this destructive man Thaksin, and the continuing struggle to get him out of the way so Thailand can move forward.

I beg to differ with you . Even following your logic that mobs can decide in some cases

Number one : Thaksin was not himself in power at the time of the airport stunt . Somchai was

Number two : Somchai governement was indicted for electoral fraud already , there was little doubt

that they will be convicted .

So there was no need to occupy the airport by the yellows . What they did is not excusable

Of course its the past

Hand grenades thrown at PAD encampment at Gov House was a strong incentive to up the anti.

No one was at that point 100% SURE that the laws would not be rewritten BEFORE PPP was dissolved,

absolving TRT and Thaksin of all crimes and misdemeanors.

That with the grenades KILLING people, was what pushed PAD to the next level.

IMO another misjudgment of Thaksin et al, that violence would make things better.

We know from PAD's move that this was NOT the case.. and has never been.

Each increase of violence against PAD made them MORE militant, not more wimpy.

Yet Team Thaksin tries the violence route yet again, clandestinely more or less.

What part of, 'this doesn't work', can't they understand....???

The consitution was ripped up, the laws thrown in the bin and the coup leaders granted themselves "immunity" in 2006.

Do not seeing you moaning about people who do this..... but you claim someone was trying to do it and that was wrong, even with no proof of it.

So why do you not bemoan the people who actually did change the law and grant themselves immunity ?????????

Everyone push the ignore button. With no response maybe he will dissapear . Talking with yourself gets boring rather quickly!

[jayboy]

My Thai wife said: "What a brainless idiot. But then again that's why she only sells flowers."

There will I expect be different ideas of who is the brainless idiot in this revealing little anecdote.

[johndpoole]

I wonder when, if it hasn't already passed, the time will come were the PM is a day late and a dollar short in terms of his political career as a result of his dealing with this situation.

Even if the Reds do something grand and overtly violently, I believe many people will hold him 1/2 responsible too since he has as of yet done NOTHING to restore peace and prevent overt violence (death and injuries) which we all know is coming if this group is left unchecked.

Using force now (and it's necessarily attendant violence) would, like holding an election now, solve nothing and lead to more unrest and violence. Gently does it.

Enforcing the law and holding those accountable who flagrantly break the law would solve the situation we have now. When people learn there are laws that need to be respected then future coups will stop and people will learn they need to wait for elections and handle grievances in legal ways.

Enforcing the law will restore peace to all those suffering at the hands of this mob as well as stop further damage to Thailand as a whole.

MAKE NO MISTAKES ... THERE IS A LAWLESS MOB ROAMING THE STREETS OF BKK AS WE SPEAK

[LevelHead]

What I find sad is that many posters on here have been saying it will be over in hours since Saturday. Its now Tuesday, the government deadlines (multiple) have passed and nothing has happened.

And yet these posters still crave for violent action by the army/police ?????

Strange people.

This is about Democracy and you crave the present unelected government to do the protesters who want Democracy in ?

Are many posters on here Burmese Junta relatives ? Let me guess, you all think the Junta are great and a certain Mrs Kyi should be hung for all the trouble she caused in the past ??????? How dare she cause all the issues and problems for the nice Junta, how inconsiderate of her.

Most strange.

[ozzieman05]

Come on Abhisit

You are causing more problems than good

All I can see it you giving into the Reds art every corner

This makes them feel more and more they are on the side of right

The Police and army look like a bunch of school kids not knowing what to do and running away when ever a red shirt says boo

and to think I was stupid enough to believe in you

Taskin is not the man I respect

but at least his people do not run from confrontation

I read many many farang saying and talking

But now it is time for my Thai Brothers and sisters to come out and have their say

Mr. Abhisit I hope you read this

May faith in you is nearly gone all

[LevelHead]

I wonder when, if it hasn't already passed, the time will come were the PM is a day late and a dollar short in terms of his political career as a result of his dealing with this situation.

Even if the Reds do something grand and overtly violently, I believe many people will hold him 1/2 responsible too since he has as of yet done NOTHING to restore peace and prevent overt violence (death and injuries) which we all know is coming if this group is left unchecked.

Using force now (and it's necessarily attendant violence) would, like holding an election now, solve nothing and lead to more unrest and violence. Gently does it.

Enforcing the law and holding those accountable who flagrantly break the law would solve the situation we have now. When people learn there are laws that need to be respected then future coups will stop and people will learn they need to wait for elections and handle grievances in legal ways.

Enforcing the law will restore peace to all those suffering at the hands of this mob as well as stop further damage to Thailand as a whole.

MAKE NO MISTAKES ... THERE IS A LAWLESS MOB ROAMING THE STREETS OF BKK AS WE SPEAK

Excellent idea.

The law under the 1997 consitition said coups are illegal and you cannot throw the constititon in the bin and grant yourself immunity.

So under that "unchanged" law then the coup leaders, the military shoiuld all be tried for treason.

So yes, lets start using the LAW.

As the coup was "illegal" lets put TRT back into power by hitting the reset button.

Or do you just want to apply the law at this monent in time because it suits you ?

[TheOldWolf]

"The consitution was ripped up, the laws thrown in the bin and the coup leaders granted themselves "immunity" in 2006.

Do not seeing you moaning about people who do this..... but you claim someone was trying to do it and that was wrong, even with no proof of it.

So why do you not bemoan the people who actually did change the law and grant themselves immunity ????????? "

If the reds win the battle and there is a red goverment, what do you think will happen to the red leaders? they will change the law and grant themsdelves immunity!!!

[Insight]

Come on Abhisit

You are causing more problems than good

All I can see it you giving into the Reds art every corner

This makes them feel more and more they are on the side of right

The Police and army look like a bunch of school kids not knowing what to do and running away when ever a red shirt says boo

and to think I was stupid enough to believe in you

Taskin is not the man I respect

but at least his people do not run from confrontation

I read many many farang saying and talking

But now it is time for my Thai Brothers and sisters to come out and have their say

Mr. Abhisit I hope you read this

May faith in you is nearly gone all

The Thai message boards are screaming similar message. Something has to give.

[Guest]

What I find sad is that many posters on here have been saying it will be over in hours since Saturday. Its now Tuesday, the government deadlines (multiple) have passed and nothing has happened.

And yet these posters still crave for violent action by the army/police ?????

Strange people.

This is about Democracy and you crave the present unelected government to do the protesters who want Democracy in ?

Are many posters on here Burmese Junta relatives ? Let me guess, you all think the Junta are great and a certain Mrs Kyi should be hung for all the trouble she caused in the past ??????? How dare she cause all the issues and problems for the nice Junta, how inconsiderate of her.

Most strange.

How insulting to compare our opinions to supporting the fascists in Burma.

So, lets suppose you are in charge here in Thailand. How long would you allow a mob to roam the streets doing whatever they want?

[johndpoole]

When the police fail to protect the people and enforce the law the only logical result will be the people acting on their own to protect their lives, property and freedom. The continues siege of BKK by the Reds Shirts is creating a heavy toll on people's mental health and you can expect to see a growing rate of people acting out or even banding together in a effort to enforce the law and eliminate the pain and threat the Reds are currently causing.

[Thai at Heart]

What I find sad is that many posters on here have been saying it will be over in hours since Saturday. Its now Tuesday, the government deadlines (multiple) have passed and nothing has happened.

And yet these posters still crave for violent action by the army/police ?????

Strange people.

This is about Democracy and you crave the present unelected government to do the protesters who want Democracy in ?

Are many posters on here Burmese Junta relatives ? Let me guess, you all think the Junta are great and a certain Mrs Kyi should be hung for all the trouble she caused in the past ??????? How dare she cause all the issues and problems for the nice Junta, how inconsiderate of her.

Most strange.

How insulting to compare our opinions to supporting the fascists in Burma.

So, lets suppose you are in charge here in Thailand. How long would you allow a mob to roam the streets doing whatever they want?

Well one would suggest that politically, recent precedent shows that you must let the mob sit there until it wins.

Edited April 6, 2010 by Thai at Heart

[LevelHead]

What I find sad is that many posters on here have been saying it will be over in hours since Saturday. Its now Tuesday, the government deadlines (multiple) have passed and nothing has happened.

And yet these posters still crave for violent action by the army/police ?????

Strange people.

This is about Democracy and you crave the present unelected government to do the protesters who want Democracy in ?

Are many posters on here Burmese Junta relatives ? Let me guess, you all think the Junta are great and a certain Mrs Kyi should be hung for all the trouble she caused in the past ??????? How dare she cause all the issues and problems for the nice Junta, how inconsiderate of her.

Most strange.

How insulting to compare our opinions to supporting the fascists in Burma.

So, lets suppose you are in charge here in Thailand. How long would you allow a mob to roam the streets doing whatever they want?

Everyone knows the present government was not elected by the people. It is a result of a court verdict and some manipulation, which saw Abhisit in the press shaking hands with a banned politican setting up a coalition.

So simply, you have a mob on the street as Democracy has been trampled on.

If I were in charge I would hold elections tomorrow, no problem.

The country is about all Thai's, not just a few Bangkok people. Perhaps Bangkok people are learning now that there is more to the country than just one city and what that city wants.

[Neurath]

I wonder when, if it hasn't already passed, the time will come were the PM is a day late and a dollar short in terms of his political career as a result of his dealing with this situation.

Even if the Reds do something grand and overtly violently, I believe many people will hold him 1/2 responsible too since he has as of yet done NOTHING to restore peace and prevent overt violence (death and injuries) which we all know is coming if this group is left unchecked.

Using force now (and it's necessarily attendant violence) would, like holding an election now, solve nothing and lead to more unrest and violence. Gently does it.

Enforcing the law and holding those accountable who flagrantly break the law would solve the situation we have now. When people learn there are laws that need to be respected then future coups will stop and people will learn they need to wait for elections and handle grievances in legal ways.

Enforcing the law will restore peace to all those suffering at the hands of this mob as well as stop further damage to Thailand as a whole.

MAKE NO MISTAKES ... THERE IS A LAWLESS MOB ROAMING THE STREETS OF BKK AS WE SPEAK

Arrest warrants have been issued as they should be. Confrontation will not be perceived as a legitimate application of law, quite the reverse. This is why confrontation is craved. Patience. The Red Shirt leadership is behaving like the Red Army Faction - force the State to react violently in order to uncover and 'unveil' it's true 'nature'. Patience.