Red Shirts: Happy To Take The Road To Oblivion?

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Reds: happy to take the road to oblivion?

By Avudh Panananda

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Red-shirt leader Veera Musigapong believes victory is almost at hand.

Even if he is correct, one crucial question remains unanswered - whether a change of government spurred by the red shirts will end the current turmoil, or lead to a renewed struggle by the yellow shirts.

Rightly or wrongly, Thailand has been transformed into a political theatre where protest mobs - the red shirts and the yellow shirts - are taking turns as key players on the stage.

The havoc being wrought by the red shirts in the streets of Bangkok is nothing new - it's just a walk down the trail blazed by the yellow shirts two years ago.

The red shirts themselves have compared their protests to those carried out by their yellow rivals. They are not coy to boast about their superiority.

Instead of besieging Government House, the red shirts have maintained their main rally site at Phan Fa Bridge. But instead of raiding Suvarnabhumi Airport, they have camped out at Rajaprasong Intersection, a major hub for shopping and tourism.

For society, the burning issue is not which camp can outshine the other in organising political rallies but the collateral damage inflicted.

The reds, particularly leaders Veera, Jatuporn Promphan, Natthawut Saikua and weng Tojirakarn, ought to rethink their strategy - based on what they can do, to what they should do, to advance democracy.

The yellow shirts, after a record breaking 193 days of street protests, failed to oust two governments led by Samak Sundaravej and Somchai Wongsawat. Two judicial verdicts led to the respective downfalls of Samak and Somchai.

Earlier, the yellow shirts tried but failed to bring down Thaksin Shinawatra's administration. His regime was finally ousted by the 2006 coup.

Although Veera compared the progress of his fight to a train ride from Chiang Mai, reaching Bang Sue station before arriving at Hua Lumpong in Bangkok, he had no clear idea of what would happen after getting off the train.

For argument's sake, let's simplify the situation, and say the yellow shirts managed to drive out the pro-Thaksin camp. But if the reds were to succeed in bringing down the Abhisit Vejjajiva government, seen as anti-Thaksin, would this lead to a return of the yellow shirts if a pro-Thaksin government takes power?

In the second round of negotiations last Sunday, Veera admitted to Abhisit that he could only vouch for the red shirts.

Because the negotiations collapsed after two rounds, the red shirts opted to step up their protests against the government, just like the yellow shirts did to Somchai.

Since Saturday, the red shirts have fanned out to disrupt commerce and traffic around the capital. Their second rally site was set up at Rajprasong. They carried out separate rallies at NBT station, the 11th Infantry Regiment and the Election Commission.

In retaliating against the government's defiance, Natthawut revealed a plan to boost the number of rally sites to pressure the government to dissolve Parliament.

In rebutting concern about the cost of such acts, weng drew an analogy of Japan's recontruction following destruction after World War II, suggesting the red shirts are prepared to risk laying waste to the country. But what right do they have to speak for Thailand?

As a humanist, weng should examine the fallacy of building a new world after obliterating the old world. Great "humanists" like Stalin, Mao Zedong and Pol Pot tried but failed to bring about a utopian society in the Soviet Union, China and Cambodia.

Democracy is a common aspiration for Thais. But there are many models to improve the political system. Is it really necessary to put lives at risk to achieve one's political utopia?

-- The Nation 2010-04-06

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[khunjamespittman]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

[siampolee]

Vast difference in society in the U.K. system.

It started with Magna Carta some 900 years ago and it is still being worked on.

Educated electorate, vote where you live, provided that of course you register via the electoral roll sent out on a yearly basis. one M.P per constituency for the Westminster parliament.

Thailand and many other states/nations have a long way to go prior to equating to the U.K. system.

[Netfan]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK). Nor does he have a rogue army general running around with a guerilla group behind him, or bombs going off in London. And I didn't read anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office in London yesterday. Nor do I imagine that England will need international observers to verify that there is no vote buying or intimidation of candidates. To compare the two situations is nonsense. Nine months. That's when the Reds could have had elections if the big boss had only approved. But the text message in the middle of the meeting with the PM squashed that quick.

[animatic]

It's only rumors he will.

In any case no pressure on Abhisit any to follow suit.

Different country different situation and few parallels.

[ratcatcher]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

After talking to some of my English friends I sincerely hope that P.M. Abhisit can run the government in this country a lot better than Gordon Brown. has been running the British government. Currency watchers will probably agree.

The British people are not happy with the jovial Scot and some of his policies either.

Gordon Brown also knows there is an equally capable Conservative member to take over if the Labour Party loses an election.

Abhisit has no such assurance and knows PTP is in disarray.

[Mosha]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

:D

[khunjamespittman]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK). Nor does he have a rogue army general running around with a guerilla group behind him, or bombs going off in London. And I didn't read anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office in London yesterday. Nor do I imagine that England will need international observers to verify that there is no vote buying or intimidation of candidates. To compare the two situations is nonsense. Nine months. That's when the Reds could have had elections if the big boss had only approved. But the text message in the middle of the meeting with the PM squashed that quick.

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

[khunjamespittman]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

After talking to some of my English friends I sincerely hope that P.M. Abhisit can run the government in this country a lot better than Gordon Brown. has been running the British government. Currency watchers will probably agree.

The British people are not happy with the jovial Scot and some of his policies either.

Gordon Brown also knows there is an equally capable Conservative member to take over if the Labour Party loses an election.

Abhisit has no such assurance and knows PTP is in disarray.

If that is the way you folks feel then you have my sympathy. I was only addressing the ability to run a snap election.

[animatic]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK). Nor does he have a rogue army general running around with a guerilla group behind him, or bombs going off in London. And I didn't read anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office in London yesterday. Nor do I imagine that England will need international observers to verify that there is no vote buying or intimidation of candidates. To compare the two situations is nonsense. Nine months. That's when the Reds could have had elections if the big boss had only approved. But the text message in the middle of the meeting with the PM squashed that quick.

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

The Immigration thing was late yesterday.

So don't worry you missed it.

[khunjamespittman]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK). Nor does he have a rogue army general running around with a guerilla group behind him, or bombs going off in London. And I didn't read anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office in London yesterday. Nor do I imagine that England will need international observers to verify that there is no vote buying or intimidation of candidates. To compare the two situations is nonsense. Nine months. That's when the Reds could have had elections if the big boss had only approved. But the text message in the middle of the meeting with the PM squashed that quick.

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

The Immigration thing was late yesterday.

So don't worry you missed it.

Please tell me where it was reported. Only reference I've seen about Immigrations office was in The Nation when they mentioned it was near the Elections Office and no relationship to the demonstrators. It made little sense why they mentioned it beign close to something. It's also close to the street but that also has no meaning. Probalby one of those inferntial things the Nation "reports" are noted for to jazz up anything.

[kissdani]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

With the Democrats dissolution end of this month something else will happen in Thailand. Not a new election that will change nothing, but a reform of the parliamentarian system. A refreshing move, away from old politics and politicians with vested interests.

[Netfan]

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

Please tell me where it was reported. Only reference I've seen about Immigrations office was in The Nation when they mentioned it was near the Elections Office and no relationship to the demonstrators. It made little sense why they mentioned it beign close to something. It's also close to the street but that also has no meaning. Probalby one of those inferntial things the Nation "reports" are noted for to jazz up anything.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Redshirt-Pro...ti-t353357.html

You can try to spin this anyway you want - the fact is that a mob forced the immigration office to close. Stating the closing had no relation to the demonstrators is silly. As is your "relatively minor" statement - guerilla groups run by a rogue army officer is minor? Or maybe it was the shutting down of a major shopping / tourist district you consider minor.

The way to end this all now would have been for the Reds to accept elections in 9 months and walk away claiming victory - which it would have been. But that was not good enough for Thaksin and he calls the shots - no one else.

How can you even think that elections could be held without independent observers present? The country would end up in exactly the same position it is in now, no matter who won.

[anotherpeter]

If that is the way you folks feel then you have my sympathy. I was only addressing the ability to run a snap election.

Abhisit has never said he *couldn't* run a snap election.

He has explained a number of times why he *will not* run a snap election.

[kissdani]

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

Please tell me where it was reported. Only reference I've seen about Immigrations office was in The Nation when they mentioned it was near the Elections Office and no relationship to the demonstrators. It made little sense why they mentioned it beign close to something. It's also close to the street but that also has no meaning. Probalby one of those inferntial things the Nation "reports" are noted for to jazz up anything.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Redshirt-Pro...ti-t353357.html

You can try to spin this anyway you want - the fact is that a mob forced the immigration office to close. Stating the closing had no relation to the demonstrators is silly. As is your "relatively minor" statement - guerilla groups run by a rogue army officer is minor? Or maybe it was the shutting down of a major shopping / tourist district you consider minor.

The way to end this all now would have been for the Reds to accept elections in 9 months and walk away claiming victory - which it would have been. But that was not good enough for Thaksin and he calls the shots - no one else.

How can you even think that elections could be held without independent observers present? The country would end up in exactly the same position it is in now, no matter who won.

That is a circular argument and reference. The news coming from thaivisanews itself, it is not accurate and still false.

[robertson468]

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

Please tell me where it was reported. Only reference I've seen about Immigrations office was in The Nation when they mentioned it was near the Elections Office and no relationship to the demonstrators. It made little sense why they mentioned it beign close to something. It's also close to the street but that also has no meaning. Probalby one of those inferntial things the Nation "reports" are noted for to jazz up anything.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Redshirt-Pro...ti-t353357.html

You can try to spin this anyway you want - the fact is that a mob forced the immigration office to close. Stating the closing had no relation to the demonstrators is silly. As is your "relatively minor" statement - guerilla groups run by a rogue army officer is minor? Or maybe it was the shutting down of a major shopping / tourist district you consider minor.

The way to end this all now would have been for the Reds to accept elections in 9 months and walk away claiming victory - which it would have been. But that was not good enough for Thaksin and he calls the shots - no one else.

How can you even think that elections could be held without independent observers present? The country would end up in exactly the same position it is in now, no matter who won.

I think there is one additional issue that neither of you have factored in - the change over of the head of the Thai Army. I believe that is due to happen about September/October time and to be able to select the General who is most appropriate to your political cause can be crucial to how long you do, or do not stay in office. Currently the Democrats have the support of the Army, but who is to say when the new Guy occupies the chair? Thai History tells us that it is advisable to have your Senior Officers singing of the same hymn sheet - ask Mr Thaksin!

[rainman]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK).

You're right, he doesn't. But if he would have come to power without an election, and after the British Army ousted the previous legally elected government in an army coup, and kept holding onto power without calling an election, things would probably be different in Britain too.

[anotherpeter]

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK).

You're right, he doesn't. But if he would have come to power without an election, and after the British Army ousted the previous legally elected government in an army coup, and kept holding onto power without calling an election, things would probably be different in Britain too.

Ofcourse, if there had been an election after the British Army coup, and a party had come to power because of a realignment of coalition parties, then there would have been no need for him to call an election.

[khunjamespittman]

Funny, I don't recall reading anything about a mob shutting down the immigration office. The reporting that I read was that the demonstrators gathered near the Elections Office. There is no reason to aggravate the problem with false claims. This is the first I've heard of a delay because of international observers. I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days. I seem to remember in recent months palimentary elections being held in far more adverse condtions (eg. war) than the relatively minor ones you stated.

I'm looking for a way to end the problem and clearly many parlimentary governments have held nations referendums dealing with all the reasons that have surfaced so far.

Please tell me where it was reported. Only reference I've seen about Immigrations office was in The Nation when they mentioned it was near the Elections Office and no relationship to the demonstrators. It made little sense why they mentioned it beign close to something. It's also close to the street but that also has no meaning. Probalby one of those inferntial things the Nation "reports" are noted for to jazz up anything.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Redshirt-Pro...ti-t353357.html

You can try to spin this anyway you want - the fact is that a mob forced the immigration office to close. Stating the closing had no relation to the demonstrators is silly. As is your "relatively minor" statement - guerilla groups run by a rogue army officer is minor? Or maybe it was the shutting down of a major shopping / tourist district you consider minor.

The way to end this all now would have been for the Reds to accept elections in 9 months and walk away claiming victory - which it would have been. But that was not good enough for Thaksin and he calls the shots - no one else.

How can you even think that elections could be held without independent observers present? The country would end up in exactly the same position it is in now, no matter who won.

Please! Hyperbole! I believe that the right to demonstrate is constitutionally protected in Thailand. That doesn't make the demonstrators guerillas. The demonstrations have been peaceful so far. I recognize that some of the business people running the malls may have thought they were acting out of abundance of caution by closing the stores. I'll leave that judgement to them. You have your opinion about an appropriate timeframe. That is your right. You don't have right to tell me what is right. I made another suggestion. I didn't tell you what is right. I also have the right to offer an opinion even if you don't like it. My point is that no compelling reason has been given to make a difference between 1 month and 9 months delay. I don't make any judgement about either side but you seem to have decided what the Reds, as you call them, are thinking. I don't have your phychic powers to know what other people are thinking as you seem to think you do. I suppose that is how you know "But that was not good enough for Thaksin and he calls the shots - no one else." also. I suggest that you read posts more carefully. I never said international Observers were not required. I said that "I believe that if you check you will find that this can mobilized within a few days.".

I am only interested in ending this problem in a way that will help Thailand

[TPI]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK).

You're right, he doesn't. But if he would have come to power without an election, and after the British Army ousted the previous legally elected government in an army coup, and kept holding onto power without calling an election, things would probably be different in Britain too.

Ah Rainman, aren't you being a little disengenius? The facts support the proposition that the dem's are in office by legal means, arguments to the contrary are becoming boring...(Obama, where is your birth cert. etc etc)

[khunjamespittman]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK).

You're right, he doesn't. But if he would have come to power without an election, and after the British Army ousted the previous legally elected government in an army coup, and kept holding onto power without calling an election, things would probably be different in Britain too.

Repeating a false statement over and over does not make it become true. Just give me one example of a parlimentary government that was removed by courts where and national elections was not held. JUST ONE!

Ah Rainman, aren't you being a little disengenius? The facts support the proposition that the dem's are in office by legal means, arguments to the contrary are becoming boring...(Obama, where is your birth cert. etc etc)

[johncitizen]

Those of you calling for the LRAD sound weapon to be used against the Red Shirts are going to love these pics

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc...9_8082161_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3706...id=273810544559

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3706...id=273810544559

[anotherpeter]

You're right, he doesn't. But if he would have come to power without an election, and after the British Army ousted the previous legally elected government in an army coup, and kept holding onto power without calling an election, things would probably be different in Britain too.

Repeating a false statement over and over does not make it become true. Just give me one example of a parlimentary government that was removed by courts where and national elections was not held. JUST ONE!

Ah Rainman, aren't you being a little disengenius? The facts support the proposition that the dem's are in office by legal means, arguments to the contrary are becoming boring...(Obama, where is your birth cert. etc etc)

Khun James. I assume it is your statement "Repeating ..." in TPI's quote. So maybe you can give an example of that being the case in Thailand.

The PPP party was disbanded by the courts, the courts did not disband the government. The PTP could have still formed a coalition government, but they failed to do so because the smaller parties decided not to support them. Nothing to do with the courts.

Edited April 6, 2010 by anotherpeter

[SaamBaht]

Blocking business activity is more like civil disobediance than protesting, which is not protected behavior but certainly not violent.

[LuckyLew]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Gordon Brown does not have demonstrators holding the main shopping area of London hostage or threatening to storm his home, or the offices of the EC (if there is an equivalent in the UK).

You're right, he doesn't. But if he would have come to power without an election, and after the British Army ousted the previous legally elected government in an army coup, and kept holding onto power without calling an election, things would probably be different in Britain too.

I think that Gordon Brown did come to power without an election

The previous leader quit politics and Gordon Brown took over his position

with HIM being elected as the leader in a general election

next...

Edited April 6, 2010 by LuckyLew

[krakatoa]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

After talking to some of my English friends I sincerely hope that P.M. Abhisit can run the government in this country a lot better than Gordon Brown. has been running the British government. Currency watchers will probably agree.

The British people are not happy with the jovial Scot and some of his policies either.

Gordon Brown also knows there is an equally capable Conservative member to take over if the Labour Party loses an election.

Abhisit has no such assurance and knows PTP is in disarray.

I am not a Pom but I am an avid reader of world news.

You cannot make any comparison between the UK and the realm.

The realm is being held to ransome by a bunch of Nethadrals whilst Gordon is dealing with civilised people.

I come for a country where there has never been chaos on this scale.

In 1951 ( I doubt that DB goes back that far when we had a little bit of a disagreement on the wharves of the capitol) and then again in 1981 the country was held seige on behalf of a buch of coloured sympathisers. By the way SA is a lot worse off now than they were in 1981

I still applaud Aphisit in his steadfastness and resolve not to mow the red shirts down with AK 47's. It has never happened in GB nor my country but I think that Abhisit has demonstraited remarkable restraint.

Remember 1973, 1976 amd 1992 when the gutters of Rajdamnoen flowed with blood. Thai's only know one way, 'nuff said' TIT

And if the 100,000 protestors had the collective IQ of an ant it would be anexageration.

Edited April 6, 2010 by krakatoa

[rainman]

And if the 100,000 protestors had the collective IQ of an ant it would be anexageration.

So glad there are still some smart people left on this world

[Jingthing]

The red shirts are happy to destroy this entire country. Maybe they have nothing to lose.

[lannarebirth]

Assuming the Red shirts are successful and these actions lead to new elections. How are these actions fundamentally different than a coup which leads to new elections?

[scorecard]

Today Gordon Brown PM of UK announced he is disolving Parliment and will hold an election on May 6, 2010 ( 1 Month from today).

Wouldn't it be a nice gesture in Abhisit demonstrated that he can run his government as good as Gordon Brown and disolve Parliment and schedule an election onf the same day as the UK. Surely he must concede if the UK can do it so then can Thailand. Both he an Gordon Brown were educated in the UK.

Stupid comment.

Gordon Brown is far from a successful PM and what's any of that got to do with Thailand.

And the fact that they were both educated in the Uk got to do with anything?

PM Abhsisit is doing just fine thank you.