Thai Protesters Skirmish With Police In Tourist Hub

[bangkokrick]

^I agree bangkokrick - dog chasing one's tail. No use discussing politics because each side thinks they are right.

Should just pin a thread called 'squabbling' and leave it at that.

Cheers, Rick

[Mario2008]

some post discussing Obama's birth certificate have been deleted.

[Chaimai]

^I agree bangkokrick - dog chasing one's tail. No use discussing politics because each side thinks they are right.

Should just pin a thread called 'squabbling' and leave it at that.

Cheers, Rick

I would just like to agree as well.

A pissing competition gets no one, nowhere, ever !

[bubba]

If Thaksin was the PM and the protesters were against him, the body count was probably be in the triple digits already.

That is the main reason that he is NOT the PM now,

Interesting...that must be a true assumption eh Watson?

Given Thaksin human rights history, it is certainly a reasonable assumption

You realize that according to the Human Rights Watch, Thailand's human rights record is much worse under Abhisit than it ever was under Thaksin? What about the "boat people" issue in the South a while ago, where the army dragged refugees far into the open ocean without gas, food or water and left them to die? That happened under Abhisit.

Is that so?

Some notes regarding human rights under Thaksin's watch in 2004:

In April 2004 elements of the police and military killed more than 100 persons while repelling multiple attacks in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces by unnamed separatist Muslim men. Of this total, 32 were killed at Krue Se mosque in Pattani, when security forces stormed the mosque after a nine‑hour standoff. According to an official independent commission report on the Krue Se mosque incident, the commander on the scene ordered the raid after failed negotiations and the deaths of three soldiers. Civilian authorities in Bangkok, including the deputy prime minister in charge of security, claimed that the raid was conducted without their approval. The commission concluded that force was used when negotiations would have been more appropriate and that the level of force employed was excessive.

In October 2004 78 Muslim detainees being transported to an army camp after a violent demonstration in Tak Bai, Narathiwat Province, died from asphyxiation after police and military forces stacked them horizontally onto truck beds for transport. In December 2004 an independent commission reported that three senior security officials, including the 4th Army commanding general, failed to properly perform their duty and responsibility to monitor their subordinates in transporting detainees in a humane manner. The commission stated that seven persons remained missing. The commission suggested no legal action or punitive measures, but the government directed the Ministry of Defense to conduct a military disciplinary investigation of the three senior officers cited in the report, and it also directed the police to conduct a criminal investigation. Three generals were placed in inactive status, but no police or military personnel were prosecuted for these actions. The government paid compensation to the families of the Tak Bai victims.

There were approximately 1,300 extrajudicial killings of suspected drug traffickers during the government's "War on Drugs" campaign in 2003, and more than one thousand investigations into these cases. By year's end most were closed, due to "a lack of evidence." Many cases were settled out of court, with officers paying compensation to the family of the deceased. The government maintained that the deaths resulted from disputes between those involved in the drug trade. Local and international human rights groups, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), disputed this claim. In addition senior prosecutors and NGO legal associations claimed that most cases against police or military officers accused of extrajudicial killings eventually were dismissed because regulations outlined in the criminal code require public prosecutors to rely exclusively upon the recommendations of the police when determining whether to bring a case for criminal prosecution.

No further action was taken in the in June 2004 case of environmental activist Charoen Wataksorn, who was shot and killed while returning home after testifying in parliament. Five persons were charged in connection with his killing, including a provincial official. All charges were dropped except for those against the gunmen who remained in custody at year's end.

A Thai senator, testifying as a character witness at the trial of four Muslim suspects accused of membership in Jemaah Islamiya, said that while in police custody bags were put over the suspects' heads, and they were beaten on the back and the abdomen. The four were acquitted by the criminal court in June and released from custody. Police opened an internal investigation, but at year's end no criminal charges had been filed.

In March 2004 five suspects in the 2004 Narathiwat military camp raid alleged that police beat and administered electric shocks to them in order to obtain confessions. The suspects filed a formal complaint with the Ministry of Justice through their lawyer, Somchai Neelapaichjit, who subsequently disappeared and was presumed dead (see section 1.b.). Police opened an internal investigation of the officers suspected of abuse, but at year's end no criminal charges had been filed.

In 2004, media criticism of political parties, public figures, and the government was common and vigorous. Journalists generally were free to comment on government activities without fear of official reprisal. However, beginning on October 3, PM Thaksin filed a series of six civil and criminal libel suits against the Manager newspaper, its founder, Sondhi Limthongkul, an outspoken critic of the government, and his associates. Total damages sought were more than $50 million (two billion baht). The lawsuits were withdrawn on December 6, following disapproving remarks by the king. On November 3, a bomb exploded outside the compound of Manager Media Group, publisher of the Manager. Police stated that the attack could have been an attempt to threaten Sondhi Limthongkul. At year's end the identity of the bomber remained unknown. The Shin Corporation, owned by the prime minister's family, had a separate libel suit against media activist Supinya Kangnarong that was still pending at year's end. The Shin Corporation also filed a $10 million (400 million baht) civil suit against the Thai Post newspaper and its three editors alleging that the newspaper hurt the company's reputation. On November 2, Santi Lammaneenil, owner of the Pattaya Post and freelance reporter, was found dead, blindfolded and bound. He had recently reported on illegal operations in late-night entertainment venues, which police told reporters, may have been a contributing factor in his death. The case was still under investigation at year's end. In October the executive director of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance said that the prime minister was making the country one where the press was suddenly under a "dark cloud." In November the international NGO Asian Human Rights Commission said that "threats to emerging independent media have increased dramatically." In December Human Rights Watch said that "intimidation, fear, and censorship still permeate the Thai media." According to NGOs, including the Thai Journalists Association, the government used various means to increase control over the media, including direct control through ownership, the threat of withdrawing financial support and advertisements, constraints on the flow of information, and direct pressure on critical journalists and activists.

There were concerns regarding the independence of the press. In October the executive director of the Southeast Asian Press Alliance said that the prime minister was making the country one where the press was suddenly under a "dark cloud." In November the international NGO Asian Human Rights Commission said that "threats to emerging independent media have increased dramatically." In December Human Rights Watch said that "intimidation, fear, and censorship still permeate the Thai media." According to NGOs, including the Thai Journalists Association, the government used various means to increase control over the media, including direct control through ownership, the threat of withdrawing financial support and advertisements, constraints on the flow of information, and direct pressure on critical journalists and activists.

During 2004, the government closed 17 community radio stations including one that was notably critical of the government. On February 2, Phruttiphong Marohabut, a cameraman for iTV was killed in Pattani Province. No motive was known. On February 14, Kiat Saetang, the outspoken managing editor of the local Hat Yai Post was shot and killed by two unknown gunmen in Pattani Province. His family and the Thai Journalists Association believed he was killed because he had exposed a number of corrupt politicians. On June 1, Manop Ratanajaroongporn, a stringer for Matichon, who had reported on corruption, including illegal logging in the region, was shot by unknown gunmen in Phang Nga Province. On June 21, the government closed the Web sites of anticorruption acivist Ekkayuth Anchanbutr and of community radio station FM 92.25. Both were notably critical of the prime minister and the government.

On December 15, eight Falun Gong practitioners were arrested following a week of peaceful protests outside the Chinese embassy.

Government censorship of the Internet began in 2003 when Thaksin was PM.

[elcent]

first, there is a coup-de-etat.

then , there is a pm voted by mps - not the electorate.

one really wonders if abihisit knows his "limits" and want to hang on to something so questionable as a pm post.

being oxford educated, he should know when to call it a day before he ends up with real blood on his hands.

You must have been absent when the gov offered a house dissolution within 9 month and the red shirts ran away from further negotiations. It's quite telling what the real aim is.

Edited April 6, 2010 by elcent

[animatic]

It appears to me that some of these forum-posters haven't heard of coalitions! What's wrong with a coalition to constitue a majority? It happens everywhere in the world where several political parties are involved. What is there illegal then? Because years ago the TRT and PPP had the absolute majority, these red primates have forgotten that coalitions can be made and formed, fully legal and legitimate, to constitute a majority government.

Red shirts: go back to school... but schools never teach these things: they teach to sing, dance, drum, fitness, etc...

That may well happen in England too.

This is from Nick Clegg of Liberal Democrats the like coalition partner.

Clegg has said that the British people, not his party, will be the kingmakers, insisting:

"Whichever party has the strongest mandate from the British people it seems to me they have the first right to try and govern".

But he has not said whether he means the party with the biggest share of the vote

or the party with the biggest number of seats.

The Liberal Democrats will be fighting to win seats off Labour in the north of England

and seeking to defend their own seats from the Conservatives in the south-west.

Notice the words FIRST RIGHT,

that doesn't exclude another party doing it via coalition it IF the first party can't put together a coalition.

Such as Liberal Democrats being so Pro Europe they will not consider a larger Conservative MINORITY as a partner,

since Tory's are rabidly anti-Europe. So it would mean Torys can't make a majority and 2nd place party CAN.

Would we see David Cameron's aliance with BNP and UK Communist party and assorted farm groups,

to cause endless street protest and riots, until Brown / Clegg call an early election????

Edited April 6, 2010 by animatic

[animatic]

first, there is a coup-de-etat.

then , there is a pm voted by mps - not the electorate.

one really wonders if abihisit knows his "limits" and want to hang on to something so questionable as a pm post.

being oxford educated, he should know when to call it a day before he ends up with real blood on his hands.

You must have been absent when the gov offered a house dissolution within 9 month and the red shirts ran away from further negotiations. It's quite telling what the real aim is.

And ignoring completely that Thaksin was "there is a pm voted by mps - not the electorate."

But NOT at the time of coup.

He was only an 'expired caretaker', serving at the discretion of HRM.

It is also quite telling that Thaksin's use of

political revenge, media intimidation, and courts confirmed policy corruption,

are not part of being an elected officials job description.

Now let's add that he is attempting to crash the Nation Of Thailand with a Mob,

just to get his money and power back... without concern for anyone elses freedoms....

Yes sir telling as hel_l.

Edited April 6, 2010 by animatic

[Cameron38]

Birthers like Freedom4Life show their true colors... Freedom, your white sheet and hood are showing....

[snaggletooth]

A

It appears to me that some of these forum-posters haven't heard of coalitions! What's wrong with a coalition to constitue a majority? It happens everywhere in the world where several political parties are involved. What is there illegal then? Because years ago the TRT and PPP had the absolute majority, these red primates have forgotten that coalitions can be made and formed, fully legal and legitimate, to constitute a majority government.

Red shirts: go back to school... but schools never teach these things: they teach to sing, dance, drum, fitness, etc...

Amen to that brother. All of the red supporters on this forum seem to not understand how a parliament works. Coalitions are formed all the time in a proper parliamentary democracy. That's how it works. There is nothing illegal about Abhisit being prime minister. Instead look at Thaksin's Thai Rak Thai and then the current Peua Thai party, which buys votes to win seats. What kind of democracy are the reds fighting for? None. They are only interested in more handouts from square face.

[snaggletooth]

InIn

first, there is a coup-de-etat.

then , there is a pm voted by mps - not the electorate.

one really wonders if abihisit knows his "limits" and want to hang on to something so questionable as a pm post.

being oxford educated, he should know when to call it a day before he ends up with real blood on his hands.

You must have been absent when the gov offered a house dissolution within 9 month and the red shirts ran away from further negotiations. It's quite telling what the real aim is.

In a parliamentary system the PM is not voted in by the electorate. Do some research before spouting off your ignorance.

[Nuchanart]

It would be interesting if the opinions of those that were murdered in the ''war on Drugs and the Tak Bai massacre and of course a prominent Muslim lawyer could voice them.

Indeed Thaksin had and it seems still has his own unique version of DEMOCRACY

In all of my twenty years here I had never seen such a despotic regime like Thaksins regime.

The truth along with honesty and concern for other were not endangered species they were extinct,

Indeed the current rhetoric and actions of the puppet leaders of the Red Shirt Brigade are proving that the exhumation of '' The truth, honesty and the concern for others'' must be re interred post haste forever under their brand of DEMOCRACY.

So, the present form of gov't is a democratically elected one, yes? I wonder why Abhisit was going to the U.S.? He said he may have to cancel taking the trip there. Interesting..perhaps to get instructions or aid from a well prepped dictator(who is still illegally occupying the white house) who knows how to handle dissidents perhaps? You best wake-up to the REALITY of the way the world is really running..democracy..what horse shit.

My president (the best US president of my lifetime by far) Barack Hussein Obama INVITED Abhisit to come, that's why. I am very sorry that thanks to the red shirt thugs, he probably will not be able to attend. I hope the white house can reschedule him at a later date after the mercenary Thaksinistas go back to the farm.

I must say when you compare Abhisit to Thaksin or one of the various Thaksin puppets, he certainly makes a fantastically better impression when matched with a great leader like Obama.

The USA, of course a democratic nation with international credibility clearly recognizes PM Abhisit as the 100 percent LEGITIMATE leader of Thailand. Thaksin couldn't even get a visa there now!

The fact that he has accepted the invitation of US President Barack Obama to visit Washington from 12-14 April, despite the volatile political situation at home, also confirms that he is confident of his political control and that the military is still on his side. More importantly, his government didn't hesitate to take advantage of Obama's invitation. Abhisit believes that this invitation can be construed as the United States having full trust in his government and recognizing its legitimacy.

http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?opti...&Itemid=185

If jatuporn runs for the president, I will vote for hime.

(more than obama)

[Nuchanart]

It has sadly got to the point where the Government can not do anything to stop this debacle. I just got in and saw on TV that the Police were pushing forward to the Red shirt stage and Jutaporn ushered them away. They went!!! Who the hel_l is in charge of this country now?? The Red shirt leaders tear up arrest warrants, they tear up court orders and whatever. I thought that this Country was based on 'face'? Well that has just been lost big time. The Government has to grow some balls very quickly or they will lose the support of the majority. Abhisit where are you when the people need you?

Cheers, Rick

I have seen this before too. Remember Sondhi?

[britmaveric]

^too late if you were going to crackdown, should have done it from the very beginning. Mind you no guaranteed the military/police will follow any crackdown orders. One of the problems that thailand has military\police seem to act independently from the government. So I have a feeling like past governments - the PM literally can do nothing.

Edited April 6, 2010 by britmaveric

[shawndoc]

Didn't the current administration have to hire mercenaries to provide security for the ASEAN summit (or similar) that took place after the one the reds disrupted?

Speaks volumes for the PMs ability to control the police.

[elcent]

In all of my twenty years here I had never seen such a despotic regime like Thaksins regime.

My president (the best US president of my lifetime by far) Barack Hussein Obama INVITED Abhisit to come, that's why. I am very sorry that thanks to the red shirt thugs, he probably will not be able to attend. I hope the white house can reschedule him at a later date after the mercenary Thaksinistas go back to the farm.

I must say when you compare Abhisit to Thaksin or one of the various Thaksin puppets, he certainly makes a fantastically better impression when matched with a great leader like Obama.

The USA, of course a democratic nation with international credibility clearly recognizes PM Abhisit as the 100 percent LEGITIMATE leader of Thailand. Thaksin couldn't even get a visa there now!

this is what Thaksin likes about the USA - released today - attention very graphical -

Edited April 6, 2010 by elcent

[elcent]

I just watched an interview of the producer from that decrypted video above. He and his team are under close surveillance since months before the video was finally released just hours ago and in meanwhile all over the media worldwide. They are a security threat to the Pentagon, was the army's statement.

In Washington-post the Pentagon confirmed that this is the original.

Quite a whistle-blower.

Thaksins "War on Drugs" was even more obvious, but at the same line of deception and misinformation.

Edited April 6, 2010 by elcent

[jitenshaman]

Indeed Thaksin had and it seems still has his own unique version of DEMOCRACY

In all of my twenty years here I had never seen such a despotic regime like Thaksins regime.

The truth along with honesty and concern for other were not endangered species they were extinct,

Indeed the current rhetoric and actions of the puppet leaders of the Red Shirt Brigade are proving that the exhumation of '' The truth, honesty and the concern for others'' must be re interred post haste forever under their brand of DEMOCRACY.

Good post siampolee. I first came here in 1995 and remember well the fear that Thaksin's premiership inculcated during 2004-2006. Good knows why anyone would want him back, unless of course they thought the 30baht health care scheme was of such great magnanimity that all other social, political, business and human rights abuses should be forgiven.

What's wrong with you sheople here? The point is there is an unofficial, military-installed gov't calling the shots. The reds want a fair and democratic election...regardless who wins.

let' see..."protesters," being paid money to protest for "democracy" by a movement run by a criminal dictator who paid to win his last "democratic" election? Yeah, i guess it is all about democracy and free and fair elections.

[mca]

In all of my twenty years here I had never seen such a despotic regime like Thaksins regime.

So when Suchinda was at the helm you were taking a little nap?

[traderjm]

let' see..."protesters," being paid money to protest for "democracy" by a movement run by a criminal dictator who paid to win his last "democratic" election? Yeah, i guess it is all about democracy and free and fair elections.

Hold on there, you must be brainwashed by the Yellow media haha, well that is what all the RED Farang spin doctors will be saying shortly... get ready here they come..

It's so sad they honestly seem to believe the nonsense they are spouting... I just hope this does not end badly for the people in the RED crowds that are here for only the money/party.. as that seems to be quite a lot of them based on my friends and forays into the crowds

[KireB]

Hold on there, you must be brainwashed by the Yellow media haha, well that is what all the RED Farang spin doctors will be saying shortly... get ready here they come..

It's so sad they honestly seem to believe the nonsense they are spouting... I just hope this does not end badly for the people in the RED crowds that are here for only the money/party.. as that seems to be quite a lot of them based on my friends and forays into the crowds

My in-laws received 1000 baht (to their own surprise to be frank) to drive around in their pick-up.

Edited April 7, 2010 by KireB

[traderjm]

My in-laws received 1000 baht (to their own surprise to be frank) to drive around with their pick-up.

Many of my staff were offered deals like that as well, 500 baht per day (they were offered it only on weekends) to drive around like sheep... what the hel_l they thought it was a fun and easy way to pick up some quick money at least the first two weekends they have now declined to be involved any further.

Hmmmm didn't the REDS say that support across BKK is increasing?

Which BKK do they live in, as it's sure NOT increasing everywhere I go.

OTOH the gov't is sure being seen as wimpy by many now as well.

Edited April 7, 2010 by traderjm

[WillArzonia]

It would be interesting if the opinions of those that were murdered in the ''war on Drugs and the Tak Bai massacre and of course a prominent Muslim lawyer could voice them.

Indeed Thaksin had and it seems still has his own unique version of DEMOCRACY

In all of my twenty years here I had never seen such a despotic regime like Thaksins regime.

The truth along with honesty and concern for other were not endangered species they were extinct,

Indeed the current rhetoric and actions of the puppet leaders of the Red Shirt Brigade are proving that the exhumation of '' The truth, honesty and the concern for others'' must be re interred post haste forever under their brand of DEMOCRACY.

So, the present form of gov't is a democratically elected one, yes? I wonder why Abhisit was going to the U.S.? He said he may have to cancel taking the trip there. Interesting..perhaps to get instructions or aid from a well prepped dictator(who is still illegally occupying the white house) who knows how to handle dissidents perhaps? You best wake-up to the REALITY of the way the world is really running..democracy..what horse shit.

What a completely ignorant statement. If you had even a modicum of knowledge about current events, or perhaps knew how to use Google, you would know that Abhisit had planned for months on attending the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, along with more than 40 other heads of state.

So you were wondering why Abhisit was going to Washington? Now you know....

Yes...of course that is the real reason he is going there and for no other reason...All I have to do is Google it...yes. Interesting..is that how you get the information as to what goes on with meetings such as this one. Well..what can I say.

I heard Abhisit was taking forged copies of Obama's birth certificate (you can get really good forgeries at Panthip Plaza) so Obama can finally put the whole "not born in the US issue to rest. This is from a reliable source, too. Plus, he will bring some of that face-whitening cream that your girlfriend uses - you know the stuff - so he can slowly become white enough for you to vote for him in 2012. Seriously, the stuff works. This is all private stuff, so keep it to yourself.

[rreddin]

Strange is not that Thaksin is not welcome in the U.S yet Abhisit is ?

Bush as far as I can recall was involved in a somewhat questionable scenario in his trek to the Presidential position.

Obama as I recall was elected without any strange vote counting antics.

Yes..perhaps Thaksin is not an american-lap-dog and perhaps Abhisit is?

I agree..as most if not all are.

As I recall he hasn't shown proof that he is a natural born citizen of the country(as John McCain had to before running), which is required law by the Constitution. A top navy officer has just refused orders coming from Commander in Chief(obamanation) on the grounds that he is not president officially/legally. I guess he and several others like him are mistaken, too. He is just as corrupt as them come..especially when he was governor. Of course you only going by what the mainstream dictates to you. Gobble Gobble...

What on earth does the internal politics of USA have to do with the Red Shirt Protest, isnt their some USA forum where they can air their suspect linen

Totally agree. To our American friends: I understand that you have strong views about your president. Feel free to argue you points as strongly as you wish, but please do so in a more appropriate forum.

I have got this far in this thread and nobody has addressed the key issue, you have all been too busy bashing Thaksin and Obama. The issue is the unwillingness of the police to disperse what is generally a good natured crowd. Why do they not take action? Is it because they fear large scale blood shed as they say, or do the political control (the PM and Deputy PM) not have their support? If Abhisit does not have the support of the police (in this instance), why was the army not used?

There are hawks on this forum calling for martial law to be imposed and "stong" i.e. violent measures to be taken to disperse the protesters. I am sure that has been considered and I am equally sure it has been ruled out so far because the negative consequences will cause far more damage to the country than letting the protests continue. Imposing martial law just before SonKhran will inflict masive damage on the tourism industry for starters.

Nor has the PM's position been helped by the announcement by the UK government that it is calling a general election in a month's time and that Parliament will be dissolved in a few days to allow the election to go ahead. If it can be done in the UK, it can be done in Thailand if there is a will. The question is: is there the will?Abhisit appears to the world that he is dithering and that weakens him.

The hawks in his party are not happy with how the situation is being handled. Maybe, he thinks that he could be ousted if he goes on his long planned trip to the USA.

[shawndoc]

I have got this far in this thread and nobody has addressed the key issue, you have all been too busy bashing Thaksin and Obama. The issue is the unwillingness of the police to disperse what is generally a good natured crowd. Why do they not take action? Is it because they fear large scale blood shed as they say, or do the political control (the PM and Deputy PM) not have their support? If Abhisit does not have the support of the police (in this instance), why was the army not used?

The same thing happened during the PAD demonstrations 2 years ago. I think the police in general aren't willing to step in due to being underpaid (the police on the street) and afraid of ruining their careers should anything go wrong (the bosses).

We've seen time and again, regardless of color protesting, the police will back down when forced into a confrontation.

[Thai at Heart]

Totally agree. To our American friends: I understand that you have strong views about your president. Feel free to argue you points as strongly as you wish, but please do so in a more appropriate forum.

I have got this far in this thread and nobody has addressed the key issue, you have all been too busy bashing Thaksin and Obama. The issue is the unwillingness of the police to disperse what is generally a good natured crowd. Why do they not take action? Is it because they fear large scale blood shed as they say, or do the political control (the PM and Deputy PM) not have their support? If Abhisit does not have the support of the police (in this instance), why was the army not used?

There are hawks on this forum calling for martial law to be imposed and "stong" i.e. violent measures to be taken to disperse the protesters. I am sure that has been considered and I am equally sure it has been ruled out so far because the negative consequences will cause far more damage to the country than letting the protests continue. Imposing martial law just before SonKhran will inflict masive damage on the tourism industry for starters.

Nor has the PM's position been helped by the announcement by the UK government that it is calling a general election in a month's time and that Parliament will be dissolved in a few days to allow the election to go ahead. If it can be done in the UK, it can be done in Thailand if there is a will. The question is: is there the will?Abhisit appears to the world that he is dithering and that weakens him.

The hawks in his party are not happy with how the situation is being handled. Maybe, he thinks that he could be ousted if he goes on his long planned trip to the USA.

Abhisit is under no requirement to do anything for well past his nine month deadline, another 18 months if I am correct. Unless someone can write Newin a blank cheque (although he may already have been given one), Abhisit can just sit tight and fight it out. He threw the reds a bone with 9 months and they turned it down, which may in the end turn out to be one of the biggest political boo boo's in Thai history. Abhisit's government ticks all the legal boxes, as distasteful as some see it's creation with the amount of back room horse trading it took to get a couple of parties to jump ship.

GB is similarly at his leisure to hold the election whenever he wants before the end of it's 5 year term.

Five years is the maximum period for a Parliament. This is specified within provisions contained under the Septennial Act 1715, amended by Section 7 of the Parliament Act 1911.

The five years run from the first meeting of Parliament following a UK Parliamentary general election. The current Parliament was first summoned on Wednesday 11 May 2005, so will cease to exist at midnight on Monday 10 May 2010. A general election to elect the new Parliament must be held by no later than Thursday 3 June 2010.

http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/faq/...eneral-election

So in essence he has to be hold it then. What a different situation the UK could be in if he had had the balls to hold it a couple of years ago.

As for what the hawks think, well, if they want to split the Democrat party asunder, they can oust him. Abhisit and Korn are the future of the Democrat party, and the golden oldies had better understand this. There is no one in line after Abhisit and Korn by pure fact that they are so young literally and politically.

This situation is terrible for the Dems but can they risk the bloodshed of clearing the protest? I think they should, simply to allow the government to regain some control of the situation and to set a precedent. Then they should also get on with making sure that the PAD cases are moved swiftly through the system. It may be political suicide but at least Abhisit can take the high ground of taking the hard choice whilst being even handed for the good of the country.

I don't think he should revisit his offer of 9 months, and should get on with the business at hand after the protests have been removed.

[Pdaz]

While I think Abhisit is good for the country and he is trying to settle the problem without bloodshed I found it hard to concentrate on the latest news as I was too busy laughing my head off after reading this

Jingything

My president (the best US president of my lifetime by far) Barack Hussein Obama

He's only been in office a few Months... Yes he's very Presidential and far more credible than Bush but I will wait till his term is over before I compare him to the rest of the 20th centuries Presidents...

You weren't on the Nobel Peace Prize committee too were you Jingy ?

[animatic]

So, the present form of gov't is a democratically elected one, yes? I wonder why Abhisit was going to the U.S.? He said he may have to cancel taking the trip there. Interesting..perhaps to get instructions or aid from a well prepped dictator(who is still illegally occupying the white house) who knows how to handle dissidents perhaps? You best wake-up to the REALITY of the way the world is really running..democracy..what horse shit.

My president (the best US president of my lifetime by far) Barack Hussein Obama INVITED Abhisit to come, that's why. I am very sorry that thanks to the red shirt thugs, he probably will not be able to attend. I hope the white house can reschedule him at a later date after the mercenary Thaksinistas go back to the farm.

I must say when you compare Abhisit to Thaksin or one of the various Thaksin puppets, he certainly makes a fantastically better impression when matched with a great leader like Obama.

The USA, of course a democratic nation with international credibility clearly recognizes PM Abhisit as the 100 percent LEGITIMATE leader of Thailand. Thaksin couldn't even get a visa there now!

The fact that he has accepted the invitation of US President Barack Obama to visit Washington from 12-14 April, despite the volatile political situation at home, also confirms that he is confident of his political control and that the military is still on his side. More importantly, his government didn't hesitate to take advantage of Obama's invitation. Abhisit believes that this invitation can be construed as the United States having full trust in his government and recognizing its legitimacy.

http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?opti...&Itemid=185

If jatuporn runs for the president, I will vote for hime.

(more than obama)

Talking about well prepped dictators are we.

War and States of Emergency based on ginned up data and ginned up attacks.

These to were peas in a pod, no matter who absurd this photo op appeared.

[animatic]

I have got this far in this thread and nobody has addressed the key issue, you have all been too busy bashing Thaksin and Obama. The issue is the unwillingness of the police to disperse what is generally a good natured crowd. Why do they not take action? Is it because they fear large scale blood shed as they say, or do the political control (the PM and Deputy PM) not have their support? If Abhisit does not have the support of the police (in this instance), why was the army not used?

The same thing happened during the PAD demonstrations 2 years ago. I think the police in general aren't willing to step in due to being underpaid (the police on the street) and afraid of ruining their careers should anything go wrong (the bosses).

We've seen time and again, regardless of color protesting, the police will back down when forced into a confrontation.

Yes to this

and add that the Police Brass do not like Abhisit because he has been trying to stop the

Promotions for Pay system and though he has his own temp Police chief in place, many below him

do not like Abhisit and are not inclined to help him out at their own risk to career path.

[Insight]

The govt could be waiting for an uprising from the BKK residents. If there is unrest on the streets between civilians this could give them the excuse they need for an SoE?

Occupying Silom of a working day really can't help the reds' popularity today.

[geriatrickid]

I just watched an interview of the producer from that decrypted video above. He and his team are under close surveillance since months before the video was finally released just hours ago and in meanwhile all over the media worldwide. They are a security threat to the Pentagon, was the army's statement.

In Washington-post the Pentagon confirmed that this is the original.

Quite a whistle-blower.

Thaksins "War on Drugs" was even more obvious, but at the same line of deception and misinformation.

You haven't the slightest clue to what it's like in a warzone do you? Decisions have to be made on short notice. Yes, some people got killed, but is it any worse than friendly fire deaths where the military kills its own? Friendly fire deaths are still a major cause of injury and death in war zones. In this particular case, these "journalists" were smack dab in the middle of a shootout, a place where they were not supposed to be, and they were carrying equipment that when viewed resembled arms. You conveniently fail to mention this group had pinned down a unit for some time and that unit was taking casualties. The producer and his team a threat? Only to rational thought. The claims are intended to promote the agenda. Hardly a whistle blower. Go and post a few videos showing the execution of teachers and health workers in the south of Thailand ok. Or better yet post a few videos of the Iraquis blowing up aid convoys bringing in food, water and medicine for the civilian population, be sure to show the savage beheading of the drivers and aid workers. The death of the "journalists" was unfortunate, but they knew it was a warzone and people get killed in a warzone. That is why it is called a warzone.

You then use the clip that was taken out of context to comment on the drug conflict under thaksin. Are you clueless? What is going on in Mexico today, with rogue military units, corrupt cops, and a tainted judiciary all implicated in an all out drug war. that's a war, where the cartels line up kids and murder them and then try to blame it on the government. What happened under Thaksin was no different, except Thaksin's intervention prevented a drug war like Mexico. Yes, the police and military under Thailand may have committed criminal acts at the time of the drug cracjdown, but that wasn't because Thaksin told them to go be criminals. These were rogue units, many of whom were in the drug cartels themselves. These were also units that were acting as a law unto themselves. The police and military as has been pointed out thousands of times are a law unto themselves. It doesn't matter if the government is yellow or red, the police and army do as they wish.