OK, so things have gotten really bad.

Now what?

It will be very hard for Abhisit to govern, even more than before.

A pro red replacement would make the anti-reds mad, and not be accepted.

Free and fair elections right now in the time of a virtual civil war would be difficult to pull off, to say the least.

So what's the way forward, assuming there is a way forward?

How about yet another military coup government that isn't extremely pro-red or anti-red (realistically nobody is completely neutral) with the goal of reestablishing law, order, and stability for as long as it takes (likely at least a year), and then after that cooling off period, perhaps some international assistance to do a new election? In favor of that, or not?

A better solution would be negotiations, but so far the reds continue to say no to negotiations.

Yes, If things continue on this path then a think a coup is definitely appropriate. A year cooling off period would be beneficial for everyone, especially the 99% of the Thai population who just wants to get on with daily life.

sure, yestarday they were shooting life ammunition, and tomorrow they will be "neutral".

you don't agree to the general election, because of the political tention - but you allow a military coup, which this time will be bloody, bloodier than the last night shootings.

I haven't seen any coup anywhere in the world establishing law and order other than over the killing, terrorising, imprisonment of citisens

is it only tv members who overreact?

haiti is in chaos. so is that country where pirates attack us military shipps .

all i see in thailand is  people away from ground zero doing what they normally do.

sure, yestarday they were shooting life ammunition, and tomorrow they will be "neutral".

you don't agree to the general election, because of the political tention - but you allow a military coup, which this time will be bloody, bloodier than the last night shootings.

Technically, they were following the order of PM Abhisit. Not taking sides, that isn't their proper role. Not saying they are always proper. I get your point. Do you have a better idea that wouldn't leave at least half the country seething mad?

if you like to solve a political problem, do it through an open discussion and the ballot box.

suppressing this debate by sending troops on the streets and generals to the governmental offices just prolongs political instability

now half the country is seething mad?

did you poll the thais????????????? i bet most would just be happy if they went home to their villages and leave bangkokokians alone.

are the people in bkk participating in the protests? the people will seeth if taksin gets his way!

from the closed thread

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...t&p=3495164

"the poll also found that 93.4 per cent of respondents wanted to see peace returned to the country followed by 84 per cent expressing that more social justice should be seen and 82.2 per cent wanted to have better livelihood for the people."

and

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Bangkok-Red-...t&p=3495360

"Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called leaders of all coalition partners to a meeting at the 11th Infantry Regiment at 1 pm Sunday, a coalition partner source said. The source said the coalition partners might propose House dissolution if the situation continues to deteriorate."

What is a neutral coup...answer...there is no such thing

For the record, I think the best way out now (and before) is peaceful negotiations. But it is clear the reds won't go for that, as usual, they are all or nothing, and don't care about destroying Thailand in the process.

if you like to solve a political problem, do it through an open discussion and the ballot box.

Oh yeah, that'll solve the problem won't it.

You think Thailand is better off being run by a military junta? There are too many examples to the contary.

What is a neutral coup...answer...there is no such thing

Agreed. As neutral as humanly possible is what I clearly meant. I am not presenting this as an ideal solution or even a good one. I just don't see anything better out there now that doesn't involve negotiations, and the reds continue to refuse to negotiate.

For those in Bkk that might be near the hospital.

THE NATION: Blood needed at King Mongkut Hospital - especially group O and B. Donation at Chalermprakiat Bldg.

You think Thailand is better off being run by a military junta? There are too many examples to the contary.

Spare me! The reds now are on record as being OK with a coup, as long as it is pro red. The red movement wasn't anti-coup, just anti- anything that isn't pro red.

Anyone advocating a military coup is an arse. If you want a totalitarian dictatorship go and push it in your homelands and do not inflict on a country where you are a guest.

Simplistic stupidity.

I feel sorry for the people opposed to the Reds that will get lumped in with the nut cases advocating a military solution.

How about this; I am willing to wager that of the people advocating a military coup;

1. Has never been a command officer in a military unit that has seen action,

2. Has an advanced education.

3. Has any respect for basic freedoms or civil liberties unless his personal benefit is at stake.

4. Is a white male aged 40 years or more.

Move to Burma will ya.

hmmmmmm

reading jings toughtful posts i dont think he is against dictators, as long as thy are good ones

We are just talking, geriatric, you don't have to get personally insulting.

Another alternative perhaps. Abhisit is now meeting with the coalition partners. Is this a possible outcome? Instead of dissolving parliament can they vote on a NEW PM from one of the smaller coalition parties (not pro red/not anti red)? That may be another way to stabilize the country for at least awhile in the same way as an all out coup. Can someone who understands the rules of parliament here say whether that is possible right now?

hmmmmmm

reading jings toughtful posts i dont think he is against dictators, as long as thy are good ones

I am for a way out of this mess with minimum bloodshed. Such as the reds negotiating in good faith; they had their chance before the bloodshed and they have their chance now. Yet they say no.

if you like to solve a political problem, do it through an open discussion and the ballot box.

Oh yeah, that'll solve the problem won't it.

if an election is called the red shirts should go home and end the violence, do you have a better solution?

You can't hold elections in the middle of a civil war. Also, what about the charges against the red leaders? Do you propose they be let off them?

hmmmmmm

reading jings toughtful posts i dont think he is against dictators, as long as thy are good ones

I am for a way out of this mess with minimum bloodshed. Such as the reds negotiating in good faith; they had their chance before the bloodshed and they have their chance now. Yet they say no.

sometimes you just have to use force then.  appearance is everything , if they want international and public support they should at least dress better.

they all look like gardeners.

if you like to solve a political problem, do it through an open discussion and the ballot box.

Oh yeah, that'll solve the problem won't it.

if an election is called the red shirts should go home and end the violence, do you have a better solution?

hear hear, Any government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth....that is the fundamental problem here in thailand where the current governemt is for the elites not the people

sometimes you just have to use force then.  appearance is everything , if they want international and public support they should at least dress better. they all look like gardeners.

they are gardeners and rice growers - that's maybe why they have domestic and international sympathy.

when you start shooting (the coming coup will be bloody - you seen the determination of the protesters yestarday), when you stop using heavy weapons, tanks etc

You can't hold elections in the middle of a civil war. Also, what about the charges against the red leaders? Do you propose they be let off them?

well all the coup leaders were 'let off' too weren't they? should they not be charge for treason?

this is where im confused.

DO RED SHIRTS HAVE SUPPORT OF THEIR OWN PEOPLE?   10%, 25% 70%......WHATS THEIR APPROVAL RATING would be good to know.

this is where im confused.

DO RED SHIRTS HAVE SUPPORT OF THEIR OWN PEOPLE?

Call for elections and we will know for sure...

You can't hold elections in the middle of a civil war. Also, what about the charges against the red leaders? Do you propose they be let off them?

well all the coup leaders were 'let off' too weren't they? should they not be charge for treason?

If the red leaders are willing to sit down to talks and negotiate in GOOD FAITH everything could be open to negotiation, including the charges against them. But they are not willing to have peace talks. I can't respect them. If they had talked before, we wouldn't have had the bloodshed yesterday.

Anyone advocating a military coup is an arse. If you want a totalitarian dictatorship go and push it in your homelands and do not inflict on a country where you are a guest.

Simplistic stupidity.

I feel sorry for the people opposed to the Reds that will get lumped in with the nut cases advocating a military solution.

How about this; I am willing to wager that of the people advocating a military coup;

1. Has never been a command officer in a military unit that has seen action,

2. Has an advanced education.

3. Has any respect for basic freedoms or civil liberties unless his personal benefit is at stake.

4. Is a white male aged 40 years or more.

Move to Burma will ya.

I think that I would not be advocating for a military coup if Thailand was capable of governing themselves which (historically) they have clearly shown that they are not. I may be a guest here, but my son is a dual citizen, and my wife is a full Thai so I have invested interest here, more than being a mere guest. Fortunately I come from a country who wouldn't tolerate this bull <deleted> for not even a New York minute before the situation would be under control. A government who drags their feet and lets this carry on for a month until there is blood in the streets is clearly an irresponsible government.

I usually have respect for what you post geriatric, but n this case i have to agree to disagree.