Red Shirts Put Lives On Hold To Camp Out In Bangkok

[wallhigh]

Well someone should try to point out to them a world wide problem The top 20% have 80% of the wealth everywhere on the planet, and that will never ever change. So they had better get used to it.

so happy i am in the top 20%

[chadintheusa]

Red shirts should cut a deal and leave Bangkok now. The PM is severely weakened and will have to call an election before his party is disbanded and he loses control of the timing of the election. This way they can sell their votes in six months or less. More rioting and protesting will lead to a military coup and will put a hold on any elections for at least a year. With their crops dead in their fields the Reds will need a friendly government to compensate them, not a military government with a grudge against them.

[on-on]

Which was far worse under Thaksin's regime!

While not condoning Thaksin's censorship of the media, this government is far worse, and media censorship has been on the increase since the coup in 2006, beginning with the junta.

This from today...

MICT warning people not to post divisive comments or pictures from last weekend. Was in the BP so I can't post it here.

MICT forbids posting of pictures and divisive comments about 10 April clashes

Wed, 14/04/2010 - 11:24

The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has instructed its staff to monitor the posting of pictures which show violence in the clashes on Saturday. People are warned not to post comments divisive to society.

According to www.dailyworldtoday.com on 12 April, Thaneerat Siripachana, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, said that on grounds of national security, the ministry would seek cooperation from webmasters of domestic websites to prevent the dissemination of such pictures. In the case of websites located abroad such as YouTube, the Ministry will work with the Foreign Ministry to seek cooperation from host countries.

He warned that the people should not post divisive comments, as they would violate the Emergency Decree and the 2007 Computer Crimes Act.

http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/1737

Oh boy, that's an interesting (if not entirely unpredictable) response. "In the case of websites located abroad such as YouTube, the Ministry will work with the Foreign Ministry to seek cooperation from host countries." I can save them the trouble of that phone call, heh. I hope they don't end up just blocking a bunch of popular sites as per usual.

[on-on]

I'm sure a lot of the crop talk is being trumped up to increase the drama of each individual story, given that's how these things work for everyone. I really take no particular side in this struggle, but in my experience everyone on any side of any issue loves to tell his or her story as dramatically as possible. Still, assuming for a moment that a good chunk of the country's farmers did end up staying in Bangkok for a month, or two, or four, or six, couldn't this lead to some food shortages and increased prices concurrent with these people not making any money from their crops and, in the case of sharecroppers, losing their fields? That could be kind of an interesting blowback in both directions.

Edited April 14, 2010 by on-on

[otherstuff1957]

Which was far worse under Thaksin's regime!

While not condoning Thaksin's censorship of the media, this government is far worse, and media censorship has been on the increase since the coup in 2006, beginning with the junta.

This from today...

MICT warning people not to post divisive comments or pictures from last weekend. Was in the BP so I can't post it here.

MICT forbids posting of pictures and divisive comments about 10 April clashes

Wed, 14/04/2010 - 11:24

The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology has instructed its staff to monitor the posting of pictures which show violence in the clashes on Saturday. People are warned not to post comments divisive to society.

According to www.dailyworldtoday.com on 12 April, Thaneerat Siripachana, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, said that on grounds of national security, the ministry would seek cooperation from webmasters of domestic websites to prevent the dissemination of such pictures. In the case of websites located abroad such as YouTube, the Ministry will work with the Foreign Ministry to seek cooperation from host countries.

He warned that the people should not post divisive comments, as they would violate the Emergency Decree and the 2007 Computer Crimes Act.

http://www.prachatai.org/english/node/1737

Well, there goes the Thai government proving that the Reds aren't the only ones who can shoot themselves in the foot!

Abhisit should just schedule elections in 6 months and be done with it. The Reds would look pretty silly protesting for elections in 15 days if they were already just around the corner.

[atyclb]

The Thaksin obsessives who maintain it is essentially orchestrated & all about one man, would presumably anticipate the democracy demonstrators in Bangkok would return home and life would continue as if the last decade had never taken place. No rural discontent, no demands for a more representative democracy, no demands for a better life and a fair share of the national wealth.

The article above shows the reality of the mass of democracy demonstrators in Bangkok - far from benefiting financially by their actions they are losing significant amounts by their standards. They are prepared to do that, and potentially lay down their lives because their cause is just & because the rest of Thai society - who blatantly & unashamedly benefit from the Thai apartheid system - has given them absolutely no other option.

so why doesn't the govt put forth the following: House will be dissolved and elections held within whatever is a reasonable time (3 months, 6 months). International monitors will be invited to check the elections, AND, the most important element, Mr. Thaksin, as a criminal thug and fugitive will be forever banned from being involved in any way shape or form from Thai politics....think the Reds will sign on? Not a bloody chance. Once again, this protest, while perhaps morphing into the possibility of something bigger, is not about democracy, it is about one thug's millions. Have a look at "democracy" movements worldwide. One group that is always at the forefront of such movements are university students, educated, idealist university students. How many uni students do you see at the Rachaprasong junction, .001% Most of the ones i've asked all know the truth about what a sham this is.

This is pure elitist nonsense. Perhaps the greatest struggle for democracy recently was the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa -- led by " university students, educated, idealist university students " -- I don't think so !

Most of the poor in Thailand have absolutely no chance of a university education -- the same as the blacks in South Africa -- you don't need a university education to have a brain and use it -- you do however, need a university education to be elitist.

Absolutely, one need not have a university degree to be intelligent. The owner of the emerald hotel in bkk cannot read or write, yet is very intelligent and hugely successful.

I believe south africa had a mix of university grads, and the likes that eventually ended apartheid. That was a system of rule by non africans, european immigrants. blacks were not allowed to be in certain areas, restaurants, schools, etc etc. Similar to the USA glorious history.

Although I know racism exists in thailand, please point out areas for dark skin only on buses, trains, restaurants. Koen Kaen university (in Issan)graduates a multitude of dark skinned professionals across multiple fields.

How is it immigrants from India, lacking the magical white skin color, and native language upon entry are so successful in thailand? Especially where skin color preference does indeed exist!!!! Does the Thai government monitor rural Thais trying to emulate Indians/Chinese and when they notice one that is going to succeed in business or self sufficiency, stop them???

Ok, we all know chinese culture is about hard work, saving money, studying, family together, etc, so we need not analyze their success in thailand, or any country for that matter. In BKK, there are tons of non light skin people that are self sufficient and or educated/gainfully employed as there are in NE thailand.

Correct me if i am wrong, there seems to be a % of rural folks that are not interested in changing their lifestyle. In developed countries there is a huge problem with people "on the dole" A lifelong vacation, so to speak. Self sufficiency opportunities abound, yet not so many have the aptitude to take it.

I side with socialism and the left, but with intelligent, credible factions. I do not sympathize with a legion of people recruited by and for a rich man in his attempt to regain power and money.

Does anyone doubt this rich man would not sacrifice some reds to help his cause? It was common knowledge that he had hired mercenaries.

[valerian]

Funny... can't see anything about this on the mict.go.th website. Are there any other sources apart from prachathai?

[rogerman]

Funny... can't see anything about this on the mict.go.th website. Are there any other sources apart from prachathai?

It's just yet another made up page to add to the confusion

[tigermonkey]

you don't need a university education to have a brain and use it -- you do however, need a university education to be elitist.

a university education at least points you in the right direction of how the brain

should be used, something completely lacking in the current protesters...

like it was pointed out, how many educated university students are protesting?

ZERO

and of course you need a uni education to have a decent well paid career and

be a benefit to society, not a burden.... need i say more

The elitism grows in leaps and bounds here -- do you say that all who do not have a university education, are a burden to society and are no benefit to society -- who will grow your food ? --who will repair your car ? -- who will build your house ? -- etc !!!

The fact is that most in Thailand can not afford a university education -- they sometimes can complete their public schooling ( such as it is ) before they must start working to support their family.

Eton and Oxford are definitely not on the schedule for most Thais -- only honest, back breaking work until they die of 'old age' at a young age - yes, they smoke and drink too much, but so would you with their lifestyle..

Next thing, we will hear a repetition of that stupidity ( expressed during the airport seizure) about a constitutional amendment giving an extra vote to any with a university degree.

[chadintheusa]

Will red shirt leaders blame the PM for how ever many red shirt protesters are killed in road accidents during Songkran?

[grandpops]

Funny... can't see anything about this on the mict.go.th website. Are there any other sources apart from prachathai?

It's just yet another made up page to add to the confusion

Maybe the Head of CAT had such a good day out with the redshirts that the head of mict wants a day out.

It is probably the way they will seek to unblock anything they don't like.

[britmaveric]

CAT is pretty stupid, no media or news organization will cooperate. Might as well cut the internet off.

[kissdani]

Will red shirt leaders blame the PM for how ever many red shirt protesters are killed in road accidents during Songkran?

I doubt that.

But some farang idiots at this board will come forward with the argument that the death of April 10 are nothing to worry about because during Songkran many Thai people die anyway.

[crusty]

Good post about the 100,000 thais at the top of the pile having all the spoils. Only have to watch TV to see it in action.

Also, this debunks that insulting Falang proverb about Thailand "money number one".

It will soon be over. The Army has changed sides, (many it appears during the push against the reds), the EC has changed sides, the opposition coalition are changing sides, the population are definatly more vocally red this time. Many felt pinned down during the Yellow tyranny by charges of not loving the one that they all do love.

Not this time, those too shy to stand up against the PAD are now there in full force.

I hope the Reds don't blow this chance. There is chance now to bring the country forward from its feudal system and for the population to through off the oppressors. Just think how hard it is going to be now for the Police and Army mafia to collect their tea money from businesses! Or is it the businesses that are part of the problem by roling over and paying it? More spine needed at the middle and top of society me thinks!

I'm not holding my breath, but there is a chance now.... just a chance.

This situation places Thailand over 1000 years behind civilised Europe ! The Tudors and before them King Alfred at Camelot, worked at consolidating in Britain, all the ethnic tribes, much like Thailand's ethnic mixes ! Time to read, look at how they accomplished that, but methinks the Thai male has a missing gene in his "brain"

[Jingthing]

Will red shirt leaders blame the PM for how ever many red shirt protesters are killed in road accidents during Songkran?

Yes, these thugs are demanding that Abhisit leave Thailand with the obvious veiled threat of what will happen to him if he doesn't. The reds have ALREADY tried to assassinate Abhisit a number of times in the past. Get real. The red leaders are total thugs. And yet all these Europeans think they are OK. It's sickening.

[kissdani]

Funny... can't see anything about this on the mict.go.th website. Are there any other sources apart from prachathai?

It's just yet another made up page to add to the confusion

It is just the daily MICT business, to close illegal websites or block the access to them of they are hosted outside Thailand. Actually not Big News and nothing new at all.

[kraxlhuber]

Far more impressive, noble and respectable than the yellow shirts who are rich and from next door.

Anyway, more and more Bangkokians become Reds in the sois (at least in my Chatuchak area).

bulls..

the yellow's didnt shoot and kill,would not have tolerated hired murders among them at a demonstration site,

Slumdogs ...,have seen the movie

[midas]

Will red shirt leaders blame the PM for how ever many red shirt protesters are killed in road accidents during Songkran?

Yes, these thugs are demanding that Abhisit leave Thailand with the obvious veiled threat of what will happen to him if he doesn't. The reds have ALREADY tried to assassinate Abhisit a number of times in the past. Get real. The red leaders are total thugs. And yet all these Europeans think they are OK. It's sickening.

I do also

Lets us hope the days of " let them eat cake " are over !

[britmaveric]

Poor Jing accept that most of the world sides with the red shirts and their plight. Let's hope Abhisit realizes how he has been used and packs it in.

[Supernova]

Yes, these thugs are demanding that Abhisit leave Thailand with the obvious veiled threat of what will happen to him if he doesn't. The reds have ALREADY tried to assassinate Abhisit a number of times in the past. Get real. The red leaders are total thugs. And yet all these Europeans think they are OK. It's sickening.

Reds are this, reds are that... Blah blah.

Wanna know what's sickening? Those who continue to blindly support a Prime Minister with blood on his hands. << That's sickening.

[anotherpeter]

Yes, these thugs are demanding that Abhisit leave Thailand with the obvious veiled threat of what will happen to him if he doesn't. The reds have ALREADY tried to assassinate Abhisit a number of times in the past. Get real. The red leaders are total thugs. And yet all these Europeans think they are OK. It's sickening.

Reds are this, reds are that... Blah blah.

Wanna know what's sickening? Those who continue to blindly support a Prime Minister with blood on his hands. << That's sickening.

Thaksin is an ex-prime minister.

[chadintheusa]

Will red shirt leaders blame the PM for how ever many red shirt protesters are killed in road accidents during Songkran?

I doubt that.

But some farang idiots at this board will come forward with the argument that the death of April 10 are nothing to worry about because during Songkran many Thai people die anyway.

How much value does a persons life have in Thailand. Every year 300 to 800 people are killed during Songkran. Why isn't there any significant progress being made to improve safety? We all know that it will happen again this year, and next year. We know the causes. Why aren't those lives worth saving by strict application of the law? The red shirts are essentially pawns in a game of political heavyweights. How much do those top leaders value the lives that they are gambling with? The people killed last weekend had value. So do the hundreds more that will die this week during Songkran. Maybe their lives are worth more than your desire to drink whiskey and then get in your pickup or on your motorbike.

[Supernova]

Yes, these thugs are demanding that Abhisit leave Thailand with the obvious veiled threat of what will happen to him if he doesn't. The reds have ALREADY tried to assassinate Abhisit a number of times in the past. Get real. The red leaders are total thugs. And yet all these Europeans think they are OK. It's sickening.

Reds are this, reds are that... Blah blah.

Wanna know what's sickening? Those who continue to blindly support a Prime Minister with blood on his hands. << That's sickening.

Thaksin is an ex-prime minister.

Fair enough.

But he's no longer in power now is he? No matter the outcome, I can't see Thaksin returning as PM.

[fullcave]

This guy just lost a huge respect from me.

Regarding changing sides you may readt http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Ministe...ll-t355955.html. Thank you Thaivisa!

This guy just earned a huge respect from me.

[Mosha]

Yes, these thugs are demanding that Abhisit leave Thailand with the obvious veiled threat of what will happen to him if he doesn't. The reds have ALREADY tried to assassinate Abhisit a number of times in the past. Get real. The red leaders are total thugs. And yet all these Europeans think they are OK. It's sickening.

Reds are this, reds are that... Blah blah.

Wanna know what's sickening? Those who continue to blindly support a Prime Minister with blood on his hands. << That's sickening.

Thaksin is an ex-prime minister.

Fair enough.

But he's no longer in power now is he? No matter the outcome, I can't see Thaksin returning as PM.

No, but from those days he does have blood on his hands. i.e. the war on drugs.

Edited April 14, 2010 by Mosha

[LuckyLew]

Poor Jing accept that most of the world sides with the red shirts and their plight. Let's hope Abhisit realizes how he has been used and packs it in.

Britmaveric ... are you a clown in disguise?

Most of the world does not side with terrorists

In most countries this revolt would have been

put down in opening days ...

[britmaveric]

^TIT and most countries do not support shooting protesters fighting for democracy! (well unless you are Iran\Burma\China or similar country)

Edited April 14, 2010 by britmaveric

[kissdani]

This guy just lost a huge respect from me.

Regarding changing sides you may readt http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/Thai-Ministe...ll-t355955.html. Thank you Thaivisa!

This guy just earned a huge respect from me.

Many people that had respected him in the past are now busy to deny that they ever had respect for him.

[fullcave]

^TIT and most countries do not support shooting protesters fighting for democracy! (well unless you are Iran\Burma\China or similar country)

In most countries the protesters don't kick the shit out of there own army. In most countries the protesters are not armed with automatic weapons and grenade launchers.

[generalgrant]

^TIT and most countries do not support shooting protesters fighting for democracy! (well unless you are Iran\Burma\China or similar country)

In most countries the protesters don't kick the shit out of there own army. In most countries the protesters are not armed with automatic weapons and grenade launchers.

Most countries do not have over 20 coups do they?

Here is some stuff you could read from a very conservative WSJ in the States today.

"The true reason for the die-hards' fear is the depth and intensity of support for the red movement revealed over the past month. The size and stamina of the protest belied predictions. A wide spectrum of people joined the demonstrations, not just the rural poor. Many Bangkokians took part, to the surprise of those who saw this contest as village against city.

Moreover, the evident intensity of the protesters' commitment exploded any illusion that this was merely a paid mob. The organization was tight. Until last Saturday, the protest had a festival feel and was spectacularly nonviolent. Clearly this is a mass movement expressing a deeply felt demand for change. The government and military now face the prospect that any attempted coup or renewed violent oppression could trigger a far larger show of popular support for the protests.

Most worrying for the government and army has been the effect on monks and rank-and-file security personnel. Many monks joined the protests. Police stood aside. Late last week, more and more soldiers were showing signs of fraternization.

Electoral politicians are scrambling to shift ground in line with the voters on whom they depend. With a big election victory, the reds could reinstate the 1997 constitution scrapped by the 2006 coup, void the actions of the coup government, put the coup generals on trial, and bring back former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. In fear of these prospects, die-hard groups are howling for repression rather than negotiation. The conservative and royalist "yellow shirts" have called for martial law. Yet with every day of delay in restarting negotiations, the Democrats' electoral prospects slip still lower.

Since the 2006 coup, parliament has been battered and belittled. Two elected governments have been overthrown. More than 200 elected legislators have been banned from politics. A new constitution deliberately sets out to diminish parliament's role. The consequences are now clear. The country desperately needs to reinstate parliament as a national forum.

Thailand is running out of mechanisms for compromise. Various academic groups, business groups, peace advocates and elder statesmen have failed to gain any traction as potential conciliators. By loudly and repeatedly claiming to be defending the monarchy, the die-hard groups have eroded the institution's old role as mediator. There remains only a slim chance for Mr. Abhisit to play a positive role in the emergence of the new political Thailand, rather than being a casualty in the collapse of the old order."