Thai Government Ready For More Talks With Red Shirts

[webfact]

Thai government ready for more talks with Red Shirts

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's government urged "Red Shirt" protesters Thursday to return to negotiations as the army cleared abandoned armoured vehicles from Bangkok's streets after deadly weekend clashes.

The red-clad demonstrators hunkered down in Bangkok's commercial heart, preparing for a final showdown with the authorities in their effort to force immediate elections to replace Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government.

"If the government still wants to retake this area, we can do nothing except wait. We have overcome fear. Nothing can scare us anymore," said a Reds leader, Nattawut Saikuar.

The death toll from Thailand's worst political violence in almost two decades rose to at least 23 people, 18 of whom died from gunshot wounds, emergency services said as the government called for the fresh talks.

"The government is ready to talk whenever the Reds want, but the Reds said they don't want to," said government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn.

"All political conflicts end at the negotiating table," he told AFP.

Saturday's clashes erupted as the army tried unsuccessfully to clear an area in Bangkok's old city, sparking street battles involving soldiers, red-clad protesters and unidentified gunmen described as "terrorists" by the government.

Leaders of the red-clad movement have said there is no point in further talks, demanding immediate elections.

Negotiations last month between the two sides ended in stalemate after the Reds rejected the government's compromise offer to hold polls at the end of the year.

The Reds charge that the government is illegitimate because it came to power in 2008 after a court ousted allies of former prime minister and telecoms tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra from power.

Officials said Thursday a bomb attack on three electricity towers nearly plunged a suburb of the Thai capital into darkness last weekend although they were still investigating whether it was linked to the wider unrest.

Four bombs exploded and three others malfunctioned, they said.

Had all the explosives detonated, power would have been cut to the northern Bangkok suburb of Rangsit, Ayutthaya governor Wittaya Phewpong said.

"Whoever planted them wanted to cause huge damage," he told AFP.

In central Bangkok, the mostly poor and rural Reds have moved out of the capital's historic district into the commercial district.

As they left, the authorities moved in to clean up. Cranes hoisted the hulks of armoured personnel carriers splashed with anti-government slogans onto trailers, while cleaners hosed down the blood-stained streets.

The authorities have said they will not try to put down peaceful rallies but have urged the Reds to leave the commercial district, where they have disrupted traffic and caused major shopping centres to close.

Army spokesman Sunsern Kaewkumnerd said the rally was in "an unsafe area," urging protesters to stay away.

"Terrorists with weapons of war are ready to attack officials and protesters," he said.

A crackdown in the area is seen as unlikely because of the risk that children, elderly demonstrators and tourists might get caught up in clashes, as well as the possibility of damage to shopping malls and hotels.

The Reds have challenged the government's assertion that there were M16 and AK47 assault rifles among the protesters.

"If they can prove those terrorists are related to us, we will take responsibility," said Nattawut. "But can the army deny that those killed during the clashes died from army bullets?"

The army has said live shots were only fired in the air or by troops providing cover for soldiers who were themselves under fire.

The government, which imposed a state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas a week ago, has accused Thaksin of stoking the unrest.

Eighteen civilians, including a Japanese cameraman, and five soldiers were killed in the clashes, with more than 800 injured, according to the Erawan emergency centre.

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-04-15

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[givenall]

There are no reasons for the Red Shirt to compromise. They have found out that this government has no stomach for confrontation, so they are getting bold by hours and days.

I thing is time to move my investments to somewhere else like Cambodia or Vietnam

Edited April 15, 2010 by givenall

[dom samui]

Bye Bye!

[Dodobird]

Bye Bye!

good luck...

[animatic]

Either it is mob rule

or rule of law via actual democracy,

not democracy if the mob agrees this week...

Those are the two choices.

Someone MUST have the stomach for the hard decisions.

National leaders must do just that, lead where the nation MUST go,

whether it is in the leaders best interest or not.

The countries best interest MUST come first.

[anotherpeter]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

[britmaveric]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

[WAERTH]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You just had me spilling my water of laughter .....

[bulmercke]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

How do you know?

The current ruling elite are totally ruthless. They'll do their damndest - and everything within their means and power - to make sure this Red-Shirt movement is crushed and totally discredited. That's if they get the chance.

[anotherpeter]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

How do you know?

The current ruling elite are totally ruthless. They'll do their damndest - and everything within their means and power - to make sure this Red-Shirt movement is crushed and totally discredited. That's if they get the chance.

I KNOW ... because they said they won't.

The government don't need to discredit the reds. They can do that all by themselves. The only people that don't see it are the ones stuck to Red TV all day. All they see are lies.

[TheOldWolf]

The red leaders have crossed the line, they have burnt all their bridges. No way back, no return. So they must win and get immunty orf they will spend rest of their lives in jail. Or waht is the penalty for treason?

[animatic]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

All graduates of The Thaksinomics Institute

Propaganda 101

Profit for Life 102

Face saving 103

Jocularity aside. The idea that these people will start listening when they get into power

is a slightly below my beating Beuakaow at Muay Thai ; Not gonna happen.

Can any one imagine Jatuporn as Speaker Of The House....

Senator Weng? Chief Justice Veera? Attorney General Arisman...

[bulmercke]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You just had me spilling my water of laughter .....

britmaveric's right.

If they ever get the opportunity to govern - then I'm sure they'll do a dam_n sight more for the ordinary people of Thailand than the current elitist and totally self-serving bunch of power megalomaniacs has done so far.

[animatic]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You've never been here before have you?

[bulmercke]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

How do you know?

The current ruling elite are totally ruthless. They'll do their damndest - and everything within their means and power - to make sure this Red-Shirt movement is crushed and totally discredited. That's if they get the chance.

I KNOW ... because they said they won't.

The government don't need to discredit the reds. They can do that all by themselves. The only people that don't see it are the ones stuck to Red TV all day. All they see are lies.

They want more equality and a complete regime change. But you probably can't see that because you're too pre-occupied composing your pithy and 'witty' retorts.

[bulmercke]

The red leaders have crossed the line, they have burnt all their bridges. No way back, no return. So they must win and get immunty orf they will spend rest of their lives in jail. Or waht is the penalty for treason?

Agreed. They sure have crossed the line.

Many of the protesters are Bangkokians. Not just folks from up-country and they want a complete regime change. And nothing short of that. And from my conversations with them I get a very sure sense that they - and this Red-Shirt movement - won't desist until that objective is achieved.

When and at what cost is anybody's guess.

[britmaveric]

You've never been here before have you?

[bendejo]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

...

The boss said they have to bring the gov't down quick, no delays, no excuses, or it's no bonus. I can only guess what that blackguard SOB promised them, but I sure as hel_l don't think they're going to give up on that brass ring easily.

Personally, I think the gov't forces should go to the camp on Friday and blast an announcement that they are in violation of the law and the law will be enforced. Maybe announce continuously for 30 minutes. The rabble will mock them, respond angrily etc but no matter -- the warning must be given. Maybe bring a few buses and tell them this is it, free trip time, or stay for bad trip time. Then at 3 am go in there with troops and bulldozers and settle this once and for all. Can't say they weren't warned. Of course, no advance planning is possible as there will always be a rat to tip the reds off (and vice versa).

If Mr A doesn't have the stomach for it, via whatever means available to him, then maybe he isn't qualified for the job.

So brave for the administration to claim how open they are to talks when they know the other side will refuse.

But seeing what great negotiators the reds were at the Three Stooges summit I can see why Khun A would think it's worth a try.

[WAERTH]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You just had me spilling my water of laughter .....

britmaveric's right.

If they ever get the opportunity to govern - then I'm sure they'll do a dam_n sight more for the ordinary people of Thailand than the current elitist and totally self-serving bunch of power megalomaniacs has done so far.

I dont believe in fairytales. I do believe in history repeating itself .... and knowing the history of peoples revolutions and their fates .... and how they have destroyed their own countries .... I fear the worst. I hope the reds will happily surprise me, but somehow the history and results of peoples revolutions is stacked against them ....

[esprit]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You just had me spilling my water of laughter .....

britmaveric's right.

If they ever get the opportunity to govern - then I'm sure they'll do a dam_n sight more for the ordinary people of Thailand than the current elitist and totally self-serving bunch of power megalomaniacs has done so far.

My personel opinion is that you were either born stupid or you have worked damned hard at convincing others you are. Having lived here for decades , it never ceases to amase me how the farangs think that allowing the lunatics to escapr the asylum and run the country will ever succeed. That is unless you you believe Pol Pot's regime was correct ! Read history, if you can read that is, but compromise never ever achieves permanant results.

[bulmercke]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You just had me spilling my water of laughter .....

britmaveric's right.

If they ever get the opportunity to govern - then I'm sure they'll do a dam_n sight more for the ordinary people of Thailand than the current elitist and totally self-serving bunch of power megalomaniacs has done so far.

I dont believe in fairytales. I do believe in history repeating itself .... and knowing the history of peoples revolutions and their fates .... and how they have destroyed their own countries .... I fear the worst. I hope the reds will happily surprise me, but somehow the history and results of peoples revolutions is stacked against them ....

You're right. I personally can't see how the Red-Shirts can achieve their radical ideals without some major sacrifice - and last Saturday wasn't it.

The country is badly divided now. This whole business is sure to escalate very quickly from now onwards.

[bulmercke]

Red shirts love Thailand and if elections bring them to power - good things will happen for all in thailand!!

You just had me spilling my water of laughter .....

britmaveric's right.

If they ever get the opportunity to govern - then I'm sure they'll do a dam_n sight more for the ordinary people of Thailand than the current elitist and totally self-serving bunch of power megalomaniacs has done so far.

My personel opinion is that you were either born stupid or you have worked damned hard at convincing others you are. Having lived here for decades , it never ceases to amase me how the farangs think that allowing the lunatics to escapr the asylum and run the country will ever succeed. That is unless you you believe Pol Pot's regime was correct ! Read history, if you can read that is, but compromise never ever achieves permanant results.

Thanks for the slagging off. Now onto the real issues.

Again - they want a TOTAL regime change and much - much more equality.

The inequality that currently exists in Thailand between the 'haves' and 'have nots' is absolutely sickening. You must surely have some understanding of this.

In short - they want a fairer and more just society. And I agree with them. That's if it's O.K. with you?

Edited April 15, 2010 by bulmercke

[Skywalker69]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

How do you know?

The current ruling elite are totally ruthless. They'll do their damndest - and everything within their means and power - to make sure this Red-Shirt movement is crushed and totally discredited. That's if they get the chance.

I KNOW ... because they said they won't.

The government don't need to discredit the reds. They can do that all by themselves. The only people that don't see it are the ones stuck to Red TV all day. All they see are lies.

yes, send them of to North Korea

[Jingthing]

Yes the violent red thugs think that have it all won. But they are playing a dangerous game not negotiating. They demand all or nothing. That may have good odds to get all, but by not talking, they risk getting nothing. There are still powerful forces in play here not ready to cave to this red mob terror wave.

Edited April 15, 2010 by Jingthing

[bulmercke]

Yes the violent red thugs think that have it all won. But they are playing a dangerous game not negotiating. They demand all or nothing. That may have good odds to get all, but by not talking, they risk getting nothing. There are still powerful forces in play here not ready to cave to this red mob terror wave.

Jingthing - I don't know where you're located - but if you live in BKK - take some time out and go to Rajaprasong - any day of the week - and view all those "violent red thugs".

In fact - what you'll see are ordinary decent Thai people of all ages - tens of thousands of them - gathering as one to show their disdain and contempt for this current government. A government and PM that are nothing more than proxies for the the ruling elite and what it truly represents - repression and exploitation of the Thai people.

And as you so rightly say - they are indeed powerful forces.

[Jingthing]

I have talked to plenty of reds in Pattaya. I have heard enough. Suggesting foreigners go now to the red hub is irresponsible advice these days. Listen to your embassy! STAY AWAY!

Edited April 15, 2010 by Jingthing

[gigiman]

There are no reasons for the Red Shirt to compromise. They have found out that this government has no stomach for confrontation, so they are getting bold by hours and days.

I thing is time to move my investments to somewhere else like Cambodia or Vietnam

cambodia or vietnam ,, are you crazy ,,, have you been there ,, ???

[bulmercke]

I have talked to plenty of reds in Pattaya. I have heard enough. Suggesting foreigners go now to the red hub is irresponsible advice these days. Listen to your embassy! STAY AWAY!

I wasn't suggesting all foreigners. Only your good self!

[gigiman]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

How do you know?

The current ruling elite are totally ruthless. They'll do their damndest - and everything within their means and power - to make sure this Red-Shirt movement is crushed and totally discredited. That's if they get the chance.

You said it straight to the point,, they will do what ever it takes to discredit the movement such as lie on TV, close the red shirts TV , radio stations, internet content etc. And ,, lately saying that they are terrorists .

I submit that Abashi==t is an anti democratic terrorist . He is a terrorist against the truth.

[bulmercke]

The reds won't negotiate. That might make them look a little bit democratic.

If they ever get into power, they won't negotiate then. They will look after themselves. They won't care about Thailand as a whole. They will just look after the people that voted for them.

How do you know?

The current ruling elite are totally ruthless. They'll do their damndest - and everything within their means and power - to make sure this Red-Shirt movement is crushed and totally discredited. That's if they get the chance.

You said it straight to the point,, they will do what ever it takes to discredit the movement such as lie on TV, close the red shirts TV , radio stations, internet content etc. And ,, lately saying that they are terrorists .

I submit that Abashi==t is an anti democratic terrorist . He is a terrorist against the truth.

You've just defined a dictatorship. Total control and state sponsored lies. And when you're up against a dictatorial regime - which this one undoubtedly is - then drastic measures are required to overthrow it and all the rotteness it represents.

Up the Reds!