Top Army, Navy Units Readied For Red-Shirts Dispersal

[Thai at Heart]

Chavalit is as much part of the problem as anyone else and his record in the military (Ban Rhom Khlao) and poltics (1997) is worse than most. He ius Ammat at its worst. Entitled becuse of position and not ability

I'm just thinking - it was Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyut that bought an aircraft carrier and ordered dozens of new jets for Thai airways just before the Baht meltdown in 1997.

Wonder what would happen if he came back in power.

I guess Baht would soon hit 100 to 1 USD, there would be more tourist attractions docked in Pattaya bay, and Thai tourism industry and exports would fleurish, after baht is worth less than paper it's printed on, banks write off gazillions of bad debt, IMF bails out the country and banks and foreigners own every building completed in the last 10 years.

Surely the right man for the job. Proven.

Military men have seldom been gifted in economics .

Or in rewriting a constitution it would seem .

Give K Chavalit a few top notch harvard trained advisors

and he still might pull it

He is not Khun Chavalit, but General Chavalit.

Not an inspiring title when it comes to modern day Thai politics I would say.

[webfact]

two posts containing derogatory terms deleted

[Throatwobbler]

Umm Errr Have an Election

*sigh* so sad when kids are left unattended after school... yes having an election as demanded by a minority of a country and having the request punctuated by threats and lies will lead to the best most fair elections possible.. good call don't know why nobody else has seen it yet.

Ummm you're quoting me quoting someone else.

I think there is no way you can have free and fair elections at the moment.

[commons]

Hey spelling teacher

I take it yu support a regime that has done over 20 coups and butchers students at Thamasat University?

You remind my of the boys in America living in the south in 1860 who were fighting for their right to own slaves.

In fact--that is exactly what the Thai regime is doing Mr Spell check.

Watch the video of the students piled up dead at Thamasat and feel proud that you support this government and regime that is its real power.

i'd like to ask you 2 questions:

1) what are you doing in thailand? obviously, in your opinion, it's hel_l. why not leave it?

2) imho, you're a bit obsessed. aren't you? you want "piles of dead Thammasat students" delivered to Abhisit's home? government house? you've a time machine? --- sorry, i don't get your case of causation?

[BNZ]

   

Edited April 19, 2010 by BNZ

[webfact]

We have some trolls in here...

Some suspensions are in store

Think twice before you click 'add reply'

[vicco]

It’s true that the publicized images of these weeks of drama – such as the ubiquitous red glow cast by the demonstrators and reflected in the windows of the Bangkok elite’s luxury outlets – can seem to confirm the picture of a popular insurgency by Thailand’s rural poor against its urban rich. But it is so much more interesting and complicated than that. For as the protests have continued, the links of the red protestors with Thaksin Shinawatra have become more and more irrelevant. Instead, what has emerged are new forms and actors of politics in Thailand.

(Copied over from the Amnesty International site)

Funny how many of us alleged "Thaksin apologists" have been stating this for over a month but the hysterical anti-Thaksin cheerleading group just can't seem to get it. Of course Amnesty International could be Thaksin apologists too...even though they have been quoted many times by the anti-Thaksin side when it suits them. For many it seems that calling Thaksin nasty names is about the only thing they have to write about....and as others have said over and over (myself included) Thaksin is not the real issue. I do of course recognize that name calling is much easier than trying to understand what this is really all about. After all the hoards were storming the Bastille while the aristocrats still sat around wondering what was troubling the peasants. I feel sure that the French understand this problem much better than the British, which is strange because the British have been kicked out of enough countries to know what happens when you piss off the people enough...yet they dominate this forum with the same quaint old arguments about how the poor stupid country folk really don't know what they want. Only blue blooded, properly bred people who have gone to the right schools and speak with the proper accents really know how to govern a country...and if those stupid peasants kick up too much fuss...shoot the bastards.

Sorry but that never did turn out well....look how the empire has shrunk and now the peasants are in charge in most of places you used to occupy. Queen Victoria would not be amused.

[commons]

No, no, no! He does NOT have "the support of the representatives of the majority of the people in Thailand"

The choice of the LARGEST block of voters was ignored as a result of the mass disqualification. He may have the LEGAL right to the PMs chair under the new constitution. But this country can't even agree on which constitution is legal?!? The ethical thing to do would have been to hold a NEW election ASAP in Dec 2008 so that the wishes of the LARGEST BLOCK of voters would be represented in the government.

Er..... so just to be clear, the largest block of voters represented by more than 1/2 of the house of representatives who DIDN'T vote for PPP were a majority of the house in 2007 should be denied the right to speak simply because PPP are cheaters and were too dumb themselves to hold a new election in December 2008 as was their right to call (but they didn't want to try)?

Hmmmm... A curious view, not entirely sure I see it as you do.

Do you come from a country with MMP?

the PPP was banned under the provision of article 237 of the 2007 constitution , that constitution was established by other cheaters , who came to power through a coup . So its cheaters with guns versus cheaters without .

And you know full well that switching governement from one party to its oposition WITHOUT consulting the people is totally undemocratic .

1) replying to freedom-dude: as others have stated before (& as you yourself affirm) Abhisit was legally announced PM - as other PM's before. absolute same same legal frame-set. you can go on & on & discuss flaws of _this_ specific legal frame-set - but once it has been accepted, you just cannot go & cry foul when your preferred party ... is _out_.

2) pornsasi: i read your posts & i'll refrain from giving a long-distance diagnosis.

2.a) you claim, "And you know full well that switching governement from one party to its oposition WITHOUT consulting the people is totally undemocratic ." oooh really... i thought it's called "representative democracy" & parties switching had happened again & again in many democracies. politics is about power, influence, shaping realities - if your party is convinced it'll be better off to achieve it's aims [let's not discuss political platforms in thailand] by switching sides; that's the way it is.

2. also, i'm a bit disturbed... to hear... you're one of those to declare what's democratic or not na? can i book some nice re-education camp with you now?

[yoshiwara]

It’s true that the publicized images of these weeks of drama – such as the ubiquitous red glow cast by the demonstrators and reflected in the windows of the Bangkok elite’s luxury outlets – can seem to confirm the picture of a popular insurgency by Thailand’s rural poor against its urban rich. But it is so much more interesting and complicated than that. For as the protests have continued, the links of the red protestors with Thaksin Shinawatra have become more and more irrelevant. Instead, what has emerged are new forms and actors of politics in Thailand.

(Copied over from the Amnesty International site)

Funny how many of us alleged "Thaksin apologists" have been stating this for over a month but the hysterical anti-Thaksin cheerleading group just can't seem to get it. Of course Amnesty International could be Thaksin apologists too...even though they have been quoted many times by the anti-Thaksin side when it suits them. For many it seems that calling Thaksin nasty names is about the only thing they have to write about....and as others have said over and over (myself included) Thaksin is not the real issue. I do of course recognize that name calling is much easier than trying to understand what this is really all about. After all the hoards were storming the Bastille while the aristocrats still sat around wondering what was troubling the peasants. I feel sure that the French understand this problem much better than the British, which is strange because the British have been kicked out of enough countries to know what happens when you piss off the people enough...yet they dominate this forum with the same quaint old arguments about how the poor stupid country folk really don't know what they want. Only blue blooded, properly bred people who have gone to the right schools and speak with the proper accents really know how to govern a country...and if those stupid peasants kick up too much fuss...shoot the bastards.

Sorry but that never did turn out well....look how the empire has shrunk and now the peasants are in charge in most of places you used to occupy. Queen Victoria would not be amused.

The peasantry as a class are in charge of nowhere.

Unfortunately you do not know the difference between the peasantry as a class and peasantry as a patronising label you use together with your fellow red apologists.

In short you have no understanding of class at all.

You might also want to look at the editorial of the WSJ of April 15th.

In it Salman Rushdie said of Amnesty International

"Amnesty...deserve our contempt"

Now why was that?

Because Amnesty have been giving cover to a Mr Begg who is an apologist for the Taliban.

Amnesty do some good work.

the WSJ express themselves clearly.

Neither are IMHO correct all the time.

However red apologists suddenly wet themselves when they get any international support,

mostly let it be said when the key role of chief finance master Thaksin is not understood.

You thought you had found a diamond, but as usual anything the reds produce is tainted by the Thaksin imperative.

No understanding.

No research.

Second rate.

Well done Vic.

[commons]

they do not - a large block of votes was disallowed - he has no mandate - if he believes he has hold an election and find out not send in troops to kill his own countryman

i'm aware you're not of the sensible type. you say, "not send in troops to kill his own countryman" - i'd say, legally, you thread on _very very thin ice_. but i guess you claim it to be "freedom of speech" while same time claiming thailand is ruled by an "oppressive junta", right?

[hammered]

I hope the red leadership have the humanity to tell their supporters to send kids home or at least to safe places

[commons]

the PPP was banned under the provision of article 237 of the 2007 constitution , that constitution was established by other cheaters , who came to power through a coup . So its cheaters with guns versus cheaters without .

And you know full well that switching governement from one party to its oposition WITHOUT consulting the people is totally undemocratic .

Please google: 2007 Constitution Referendum Thailand! 60% of the people showed up and the majority voted YES!

The options they were given was to vote 'yes' or the military would stay in power and not call an election. The public had to take the lesser of 2 evils.

sorry, can't resist... well, imho, that's reality of democracy ;-)

[Jerrytheyoung]

Cannot stay a long time on this forum due to professional activity. However I notice Yoshiwara has not changed anything in his analysis, his vocabulary. Please Yoshi, make an effort...change a little.....(too conservative....)

Well done Vicco, good analysis do not be impressed by our Yoshi, we need him for animation of the forum but nobody is taking him seriously: he talks drivels.

We are waiting, soldiers are waiting....may I suggest special commandos of girls from NanaThai, Cow Boy street and Pattaya for helping their sisters of Patpong?

[commons]

As for the constitution referendum, if my wife is anything to go by. The booklet went unread, her excuse was I'm too busy. That's too busy watching tv and playing cards.

We found a very good use for it in the washroom.

i guess your's is an enlightened statement for the "sovereign of history", "_the_ people", right?

[fullcave]

Here's an interesting red shirt publication...

http://www.2bangkok.com/10/RedPublicationsCommunist.shtml

Edited April 19, 2010 by fullcave

[Mekhong]

Totally appropriate that all those police trucks are parked outside Mcdonalds............all the best "special forces" guys eat at McDonalds....

Maybe they were tipped off fatboy Arisman was inside having a triple Mac ... Watch the bloody balcony this time lads!

[rabo]

It's true that the publicized images of these weeks of drama – such as the ubiquitous red glow cast by the demonstrators and reflected in the windows of the Bangkok elite's luxury outlets – can seem to confirm the picture of a popular insurgency by Thailand's rural poor against its urban rich. But it is so much more interesting and complicated than that. For as the protests have continued, the links of the red protestors with Thaksin Shinawatra have become more and more irrelevant. Instead, what has emerged are new forms and actors of politics in Thailand.

(Copied over from the Amnesty International site)

Funny how many of us alleged "Thaksin apologists" have been stating this for over a month but the hysterical anti-Thaksin cheerleading group just can't seem to get it. Of course Amnesty International could be Thaksin apologists too...even though they have been quoted many times by the anti-Thaksin side when it suits them. For many it seems that calling Thaksin nasty names is about the only thing they have to write about....and as others have said over and over (myself included) Thaksin is not the real issue. I do of course recognize that name calling is much easier than trying to understand what this is really all about. After all the hoards were storming the Bastille while the aristocrats still sat around wondering what was troubling the peasants. I feel sure that the French understand this problem much better than the British, which is strange because the British have been kicked out of enough countries to know what happens when you piss off the people enough...yet they dominate this forum with the same quaint old arguments about how the poor stupid country folk really don't know what they want. Only blue blooded, properly bred people who have gone to the right schools and speak with the proper accents really know how to govern a country...and if those stupid peasants kick up too much fuss...shoot the bastards.

Sorry but that never did turn out well....look how the empire has shrunk and now the peasants are in charge in most of places you used to occupy. Queen Victoria would not be amused.

The several thousand word AI article, dated April 15, "explains" the unrest without mentioning corruption, Taksin's convictions, or any other of his wrongdoings as PM, such as media crackdowns and the deaths of 2500 Thais. One is lead to believe Taksin is just a nice guy. They do mention state sponsored violence and 800 injured without note of 230 injured soldiers. I was going to leave a comment but someone else said it better.

Dear MR Tyrell Haberkorn,

You are so far removed from the situation on the ground here in Bangkok

Thailand that your report is as erroneous as it is laughable. It makes me sick

that an otherwise respectable organization like Amnesty International should

allow your misinformed claptrap to be published under its name. You sir, are

not helping Thailand nor the world with your un-researched and irrelevant

invective. Stay home and water the garden where you can't do further harm to an

already bad situation.

PS You are a Moron

Edited April 19, 2010 by rabo

[RickBradford]

In Hua Hin, the police high-visibility orange vests are sponsored by McDonald's -- The McDonald's Royal Thai Police, no less....

[vicco]

It's true that the publicized images of these weeks of drama – such as the ubiquitous red glow cast by the demonstrators and reflected in the windows of the Bangkok elite's luxury outlets – can seem to confirm the picture of a popular insurgency by Thailand's rural poor against its urban rich. But it is so much more interesting and complicated than that. For as the protests have continued, the links of the red protestors with Thaksin Shinawatra have become more and more irrelevant. Instead, what has emerged are new forms and actors of politics in Thailand.

(Copied over from the Amnesty International site)

Funny how many of us alleged "Thaksin apologists" have been stating this for over a month but the hysterical anti-Thaksin cheerleading group just can't seem to get it. Of course Amnesty International could be Thaksin apologists too...even though they have been quoted many times by the anti-Thaksin side when it suits them. For many it seems that calling Thaksin nasty names is about the only thing they have to write about....and as others have said over and over (myself included) Thaksin is not the real issue. I do of course recognize that name calling is much easier than trying to understand what this is really all about. After all the hoards were storming the Bastille while the aristocrats still sat around wondering what was troubling the peasants. I feel sure that the French understand this problem much better than the British, which is strange because the British have been kicked out of enough countries to know what happens when you piss off the people enough...yet they dominate this forum with the same quaint old arguments about how the poor stupid country folk really don't know what they want. Only blue blooded, properly bred people who have gone to the right schools and speak with the proper accents really know how to govern a country...and if those stupid peasants kick up too much fuss...shoot the bastards.

Sorry but that never did turn out well....look how the empire has shrunk and now the peasants are in charge in most of places you used to occupy. Queen Victoria would not be amused.

The peasantry as a class are in charge of nowhere.

Unfortunately you do not know the difference between the peasantry as a class and peasantry as a patronising label you use together with your fellow red apologists.

In short you have no understanding of class at all.

You might also want to look at the editorial of the WSJ of April 15th.

In it Salman Rushdie said of Amnesty International

"Amnesty...deserve our contempt"

Now why was that?

Because Amnesty have been giving cover to a Mr Begg who is an apologist for the Taliban.

Amnesty do some good work.

the WSJ express themselves clearly.

Neither are IMHO correct all the time.

However red apologists suddenly wet themselves when they get any international support,

mostly let it be said when the key role of chief finance master Thaksin is not understood.

You thought you had found a diamond, but as usual anything the reds produce is tainted by the Thaksin imperative.

No understanding.

No research.

Second rate.

Well done Vic.

And you have just demonstrated that you are incapable of responding to anything without this endless Thaksin apologist rant. Give us a break and try something else will you?

Do you seriously think that I used the term "peasant" in the context you describe? Do you think that I was referring to Americans, Indians (as in India) Malaya, Australia, and dozens of other countries that the the British once occupied as "peasants" Now you are quoting Salman Rusdie in the frigging Wall St.Journal to discredit Amnesty Int. Like I said you guys are quick to quote Amnesty when they have nasty things to say about Mr T....oh YES....but now they have published a few lines that don't fit in with your endless ranting and raving so suddenly they have no currency? No they are not correct all the time as you say---only when they are saying things that fit in with your arguments are they "correct' I suppose. You are so fond of telling others that they understand nothing ---only you it seems understand class, the meaning of peasantry, the meaning of life...welcome to Monty Python. It's not just Amnesty Int that has made the kind of statement that has set you off. Many others on this forum have attempted to say the same thing for a long time, and explain why they are saying it, but all we ever get back is "another Thaksin/Red apologist"....in my own case the view is based on actual discussions with actual UDD supporters.. I could not care less about Thaksin so I make no apologies for him. .Have you ever met a real UDD supporter, or do you make all your judgments based on the political theater you watch on television. Nice to know you think Am Int do some good work....just not good work if they publish something that might help dull down the "Thaksin apologist" rhetoric and give some credence to the views held by those of us who are not obsessed with this man and his importance to the UDD movement. They will be quite happy to take advantage of any financial support he provides and will listen attentively to any inspirational speeches he may make, but that does not mean that the majority of them want him to come back and run the country. One more time just for you: Thaksin is NOT the real issue, it goes far beyond him but it seems that such a simple idea is beyond the comprehension of people who can not see the wood for the trees.

[whiterussian]

In Hua Hin, the police high-visibility orange vests are sponsored by McDonald's -- The McDonald's Royal Thai Police, no less....

Oh Please Please Please get a photo!!

My wedding was sponsored by PTT

or at least, thats what was on the monks fans either side of his seat!!

[wayfarer108]

Anything from the illegal government about how "tooled up" the Military junta are?

Any more mad Rambo colonels been deployed to shoot up the redshirts?

You've got it turned around 180 degrees. The gov't is not illegal. It came about similar to the Thaksin, Samak and Somchai governments - via coalition building among elected reps according to a parliamentary system. It's not the most solid coalition, but it's no less legal than the two preceding gov't's, and Thaksin was holding on by the skin of his teeth with a self-imposed 'caretaker PM' position that was past its due date when the military stepped in with a bloodless coup. Where were the Reds when the coup happened? Not one iota of support for T nor one peep of protest at the time. Why were the Reds not protesting when Samak and Somchai were put in the power seat (?) - by similar constitutional means as Abhisit.

The 'mad Rambo colonel' you mentioned was an army officer doing his assigned job - who was specifically targeted by rogue elements of the Red Shirts. A laser was shone on him, then a smoke bomb was tossed at him (to further target him), then immediately a grenade was tossed - which killed him and wounded soldiers in his vicinity. Few if any security forces worldwide would have had the self-control that Thai forces showed on April 10th. Most forces would have immediately gone to full tilt destroy mode (that's what military are trained for, to kill and destroy) .....and gunned down a slew of Thais - Reds and their automatic weapon totting buddies in black. If that had happened, then you could rightly call the colonel 'mad Rambo' Instead, you had an ill-led, overly cautious, non-vengeful military that night - and hence, much less bloodshed than would be expected in such circumstances.

Those are the facts of the matter, indeed. I know of no other country in the world - certainly not any in Europe, nor in the USA, Australia or Japan - that would have been as reticent to strike against unruly protesters as the Thai government has been. In most countries political demonstrations are allowed for a pre-arranged number of days and that's it. You make your point and go home. Even the great Vietnam War protests in Washington DC - at up to 500,000 participants, among the largest political gatherings in the 20th century - only lasted a day. An occupation of the capital is not a demonstration, it's a violent act and -- as emphasised by the constant chanting and speeches heard all night long in Rajprasong - in this case its leaders advocate the direct overthrow of the government. If you would like to hear for yourself, please come to Rajprasong intersection anytime after dark.

I admire the government's restraint so far. Now that the Reds number no more than 14,000 in Bangkok, it's time to disperse them, with a strong, direct warning beforehand allowing all those who still have some grey matter unbrainwashed by the likes of Ai Weng, to leave peacefully.

[yoshiwara]

It's true that the publicized images of these weeks of drama – such as the ubiquitous red glow cast by the demonstrators and reflected in the windows of the Bangkok elite's luxury outlets – can seem to confirm the picture of a popular insurgency by Thailand's rural poor against its urban rich. But it is so much more interesting and complicated than that. For as the protests have continued, the links of the red protestors with Thaksin Shinawatra have become more and more irrelevant. Instead, what has emerged are new forms and actors of politics in Thailand.

(Copied over from the Amnesty International site)

Funny how many of us alleged "Thaksin apologists" have been stating this for over a month but the hysterical anti-Thaksin cheerleading group just can't seem to get it. Of course Amnesty International could be Thaksin apologists too...even though they have been quoted many times by the anti-Thaksin side when it suits them. For many it seems that calling Thaksin nasty names is about the only thing they have to write about....and as others have said over and over (myself included) Thaksin is not the real issue. I do of course recognize that name calling is much easier than trying to understand what this is really all about. After all the hoards were storming the Bastille while the aristocrats still sat around wondering what was troubling the peasants. I feel sure that the French understand this problem much better than the British, which is strange because the British have been kicked out of enough countries to know what happens when you piss off the people enough...yet they dominate this forum with the same quaint old arguments about how the poor stupid country folk really don't know what they want. Only blue blooded, properly bred people who have gone to the right schools and speak with the proper accents really know how to govern a country...and if those stupid peasants kick up too much fuss...shoot the bastards.

Sorry but that never did turn out well....look how the empire has shrunk and now the peasants are in charge in most of places you used to occupy. Queen Victoria would not be amused.

The peasantry as a class are in charge of nowhere.

Unfortunately you do not know the difference between the peasantry as a class and peasantry as a patronising label you use together with your fellow red apologists.

In short you have no understanding of class at all.

You might also want to look at the editorial of the WSJ of April 15th.

In it Salman Rushdie said of Amnesty International

"Amnesty...deserve our contempt"

Now why was that?

Because Amnesty have been giving cover to a Mr Begg who is an apologist for the Taliban.

Amnesty do some good work.

the WSJ express themselves clearly.

Neither are IMHO correct all the time.

However red apologists suddenly wet themselves when they get any international support,

mostly let it be said when the key role of chief finance master Thaksin is not understood.

You thought you had found a diamond, but as usual anything the reds produce is tainted by the Thaksin imperative.

No understanding.

No research.

Second rate.

Well done Vic.

And you have just demonstrated that you are incapable of responding to anything without this endless Thaksin apologist rant. Give us a break and try something else will you?

Do you seriously think that I used the term "peasant" in the context you describe? Do you think that I was referring to Americans, Indians (as in India) Malaya, Australia, and dozens of other countries that the the British once occupied as "peasants" Now you are quoting Salman Rusdie in the frigging Wall St.Journal to discredit Amnesty Int. Like I said you guys are quick to quote Amnesty when they have nasty things to say about Mr T....oh YES....but now they have published a few lines that don't fit in with your endless ranting and raving so suddenly they have no currency? No they are not correct all the time as you say---only when they are saying things that fit in with your arguments are they "correct' I suppose. You are so fond of telling others that they understand nothing ---only you it seems understand class, the meaning of peasantry, the meaning of life...welcome to Monty Python. It's not just Amnesty Int that has made the kind of statement that has set you off. Many others on this forum have attempted to say the same thing for a long time, and explain why they are saying it, but all we ever get back is "another Thaksin/Red apologist"....in my own case the view is based on actual discussions with actual UDD supporters.. I could not care less about Thaksin so I make no apologies for him. .Have you ever met a real UDD supporter, or do you make all your judgments based on the political theater you watch on television. Nice to know you think Am Int do some good work....just not good work if they publish something that might help dull down the "Thaksin apologist" rhetoric and give some credence to the views held by those of us who are not obsessed with this man and his importance to the UDD movement. They will be quite happy to take advantage of any financial support he provides and will listen attentively to any inspirational speeches he may make, but that does not mean that the majority of them want him to come back and run the country. One more time just for you: Thaksin is NOT the real issue, it goes far beyond him but it seems that such a simple idea is beyond the comprehension of people who can not see the wood for the trees.

You protesteth too much.

The old Communist Parties used to have a category of supporter called Fellow Travellers.

Stalin referred to them as Useful Fools.

Looks like you are in that club for Thaksin.

If you quack like a duck.

then you are a duck.

Quack away.

[Indo-Siam]

As I understand it, in about another nine hours, all the academic discussions will be over - and the piper will be paid.

In all my life, I have never seen a government treat a virtual insurrection so leniently, for so long. But - the fuse finally ran short - and the end (of this act) is now rapidly approaching.

Today, I decided it is about time to donate blood - because a lot will be needed by tomorrow. I searched out the location of the Thai Red Cross blood center - and found out - ironically - that it is located on Henry Dunant Road - basically across Rama IV Road from Surawong. Normal hours tomorrow are 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. I plan to contribute some AB+ - if I can get there.

Tomorrow will be a sad day.

[britmaveric]

^2006 protests were way longer and far more lenient for an insurrection of that magnitude such as closing airports.

I smell another Abhisit embarrassment coming our way.

[Insight]

As I understand it, in about another nine hours, all the academic discussions will be over - and the piper will be paid.

In all my life, I have never seen a government treat a virtual insurrection so leniently, for so long. But - the fuse finally ran short - and the end (of this act) is now rapidly approaching.

Today, I decided it is about time to donate blood - because a lot will be needed by tomorrow. I searched out the location of the Thai Red Cross blood center - and found out - ironically - that it is located on Henry Dunant Road - basically across Rama IV Road from Surawong. Normal hours tomorrow are 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. I plan to contribute some AB+ - if I can get there.

Tomorrow will be a sad day.

Not so sure Indo-Siam. Unless the reds directly try and provoke such action, Abhisit indicated they wouldn't be using force against them...? "There are two groups of hostages - the businesses and the protesters..."

(I do remember your last analysis of the situation pre-April 10th which was very on-the-ball however...)

[wayfarer108]

Ratu Epeli Ganilau says the government looks more favourably on people who can invest a large sum of money.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Fiji has the Asia-Pacific region's worst performing economy.

Thaksin coming to invest: Fiji PM

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is coming to Fiji to look at potential investments, says Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Bainimarama did not elaborate further when questioned by FBC NEWS on the matter, saying that was all he had to say for now.

Overseas media have been reporting Shinawatra's impending arrival to Fiji, saying the former PM may be looking to set up base in Fiji after his Thai passport was canceled.

Fiji authorities have remained tight-lipped on whether Thaksin was on his way or already in the country, but Immigration Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau told Radio New Zealand that the billionaire would have to follow the normal application process if he chose to reside in Fiji.

RADIO FIJI

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation

Monday, April 19, 2010

http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=27149

Does anyone else find it ironic that Thaksin, who hates coups, is willing to deal with a leader who came to power through a coup. I think this perfectly illustrates his morals, or rather lack of. Just looking after number 1.

Precisely.

[grandpops]

As I understand it, in about another nine hours, all the academic discussions will be over - and the piper will be paid.

In all my life, I have never seen a government treat a virtual insurrection so leniently, for so long. But - the fuse finally ran short - and the end (of this act) is now rapidly approaching.

Today, I decided it is about time to donate blood - because a lot will be needed by tomorrow. I searched out the location of the Thai Red Cross blood center - and found out - ironically - that it is located on Henry Dunant Road - basically across Rama IV Road from Surawong. Normal hours tomorrow are 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. I plan to contribute some AB+ - if I can get there.

Tomorrow will be a sad day.

Good idea. Donate 10 pints in one go.

[brahmburgers]

Security forces have been very restrained thus far, some would say to a fault.

Those who are craving any blemish which would stick to Abhisit are still gloating over the blood which was spilled on April 10th. They go so far as to assert that all 22 killed were the result of soldiers firing (would soldiers kill their own? ....now that's a bizarre thought.) More likely the black shirts killed Red shirts, because the more atrocities in the equation, the better it suits the Reds' agenda.

The most amazing thing about the night of April 10th (and the days leading up to it, and the days since) is the self-restraint of security forces. Reds should get on their knees and thank the soldiers for being so restrained. In a similar scenario in any other country, the Reds wouldn't have been treated so nicely.

As for Thaksin. It was all about him earlier, and it's still about him. He's their bread and butter, their rice and fried crickets, their paymaster, their hero, and many Reds still believe that reinstating Thaksin in the PM's seat will ease their money woes, and they're probably right about that - as T has been known to lavishly reward those who support him, .....and oppress those who oppose him.

[hammered]

Ratu Epeli Ganilau says the government looks more favourably on people who can invest a large sum of money.

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Fiji has the Asia-Pacific region's worst performing economy.

Thaksin coming to invest: Fiji PM

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is coming to Fiji to look at potential investments, says Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Bainimarama did not elaborate further when questioned by FBC NEWS on the matter, saying that was all he had to say for now.

Overseas media have been reporting Shinawatra's impending arrival to Fiji, saying the former PM may be looking to set up base in Fiji after his Thai passport was canceled.

Fiji authorities have remained tight-lipped on whether Thaksin was on his way or already in the country, but Immigration Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau told Radio New Zealand that the billionaire would have to follow the normal application process if he chose to reside in Fiji.

RADIO FIJI

The Fiji Broadcasting Corporation

Monday, April 19, 2010

http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/fullstory.php?id=27149

Does anyone else find it ironic that Thaksin, who hates coups, is willing to deal with a leader who came to power through a coup. I think this perfectly illustrates his morals, or rather lack of. Just looking after number 1.

Precisely.

That is the nature of players in politcal games

[generalgrant]

Fitch Ratings announced a cut in Thailand’s long-term currency credit outlook to negative from stable, citing the country’s continuing unrest.

In another indication of flagging confidence, Amata, the country’s biggest seller of industrial land, said some Japanese clients — their biggest customers — had delayed signing deals.

The tourism industry has been most directly affected, with the number overseas visitors slumping by as much as 70 percent after a clash between soldiers and protesters on April 10 that took 24 lives, according to a government spokesman.

Hotel occupancy in Bangkok is down to 20 percent at a time when it is normally at 80 or 90 percent, the spokesman, Puttipong Punnakan, said.