Bangkok On Edge After Deadly Grenade Blasts

[rabo]

Many Thais say

It was safer in Thailand under the last Coup

Maybe its time for the army to save the country, we know democracy does not work

Yes, I could not agree more. When the coup happened I was in the US, having been here in March and returning nin Nov. When the coup happened I emailed a friend of mine and asked if she was OK. Her response was "Honestly G, I don't know anyone who doesn't support this" and sent photos of people with the troops. When I came back in November everything was calm.

The red shirts clamor for democracy in their rhetoric but it is just rhetoric, their real goal is to bring their boss back. Everyone knows that. And I agree democracy does not work, I've seen it's failure first hand living in the US for 55 years... I think that if there were a coup we'd see scenes like those my friend sent me photos of in 2006 - children giving ice cream to the soldiers, just as the people in Silom welcomed troops the other day with food and drink and smiles.

Reminds me of the German army welcome, as they liberated the gentle people of eastern europe...

read: http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displa...ory_id=15955366

The Economist is so obviouslt RED. Just look at their logo. There is no other colour.

The economist's article is poor indeed. Fast paced, one sided, with a touch of prejudice, full with a comparison to blacks in America. The paragraph about the Monarchy was distasteful even for me, wonder if such would be allowed in Thailand.

[moskito]

sorry, but i wonder a little bit of these grenades.

Is it so easy to get them? Maybe the government should follow where they came from....IF they really want too.

Never heard they sale this weaponry in 7/11 or Lotus

So what's your point?

Whats my point? Another member here explained it before.

I do not trust the yellow leaders and their chinese roots nor the reds and for sure not Mr. T. I lived long enough in Thailand to know, most of the things going on here in politics are just made to keep the Thais where and what they are, stupid followers of people they adore or people paying them. The whole country and its system is rotten and the political leaders have no intrest in changing it as long as they make enough money for themselfs, family and close friends!

PEACE

[moskito]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

Because the reds will win! Like last time! Then the yellows will protest and here we go again!!!!!!..................

Go and do some research.

The reds didn't "win" the last election.

Nor does Abhisit!

there are some people typing here who are living just a year or two in Thailand and think they know everything, I met these kind of blue eyed farang every single day. LOL

[FreedomDude]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

[humfurry]

BTS' security cameras confirm M79 grenades fired from Lumpini Park: deputy BKK governor

Cue excuses from red supporters ...

Please post a link that confirms this

[Neurath]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

Pass around tea bags?

[sealy]

sorry, but i wonder a little bit of these grenades.

Is it so easy to get them? Maybe the government should follow where they came from....IF they really want too.

Never heard they sale this weaponry in 7/11 or Lotus

maybe we all farangs should get one for self-defense, just in case.

oh yes, where can we buy them?

[moskito]

No end in sight. Is there a way to end this peacefully?

Well, why not let them vote? Plus, it just might save some innocent lives - and some people say, the economy too.

But that might mean a "loss of face" and that the "terrorists win". We can't have that, can we?

Who cares about loss of face,

the danger is that 'The Terrorists Win'.

That is the true danger

and more powerful than any philosophical issue too.

ohhhh dam_n, you think Bush and Rumpsfeld are involved in all what happend? :D

maybe they should go for the Kennedy solution

[ozzieman05]

New elections and the show is over.But this government know they will loose.

An immediate General Election is the answer but if the PM is so confident that the people of Thailand are behind him what has he to loose.. NOTHING... but he has everything to gain .. A country reunited and the Red-shirsts have already pledged that they will accept the outcome of a general election..

Why is he so chicken hearted .. or is his yellow colour a thick stripe down the centre of his back...?

This posting is ................................

The above is the opinion of my wife

Red shirts = Chaos

PM = Protests on the street

Put the army back in control last time saw Peace, happiness and Thais get on with their lives

Seems to me only one solution

Democracy does not work in Thailand

so time for the army to take over again

[Chaimai]

BTS' security cameras confirm M79 grenades fired from Lumpini Park: deputy BKK governor

Cue excuses from red supporters ...

Please post a link that confirms this

BTS' security cameras confirm M79 grenades fired from Lumpini Park: deputy BKK governor

Deputy Bangkok Governor Thirachon Manomaipibul said video records from security cameras of the BTS' Saladaeng station showed that m79 grenades were fired from the Lumpini Park Thursday night.

Thirachon said the security cameras of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration were crippled by red-shirt protesters who put black plastic bags over the camera or turned the cameras into the sky.

Thirachon said the BMA sought cooperation from the BTS to check feeds of its security cameras and saw that the grenades were fired from the direction of the Lumpini Park into the crowds on Silom Road.

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

[steveromagnino]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

I am willing to bet that within 10 minutes of the start, someone saw, 'y'all talkin' 'bout the wrong subject. Now about healthcare reform.....'

It will be a great day to discuss the state of the GOP :-)

[sealy]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

yo, hercules planes will be ready at the marriot in case immediate evacution needed. no charge for evacution and no extra charge for baggage not exceeding 2 kilos.

[Mekhong]

Anupong says that the Army won't use force to disperse the people's demonstrations, nor will it stand and watch Thai's killing Thai's. So can someone enlighten me as to where on earth that leaves us? Surely it opens the doors for the yellows to come out in force and disperse the reds themselves as their 7 day ultimatum is nearly up. Is that what the army wants? Not to have to do the dirty work themselves?

[humfurry]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

Not really worried about it... the whole idea stinks of American politics... don't trust them and never did. What's happening is just Thailand.

P.S. My ancestors were in America before there was a U.S. Constitution.

[FreedomDude]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

yo, hercules planes will be ready at the marriot in case immediate evacution needed. no charge for evacution and no extra charge for baggage not exceeding 2 kilos.

Whew! Thank God! I had heard rumors that we would be picked up by Navy SEALs in submarines navigating up the Chao Phraya. I can handle planes but subs make me claustrophobic.

[sealy]

But that might mean a "loss of face" and that the "terrorists win". We can't have that, can we?

Who cares about loss of face,

the danger is that 'The Terrorists Win'.

That is the true danger

and more powerful than any philosophical issue too.

thailand has no wmd and she is not part of the axis of evil.....so, nawhghghgh......bush and rambo not involved......

ohhhh dam_n, you think Bush and Rumpsfeld are involved in all what happend?

maybe they should go for the Kennedy solution

[Neurath]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

Not really worried about it... the whole idea stinks of American politics... don't trust them and never did. What's happening is just Thailand.

P.S. My ancestors were in America before there was a U.S. Constitution.

Yeah, and mine are still in it after there was a constitution.

[balo]

This is just sad

[sealy]

Send in the bloody tanks, they will make short work of any barricades.........

your bike in your avatar looks like it can do the job too....just add some barb wires and an a-bomb.....

[Xangsamhua]

Many Thais say

It was safer in Thailand under the last Coup

Maybe its time for the army to save the country, we know democracy does not work

Yes, I could not agree more. When the coup happened I was in the US, having been here in March and returning nin Nov. When the coup happened I emailed a friend of mine and asked if she was OK. Her response was "Honestly G, I don't know anyone who doesn't support this" and sent photos of people with the troops. When I came back in November everything was calm.

The red shirts clamor for democracy in their rhetoric but it is just rhetoric, their real goal is to bring their boss back. Everyone knows that. And I agree democracy does not work, I've seen it's failure first hand living in the US for 55 years... I think that if there were a coup we'd see scenes like those my friend sent me photos of in 2006 - children giving ice cream to the soldiers, just as the people in Silom welcomed troops the other day with food and drink and smiles.

Reminds me of the German army welcome, as they liberated the gentle people of eastern europe...

read: http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displa...ory_id=15955366

The Economist's approach is a familiar one in the West. I saw much the same on ABC Online ("The Drum") and I believe much the same again appeared in the New York Times and the Toronto Globe and Mail. (Maybe they're using each other's stuff.)

The model of historical change they adopt is that of the French annalistes and their successors, with perhaps a postmodern rejection of "the author". Events must be analysed in terms of broad social movements rather than the short-term consequences of political events or the influence of individuals. Hence, the red shirt phenomenon seen from this perspective can't be a construct of Thaksin, money and populism; it must represent a longer-term social shift. As a consequence, those who point to Thaksin, money-politics, corruption, manipulation of the masses, media, etc. must be seen as short-sighted and missing the big picture.

The trouble is, in trying to get your head around the big picture all the time, you can lose sight of all the little pictures on the ground; in fact, to mix metaphors, you can lose sight of the elephant in the room. Western journalists are the product of their education and training and some have benefited greatly from it. It is wise to keep an eye on the base, not just the superstructure, but it's not the whole picture and often can lead to a skewed interpretation, especially when analyzing such a culturally different phenomenon as conflict resolution in Thailand.

Edited April 23, 2010 by Xangsamhua

[ozzieman05]

Anupong says that the Army won't use force to disperse the people's demonstrations, nor will it stand and watch Thai's killing Thai's. So can someone enlighten me as to where on earth that leaves us? Surely it opens the doors for the yellows to come out in force and disperse the reds themselves as their 7 day ultimatum is nearly up. Is that what the army wants? Not to have to do the dirty work themselves?

Wife locked her self away with Thai Love movies so can not ask her

she loose face big time

Thai ask farang to come and take over Thailand and protect Red shirt

so only one conclusion

Look up in the sky

Its a bird on a plane

No its Mr, Super T

Mr Super T with power far beyond that of Normal Red shirt leaders

Able to buy MPs with a single Bone

and who disguised as a Thai business man

stands for truth, justice and the recovery of is lost millions

Sorry okay back to my box

[rabo]

THE NATION: US Emb has announced "town hall" mtg regarding the situation for US citizens (bring passport) on Mon, 26, 14:00 at JW Marriott

Yo, fellow Americans. What do you all think this is gonna be about? Are they gonna describe evacuation plans should things REALLY get out of hand? Anyone planning on going? I think I may drop by if conditions continue to look bad on Monday.

Don't know but thought it might be interesting. Don't expect much but might be a chance to ask questions.

I was going to call them in fact to ask about fast track visas for Thai wives, if the need arises.

Bring your hat, I'll wear my uniform.

[Neurath]

Anupong says that the Army won't use force to disperse the people's demonstrations, nor will it stand and watch Thai's killing Thai's. So can someone enlighten me as to where on earth that leaves us? Surely it opens the doors for the yellows to come out in force and disperse the reds themselves as their 7 day ultimatum is nearly up. Is that what the army wants? Not to have to do the dirty work themselves?

Wife locked her self away with Thai Love movies so can not ask her

she loose face big time

Thai ask farang to come and take over Thailand and protect Red shirt

so only one conclusion

Look up in the sky

Its a bird on a plane

No its Mr, Super T

Mr Super T with power far beyond that of Normal Red shirt leaders

Able to buy MPs with a single Bone

and who disguised as a Thai business man

stands for truth, justice and the recovery of is lost millions

Sorry okay back to my box

Presumably you are an Aussi Master Ozzieman, so presumably you also know the slang meaning of the term "box". I am shocked by the disrespect shown Sir, eminently shocked!

[fred007]

Red Shirts one............... 65% or more are not educated beyond primary school

Red Shirts two............... 100% Will soon not have to ware red shirts they will be blood covered anyway

Red Shirts three............. Every Red shirt person i have talked to, think its a big game and laugh.

[granuaile]

Well these were from my oldest and most trusted friend here in Thailand, someone I have known for 20 years when she was on leave from her job here to work on her masters in the US. And it is a view that many of my Thai friends echo still." I trust her view of the situation here in Thailand past or present far more than I trust that of any farang "expert" including the coup of 2006.

I do know one Thai that had work experience in an amusment park in Florida for 3 months, selling popcorn...

never met a Thai with 'leave' though.

She didn't sell popcorn or anything. The government agency she works for sent her to the US to obtain a master's degree in her field. Perhaps leave wasn't the correct term, because I believe she continued to draw pay and her tuition was paid for her, but I took it that she had leave and I don't know that they paid her during that period. Her job was waiting for her when she returned. She is decidedly yellow in her views but then most of my friends are...

[jackspratt]

ohhhh dam_n, you think Bush and Rumpsfeld are involved in all what happend? :D

maybe they should go for the Kennedy solution

Maybe you would be more comfortable with the Baader-Meinhof solution.

[sealy]

pictures are old scenes from dumped unsuccessful multi-million thai movies from days gone by......sure will "rattle" all paparazzis around the world who must meet datelines...........

see, thailand media and tourist promotion board scores big again worldwide,and at no costs too..... .....

that picture is so old I am surprised it is not black and white. And yes, I am suggesting that the government are not adverse to collateral damage if it boosts their cause. It would not be the first time and I am sure it will not be the last.

Picture so old....like 12 months....is that old ?? And it was in most major newspapers in the world....great advertising for Thailand....but I suppose by wearing a red shirt it is allowed by some of the expert commentors on this site

Edited April 23, 2010 by sealy

[sealy]

ohhhh dam_n, you think Bush and Rumpsfeld are involved in all what happend?

maybe they should go for the Kennedy solution

Maybe you would be more comfortable with the Baader-Meinhof solution.

or maybe the KKK solutio if not the Mein Kempf will be just fine....

[granuaile]

Nahhhhh - just mix all that confiscated viagra into the water being delivered to the red camp - wait twenty four hours then go in and march them out just like Noah - two by two

Seriously though, my feeling is that Abhisit has the wrong portion of the army on the streets - he's using infantry, what he needs is the field engineers with their heavy equipment for removing obstructions and clearing terrain.

Just roll forward with side by side bulldozers, dirt-blades lowered, backed up by airfield fire trucks firing water cannons over the bulldozers without let up - it'd wash the less staunch protesters away from the contact lines, and the die-hards would have the choice to move or die ..... thing is, the bulldozers would be pushing so much barricade rubble in front of them, the die-hards wouldn't get within 10 metres of the dirt blade, so it all becomes nominally a use of non-lethal force (protesters hurt by their own bamboo, not army equipment). Heck the firetrucks could even spray fire fighting foam instead of water - that would really disorganise the hordes. Water from water cannon makes it too much like Songkran - and that of course is sanook, not a serious measure.

Other non-lethal weaponry can be deployed and used prior to the move-in by the authorities. For example,

Forget tear gas (more correctly called CS-gas) it's not effective against these sorts of hard core protesters. Use pepper bombs instead.

Soak the streets with water, and add non-lethal electrical charges - stop them from sitting or lying down. Deny them rest and exhaust them.

Begin building the barricades to deny egress to side sois and pedestrian alley ways - build a "cattle channel" to herd them all into somewhere like Lumpini or Sanam Luang, with holding pens and segregation areas erected there, so authorities can filter out the "red guards" and leaders - deny them the opportunity to slink off quietly once the troops go in.

There is so much the government and army could be doing to show they're serious and to demoralise / disrupt the reds, which would encourage defection from their camp, but I haven't seen any evidence of any such measures being enacted. There's too much "wait and see" and not enough "prepare and forewarn" from the government to the protesters. They need to see physical activity warning them of what's coming before any verbal warnings will have effect.

Abhisit seems to be taking the measures that Thatcher used against the coal miners in the UK in the 1970s, and I don't believe that will work in this situation. He needs to get creative and bring unrelenting psychological pressure against the rank and file, so they leave of their own accord before the showdown with the hard-core and leaders.

Nice idea and i know where your coming from, but do you remember Tiananamen square????? The hardcore would not move and would therefore be run down the repurcusions of that particular act still reverberate today. If that happened in Thailand there would be civil war imho

Yes but what people didn't see were the photos of Chinese soldiers having their heads bashed by bricks by those demonstrators. One of the few sources to actually print an objective account in the West was Granta magazine. I for one supported the Chinese government in it's crackdown, and if it happened again I still would. When lawless people are attacking civilians and soldiers action has to be taken. In China they would never have tolerated the red shirts as much as Abhisit has.... Rather than condeming Abhisit they should be praising him for neing so lenient with them... Too lenient...

[sealy]

Foreign diplomats to visit rally site : Nuttawut

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign envoys of 40 countries will visit the red shirts protesters at Rajprasong rally sites, red shirts leader Nuttawut Saikua said Friday.

The visit scheduled on 4pm clearly showed that the reds' fighting for democracy has been monitored by the international community.

Nuttawut said if PM Abhisit Vejjajiva wanted to disperse the red shirts protesters, he should have it done during the diplomats' visit.

He told the protesters to be a good host by cleaning up the rally sites from Lumpini Park to Ploenjit intersection to welcome the guests.

He said he would invite the diplomats to be on stage during the visit.

more likely the diplomats want to try out the authentic northern delcacies not available in bangkok then to ..........

-- The Nation 2010-04-23

Do these diplomats realize what danger they would be in ? It would be like going into a hungry lions cage!

The reds have already proved they are a bunch of blood thirsty revolutionary's against ruling elitists.

But it could work out quite well for the governments image if the reds kidnap or even harm some diplomats, as this would perhaps bring world attention to the reds true colours (pun intended)