Thai Protesters Brace For Crackdown As Compromise Rejected

[Publicus]

Waiting to hear what Abhisit and Anupong have to say on television before I reach any conclusions as to what might happen......the statements about a crackdown within 48 hours and the like have come from the Redshirt leaders and supposed Red sympathizing sources in the military. I haven't ever believed a single word a Redshirt leader has said anywhere or anytime, so I see no reason I should start now.

Neither Abhisit nor Anupong want a massive and bloody crackdown and have had the Riot Act read to them besides by the US government speaking for everyone to its oldest ally in Asia. I could see some decapitation strike to whisk out as many Redshirt leaders as possible, as has been suggested previously to this thread. The government then could work on the seized Redshirt leaders to turn around and tell the crowd to go home. Successful or not, such an approach (should one exist) would give the government the initiative for a change.

So we'll find out what the two have to say on the telly, but I just don't see a massive and truely bloody crackdown happening.

Edited April 24, 2010 by Publicus

[jcbangkok]

IMHO, the Reds are nothing but "TERRORISTS" and their followers, deep down inside -- Try a little sweetness at first but if it dont work then just be your real TERRORIST selves ........... with admitted COMMUNIST underlying traits......... I hope the government will be strong enough and tough enough to overcome this......... When anyone has been warned as much as the reds and all their "innocent", then they deserve what bloodshed the know is coming......... peaceful demonstration my A**...........

George Bush made "Terrorist" the word of the decade to promote an illegal war of aggression to steal Iraq's oil.

If you people keep using the word, then knee jerk politicians will continue to use it to pass police state like laws that fit their power hungry agendas.

Traffic jams are not acts of terrorism.

The grenade blasts are acts of terrorism, but who knows who is responsible for those? Could be someone with a completely different agenda than the reds, just using the turmoil to further their own cause.

Then why haven't these mystery bombers spoken up? How is anyone to know if their agenda is being furthered if no one knows what/who it is? Problem is we know who it was - the Red shirts.

Agendas do not have to be announced to be furthered.

For example if you were a Yellow shirt agitator wanting to discredit the Red's would you feel more credible by saying in every post that you are a Yellow? Or would you simply state your opinion and leave out the Yellow Shirt part? I'm not saying that you are Yellow, just making an example.

When did red leaders condemn the grenade attacks or express sympathy for those hurt? The only thing I am aware of is a denial from the red stage that the grenade was even fired from the red side and then an order to turn on the music and encourage everyone to start dancing and be jovial.

[twschw]

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_518839.html

You might check out the above link for Aung Sang Suu Kyi's opinion on why the military orchestrated Abhisit govt and the military's constitution are doomed to failure.

She says nothing about a "military orchestrated Abhisit govt " and if you missed it:

Nyan Win said Suu Kyi was not giving an opinion on the rights and wrongs of the conflict in Thailand

[Netfan]

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_518839.html

You might check out the above link for Aung Sang Suu Kyi's opinion on why the military orchestrated Abhisit govt and the military's constitution are doomed to failure.

Suu Kyi's quote: 'A new government coming to power under a constitution drawn up by the military will never be stable,' he cited her as saying. 'We do not need to see very far. We just see Thailand,' she said. 'Thaksin was an elected person. The military seized the power from an elected person. The constitution was drawn up by the military,' she said.

Thanks for the post; at least Suu Kyi agrees with me. Anyone want to slam her? I hope not, unlike myself she has, without a doubt, earned her opinion.

Where is Suu Kyi getting her information? You think she has an uncensored internet connection in her home? CNN, BBC and Al Jazeera on satellite? We don't know what she has been told. Somehow I just can't see her and Thaksin seeing eye to eye on a lot of things. And what has Straits Times stand been on this whole mess? Things are not always as they seem.

[whiterussian]

Scary Headlines over in the UK:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...Red-Shirts.html

Thailand is close to civil war as its British-born PM rejects deal with angry Red Shirts

Thailand is on the brink of civil war after Abhisit Vejjajiva, its British-born prime minister, rejected a deal with angry Red Shirt protesters.

On Friday, alarmed by the pace of events, Red Shirt leaders offered to end their occupation of Bangkok's central shopping district, normally awash with foreign tourists, in return for elections within the next three months.

But when Mr Abhisit, who knows he would probably lose such a poll, was asked if he accepted the protesters' proposal, he replied bluntly: "No, I don't."

His refusal to give ground spells an almost certain escalation of trouble. If the army does not move in to confront the red-shirted crowds, rival bands of yellow-shirted supporters of the government have threatened to take matters into their own hands... It was their protests that originally paved the way for Mr Abhisit's premiership. He had hoped to go down in history as the leader who healed Thailand's wounds. If his natural allies now fight with rival Red Shirts on Bangkok's streets, he may instead be remembered as the man in charge when Thailand descended into civil war.

meanwhile in the UK: Britain's richest see wealth rise by one third

Edited April 24, 2010 by whiterussian

[ridgydidge]

A disappointing but unsurprising response from the biggest stubborn mule PM the world has ever seen.

It is kind of hard to negotiate with terrorists. Not a good precedent really.

Yeah, it's not nessessary to negotiate, the yellow shirts got want they wanted and the government didn't negotiate!!

[xilef]

Get your facts straight. I am by no means a Bush supporter but neither the US or US Oil companies benefited from the Iraq war.

That is one of the most absurd statements I've ever heard.

Can you name any oil company, that is not state owned, that does not have some American ownership?

Which companies are drilling the oil?

Who owns the pipelines?

The simple law of supply and demand shows that stealing the oil helps the US because it increases supply and lowers demand.

But, you may want to read these before you go spouting off again

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKN1517210220080415

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/bus...illion-in-March

[bangkokrick]

Scary Headlines over in the UK:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...Red-Shirts.html

Thailand is close to civil war as its British-born PM rejects deal with angry Red Shirts

Thailand is on the brink of civil war after Abhisit Vejjajiva, its British-born prime minister, rejected a deal with angry Red Shirt protesters.

On Friday, alarmed by the pace of events, Red Shirt leaders offered to end their occupation of Bangkok's central shopping district, normally awash with foreign tourists, in return for elections within the next three months.

But when Mr Abhisit, who knows he would probably lose such a poll, was asked if he accepted the protesters' proposal, he replied bluntly: "No, I don't."

His refusal to give ground spells an almost certain escalation of trouble. If the army does not move in to confront the red-shirted crowds, rival bands of yellow-shirted supporters of the government have threatened to take matters into their own hands... It was their protests that originally paved the way for Mr Abhisit's premiership. He had hoped to go down in history as the leader who healed Thailand's wounds. If his natural allies now fight with rival Red Shirts on Bangkok's streets, he may instead be remembered as the man in charge when Thailand descended into civil war.

meanwhile in the UK: Britain's richest see wealth rise by one third

Sensationalist journalism. It's what sells papers mate.

Cheers, Rick

[ETatBKK]

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_518839.html

You might check out the above link for Aung Sang Suu Kyi's opinion on why the military orchestrated Abhisit govt and the military's constitution are doomed to failure.

international media and news clips from other countries, show the most 'emotional', the most 'bloody 15 seconds', the most 'negative statements' and without the full story.

the opinions from outside Thailand, are even more polarised and single-sided ! China news - not even 1000 words, Singapore - government is right, Hong Kong - the most violence actions . . .

Edited April 24, 2010 by ETatBKK

[cwdavi1]

Scary Headlines over in the UK:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...Red-Shirts.html

Thailand is close to civil war as its British-born PM rejects deal with angry Red Shirts

Thailand is on the brink of civil war after Abhisit Vejjajiva, its British-born prime minister, rejected a deal with angry Red Shirt protesters.

On Friday, alarmed by the pace of events, Red Shirt leaders offered to end their occupation of Bangkok's central shopping district, normally awash with foreign tourists, in return for elections within the next three months.

But when Mr Abhisit, who knows he would probably lose such a poll, was asked if he accepted the protesters' proposal, he replied bluntly: "No, I don't."

His refusal to give ground spells an almost certain escalation of trouble. If the army does not move in to confront the red-shirted crowds, rival bands of yellow-shirted supporters of the government have threatened to take matters into their own hands... It was their protests that originally paved the way for Mr Abhisit's premiership. He had hoped to go down in history as the leader who healed Thailand's wounds. If his natural allies now fight with rival Red Shirts on Bangkok's streets, he may instead be remembered as the man in charge when Thailand descended into civil war.

meanwhile in the UK: Britain's richest see wealth rise by one third

Personally I'm amazed that Thaksin is still spending money on this mess. If he should return to Thailand under any circumstances he wouldn't live a week. Of course the red shirt leaders here in Thailand probably don't want him to return either, they want power for themselves.

[lannarebirth]

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_518839.html

You might check out the above link for Aung Sang Suu Kyi's opinion on why the military orchestrated Abhisit govt and the military's constitution are doomed to failure.

you're _SICKENING_. do you hear me loud & clear?

Aung Sang Suu Kyi states, she's _not_ commenting on Abhisit gov. what she tries to express is a an inherent systemic failure if military rules sets rules of the games - & she's speaking _for_ & _from_ her & myanmar perspective.

let me say it again, YOU ARE SICKENING! as she had actually denied any comment on Abhisit government - but _YOU_ _CLAIM_ she did!

Did she comment on why Thaksin and PTP blocked constitutional reform?

Puea Thai MP Chalerm Yubamrung yesterday said the party had changed its mind and would not join the coalition government and the Senate in supporting the six amendments proposed by a special committee on national reconciliation and charter amendments.

Mr Chalerm said the party also disagreed with any plan to hold a public referendum on the charter changes. It also would do all it could to have the 1997 constitution reinstated.

The abrupt about-face could upset a meeting today of government, opposition and senate whips called to decide whether to proceed with the amendments.

Mr Chalerm said the Democrat Party had a hidden agenda and wanted to use the issue to prolong its stay in office.

"We don't trust the Democrat Party and will do everything we can to bring back the 1997 constitution," he said.

Puea Thai's about-face came after ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra telephoned to address party members on Tuesday. He also opposed calls to hold a referendum to decide on the charter change proposals.

Mr Chalerm admitted Thaksin's suggestions influenced the party's position. We are not hiding this," he said.

[hammered]

Basically once the PM rejected the latest demand and the announcement that Anupong and Abhisit would speak together was made, meaning they aint divided, it was obvious the red shad to react. Yesterday when their militants heard they were proposing 3-5 months extended to 6 months today the militants wertent exactly over the moon. That the government said no will further infalmne this and the leaders need some fiery rhetoric to keep them under control

The main event for tomorrow daytime is the Anupong-Abhisit speech. True not only for government and reds but also PAD who will listen intensely. The problem with putting this whole thing to bed is that there are so many players and you have to keep them all happy. Anyone who thinks it is some red versus yellow simplistic nonsense is just a know nothing numpty

[Throatwobbler]

Update:

AFP: Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi says Thailand's political crisis shows that constitution drawn up by military can never deliver stability

She may be on to something. So fix the constitution. Write it with input from citizens, business leaders, social activists, NGOs, military, police, judges, lawyers, politicians, civil servants, academics, all political parties etc. After all parties agree, hold a referendum to let all the people decide. Then dissolve parliament and hold elections.

Exactly

[animatic]

//deleted by Admin

Short time only Haa Raawy Baht.

Peng maak, mai aou.

I thought most all ladyboys had good makeup sense?

Praise the lord and pass the ammunition... crisco!

[danc]

Add this one into the media war as well...

Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi says Thailand's political crisis shows that constitution drawn up by military can never deliver stability (via MCOT)

The tricky bit here is that Aung San Suu Kyi is as close as you get to a Mother Theresa figure in the modern world and through this, she is suggesting she sympathizes with the protesters - maybe people will read into what they want, but for here to make statement tonight after the 30 days dissolution was summarily dismissed as a stunt for the foreign media by Abhisit, speaks volumes for perceptions of this crisis on the international stage...

[nexus99]

I bet if Thaksin was to "dissapear" this whole mess would be over. If he can pay for citizenship in another country (what a great patriot he is!) I am sure someone can pay the same country more to make him "go away".

Without him manipulating the good people of Thailand to be his dupes everything will quickly return to the nice country Thailand has the possibility of being.

[bulmercke]

I expect a coup within a month

I don't expect a coup - but a very violent crackdown within the next day or so.

[beejoir]

Interesting live pics from Silom....

http://twitpic.com/photos/vaitor

[VegasVic]

This is the end... my only friend... the end....

Sadly this is not the end but just the begining of the radical political turmoil for Thailand. Should Abhisit decide to make this a bloodbath in order to retain his power then tens of millions of thais in the countryside will wake up and then the situation could get very ugly Imagine all the foodstuffs from the countrside being cut off to Bangkok for a period of weeks or months For many years now I have though that Thailand was ripe for civil war, but I didn't think it would occur until HRH had passed, if Abhisit chooses to try and take this situation down by force then that timetable for civil war may be hastened quite a bit

[micemo21]

"Abhisit has shut the door on all Thai people by rejecting our compromise," he said. "He will do anything to keep his position as prime minister."

He said they would stick to a policy of non-violence, but other Reds figures speaking on a stage at their massive encampment in the heart of Bangkok's retail district promised a "guerrilla war" against the government.

One leader also threatened to storm a giant shopping mall that lies within their rally base, which has paralysed the shopping hub for three weeks, saying that soldiers and police are hiding inside.

"We are ready to handle the government measures. No matter what shirt we wear, our hearts are red," said Jatuporn Prompan, warning that an offensive would trigger nationwide conflict.

"When the first blood is spilled here, the entire country will be the scene of bloodshed," he said.

Gandhi laid down by example the rules of engagement for non-voilent peaceful demonstrations; I don't think what you're hearing hear conforms to that. More evidence of the that red really is the Reds true color.

I believe there was a popular movement against Ghandi in india in the 1950's and after. See V.S Naipul : India a wounded civilisation 1977. Ghandi believed that an uprising by a lesser power against a greater one was 'non-violent' as there would be no balance to the conflict. Times have changed and the 'lessons' of Ghandi are disproved and should not be applied to this conflict.

[jcbangkok]

Interesting live pics from Silom....

http://twitpic.com/photos/vaitor

Current TV images seem to show the numbers at their lowest state ever ... might be the timing the PM has been speaking about.

[gl9999]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Army went in tonight to bust some heads. They need to go in before the Yellow shirts follow up with their threat and come out.

Hit them around 4 in the morning while the buffaloes are drunk and mop up till the early hours of the morning just in time for Abhisit and Anupong's address on TV.

[twschw]

Add this one into the media war as well...

Myanmar opposition leader Suu Kyi says Thailand's political crisis shows that constitution drawn up by military can never deliver stability (via MCOT)

The tricky bit here is that Aung San Suu Kyi is as close as you get to a Mother Theresa figure in the modern world and through this, she is suggesting she sympathizes with the protesters - maybe people will read into what they want, but for here to make statement tonight after the 30 days dissolution was summarily dismissed as a stunt for the foreign media by Abhisit, speaks volumes for perceptions of this crisis on the international stage...

Please read the article.

Nyan Win said Suu Kyi was not giving an opinion on the rights and wrongs of the conflict in Thailand, where red-shirted campaigners largely loyal to Thaksin are calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

source: http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/S...ory_518839.html

[jcbangkok]

This is the end... my only friend... the end....

Sadly this is not the end but just the begining of the radical political turmoil for Thailand. Should Abhisit decide to make this a bloodbath in order to retain his power then tens of millions of thais in the countryside will wake up and then the situation could get very ugly Imagine all the foodstuffs from the countrside being cut off to Bangkok for a period of weeks or months For many years now I have though that Thailand was ripe for civil war, but I didn't think it would occur until HRH had passed, if Abhisit chooses to try and take this situation down by force then that timetable for civil war may be hastened quite a bit

If the lawful government moves forward in upholding the law and holding terrorists and lawless mobs accountable for their actions as well as showing they will no longer be tolerated ... then we will see an end to this kind of thing in Thailand from all sides. If he bows to the wish of terrorists and lawless mobs seizing parts of the country as was the case at the airport, then we can see the next unhappy group repeat this type of behavior as it will continue to be standard operating procedure in Thailand for change .... mob rule.

[Insight]

Can we stop posting that manipulated Thaksin pic - pretty sure it's risking an angry backlash from the transvestite quarters.

Now there's an idea...

[Netfan]

This is the end... my only friend... the end....

Sadly this is not the end but just the begining of the radical political turmoil for Thailand. Should Abhisit decide to make this a bloodbath in order to retain his power then tens of millions of thais in the countryside will wake up and then the situation could get very ugly Imagine all the foodstuffs from the countrside being cut off to Bangkok for a period of weeks or months For many years now I have though that Thailand was ripe for civil war, but I didn't think it would occur until HRH had passed, if Abhisit chooses to try and take this situation down by force then that timetable for civil war may be hastened quite a bit

And if your fantasy doesn't happen, it sounds as though you will be very disappointed. How about if the Reds take elections by the end of the year, go home, get politically organized, participate in constitution reform, denounce vote-buying, run a clean campaign and see who wins the election. Or is that not exciting enough?

[whiterussian]

animatic or lannarebirth, please would you be so kind as to educate me!

why do the reds not want to wait for scheduled election date do you think?

It cant be down to an army reshuffle can it?

personally, although I hope the reds win the election out of principle.. even though I prefer Mr A... I too wish the reds would go home, and do whatever they do until its time for polls..

or are they trying to force the split in the military so that the next coup will have reds in the ranks?

thank you.. if you have the time or inclination...

Edited April 24, 2010 by whiterussian

[commons]

"Abhisit has shut the door on all Thai people by rejecting our compromise," he said. "He will do anything to keep his position as prime minister."

He said they would stick to a policy of non-violence, but other Reds figures speaking on a stage at their massive encampment in the heart of Bangkok's retail district promised a "guerrilla war" against the government.

One leader also threatened to storm a giant shopping mall that lies within their rally base, which has paralysed the shopping hub for three weeks, saying that soldiers and police are hiding inside.

"We are ready to handle the government measures. No matter what shirt we wear, our hearts are red," said Jatuporn Prompan, warning that an offensive would trigger nationwide conflict.

"When the first blood is spilled here, the entire country will be the scene of bloodshed," he said.

Gandhi laid down by example the rules of engagement for non-voilent peaceful demonstrations; I don't think what you're hearing hear conforms to that. More evidence of the that red really is the Reds true color.

I believe there was a popular movement against Ghandi in india in the 1950's and after. See V.S Naipul : India a wounded civilisation 1977. Ghandi believed that an uprising by a lesser power against a greater one was 'non-violent' as there would be no balance to the conflict. Times have changed and the 'lessons' of Ghandi are disproved and should not be applied to this conflict.

& this is your _first_ post here?

[hammered]

This is the end... my only friend... the end....

Sadly this is not the end but just the begining of the radical political turmoil for Thailand. Should Abhisit decide to make this a bloodbath in order to retain his power then tens of millions of thais in the countryside will wake up and then the situation could get very ugly Imagine all the foodstuffs from the countrside being cut off to Bangkok for a period of weeks or months For many years now I have though that Thailand was ripe for civil war, but I didn't think it would occur until HRH had passed, if Abhisit chooses to try and take this situation down by force then that timetable for civil war may be hastened quite a bit

And if your fantasy doesn't happen, it sounds as though you will be very disappointed. How about if the Reds take elections by the end of the year, go home, get politically organized, participate in constitution reform, denounce vote-buying, run a clean campaign and see who wins the election. Or is that not exciting enough?

I read some lunatic on New Mandala wriitng, safe from their aussie home, that 40-50K dead would be fine to change the system in Thailand. There are some bloodthirsty lunatics out there that dont realise all these people they would happily confine to a grave are somebodies family and have kids etc. Too many foreigners seem to have a blood lust

[micemo21]

This is the end... my only friend... the end....

Sadly this is not the end but just the begining of the radical political turmoil for Thailand. Should Abhisit decide to make this a bloodbath in order to retain his power then tens of millions of thais in the countryside will wake up and then the situation could get very ugly Imagine all the foodstuffs from the countrside being cut off to Bangkok for a period of weeks or months For many years now I have though that Thailand was ripe for civil war, but I didn't think it would occur until HRH had passed, if Abhisit chooses to try and take this situation down by force then that timetable for civil war may be hastened quite a bit

I agree there is never an end.....only another beginning. Throughout history countries have changed, politically, culturally, and socially. Maybe Thailand will not be the same though it will not be the end. Maybe the same but different?