Thai Protesters Brace For Crackdown As Compromise Rejected

[bubblegum]

Oh well, thank you to the Reds and Thaksin for destroying Thailand.

Tom, I think you'll find that The Army will attack the redshirt camp, on the orders of the Government after a compromise deal was turned down.

I can't for the life of me understand why the PM would turn down any possible peaceful end to the problems.

Violence seems inevitable, the PM knows this, yet refuses point blank any compromise deal.

I don't think it's him that makes the decisions though, he's just the pretty face doing what hes told to do.

This could have catastrophic results, I hope that there is still time left for peace talks.

I have stayed out of this debate up until now, but I am quite amazed at some of the posters here who appear to be risking heart failure by getting so worked up.

This is not our ( Farangs ) problem, to spout such hatred towards either group could have severe repercussions.

Certain posters have been calling for a bloodbath, I pity you, and I know that none of you have ever been in such a situation yourselves, else you would keep your thoughts to yourself.

Calling the Redshirts Terrorists is a dangerous game.

How can the Redshirts cause maximum disruption to this government ? By acts of real terrorism, bombs in Tourist areas for example, kill a few hundred Farangs, destroy the tourist industry stone dead.

For all the Farangs here that are so brainwashed by either side in this conflict, I actually pity you, but I also pity any innocent Farangs who may be caught up in any backlash against the haters on this and other forums.

If I was a Redshirt and I read some of the hate posts by certain individuals here, I'd think very lowly of Farangs in Thailand.

So please stop the hate posts and think of possible repercussions in the future.

Yes, I know you're anonymous here, thank god, but the hate posts are way over the top and do nothing but antagonize.

Peace.

Hate post read your own posting, you hate us it seems to me.

[Skywalker69]

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.

The "Reds" never wanted to negotiate, they only came with demands.

[kuffki]

Oh well, thank you to the Reds and Thaksin for destroying Thailand.

Abhisit will go down as the most educated Thai Prime Minister who (as often is the case with intelligent people) had no common sense whatsoever. He has already lost so why not just go for a good old British compromise where noone loses face. Where the buffalo smiley when you need it?

What compromise are you speaking of?

Oh you mean giving in to demands of terrorists?

Either their way or no other way! Is this what you call compromise.

I hope he puts aside his education and manners and fight back in same "dirty" tactics as Red leaders have been, and i do emphasize Leaders not general people

[midas]

[ Aung San Su Kyi and the Thai red shirts. No comparison. She has moral credibility by the boatload. The reds have none.

Hey Jingthing ..........she has credibility by the boatload ..............just in on AFP

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

[bangkokrick]

Nattawut Saikua, a Red Shirt leader, said on the stage that the protesters who would come to join the rally in Bangkok and its supporters nationwide to take off their red shirts and become 'plainclothes warriors' to fight against the government.

So now they don't even have the balls to show themselves. I am truly beginning to think that the label of 'terrorist' is becoming a reality.

Cheers, Rick

[kuffki]

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.

The "Reds" never wanted to negotiate, they only came with demands.

Spot on! and using BKK as a hostage to get gov to give in to their demands

[asiancup2007]

But if an army attacks its own people the people have the right to retaliate with everything they have.

Subtstitute 'army' with 'red shirts' in your above statement (Sala Daeng grenade), then you have just argued for the right to have the red shirts put down in the most foreceable way possible (which is not somethign I'm advocating, but your logic sucks).

Re the grenade attack I have an open mind as to who fired it and from where. The Government

say they have proof the Red shirts fired it from Lumpini park captured on BTS cctv. That being the case

don't they have an obligation to release said video.

Open minds are good, so let's explore the alternatives. If it wasn't the red shirts showing intolerance and indignation at the anti-reds confronting them (the previous night, anti-reds and reds threw bottles and stones at each other, till the reds threw molotovs and the anti-reds ran away), then presumably you mean it was some pro-gov't groups trying to instigate a 'crackdown' on the reds?

As some MP said the other day, the problem with the reds claims that all these bombings are done by anti-reds of some flavour of another, is that its never the reds that actually get bombed. While I take the point that attacking one's own side and claiming it was the other is a recognised propaganda tactic, I've never heard of this tactic being used by a group that doesn't EVER actually attack the side it is fighting. Too incredulous, sorry.

I said I have an open mind. I presume nothing.

Surely if there is evidence it should be shown.

[mattcha]

Discussion and opinions are important .

our views and insights , shared, give us scope.

its not really Farangs' problems but some of of live here and work or do business or whatever.. so we are concerned.

I believe in freedom and the freedom to SPEAK ones mind, if you you dont like it, well thats YOUR problem and im not holding back because someone else does not like it or gets hot headed about anything under the sun so and F U to that person.

freedom of speech and press is important to a free people.

I dont think there is much hate speech in the forum, but even if there is, its their right to hate or like. I hate brocoli, and love ice cream OK, so i'll state so if i like, and if you dont like it, well TOO BAD.

No Reds reading this are going to come after us, there is no way, and even if.... not do able ok.

First off, if a Thai looks down on us for our opinions to their governmental situation, they are a looser and DONT believe in free speech! (OH unless it suites THEM and their agenda).

BTW to all, look up "Democracy", it means rule by mob, 51% rule the other 49%.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD DEMAND IS A REPUBLIC (go learn the definition of that!) where ALL citizens hold Polical power! ALL, not just 51%.

MAJOR DIFFERENCE HERE PEOPLE!

SOMETHING not taught in school nowadays, to make sure people are constantly controlled if you know what i mean.

To fight for a dictator, democracy, socialism, fascism or communism is a waste of your life! a full Republic is the only FREE way to go.

America enjoyed the benefits their state constitutions since 1700's until the end of the 1800's or so. (depending on a few key events of course which enabled plundering of the people...)

This BS about Democracy makes me sick.

But heres the bombshell i want to announce to the world people, which hardly anyone knows about...

Guess whos behind Thaksin?? Whos Mignon is he? whos puppet is he really? ready for this?

THE US's (International banksters) FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD! AKA PUPPET MASTERS.

The super elite of Europe and America that control those continents for the most part.. THEY use Thanksin and/or DID before.

THIS IS EVIL AT WORK.

Just think how many reds are totally ignorant of this. In fact, hardly anyone knows... its shadow ruling elite at work, of course no one knows.

I found this out at Benjamin Fulfords Geo Political newsletter. He has got one jaw dropping newsletter btw.. "juicy truth" is what id like to call it.

things will get messy these next few days, lets see who buckles first.

And id also like to tell the UN and US's Clinton who voiced their concern about the situation here to just shut the hel_l up! shut up please!

You dont know jack S about the matter and your stupid comments dont mean a thing... just garbage , like usual..

Politicians rhetoric is harmful to the ears..

Oh well, thank you to the Reds and Thaksin for destroying Thailand.

Tom, I think you'll find that The Army will attack the redshirt camp, on the orders of the Government after a compromise deal was turned down.

I can't for the life of me understand why the PM would turn down any possible peaceful end to the problems.

Violence seems inevitable, the PM knows this, yet refuses point blank any compromise deal.

I don't think it's him that makes the decisions though, he's just the pretty face doing what hes told to do.

This could have catastrophic results, I hope that there is still time left for peace talks.

I have stayed out of this debate up until now, but I am quite amazed at some of the posters here who appear to be risking heart failure by getting so worked up.

This is not our ( Farangs ) problem, to spout such hatred towards either group could have severe repercussions.

Certain posters have been calling for a bloodbath, I pity you, and I know that none of you have ever been in such a situation yourselves, else you would keep your thoughts to yourself.

Calling the Redshirts Terrorists is a dangerous game.

How can the Redshirts cause maximum disruption to this government ? By acts of real terrorism, bombs in Tourist areas for example, kill a few hundred Farangs, destroy the tourist industry stone dead.

For all the Farangs here that are so brainwashed by either side in this conflict, I actually pity you, but I also pity any innocent Farangs who may be caught up in any backlash against the haters on this and other forums.

If I was a Redshirt and I read some of the hate posts by certain individuals here, I'd think very lowly of Farangs in Thailand.

So please stop the hate posts and think of possible repercussions in the future.

Yes, I know you're anonymous here, thank god, but the hate posts are way over the top and do nothing but antagonize.

Peace.

[exalll]

One who is so puffed-up with himself that he believes that he can rule without the consent of the populace.

Simply repeating untruths over and over again does not turn them into truths. The valid mandate of the current government has been explained in suitably simple terms on many occasions.

However, your description does ring a bell. Someone so puffed up with himself he believed he could rule without the consent of the populace, or at least who believed that it was so obvious he should rule that he perverted all the checks and balances of democratic institutions to ensure he could continue to rule.

Valid?..what makes that mandate valid? Abhisit's government is illegitimate because it came to power under military pressure through a parliamentary vote after disputed court rulings ousted two elected pro-Thaksin governments. At the very least, this is undemocratic and this is indeed unacceptable by not just one or two natives of Thailand, but thousands.

Couldn't agree more!!! This is purely about democracy and democratic rights. I am always surprised how much support and 'understanding' dictators (I still dare to call them so) have.

Jope, you are absolutely correct - it is all about democracy and democratic rights. We have a democratically elected government being challenged illegally by a mob led by supporters of a would-be dictator. And you are also right - it is amazing how much support such dictators can muster, though their ill-gotten wealth helps a lot

[dobadoy]

The Red Shirts are getting sympathy from foreign media. They are the poor class who are fighting for their right to vote against a government that came to power through the help of a military rebellion. The red shirts are demanding a democratic election and the dissolution of a corrupt government.

It seems a foregone conclusion that if there is a democratic election that the current government would be voted out. There is talk about ways of minimizing the votes of the poor. The rich and middle class do not want another government chosen by the poor. Sounds like an anti-democratic stance.

If bloodshed results, Abhisit is done. If there is no bloodshed, his chances are slim to none. He might as well pack his bags and allow an election. He's pretty much gone either way. He is not going to be able to cling to his PM seat more than a few months anyway.

Bloodshed is a bad idea. The red shirts are not a small minority. THere is an undercurrent of support for them throughout Thailand and even internationally. If they take off the red shirts and continue the struggle, the situation will worsen fast and tragically.

Violence is never the solution. Whatever can be done to avoid violence is absolutely crucial for both sides.

You may be right on many of these points, though in my long experience of this country the biggest shame of it is that Abhisit is the least corrupt leader this country is ever likely to see, and he was actually making slow but sure headway into solving this country's problems till this recent Thaksin-financed uprising.

I think that's why so many of us long-termers with Thai family and/or businesse here are against the reds - along with a hatred of their bully-boy intimidation tactics, more of which are revealed in the last news post up above - regardless of the past, how he came to power and what rights or wrong have been committed on ALL sides, there was genuine change in the air over the last year or so (free education for the entire school curriculum being one of the many good policies he's already introduced). Maybe that's why so many of the really wealthy reds want to see him out - its precisely the kind of real change they don't want to happen.

Sad and ironic. Whoever comes next will not be nearly so competent or so clean.

[ianf]

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

Any Prime Minister worth his salt would have done the same. Stubborn? Mule? No way. This is a man of absolute integrity who has fought off the warmongers within his own camp for weeks and has been faced with continual threats from a fascist mob who have behaved in a way that has shown no integrity, intelligence or common decency. At some point all the 'come-ons' and threats issued by the red fascists have to be answered and although I abhor violence you are dealing with a nasty mob here and the PM knows it. Where on earth do you get your opinions from?

[Jingthing]

[ Aung San Su Kyi and the Thai red shirts. No comparison. She has moral credibility by the boatload. The reds have none.

Hey Jingthing ..........she has credibility by the boatload ..............just in on AFP

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

I agree with her. Change the constitution for ALL the people of Thailand. But not at the hands of a terrorist mob representing a corrupt megalomaniac. She didn't say she supports Thaksin or the violent terrorist tactics of the red shirts, now did she? She never would, either.

Edited April 24, 2010 by Jingthing

[BKjohn]

One who is so puffed-up with himself that he believes that he can rule without the consent of the populace.

Simply repeating untruths over and over again does not turn them into truths. The valid mandate of the current government has been explained in suitably simple terms on many occasions.

However, your description does ring a bell. Someone so puffed up with himself he believed he could rule without the consent of the populace, or at least who believed that it was so obvious he should rule that he perverted all the checks and balances of democratic institutions to ensure he could continue to rule.

Valid?..what makes that mandate valid? Abhisit's government is illegitimate because it came to power under military pressure through a parliamentary vote after disputed court rulings ousted two elected pro-Thaksin governments. At the very least, this is undemocratic and this is indeed unacceptable by not just one or two natives of Thailand, but thousands.

Couldn't agree more!!! This is purely about democracy and democratic rights. I am always surprised how much support and 'understanding' dictators (I still dare to call them so) have.

Yea and the tooth fairy will leave a coin for you tonight - unbelievable how blue eyed the red shirt supporters are or its simple propaganda.

Than its the poor who want a better life... now its democracy... make up your bleeding minds what you want to call Taksins attempt at a coup

[Jimi007]

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

I have to say that if I had worked hard all my life and attained the position of Prime Minister I wouldn't be so eager to bow down

Well, if Abhisits political career is not already in tatters, it is now. His smug defiance isn't earning him any new friends, thats for sure.

Here is how I would describe Abhisit as PM:

Weak

Stubborn

Irresponsible

Arrogant

Smug

Used

Un-Entitled

And how would describe Thakin as PM? A convicted international fugitive? Just the facts. not my opinion...

[Rinrada]

Plea for Democratic change ...Thai Style

[chadintheusa]

Abhisit was legally elected under Thai law, so why should he dissolve the house just to please a minority of the population. The Reds are mercenaries and this is nothing to do with democracy, but all to do with Thaksin.

Cheers, Rick

The Thai constitution and Abhisit's government were created by anti-democratic coup plotters.

That is incorrect and you should know it. Google it if you have a problem understanding the election process.

Cheers, Rick

Just googled it and it came out with this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_general_election,_2007

Despite being the junta's target for suppression, the PPP managed to win 226 out of 480 of the MP seats, close to controlling the majority in the House of Representatives. The Democrat Party came in a distant second with 166 seats,

junta? A council; a convention; a tribunal; an assembly; especially, the grand council of state in Spain; The ruling council of a military dictatorship

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/junta

------

should I google something else?

you might want to look up ppp and electoral fraud, that's why they are now the PTP. Winning a rigged election isn't that impressive, I think Saddam Hussein managed to usually get more than 90% of the vote.

[jope]

Update:

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

That must come as a real disappointment to many of the coup supporters here!

[tilac2]

Oh well, thank you to the Reds and Thaksin for destroying Thailand.

Why are the Reds destroying Thailand???? Thailand is more than just Bangkok. Since when can't people travel to their capitol to petition a complaint? That practice is centuries old.

Two years ago the Yellow Shirts did a pretty good job of shutting down Bangkok, also.

Heck, if I had a business in downtown BKK, I'd be peeved also, but obviously there's a (class) problem in the country since this divisiveness has been going on for ten years.

People in the provinces keeping electing officials and people in Bangkok keep throwing them out of office.

Taksin, ethics not withstanding, had done more for the rural people in 4 years than any other entity has done in sixty years - healthcare, roads, education, electricity, subsidizing loans so that almost every farmer owned a brand new pick-up, etc.

I've been coming to Thailand since 1974, and the changes between 2000 and 2005 were dramatic.

Of course there are claims the Red Shirts are paid to go to BKK and stand in the street. But it goes a little deeper. Rural people are sick and tired of being told to go back to their farms, till their fields, and keep their mouths shut.

You must remember that the people in the rural provinces were so alienated, that there were still strong communist movements throughout the north and northeast until the early 80's (most national parks are former communist strongholds).

With the possible exception of Abhisit, corruption is generally a part of every administration, every entitiy. Taksin was certainly no angel (national campaign against drugs) and the guy just doesn't get it that at this point he's old product. Taksin is a ralllying point for the Reds. If there are new elections, the Reds will win, the Yellows with find a way to dispose of the new administration. The circle continues, like groundhog day.

The elite in BKK can't continue to ignore the provinces (the ethnic Isaan speaking population is larger than the central Thailand.

Almost everyone is afraid to sit down and get to what many percieve to be the core of the problem, because they can be thrown in jail for discussing it.

But hey, what do I know....

What do you know? Hey, I think you know quite a lot. Nice post. People have to realise that this is quite a complex issue. Taksin isn't wonderful but he did help the Isaan people; the reds aren't all perfect but they do represent a lot of poor people in Thailand.

[BKjohn]

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

I have to say that if I had worked hard all my life and attained the position of Prime Minister I wouldn't be so eager to bow down

Well, if Abhisits political career is not already in tatters, it is now. His smug defiance isn't earning him any new friends, thats for sure.

Here is how I would describe Abhisit as PM:

Weak

Stubborn

Irresponsible

Arrogant

Smug

Used

Un-Entitled

And how would describe Thakin as PM? A convicted international fugitive? Just the facts. not my opinion...

The PM is doing the right thing, a government can not give in to Terrorists

[elcent]

Art 9:45 pm Friday night I was walking back home to On-Nut from Emporium, on the south side of Sukhumvit. Just before I got to the point opposite Major Ekkamai, I saw a very strange event. At a point where there is a very wide entranceway (almost like a large parking lot) into some sort of government property (with a large arch overhead, with Thai lettering), I saw what I believe was a military rehearsal drill. There were about fifty motorcycles - each carrying two military policeman. I say that because they wore blue military uniforms, with green camouflage flak vests, and blue or black shiny lacquer helmets, with a thick horizontal white band painted around the base - and black lettering - some sort of Thai abbreviation. I'm guessing that they were air force police. Anyway, they were practicing - two men to each motorcycle, with the man riding pillion carrying two weapons - one M-16, and one shotgun (obviously, the guys in back were carrying the weapon of the driver). I think I got there at the end - they were just pulling out onto Sukhumvit, headed toward Thonglor, in a formation of motorcycles, two abreast, in the curb lane. I think there were two commanders - who were dressed slightly differently, each on his own motorcycle - which were larger than the the two-man bikes - and these two had just sidearm pistols. They stayed behind a minute when the rest moved out - and one of them smiled to me as I walked past, right next to him.

I've been an Infantry company commander - and I could sense that they were not going into a fight that night - but I think the were doing a full-dress rehearsal.

So - when the action unfolds (tonight?) to deal with the protesters, I predict it will lead off with platoons of military police on motorcycles moving in very fast, around the Red Shirt barricades (on the sidewalk?), to penetrate deep, very quickly. To me, that means a "snatch" mission - they will go straight to capture the leadership, without having to hurt any innocent people.

I also predict that 60 seconds before the motorcycle cavalry reaches the Red front lines, some advance scouts will "take out" the Red guards near the barricades. Thus allowing a "surgical" strike against the Red command group.

Good plan.

These are normally in action when curfew is imposed.

It could also be that the army command line gets toughened, which could mean that anybody down the command line within the army will be immediately arrested or even shot when somebody in between tries to jam the orders.

[melbpete]

Good on Abhisit. Don't give in to violent mobs.

30 days isn't a compromise. 9 months is a compromise.

[Jingthing]

Plea for Democratic change ...Thai Style

Good propaganda photo. Do you think the soldiers would intentionally hurt someone like that?

[joefromdc]

"Simply" having a thai wife and children born in Thailand that carry a thai passport makes it NOT my problem? Interesting point of view. I have not taken the step to get my RP as my wife and I have decided to leave Thailand we do not want to raise our children here anymore. I have an office within a five minute walk of the station that was bombed (by whomever) on another night that could have been me killed instead of that poor woman.. leaving a widow and fatherless kids behind seems to me like it does make it my problem..

I can promise you if YOU had a Thai wife and children born here you would not be staying out of it, it effects your family, your employees your children and their future... I don't support the REDS or the Yellows I just want them to all stop acting like spoiled little babies and for once do what is best for the greater good of the WHOLE country not their own little slice of the pie.

As I said we are making plans to leave now, not a step we wanted to take but MY WIFE said she can't take it anymore to see her people act this way towards each other and does not want our sons growing up in this society.. that makes it my problem and makes me very sad as well.

OK, fair enough argument. It is a problem for you. That really wasn't what I was trying to suggest. I was going for something more about having the "right" to do something about politics in a country not your own. I didn't make my point very well apparently as I can't defend it decently in hind-sight.

I would say though, that if I had a Thai wife and children I wouldn't be here. I totally agree with your wife on this one.

I don't support the REDS or the Yellows I just want them to all stop acting like spoiled little babies and for once do what is best for the greater good of the WHOLE country not their own little slice of the pie.

I agree 100% with that statement. 100%.

[LevelHead]

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.

LOL

Done that in 1997, had the 1997 Peoples Constitution agreed by all to be the "best ever", even to this day.

Yellow side kept losing elections.

Yellow side arranged army to hold a coup and throw the constitution into the bin.

WHAT IS THE POINT of trying to make another new one ? Delaying tactic thats all.

If you want to reform the constitution first you must REFORM THE MILITARY.

Make there be just 1 army (not the Thai style many many armies all with different generals).

Make the army responsible to the people of Thailand.

Only when you have done that can you even think of talking about a new constitution.

The 1997 constitution is fine, the only problem was the that Elite could not longer rig elections so they won them. Hence a coup in 2006 and throwing it in the bin.

[Jingthing]

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.

The "Reds" never wanted to negotiate, they only came with demands.

Agreed. This was totally obvious from the start. Its hard to believe any observer of the events could think differently.

[midas]

[ Aung San Su Kyi and the Thai red shirts. No comparison. She has moral credibility by the boatload. The reds have none.

Hey Jingthing ..........she has credibility by the boatload ..............just in on AFP

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

I agree with her. Change the constitution for ALL the people of Thailand . But not at the hands of a terrorist mob representing a corrupt megalomaniac. She didn't say she supports Thaksin or the violent terrorist tactics of the red shirts, now did she? She never would, either.

but when ? your mate the PM never gave a firm undertaking about anything. He never gave a firm date ?

How many more years would the " people of Thailand " have to wait ?

[bino]

Driving towards Bang Bua Tong last night from The Mall there were about 50 red shirt pickup trucks parked up at Northaburi - think it was the ThaiCom base station, but unaware of where exactly that is.

Thaicom HQ is on Rattanathibet Road, which is Ngamwongwan Road closer in to the city. So- if you were heading outbound from the Mall Ngamwongwan, that was definitely Thaicom.

Edited April 24, 2010 by bino

[noel2499rk]

Abhisit was legally elected under Thai law, so why should he dissolve the house just to please a minority of the population. The Reds are mercenaries and this is nothing to do with democracy, but all to do with Thaksin.

Cheers, Rick

The Thai constitution and Abhisit's government were created by anti-democratic coup plotters.

That is incorrect and you should know it. Google it if you have a problem understanding the election process.

Cheers, Rick

Just googled it and it came out with this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_general_election,_2007

Despite being the junta's target for suppression, the PPP managed to win 226 out of 480 of the MP seats, close to controlling the majority in the House of Representatives. The Democrat Party came in a distant second with 166 seats,

The 2007 constitution was certainly undemocratic, the referendum for the constitution was preceded by a law for the special election that says anyone who “makes trouble, obstructs or does anything that could disturb the referendum” could be jailed for up to 10 years, fined up to 200,000 baht and banned from politics for five years.

Public education at the time on the referendum mainly consisted of government officials, soldiers telling the public to approve the constitution and urging coup opponents to keep quiet or risk jail time. The military-appointed Surayud Chulanont told government ministers to “raise public awareness” about the new constitution, while warning that those who campaign against it may be breaking the law.

The constitution also says the government must provide the military with “forces, weapons, ammunition, military equipment and technology that are adequate and necessary” to protect the country. And finally, in the last article, it absolves the coup makers of any wrongdoing, very handy to have that enshrined in the constitution.

Edited April 24, 2010 by noel2499rk

[chadintheusa]

Update:

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

That must come as a real disappointment to many of the coup supporters here!

What does she mean? Burma has been very stable. Run by the military yes, but stable. Thais aren't so fond of the Burmese, so I'm not sure that you'll be hearing this from the loudspeakers at the rally sight.

[AZBill]

Here we go! It's on now. Kiss the Thailand we love goodbye. The really sad thing is their failure to understand what they are all doing to their own country. It's not just that they will lose the tourism, but they will also lose the confidence of the world as a stable government worthy of doing business with.