Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' Call For Martial Law

[Jingthing]

The red occupaion of bangkok has to stop. All it has done is brought is death to the streets . If they get into power nothing will change but the name on the desk, the poor will still get shafted like always.

I think it will change but for the worse. The redshirts remind me so much of what I have read about the SA in Germany and Mussolini's blackshirts, same style, same tactics, same bullying attitude.... Thugs and murderers, as they have shown themselves to be...

Its hard to label them right or left. This kind of evil is basically the same thing in the end, right or left. Misery and death!

[midas]

The whole concept of the Red shirts being a democratic majority seems to be in question after a Khon Kaen Uni study found that approx 50% of KK residents support the reds, and 50% do not want a house dissolution. This seems to defeat any claim of majority, if they can't achieve it in their heartland, how can they claim it for the country s a whole? This supports evidence given by myself and others, that their is a lack of overt support for the reds in the area.

As this protest continues, tourism figures will continue to drop, leading to a reduction in both income and taxes collected. If the UDD's policies are real, and not a facade for the return of Thaksin, they are self-defeating. Less taxes directly affects the money that can be spent to improve the infrastructure of Isaan. As most of the tax collected comes from the cities anyway, it is churlish to expect an even larger proportion when you are the one reducing the funds available.

Many people in BKK must be angry that their lives are being disrupted; I certainly would be. What if they decide to boycott Isaan produce? It doesn't have to be a total boycott, just a preferential purchasing of southern products when they are available. And it wouldn't take a large percentage of BKK residents to make a noticeable difference. A non-violent way of saying "F.U. very much!"

I would also like to comment on the idea that the PAD has little respect for the voters of Isaan. When Isaanites allow their vote to be bought by the highest bidder, how much respect are they showing for their vote and their country? Where is democracy when candidates are afraid to campaign?

The whole concept of the Red shirts being a democratic majority seems to be in question after a Khon Kaen Uni study found that approx 50% of KK residents support the reds, and 50% do not want a house dissolution.

Not so sure about that. I support the Reds, but I do not support a dissolution of the house now and nor do I support the current protest,its tactics, its violence and its blackmail.

Have you notice how many posters defend Abhisit and PAD by saying what if this or what of that happened

and quoting polls and studies of this and that. I would want to read the actual

" Khon Kaen Uni study " before I believed what is purports to say..........but then that

is just more faffing about...............LET THEM JUST HAVE AN ELECTION and get all this out of the way

Edited April 26, 2010 by midas

[borealis]

Set in the watercannons, use really heavy equipment from the firebrigades. Splash away the barricades and the demonstrators. After a day or two with the biggest Songkranparty in history the problems will be solved.

[HerbalEd]

Thank you everybody for showing how incompetent the government is in this country. Honestly, as much as I don't think Thaksin should come back, he would have the balls to do something about a situation like this. Unlike the current PM who sits in his office and gives empty threats of a crackdown. Maybe the reds are right. Abhisit has sure shown it the last few weeks that he's unfit to handle any critical situations. How can a government be in power that can't even maintain order in its nations capital.

Unfortunately you are correct .... Thaksin would have no problem sending in the army/police and killing lots of people ... including the many innocent women and children who are in the crowd. He's already proven his ability to kill many. For now he lives a life of super luxury outside the country while his followers bleed and die in the streets.

Edited April 26, 2010 by HerbalEd

[granuaile]

The red occupaion of bangkok has to stop. All it has done is brought is death to the streets . If they get into power nothing will change but the name on the desk, the poor will still get shafted like always.

I think it will change but for the worse. The redshirts remind me so much of what I have read about the SA in Germany and Mussolini's blackshirts, same style, same tactics, same bullying attitude.... Thugs and murderers, as they have shown themselves to be...

Its hard to label them right or left. This kind of evil is basically the same thing in the end, right or left. Misery and death!

I should clarify - I don't think they are left or right, I think they are essentially a private army of a certain individual who wants to taste power again. Their tactic however are not dissimilar - intimidation, threats of violence, and actual violence. It could also likely be said to characterize many extremist organizations with large numbers (Hamas for example). I feel sad for Thailand if they win. As a farang I may not be see much difference but I feel for my Thai friends. I suspect even the few that are pro redshirt would find it distasteful.

[321niti123]

Red VS Yellow

Stupid VS Dumb

Shit VS Crap

"Same Same But Different"

Don't they have something better to do or do they just like to take pictures with the tanks on the streets like last time???

BTW...my stance hasn't changed, since the yellows did the same things reds did (break the law and commit acts of terrorism and didnt comply with gov't pleas to stop) they have no right to tell the reds or the government what to do-Im taking up the I'll do to you what you did to me position, you dont listen to me I dont listen to you.

[OzMick]

I have a hard time seeing the yellows being able to pose any kind of threat to the Reds, it seems the Reds would have them way outnumbered and it wouldn't even be remotely close.

I totally disagree with that statement. The Yellow Shirts are backed by the general population suffering from this protest. If any confrontation were to happen between the two groups, the Yellow Shirts would indeed gain support from the multi-coloured shirts along with the angry citizens that have had enough of this fiasco. In the end, the Red Shirts would be greatly outnumbered.

Sorry, have to disagree with YOUR statement. You need to ammend it to: The Yellows are backed by the general population of BANGKOK suffering from this protest. If there were "war" between red & yellow, I'm putting my money on Red To Win. There may be "thousands" of Yellows, but there are MILLIONS of Red, and the way things now stand, there are no guarantees that the military would back the Yellows, as many of them (about 60% of all conscripts) come from Issan and the North. Look how easily the Reds have stopped police and military from other provinces from going to BKK to "rotate" those already there.

Get out of BKK and go to Issan. Go to Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, as well as north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces. Red tee shirts, red scarves around necks, red ribbons around arms, on motorbikes, car and truck antenna are EVERYWHERE. And Yellow? Hummm, not to be seen anywhere.

I have just returned from Nakhon phanom, visitd Sakhon Nakhon, came back via Khon Kaen and Khorat. Saw NO red flags or overt signs of support. Others have said the same from other areas. Please supply pics to support this claim of widespread displays of red.

[wlcart]

it seems Thailand is a divided country.

does anyone know if the military stands united?

Is it possible for the military to split apart and have two armed sides with differences facing off? Scary stuff, I hope not.

[midas]

A red government would be much more THUGocracy, than democracy. Clearly many in the red regions are going along due to fear and intimidation of their red masters.

I really cant believe you write stuff like this Jingthing knowing the background of the leader you adore in your own country.

[elcent]

SOE centre: Any road blockade from now on faces swift dispersal.

12 minutes ago via TweetDeck

[brd]

this naiscant cancer of the Thai society in France they call communists operating under Unions CGT are against everything and in favour of chaos by all means. Mr. Thaksin has

triggered it and will boomerang on all his groups of family/relatives/people. It is sad to live besieged by 0.009% of the population and an Army reluctant to move on to clear all ways.

[Jingthing]

A red government would be much more THUGocracy, than democracy. Clearly many in the red regions are going along due to fear and intimidation of their red masters.

I really cant believe you write stuff like this Jingthing knowing the background of the leader you adore in your own country.

Believe it. Yes, of course I support President Obama. I see no connection.

[Jingthing]

Also from the sight (MBK) witnesses saw movement on the top of the buildings. It's not hard to guess that they come from military.

If so, lets hope progress can be made to break up this seemingly endless, illegal occupation with the very least of casualties on all sides.

[Neurath]

The whole concept of the Red shirts being a democratic majority seems to be in question after a Khon Kaen Uni study found that approx 50% of KK residents support the reds, and 50% do not want a house dissolution. This seems to defeat any claim of majority, if they can't achieve it in their heartland, how can they claim it for the country s a whole? This supports evidence given by myself and others, that their is a lack of overt support for the reds in the area.

As this protest continues, tourism figures will continue to drop, leading to a reduction in both income and taxes collected. If the UDD's policies are real, and not a facade for the return of Thaksin, they are self-defeating. Less taxes directly affects the money that can be spent to improve the infrastructure of Isaan. As most of the tax collected comes from the cities anyway, it is churlish to expect an even larger proportion when you are the one reducing the funds available.

Many people in BKK must be angry that their lives are being disrupted; I certainly would be. What if they decide to boycott Isaan produce? It doesn't have to be a total boycott, just a preferential purchasing of southern products when they are available. And it wouldn't take a large percentage of BKK residents to make a noticeable difference. A non-violent way of saying "F.U. very much!"

I would also like to comment on the idea that the PAD has little respect for the voters of Isaan. When Isaanites allow their vote to be bought by the highest bidder, how much respect are they showing for their vote and their country? Where is democracy when candidates are afraid to campaign?

The whole concept of the Red shirts being a democratic majority seems to be in question after a Khon Kaen Uni study found that approx 50% of KK residents support the reds, and 50% do not want a house dissolution.

Not so sure about that. I support the Reds, but I do not support a dissolution of the house now and nor do I support the current protest,its tactics, its violence and its blackmail.

Well, geez Louise, what's left? The re-instatement of T, or their sartorial elegance?

Nah, just means that there must be elections before November next year and the offer was on the table to negotiate that down to 9 or fewer months and that that is sufficient. And that occupying the city with force of arms is wrong.

So, being against a dissolution now does not mean that one doesn't support the Reds agenda (such as it is.)

Sooner or later the sides to this dispute will have to talk - the only question is how much blood must flow before that happens.

[Old Man River]

it seems Thailand is a divided country.

does anyone know if the military stands united?

Is it possible for the military to split apart and have two armed sides with differences facing off? Scary stuff, I hope not.

Certainly not expected, but if something like that ever happened, just stay in your house and ride it out. Don't get involved in this and stay out harm's way.

[elcent]

Also from the sight (MBK) witnesses saw movement on the top of the buildings. It's not hard to guess that they come from military.

If so, lets hope progress can be made to break up this seemingly endless, illegal occupation with the very least of casualties on all sides.

could be possible. It's a weekday so there're less weekend warriors. At least within the next couple of days it will likely happen.

[Jingthing]

The latest rumors. Thaksin has passed away from a severe decease... MUST BE CONFIRMED!!!

Not such a new rumor.

[Old Man River]

Military and police forces are coming to Bangkok from different provinces, allegedly to contribute in the upcoming crackdown. Their point for camping is MBK area. This is according to the latest news.

There is no question they are coming, hence the Red blockades which have been neutralized. I am curious where you are picking up the "latest news" though.

[sotsira]

I have a hard time seeing the yellows being able to pose any kind of threat to the Reds, it seems the Reds would have them way outnumbered and it wouldn't even be remotely close.

Don't forget...Yellow = Military

Along with the majority of people in the south.

The majority of the population lives in the North, if what is being said is true and that it is Red country then it could mean we end up with another Korea scenario of a divided country with 2 seperate governments and a buffer zone.

[elcent]

The latest rumors. Thaksin has passed away from a severe decease... MUST BE CONFIRMED!!!

There are specialists in Monte... coming from Rus.... who use biological/chemical substances to send someone into eternity. Worse still, he could be radiant ...

[sotsira]

Military and police forces are coming to Bangkok from different provinces, allegedly to contribute in the upcoming crackdown. Their point for camping is MBK area. This is according to the latest news.

There is no question they are coming, hence the Red blockades which have been neutralized. I am curious where you are picking up the "latest news" though.

Try this link for all the latest news of Thailand

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/World+News/Asia/Thailand

[midas]

A red government would be much more THUGocracy, than democracy. Clearly many in the red regions are going along due to fear and intimidation of their red masters.

I really cant believe you write stuff like this Jingthing knowing the background of the leader you adore in your own country.

Believe it. Yes, of course I support President Obama. I see no connection.

I do and your double standards in your postings in these threads is astonishing.

You have already determined if the red shirts formed a government in Thailand they would be more of

a " THUGocracy " and yet you swoon over yourleader who has surrounded himself with some of scariest thugs

in US history ..e.g. .Andy Stern , Van Jones , John Holdren etc etc

Edited April 26, 2010 by midas

[elcent]

tukky_nt: Ex-Thai PM Thaksin was spotted in Montenegro:AP

Mon Apr 26 2010 19:34:40 GMT+0700 (SE Asia Standard Time)

veen_NT: Nation Chanel reported that redshirts in Pathum Thani have just regrouped - about 200 of them. no action or clear direction at press time.

Mon Apr 26 2010 19:27:20 GMT+0700 (SE Asia Standard Time)

[Robby nz]

I see on Tele that the army have cleaned out at least one of the red groups that were trying to stop a police convoy from getting to BKK, perhaps the clean up has started.

As for widespread support for red I live about 3 hrs north of BKK and yesterday evening took a ride around the sois on the pushbike and not a red flag or shirt were to be seen, everywhere there were yellow and blue king and queen flags and Thai flags and as I say not a single red.

There are two small groups of red supporters here but everyone knows who they are and they stay very quiet.

Read today that Thaksin had died and told the Mrs she jumped around in joy and raced to tell the neigbours, one said if it were true he would go to the temple and be a monk for a week another comment we heard when we went down town for a feed was it would be better than winning the lottery.

And then there is those who seem to think everyone who lives in the NE must be ignorant farmers well for your info there are a lot of cities and towns (I know spent quite a while traveling round them all) and in the towns live a lot of what you may call middle classes, teachers, office workers, nurses, doctors, shop owners etc who are certainly educated enough to see what the reds are doing to the country and would with little doubt should it come to an election vote against any red sponsored party just on principle.

You cant say Essan would all vote red other than the paid vote reds would get very little.

[OldgitTom]

Coalminer,

you got it. The monothematic authoritarian posters here are inured to evidence & argument, becos they do not have a grasp of the basic principles of democracy. How many times have they trotted out the crimes of Mr T?

Listen boys, I agree with you, but the crimes are irrelevant. As long as his supporters view him as their hero, that is all that matters in a democracy. He got a majority. THAT gave him legitimacy. It doesn’t matter a dam_n what you, I, or any other farang/Yellow/outsider thinks. That’s where ultimate government authority comes from in a democracy – the majority of the people.

Vote buying? I thought all the parties did that, but I really only go on what I’ve been told. Maybe the BKK Bandit parties should be a little less tight-fisted? I’m sure the poor of Isaan could do with the extra conkers. May the most generous party win. At present, like it or lump it, oh superior farangs, Mr T is extremely popular in the villages.

If the opposition didn’t like what he did, it should have made a fuss, created a better set of policies, then presented them to the Thai electorate at the next election. How else does a democratic system work?

But wrong move: for the bloody crimes he commited in office, Mr T should have been impeached &/or arraigned. Rolling out the army’s tanks to destroy his government was a catastrophic gaffe. It is utter hypocrisy to accuse the Red protestors of ‘violence’ & ‘illegality’ after that, & the Isaan poor know it, even if their farang ‘superiors’ don’t.

Abhisit has the power to resolve the standoff peacefully. Let’s hope & pray he does. He must be a clever feller, been to Eton & Oxbridge, so should be smart enuf to come up with a more cunning plan than more bullets & RPGs, altho that might disappoint some of the failed fuehrers who post here. Methinks they really love the taste of jackboot polish. OGT

[Jingthing]

A red government would be much more THUGocracy, than democracy. Clearly many in the red regions are going along due to fear and intimidation of their red masters.

I really cant believe you write stuff like this Jingthing knowing the background of the leader you adore in your own country.

Believe it. Yes, of course I support President Obama. I see no connection.

I do and your double standards in your postings in these threads is astonishing.

You have already determined if the red shirts formed a government in Thailand they would be more of

a " THUGocracy " and yet you swoon over yourleader who has surrounded himself with some of scariest thugs

in US history ..e.g. .Andy Stern , Van Jones , John Holdren etc etc

Thanks for sharing your bizarre US political views, but lets get back to Thailand, KAY?

[Thunder26]

Military and police forces are coming to Bangkok from different provinces, allegedly to contribute in the upcoming crackdown. Their point for camping is MBK area. This is according to the latest news.

There is no question they are coming, hence the Red blockades which have been neutralized. I am curious where you are picking up the "latest news" though.

From Thai news channels.

[elcent]

TR @jin_nation: Thaksin's AP interview: “we just fight for democracy, let them fight for democracy and justice”

half a minute ago via TweetDeck

This from the guy who has no time to contact with the reds because he's busy with SIM City and Farm-ville saying that now?

We - They ... OMG! - Who Now???

[bangkoklight]

NATION: Leader of Multicolours Tul: Multicolours are free to join PAD movement. About half of this group are former PAD members.

Really? LOL! I would never have guessed.

[Neurath]

A red government would be much more THUGocracy, than democracy. Clearly many in the red regions are going along due to fear and intimidation of their red masters.

I really cant believe you write stuff like this Jingthing knowing the background of the leader you adore in your own country.

Believe it. Yes, of course I support President Obama. I see no connection.

I do and your double standards in your postings in these threads is astonishing.

You have already determined if the red shirts formed a government in Thailand they would be more of

a " THUGocracy " and yet you swoon over yourleader who has surrounded himself with some of scariest thugs

in US history ..e.g. .Andy Stern , Van Jones , John Holdren etc etc

I'm quite surprised how this thing is playing out. I seem to come across a lot of tea bag Red Shirts.

I suppose one reason for that is the use of the term 'elites' which gets them frothing at the mouth.

The way to make their support vacillate would be for the Red to suggest that the best thing for the North-East of Thailand would be a Roosevelt type New Deal.