Thai PM Abhisit Says Working On Roadmap To End Crisis

[webfact]

Thai PM says working on roadmap to end crisis

by Thanaporn Promyamyai

BANGKOK (AFP) -- Thailand's prime minister promised on Monday to produce a political roadmap that would end a stand-off with "Red Shirt" protesters after the country's deadliest civil violence in almost two decades.

But the authorities said they were still planning an operation to disperse the anti-government "Red Shirts", who have occupied parts of the capital since mid-March in a campaign for immediate elections.

"I will present a political solution or roadmap" out of the crisis, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in parliament.

He said the outcome needed to be acceptable to the entire country, not only politicians or protesters.

Abhisit said he hoped to announce the roadmap within days but it was unclear whether it would be enough to persuade the thousands of Red Shirts on the streets of the capital to end their rally.

"This conflict and the situation cannot simply be resolved through force," he told Japanese media separately.

The mostly poor or working class "Red Shirts" have occupied parts of Bangkok since mid-March, defying a state of emergency in their bid to topple a government they see as elitist and undemocratic.

There have been a series of tense confrontations between the demonstrators and the security forces in Bangkok, where 27 people died and nearly 1,000 were injured in unrest last month.

The Red Shirts have reinforced roadblocks and stepped up security checks on the perimeter of their sprawling protest site, which has been fortified with barricades made from piled up truck tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

Abhisit last month rejected a compromise offer by the Reds to disperse if elections were held within three months, and the protesters have reverted to their original demand for snap polls.

"I have never ruled out House dissolution but not today or in 15 or 30 days as requested by the protesters," Abhisit said Monday.

In March he offered to hold elections by the end of 2010 -- a year ahead of schedule -- to end the stand-off, but protest leaders rejected the proposal.

Abhisit's deputy, Suthep Thaugsuban, said elections would come only after order is restored.

"When the prime minister is confident that the country has no conflict and everyone will follow the rule of law, he can decide to dissolve the House and have a new election," he told reporters.

"This political solution must be sustainable and lead to peace and order."

The authorities have repeatedly said they plan to retake the protest site without disclosing when.

A failed April 10 attempt by the army to clear demonstrators from part of Bangkok's historic district sparked fierce street fighting that left 25 people dead and hundreds injured.

"The operation must end the entire problem, not cause other small problems," said army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd, adding that security forces would use armoured vehicles to retake the protest site.

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests. Armoured vehicles will reduce losses for both sides."

The authorities said they had seized rifles and grenade launchers from the home of a suspected Red Shirt as part of an investigation into an apparent attempt to shoot down a military helicopter on April 10.

Many of the Red Shirts seek the return of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup and lives overseas to avoid a jail term for corruption.

Their campaign has caused several hotels and major stores to shutter their doors and prompted foreign governments to warn against travel to the "Land of Smiles", dealing a heavy blow to the vital tourism sector.

The movement faced heavy criticism after about 100 supporters raided a hospital Thursday, mistakenly believing it sheltered security forces preparing a crackdown.

The think-tank International Crisis Group has urged Thailand to consider mediation from outside to avoid a slide into "an undeclared civil war".

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-03

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[BSJ]

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests.

More absurdities! How exactly are armoured vehicles safer for the protesters? I've yet to see a light tank, or for that matter a main battle tank, that is safe heading for unarmed or lightly armed protesters. APC's are also dangerous in close quarters for the untrained.

If the attack does take place being in an armoured vehicle trying to smash through a burning tyre wall isn't such a great idea either! The rancid smoke and the heat can be intense.

[basjke]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

[Explorer]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

[britmaveric]

APC(s) were captured and I think the reds actually knocked them off their tracks.

[Sisaketmike]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

He said the outcome needed to be acceptable to the entire country, not only politicians or protesters.

Seems that he needs to go down the long long road. It's long long way home for red shirts.

Lots of Buffaloes on two legs are without water, because their owners are in Bangkok, time for a road map indeed.

[Nio]

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests.

More absurdities! How exactly are armoured vehicles safer for the protesters? I've yet to see a light tank, or for that matter a main battle tank, that is safe heading for unarmed or lightly armed protesters. APC's are also dangerous in close quarters for the untrained.

If the attack does take place being in an armoured vehicle trying to smash through a burning tyre wall isn't such a great idea either! The rancid smoke and the heat can be intense.

Your comments are utter nonsense.

Armored carriers are used in conflicts around the world.

Do you really think the operators are untrained?

I guess you were not here during Vietnam were you?

The Thai military can take care of themselves the same as any other military.

Tires and Bamboo are no match for the modern armored carriers

As far as smoke and heat, that is a dead giveaway you have no clue about these vehicles

The amored vehicle would go right through these barricades and are well protected from heat and smoke.

The inside is equipped with smoke googles and other equipment designed for this mission.

What the vehicles can do is open up the barricades without subjecting soldiers to getting shot

Once the barricades are opened, chaos ensues as the reds won't hold any kind of military line and it will be easy to see who is running away and who is standing to shoot and fight.

This is 101 around the world.

It is the best way to eliminate loss of life on the soldiers part.

Edited May 3, 2010 by Nio

[jcbangkok]

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests.

More absurdities! How exactly are armoured vehicles safer for the protesters? I've yet to see a light tank, or for that matter a main battle tank, that is safe heading for unarmed or lightly armed protesters. APC's are also dangerous in close quarters for the untrained.

If the attack does take place being in an armoured vehicle trying to smash through a burning tyre wall isn't such a great idea either! The rancid smoke and the heat can be intense.

Your comments are utter nonsense.

Armored carriers are used in conflicts around the world.

Do you really think the operators are untrained?

I guess you were not here during Vietnam were you?

The Thai military can take care of themselves the same as any other military.

Tires and Bamboo are no match for the modern armored carriers

As far as smoke and heat, that is a dead giveaway you have no clue about these vehicles

The amored vehicle would go right through these barricades and are well protected from heat and smoke.

The inside is equipped with smoke googles and other equipment designed for this mission.

What the vehicles can do is open up the barricades without subjecting soldiers to getting shot

Once the barricades are opened, chaos ensues as the reds won't hold any kind of military line and it will be easy to see who is running away and who is standing to shoot and fight.

This is 101 around the world.

It is the best way to eliminate loss of life on the soldiers part.

Lets not forget that the safer the army is then the less they will need to inflict injury to those remaining part of the lawless mob that is holding BKK hostage.

[Redsunset]

This is such BS.... there isn't a "roadmap" in the world that will be acceptable for everyone... Abhisit is really bad at making decisions, isn't he? Horrible at taking accountability... likes to use "democracy" as an excuse not to make tough choices

And I agree with the comments above.... why does he even have to tell us this? He has been saying the same tired thing over and over again. "I have a solution, just wait...." that is a lot of nonsense.

He will not act, will he? He is waiting for the world to end first.

[Redsunset]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

Abhsit is a lousy leader. How long does it take to plan how to disperse a crowd? Surely less than eight weeks?! And this "roadmap??!!" Acceptable to all people??!! Forget it Abhsit! Just take a decision that has been carefully thought through for the best for democracy...

Making a decision is like trying to build a horse through consensus.... you get a camel!!!!!

Abhisit is a terrible administrator.... a NIGHTMARE.

[basjke]

The reds are able to block everything including a train with armed soldiers.But the government is not able to block the food supply to the protesters?

They could have done this 6 weeks ago and all the reds would have been back on their rice paddy long time already by now without using 1 bullit.

[chantorn]

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests.

More absurdities! How exactly are armoured vehicles safer for the protesters? I've yet to see a light tank, or for that matter a main battle tank, that is safe heading for unarmed or lightly armed protesters. APC's are also dangerous in close quarters for the untrained.

If the attack does take place being in an armoured vehicle trying to smash through a burning tyre wall isn't such a great idea either! The rancid smoke and the heat can be intense.

Your comments are utter nonsense.

Armored carriers are used in conflicts around the world.

Do you really think the operators are untrained?

I guess you were not here during Vietnam were you?

The Thai military can take care of themselves the same as any other military.

Tires and Bamboo are no match for the modern armored carriers

As far as smoke and heat, that is a dead giveaway you have no clue about these vehicles

The amored vehicle would go right through these barricades and are well protected from heat and smoke.

The inside is equipped with smoke googles and other equipment designed for this mission.

What the vehicles can do is open up the barricades without subjecting soldiers to getting shot

Once the barricades are opened, chaos ensues as the reds won't hold any kind of military line and it will be easy to see who is running away and who is standing to shoot and fight.

This is 101 around the world.

It is the best way to eliminate loss of life on the soldiers part.

Lets not forget that the safer the army is then the less they will need to inflict injury to those remaining part of the lawless mob that is holding BKK hostage.

I wonder how many Tanks, APVs, Armored carriers were destroyed on 10-Apr-2010 in Khao San Road.

There goes my dad tax money.

Now they want more to be destroyed, what for, so to buy more new ones?

[chantorn]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

Abhsit is a lousy leader. How long does it take to plan how to disperse a crowd? Surely less than eight weeks?! And this "roadmap??!!" Acceptable to all people??!! Forget it Abhsit! Just take a decision that has been carefully thought through for the best for democracy...

Making a decision is like trying to build a horse through consensus.... you get a camel!!!!!

Abhisit is a terrible administrator.... a NIGHTMARE.

Mark may be a terrible administrator, but at least he is 1000 times better looking than Thaksin.

[givenall]

Does anybody really care what he thinks or says. Government has lost all creditability past few weeks, and as everyone can see there is no defense to what these thus do around Thailand. South may be the only safe heaven since they will not put up with any crap from these “formally known as Red Shirts”

[lannarebirth]

This is such BS.... there isn't a "roadmap" in the world that will be acceptable for everyone... Abhisit is really bad at making decisions, isn't he? Horrible at taking accountability... likes to use "democracy" as an excuse not to make tough choices

And I agree with the comments above.... why does he even have to tell us this? He has been saying the same tired thing over and over again. "I have a solution, just wait...." that is a lot of nonsense.

He will not act, will he? He is waiting for the world to end first.

Let's face facts. Thailand and therefore Abhisit has an almost incalculable number of heretofore neglected "issues" and rogue personalities to deal with. Each is a variable that can derail any progress he hopes to make. I think he's trying to either neutralize, bring under his fold, or kill off a large number of these variables with a single solution. Hopefully a not too messy solution. If he can pull it off he wins the Nobel Peace prize, if he can't The military is gonna step in as there's just too much entropy in Thailand as things stand now. Best of luck to him.

[MisterBeetle]

The reds are able to block everything including a train with armed soldiers.But the government is not able to block the food supply to the protesters?

They could have done this 6 weeks ago and all the reds would have been back on their rice paddy long time already by now without using 1 bullit.

Like to see you try and run the country then!

Abhisit has I believe been under a lot of pressure by his advisors as well, he is not the only one running the country you have to realize.

They have had to tread so carefully up till now.

[viking75]

Let me be first to say, road map looks ok. I hope reds can get something out of this as will be under scrutiny.

first thing now is shut the f up at CRES and suthep for five minutes so can start to think about work without this idiots undermine him again.

if CRES win day, there will be Civil War.

[Mekhong]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

Abhsit is a lousy leader. How long does it take to plan how to disperse a crowd? Surely less than eight weeks?! And this "roadmap??!!" Acceptable to all people??!! Forget it Abhsit! Just take a decision that has been carefully thought through for the best for democracy...

Making a decision is like trying to build a horse through consensus.... you get a camel!!!!!

Abhisit is a terrible administrator.... a NIGHTMARE.

Would have to disagree with you there Kh. Daeng. Abhisit is ther most eloquent, articulate (in English and in Thai) and honest PM Thailand has ever had. I am sure his wisdom and patience will prevail and he will continue to be a great and well-respected leader for many years to come. Hope so anyway ...

[landofthefree]

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests.

More absurdities! How exactly are armoured vehicles safer for the protesters? I've yet to see a light tank, or for that matter a main battle tank, that is safe heading for unarmed or lightly armed protesters. APC's are also dangerous in close quarters for the untrained.

If the attack does take place being in an armoured vehicle trying to smash through a burning tyre wall isn't such a great idea either! The rancid smoke and the heat can be intense.

Does anyone believe any promise Abhisit makes? Hasn't he promised all of this before? Maybe someone should tell him the cry wolf story. What a useless prime minister, hate him or not at least Thaksin had the balls to do things not just talk, talk, talk,promise, promise, promise. Most anti red Thais I know dont think Abhisit is capable of doing his job and want rid of him. Enough is enough disolve parliament in 3 months time and lets have elections we will see just how popular he is then.

[Redsunset]

Terrible road map.... states the obvious.... no specifics... says stuff like we must all uphold the monarchy, economic unfairness needs to be addressed, political corruption dealt with blah blah blah.... there is more said on Thai Visa that makes sense and is practical than came out of his mouth tonight.... what in the world has he been working on for these past weeks!!!!

An awful speech..... no specifics.... nothing that we already did not know.... just a bunch of BS....

Typical lawyer... get paid by the hour....

[elcent]

Army spokesman Abhisit announces this and that.

Drama queen Suthep shuts up when things getting serious.

Army sends an envoy led by Kasit to neighboring countries to find asylum for the thugs they don't want here.

Before everything is really getting serious there will be a curfew in about 10 - 20 days

Please do not apply for the "Suthep Drama Queen" award 2010, they're already over-booked.

[Redsunset]

"The armoured vehicles will provide safety for the authorities and protesters as there are armed groups at the protests.

More absurdities! How exactly are armoured vehicles safer for the protesters? I've yet to see a light tank, or for that matter a main battle tank, that is safe heading for unarmed or lightly armed protesters. APC's are also dangerous in close quarters for the untrained.

If the attack does take place being in an armoured vehicle trying to smash through a burning tyre wall isn't such a great idea either! The rancid smoke and the heat can be intense.

Does anyone believe any promise Abhisit makes? Hasn't he promised all of this before? Maybe someone should tell him the cry wolf story. What a useless prime minister, hate him or not at least Thaksin had the balls to do things not just talk, talk, talk,promise, promise, promise. Most anti red Thais I know dont think Abhisit is capable of doing his job and want rid of him. Enough is enough disolve parliament in 3 months time and lets have elections we will see just how popular he is then.

Land of the Free.... my sentiments EXACTLY... Abhisit is a smart guy who talks well but can't get anything done! Everything is a debate, or some high BS speech... just like he is campaigning again... he needs specifics, but he does not have any!!! Just trash....

[landofthefree]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

Abhsit is a lousy leader. How long does it take to plan how to disperse a crowd? Surely less than eight weeks?! And this "roadmap??!!" Acceptable to all people??!! Forget it Abhsit! Just take a decision that has been carefully thought through for the best for democracy...

Making a decision is like trying to build a horse through consensus.... you get a camel!!!!!

Abhisit is a terrible administrator.... a NIGHTMARE.

Would have to disagree with you there Kh. Daeng. Abhisit is ther most eloquent, articulate (in English and in Thai) and honest PM Thailand has ever had. I am sure his wisdom and patience will prevail and he will continue to be a great and well-respected leader for many years to come. Hope so anyway ...

Have a look at what reporters without borders think of Abhisits censorship for political control and tell me if you still think he is well respected worldwide.http://en.rsf.org/surveillance-thailand,36673.html

[Redsunset]

Army spokesman Abhisit announces this and that.

Drama queen Suthep shuts up when things getting serious.

Army sends an envoy led by Kasit to neighboring countries to find asylum for the thugs they don't want here.

Before everything is really getting serious there will be a curfew in about 10 - 20 days

Please do not apply for the "Suthep Drama Queen" award 2010, they're already over-booked.

Hahaha! Elcent.... Excellent! Well said!

[sicktodeathofit]

Does anyone believe any promise Abhisit makes? Hasn't he promised all of this before? Maybe someone should tell him the cry wolf story. What a useless prime minister, hate him or not at least Thaksin had the balls to do things not just talk, talk, talk,promise, promise, promise. Most anti red Thais I know dont think Abhisit is capable of doing his job and want rid of him. Enough is enough disolve parliament in 3 months time and lets have elections we will see just how popular he is then.

Abhisit is becoming more and more popular as each day goes by, he's a very smart man.

Edited May 3, 2010 by sicktodeathofit

[Redsunset]

Isn't the PM announcing this for the past 6 weeks?Seems it is a very long roadmap.

"it's a long long road........"

Abhsit is a lousy leader. How long does it take to plan how to disperse a crowd? Surely less than eight weeks?! And this "roadmap??!!" Acceptable to all people??!! Forget it Abhsit! Just take a decision that has been carefully thought through for the best for democracy...

Making a decision is like trying to build a horse through consensus.... you get a camel!!!!!

Abhisit is a terrible administrator.... a NIGHTMARE.

Would have to disagree with you there Kh. Daeng. Abhisit is ther most eloquent, articulate (in English and in Thai) and honest PM Thailand has ever had. I am sure his wisdom and patience will prevail

and he will continue to be a great and well-respected leader for many years to come. Hope so anyway ...

Being eloquent and articulate means nothing if you can't get anything done. Fact is, this man, Abhisit has talked and talked and talked... and never yet delivered!!!! I will dub him the BROKEN RECORD PM.... because he keeps saying the same thing over and over again and he does NOTHING.... he is good for protocol... you know, opening up new exhibits, greeting foreign dignitaries, speaking for the real leaders to the foreign press... as for administrating and solving problems and creating relevant effective policy, Abhisit is a JOKE!

[Redsunset]

That's it.... I am fed up with Abhisit. He is a smart guy, but he is just proof positive that an Oxford Degree means nothing when you have to get things done. It means nothing when you have to make tough decisions.

Abhisit is great on the sidelines, critiquing, debating, speaking eloquently, but he is a DISASTER when it comes to leading. I mean the guy probably should have known he was a lousy leader when the somtom stand he opened when he was 15 went bankrupt in its first week... Jeeeez!

Abhist is boardering on USELESS, during this crisis... I mean a moron could have done better than him. And consider this... I like Abhisit as a person! He seems like a nice guy!!!

Edited May 3, 2010 by Redsunset

[landofthefree]

That's it.... I am fed up with Abhisit. He is a smart guy, but he is just proof positive that an Oxford Degree means nothing when you have to get things done. It means nothing when you have to make tough decisions.

Abhisit is great on the sidelines, critiquing, debating, speaking eloquently, but he is a DISASTER when it comes to leading. I mean the guy probably should have known he was a lousy leader when the somtom stand he opened when he was 15 went bankrupt in its first week... Jeeeez!

Abhist is boardering on USELESS, during this crisis... I mean a moron could have done better than him. And consider this... I like Abhisit as a person! He seems like a nice guy!!!

I notice that he has just called elections for mid November. Does this mean the red shirts will be on the streets for another 6 months and more??

[Redsunset]

This is such BS.... there isn't a "roadmap" in the world that will be acceptable for everyone... Abhisit is really bad at making decisions, isn't he? Horrible at taking accountability... likes to use "democracy" as an excuse not to make tough choices

And I agree with the comments above.... why does he even have to tell us this? He has been saying the same tired thing over and over again. "I have a solution, just wait...." that is a lot of nonsense.

He will not act, will he? He is waiting for the world to end first.

Let's face facts. Thailand and therefore Abhisit has an almost incalculable number of heretofore neglected "issues" and rogue personalities to deal with. Each is a variable that can derail any progress he hopes to make. I think he's trying to either neutralize, bring under his fold, or kill off a large number of these variables with a single solution. Hopefully a not too messy solution. If he can pull it off he wins the Nobel Peace prize, if he can't The military is gonna step in as there's just too much entropy in Thailand as things stand now. Best of luck to him.

Precisely, Lannar.... you can't create a comprehensive roadmap to solve an entire countries woes in a few day and in a 20 minute speech... actually after reading it again, it is just a bunch of hot air and nice to haves... but way to short on substance... in my view, there is nothing there, really. You can't cure the whole thing in one go... besides, didn't he forget to include the red shirts in crafting this roadmap? I mean you can't expect commitment if they have not been involved.... The Prime Minister's Roadmap is a total waste of time... a good start, but a helluva long way to go.

[lannarebirth]

That's it.... I am fed up with Abhisit. He is a smart guy, but he is just proof positive that an Oxford Degree means nothing when you have to get things done. It means nothing when you have to make tough decisions.

Abhisit is great on the sidelines, critiquing, debating, speaking eloquently, but he is a DISASTER when it comes to leading. I mean the guy probably should have known he was a lousy leader when the somtom stand he opened when he was 15 went bankrupt in its first week... Jeeeez!

Abhist is boardering on USELESS, during this crisis... I mean a moron could have done better than him. And consider this... I like Abhisit as a person! He seems like a nice guy!!!

I notice that he has just called elections for mid November. Does this mean the red shirts will be on the streets for another 6 months and more??

If they are, elections will likely not be in Novemeber. "Up to them".

Edited May 3, 2010 by lannarebirth