PM Abhisit Announces Next Election Will Be Held On Nov 14

[Mosha]

So today we can expect them to didperse? Duck, there are squadrons of low flying pigs approaching.

[Jerrytheyoung]

First, the crisis is ending smoothly and we have to salute Anupong for its restraints. It is a major step in Thai History. From the beginning of the conflict, I have stated that Army should be a symbol of Unity, particularly as it is an army of conscrits. Police also has shown some restraints. What is missing in the tool panoply of any Thai Government is a professional Police Anti Riot Force. It is time now to think implementing such a police Force directly under command of Government, in plus of clear rules for demonstrating.

Secondly, it is a big step ahead for democracy and social progress at the condition, Government and red Shirt leaders take the necessary time to finalise the agreement under all its more important aspects. The time spend in discussions now is a precious time which is building the unity and cleaning the dissonances in the Thai society. We should not push to rush as if an important clausus is missing in the agreement it can be source of resurgent conflicts. I say to Government and Red Shirts, everybody knows we are going to Peace, take your time for formalising the agreement in order all major aspects are covered and risks of resurgent conflicts are eliminated. To all the impatients, I say you are postponing troubles by your impatience.

Thirdly, a strong reform of Administration particularly Police should be on the working table after Elections. A lot of abnormalities have been unveiled throughout the conflict, amidst them weapons nearly free circulation and smuggling in which Police Officers were involved. Police has to be restructured and cleaned from corruption. I have suggested as a first step that fines are paid by stamps: stamps sold in outlets like 7/11 and the whole fine system under Ministry of Finances management, police not involved in collecting money. I suggest also a super police: Police of Police for proceeding to the internal cleaning.

A great turning point in history for Thailand.

Edited May 6, 2010 by Jerrytheyoung

[whybother]

First, the crisis is ending smoothly and we have to salute Anupong for its restraints. It is a major step in Thai History. From the beginning of the conflict, I have stated that Army should be a symbol of Unity, particularly as it is an army of conscrits. Police also has shown some restraints. What is missing in the tool panoply of any Thai Government is a professional Police Anti Riot Force. It is time now to think implementing such a police Force directly under command of Government, in plus of clear rules for demonstrating.

Secondly, it is a big step ahead for democracy and social progress at the condition, Government and red Shirt leaders take the necessary time to finalise the agreement under all its more important aspects. The time spend in discussions now is a precious time which is building the unity and cleaning the dissonances in the Thai society. We should not push to rush as if an important clausus is missing in the agreement it can be source of resurgent conflicts. I say to Government and Red Shirts, everybody knows we are going to Peace, take your time for formalising the agreement in order all major aspects are covered and risks of resurgent conflicts are eliminated. To all the impatients, I say you are postponing troubles by your impatience.

Thirdly, a strong reform of Administration particularly Police should be on the working table after Elections. A lot of abnormalities have been unveiled throughout the conflict, amidst them weapons nearly free circulation and smuggling in which Police Officers were involved. Police has to be restructured and cleaned from corruption. I have suggested as a first step that fines are paid by stamps: stamps sold in outlets like 7/11 and the whole fine system under Ministry of Finances management, police not involved in collecting money. I suggest also a super police: Police of Police for proceeding to the internal cleaning.

A great turning point in history for Thailand.

Just a point ...

IF Thailand had a professional riot police, how would they have dealt with grenades and the "black-clad men"?

[Jerrytheyoung]

"Just a point ...

IF Thailand had a professional riot police, how would they have dealt with grenades and the "black-clad men"

First, all those militia from any side have to be eliminated and circulation of weaponry forbidden: Thailand looks like the Wild west in the 19th Century...Smuggling of weapons looks nearly like a normal activity

Secondly to answer directly to your question, if you take the example of the French CRS, inside this Force, you have elite commandos, trained for special operations like management of aircraft hijacking, Bank hijacking, they are used against terrorist activities.

In quiet period, this Anti Riot Force is used in complementarity with Police for normal operations, which means in France, you can find them doing the Circulation during week end.

Recruited amidst policeman and military (when decommissioned) with a higher salary than basic Police, strictly professional, career independant of political Parties (This is also something which is destabilising in Thailand, influence of Politics over administrative functions, should be limited to the higher levels only).......

Edited May 6, 2010 by Jerrytheyoung

[Jerrytheyoung]

As example the french Anti riot Force well known under "CRS" Total number of employees= 13,000 currently

The Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS) (English: Republican Security Companies) are the riot control forces and general reserve of the French National Police. The CRS were created on 8 December 1944 and the first units were organised by 31 January 1945. The CRS were reorganized in 1948. The task for which they are best known in popular culture is crowd and riot control and re-establishment of order. Their suppressive role and occasional abuse of force has led to criticisms among certain demonstrators.

The expression les CRS means the whole force. It would be understood in the feminine plural insofar as the noun compagnie is feminine, but is typically used in the masculine to refer to the troops, most of whom are male (thus, masc.pl.). In French slang un CRS (masc.sg.) may mean "a CRS man".

Role

CRS missions include:

• Motorway police in urban areas

• Rescue operations on France's beaches (some CRS officers are trained in beach safety)

• Security of public buildings

• Mountain Rescue

The CRS are grouped in units living in barracks. They generally operate away from their base town.

Company composition

There are currently 61 companies; most of these companies have four platoons each, and others have six platoons. The composition for 4-platoon companies is thus:

• 1 Commander

• 1 Captain

• 2 Lieutenants

• 1~4 Brigadier-Majors

• 12~25 Brigadier-Chiefs

• 100~120 Guards

Organization

• 1 Central Directorate under a Director-general of the National Police in Paris ;

• 7 Zonal Directorates in each of the military's defence zones;

• 60 General Service Companies (for the maintenance of public order) ;

• 1 VIP Escort compagny (CRS n° 1);

• 9 Autoroute Companies (Highway Patrol);

• 6 Zonal Motorcycle Units;

• 1 Mountain Group (Pyrenees);

• CRS Band (attached to CRS n° 1).

Edited May 6, 2010 by Jerrytheyoung

[ChiangMaiFun]

Such is the nature of coalition governments in a corrupt society. Give me some names for the PTP cabinet if you would please.

I confess my knowledge is not detailed enough to enage you on this point - I just have a natural 'allergy' to coalitions as they do let in 'bizzare choices' because it's all about negotiating with your enemy! I'm English and hoping it doesn't happen to Uk too at the election today but even if it did you would not get the bizzare choices that have plagued Abhisit's cabinet - I mean - admit it... what a choice for FM and Deputy... how can someone banned from being an MP be DPM? now THAT is weird! and as for the FM - I wouldn't put him in charge of a childrens teaparty.

EDIT: dam_n I deleted the 'middle' post and it still said i was quoting too many blocks - I know it's APITA - I asked the mod to send an example but nothing so far - it's going to be one of those easy things that once you know it's easy peasy I guess *sigh*

Edited May 6, 2010 by ChiangMaiFun

[Jerrytheyoung]

Just a point ...

IF Thailand had a professional riot police, how would they have dealt with grenades and the "black-clad men"?

I have checked our Police Organisation in plus of the CRS, we have commandos of the RAIDS (180 men). To be noticed than depending of Army (gendarmerie) we have similar commandos for External threats and abroad operations (named GIGN).

Recherche Assistance Intervention Dissuasion (Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence) or RAID is, like the GIGN, a Special Operations tactical unit of the National Police with more manpower and equipment. Its responsibility areas are Paris and the suburbs as well as "Plan Piratair" (for plane hijackings), nuclear sites, the Channel Tunnel, the trains, and other strategic sites. It is the National Police's primary anti-terrorism unit and the counterpart of the GIGN of the Gendarmerie Nationale. RAID was founded by Robert Broussard and Ange Mancini in 1985, in response to a bombing and murder campaign.

History

On 13 May 1993, a disturbed man named Eric Schmitt, calling himself "HB" (for "Human Bomb", in English), and carrying large quantities of explosives, took 21 children hostages in a school in Neuilly. Nicolas Sarkozy, mayor of Neuilly at the time, managed to obtain the liberation of several children, though he was put aside of the negotiation process later on, being not a professional negotiator and thus risking interference with the police forces. After 46 hours, with the hostage-taker falling asleep, members of RAID crept into the school to evacuate the 6 remaining children. Schmitt was shot dead by 3 bullets to the head as he tried to reach the explosives. All the children were safe, as well as their teacher and a nurse.

RAID also arrested members of Action Directe in a more anti-terrorist action.

Recently, RAID operators saw action during the 2005 and 2006 riots in France, as well as in a hostage situation in Versailles, where an armed man was shot dead by RAID operators after coming under attack.

RAID is in charge of the protection of foreign dignitaries traveling in France. Three of its members have died in service.

Organisation

RAID has a strength of around 180 men and is divided into three main sections with about 60 members each:

First Section

The first section deals with the usual tasks of special forces: intervention, monitoring, protection.

Second Section

The second section is the Research and Development unit of the RAID. It studies techniques and collects information. This section is divided into three groups:

Intelligence Group

Technical Group

Weaponry Group

Third section

The Third section deals with the psychological aspects of the interventions. It is in charge of negotiations and crisis management.

It also provides psychological support for the policemen in the unit and in the whole French Police. It is composed of forensic experts, a psychologist and physicians.

The Negotiation group is on permanent alert. It deals with suicides, violent crises, mental disorders, hostage crises and other major troubles, independently from the rest of the RAID. It assesses the dangers of the situation, suggests possible solutions, and helps with the negotiations and the resolution of the crises. If the whole RAID has to intervene, the Negotiations section is used as a reconnaissance unit, and prepares the intervention of the other sections. To join the unit, an officer needs five years duty within the Police Nationale and after passing a thorough test he will serve in the RAID for five years. With a commendation he can expand it further five years. All members must leave the tactical unit after ten years. Officers over thirty-five can not make an application.

[edit] Specialities

Assault Groups

Sniper

Parachutist

Diver

Demolition

Effraction

Group of Research and Information

Dog handlers

Logistics

Negotiators

Equipment

Benelli M3

Beretta M3P

Colt M4A1

FN Herstal Minimi

FN Herstal P90[3]

Franchi SPAS-15

Glock 17 / 17L / 18 / 19 / 26 / 34

Heckler & Koch G36

Heckler & Koch HK53

Heckler & Koch HK69A1

Heckler & Koch MG3

Heckler & Koch MP5K

Heckler & Koch PSG1

Manurhin MR 73

PGM Precision Hecate II

PGM Precision Ultima Ratio

Remington 870

Sig Sauer SG553

[mavup]

Yes the MP's are selected by the electorate to form the parliament , fair . This parliament selected Samak , and then Somchai . Was the parliament that elected Abhisit the same as the one that was elected by the polls . Answer is NO , it was not elected in his current form by the electorate , it was doctored by a court . Now you may remove 50 Mps from the majority so that the majority becomes the minority and PM is changed and claim that the rest of MPs are elected but that is not how a democracy works . Or alternatively 50 MPs can switch side and join the opposition but that would raise so much questions in mature democracies that it is unthinkable , that the PM resulting from such a move assuming you could find any accepting the job (doubtfull) , would even pretend beeing legally elected without disolving the parliament and asking for new fresh elections . I can not even start to imagine something similar to Thailand happening in the UK .

How did you get the number of 50 MP's? You made it up didn't you? The dissolution of the PPP resulted in 15 (not 50) being banned for 5 years. Other parties were also dissolved, total still less than 35, and some of these are known PAD supporters.

Here's a breakdown of the rogues:

List of MPs banned by the Constitution Court's ruling

Members of the People Power Party executive board (37)

1. Samak Sundaravej*

2. Yongyuth Tiyapairat

3. Kan Tienkaew*

4. Chaiya Sasomsap**

5. Somchai Wongsawat**

6. Sompong Amornwiwat**

7. Ruangroj Mahasaranont

8. Sampan Lertnuwat*

9. Prasong Boonpong*

10. Supaporn Tienkaew

11. Suwat Wannasirikul*

12. Surapong Suebwonglee*

13. Anusorn Wongwan*

14 Noppadon Pattama

15. Choosak Sirinin

16. Sukhumpong Ngonkham**

17. Songkram Kijlertpairote**

18. Kudeb Saikrachang*

19. Sutha Chansaeng

20. Srimuang Chareonsiri**

21. Mongkol Kimsuchan

22. Waipoj Arpornrat

23. Songsak Thongsri*

24. Saman Lertwongrat

25. Nisit Sinthuprai*

26. Theerachai Saenkaew**

27. Veerapol Adireksarn*

28. Suthin Klangsaeng*

29. Ithi Sirilattayakorn*

30. Kittikorn Lohsunthorn *

31. Boonlue Prasertsopa*

32. Pichet Tancharoen

33. Malinee Puthasueb

34. Piyarat Tienkaew

35. Saranya Saengwima

36. Manatpreeya Putosueb

37. Kanchanicha Taemdee

--------------------------------------------------------

Members of the Chart Thai Party executive board (43)

1. Banharn Silpa-archa*

2. Somsak Prissanananthakul**

3. Winai Wiriyakijja

4. Jongchai Thiengtham

5. Anurak Chureemat

6. Kanchana Silpa-archa*

7. Nikorn Chamnong

8. Weerasak Kowsurat**

9. Prapat Panyachatraksa

10. Prapat Photasuthon*

11. Kasem Sorasakkasem

12. Nattawut Prasertsuwan*

13. Janista Liewchalermwong

14.Ponsen*

15. Monthien Songpracha

16. Thamma Pinsukanchana

17. Kamol Jirapanwanich*

18. Kuheng Yawohasan*

19. Chaiyawut Thanakamanusorn*

20. Theerapan Weerayuthwattana

21. Buppa Angkinant

22. Banthoon Kiatkongchuchai

23. Panawat Liangpongpan*

24. Pathompong Soonchan

25. Porrarat Yodnen

26. Mongkol Kowwattanawongrak

27. Yuthana Phothasuthon*

28. Rattakit Paleepat*

29. Varawut Silapa-archa**

30. Wipat Kongmalai

31. Wirat Pimpanit

32. Wichit Yaembunruang

33. Sakchai Chintawej*

34. Sawat Horrungruang

35. Sompat Kaewpijit**

36. Siripong Angkasakulkiat*

37. Somchai Thaitan

38. Supatra Wimolsombt

39. Ekapoj Banyaem*

40. Ekasit Kunananthakul

41. Amorn Ananthachai

42. Kritchai Makkayathorn

43. Samerkan Thiangtham*

-----------------------------------------------------

Members of the Matchima Thipataya Party executive board (29)

1. Prachai Leopairat

2. Pramual Leopairat

3. Sunthorn Wilawal

4. Intarat Yodbangtoey

5. Banyin Tangpakorn**

6. Praduj Manmai

7. Karun Saingarm

8. Thanaporn Sriyakun

9. Wiwat Nitikanchana

10. Anongwan Thepsuthin**

11. Manoo Maneewattana

12. Rachot Pisitbannakorn

13. Sombun Thongburan

14. Suwit Chompunutchinda

15. Silapin Buranasilapin

16 Narong Piriya-anek

17. Somporn Longji

18. Supaporn Chuanbun

19. Kanokwan Wilawan

20. Suthep Sattapol

21. Chumporn Kunikakorn

22. Methee Chatchindarat

23. Maleerat Kaewka

24. Kamnuan Mohprasit

25. Kritsada Satjakul

26. Sukhum Laowansiri

27. Nawin Kanthahiran

28. Butsaba Yodbangtoey

29. Ditatpana Sootsukon

* MPs

** Cabinet Members

[pornsasi]

Just a point ...

IF Thailand had a professional riot police, how would they have dealt with grenades and the "black-clad men"?

By arresting them .

The role of security forces (SF) in any protest dispersal are different from the role of an army in times of war

The SF must obey to 3 basic rules : de-escalation , intelligence gathering and prevention , multi-graded response .

Deescalation :

the SF cannot face protesters with fire arms . Bring firearms and the protesters will do the same .

Bring tanks , and the protesters will bring RPG and bazookas

Bring planes and the protester will bring hand held missiles , if they have any

This is an image but simple to understand

Intelligence and prevention

Every protest surrounding areas must be patrolled by SF units and also some SF in civilan clothes to make sure

armed rogue elements are immediately dealt with , meaning arrested on the spot .

multigraded response

if protesters using their fist and rods then SF use tear gas , water cannon and truncheon ONLY

If protesters then start throwing stones or heavy objects at SF , other units with rubber bullets

are called upon .

Fire arms (live bullets) are not necessary as opposition dealt with in this respect as

part of intelligence and prevention . But unit with firearms can be present at some distance of the

protest itself , in adjacent streets for example

Edited May 6, 2010 by pornsasi

[noahvail]

Not really.

But tanks are useful as a last resort.

In times of war they are

Didn't the Reds announce that they declared war?

They said it onstage, but I never saw a declaration of war in writing, so it doesn't really count.

It does count as sedition, but not as treason. Close, though...

[thaihome]

Yes the MP's are selected by the electorate to form the parliament , fair . This parliament selected Samak , and then Somchai . Was the parliament that elected Abhisit the same as the one that was elected by the polls . Answer is NO , it was not elected in his current form by the electorate , it was doctored by a court . Now you may remove 50 Mps from the majority so that the majority becomes the minority and PM is changed and claim that the rest of MPs are elected but that is not how a democracy works . Or alternatively 50 MPs can switch side and join the opposition but that would raise so much questions in mature democracies that it is unthinkable , that the PM resulting from such a move assuming you could find any accepting the job (doubtfull) , would even pretend beeing legally elected without disolving the parliament and asking for new fresh elections . I can not even start to imagine something similar to Thailand happening in the UK .

How did you get the number of 50 MP's? You made it up didn't you? The dissolution of the PPP resulted in 15 (not 50) being banned for 5 years. Other parties were also dissolved, total still less than 35, and some of these are known PAD supporters.

Here's a breakdown of the rogues:

List of MPs banned by the Constitution Court's ruling

Members of the People Power Party executive board (37)

1. Samak Sundaravej*

2. Yongyuth Tiyapairat

3. Kan Tienkaew*

4. Chaiya Sasomsap**

5. Somchai Wongsawat**

6. Sompong Amornwiwat**

7. Ruangroj Mahasaranont

8. Sampan Lertnuwat*

9. Prasong Boonpong*

10. Supaporn Tienkaew

11. Suwat Wannasirikul*

12. Surapong Suebwonglee*

13. Anusorn Wongwan*

14 Noppadon Pattama

15. Choosak Sirinin

16. Sukhumpong Ngonkham**

17. Songkram Kijlertpairote**

18. Kudeb Saikrachang*

19. Sutha Chansaeng

20. Srimuang Chareonsiri**

21. Mongkol Kimsuchan

22. Waipoj Arpornrat

23. Songsak Thongsri*

24. Saman Lertwongrat

25. Nisit Sinthuprai*

26. Theerachai Saenkaew**

27. Veerapol Adireksarn*

28. Suthin Klangsaeng*

29. Ithi Sirilattayakorn*

30. Kittikorn Lohsunthorn *

31. Boonlue Prasertsopa*

32. Pichet Tancharoen

33. Malinee Puthasueb

34. Piyarat Tienkaew

35. Saranya Saengwima

36. Manatpreeya Putosueb

37. Kanchanicha Taemdee

--------------------------------------------------------

Members of the Chart Thai Party executive board (43)

1. Banharn Silpa-archa*

2. Somsak Prissanananthakul**

3. Winai Wiriyakijja

4. Jongchai Thiengtham

5. Anurak Chureemat

6. Kanchana Silpa-archa*

7. Nikorn Chamnong

8. Weerasak Kowsurat**

9. Prapat Panyachatraksa

10. Prapat Photasuthon*

11. Kasem Sorasakkasem

12. Nattawut Prasertsuwan*

13. Janista Liewchalermwong

14.Ponsen*

15. Monthien Songpracha

16. Thamma Pinsukanchana

17. Kamol Jirapanwanich*

18. Kuheng Yawohasan*

19. Chaiyawut Thanakamanusorn*

20. Theerapan Weerayuthwattana

21. Buppa Angkinant

22. Banthoon Kiatkongchuchai

23. Panawat Liangpongpan*

24. Pathompong Soonchan

25. Porrarat Yodnen

26. Mongkol Kowwattanawongrak

27. Yuthana Phothasuthon*

28. Rattakit Paleepat*

29. Varawut Silapa-archa**

30. Wipat Kongmalai

31. Wirat Pimpanit

32. Wichit Yaembunruang

33. Sakchai Chintawej*

34. Sawat Horrungruang

35. Sompat Kaewpijit**

36. Siripong Angkasakulkiat*

37. Somchai Thaitan

38. Supatra Wimolsombt

39. Ekapoj Banyaem*

40. Ekasit Kunananthakul

41. Amorn Ananthachai

42. Kritchai Makkayathorn

43. Samerkan Thiangtham*

-----------------------------------------------------

Members of the Matchima Thipataya Party executive board (29)

1. Prachai Leopairat

2. Pramual Leopairat

3. Sunthorn Wilawal

4. Intarat Yodbangtoey

5. Banyin Tangpakorn**

6. Praduj Manmai

7. Karun Saingarm

8. Thanaporn Sriyakun

9. Wiwat Nitikanchana

10. Anongwan Thepsuthin**

11. Manoo Maneewattana

12. Rachot Pisitbannakorn

13. Sombun Thongburan

14. Suwit Chompunutchinda

15. Silapin Buranasilapin

16 Narong Piriya-anek

17. Somporn Longji

18. Supaporn Chuanbun

19. Kanokwan Wilawan

20. Suthep Sattapol

21. Chumporn Kunikakorn

22. Methee Chatchindarat

23. Maleerat Kaewka

24. Kamnuan Mohprasit

25. Kritsada Satjakul

26. Sukhum Laowansiri

27. Nawin Kanthahiran

28. Butsaba Yodbangtoey

29. Ditatpana Sootsukon

* MPs

** Cabinet Members

Most of the people on that list were not members of parliment. 41 MP's were impacted by the court ruling. 22 from the PPP and 19 from Chart Thai. None of the Matchima Thipataya board were MP's. The PM is the only cabinet member required to be an MP.

It was not so much losing the 41 MP's that cost the PTP (PPP successor party), but the fact that the Friends of Newin (all ex-PPP MP's) did not join it and setup thier own party and along with the successor to the Chart Thai joined the coalition. It didn't help that in the Jan 09 by-election, the PPP only got 9 of the 29 seats up for election.

TH

[pornsasi]

Not really.

But tanks are useful as a last resort.

In times of war they are

Didn't the Reds announce that they declared war?

Does it ever happen to you when very angry with someone to say I will punch or even kill that person ?

It happens to most of us , myself included .

Does that mean that I would punch or kill that person FOR REAL ? No it does not mean that .

So you got to see the difference between a threat and the real thing .

Granted to you that doing it in public during a political gathering is making the threat much worse

but it is still only a threat .

[noahvail]

One of the problems of jumping back in to a discussion after a 14-hour absence is that you can end up posting way out of sequence. Here goes anyway, about the word 'mandate.'

This will explain a couple of things about me too Back in the 50s in the US, a federal election mandate was considered to be when: 1) the House and Senate were each composed of 67% of the President's political party and 2) when the President himself received a similar percentage of votes.

Having 51% of the representatives in your corner meant, except for those who voted against as a conscience vote, virtually guaranteed passage of any bill the President wanted to put forward. I know, the President cannot actually submit a bill into law, but his minions in each House of Congress can do so on his behalf, as it were.

But I digress. Over the years, that 2/3 majority needed to be considered a mandate was dropped down in the press, I recall a 61% before it dropped into the 50s. I think the silliest one I ever saw was when one party got 51% and the other got 49% - and the reporters called it a mandate.

There are other definitions, of course, of mandate, but few apply to election politics as such.

It just seems that if we're going to talk about mandates, we should agree on what that word means - a simple majority (50% + 1) or a very large majority.

Bloody 'ell guys, I missed some great discussions, but I actually *do* have a life outside of TV

[cheguevara]

TAN Network: PAD says PM has failed to solve Thailand's political crisis and should resign

THE NATION: Now PAD is doing Reds' job of asking Abhisit to leave. Dear me.

Hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[noahvail]

Curiouser and curiouser, said Alice.

[noahvail]

Seriously, what does PAD's statement add to the ongoing peace process?

Do they think that Mr Ahbisit is on the ropes, weakened and tired from dealing with the red shirt?

Can they be trying to improve their political position in the country?

Are they looking for a similar treatment of their members as the red shirts have now received/will be receiving?

I'm getting old watching all these bits and pieces unfurl into a tattered flag. But hey, we're just foreigners here, with no legal say (with the exception of our friends who have already obtained citizenship).

It used to be nice to be neutral, easy to take the high ground on any side of the discussion. The Chula fiasco pushed me one way, and now PAD's statements will push me the other way again if they follow their words through with actions.

[SomTumTiger]

As I have been saying for years - Red, Yellow, they are ALL IDIOTS. Work within the democratic system for change. Imagine if Puea Thai actually worked as a functioning opposition, instead of Thaksin's colostomy bag? Imagine if they actually came up with other alternative legistraltion, to put the country forward. Their only response is "If the Dems like it, it must be bad" A bad joke. Like it or not, the Democrats are the only source for any hope regarding the development of a decent democracy in this country. Abhisit's legacy as a voice of reason and the middle way, gets stronger every single day.

[midas]

TAN Network: PAD says PM has failed to solve Thailand's political crisis and should resign

THE NATION: Now PAD is doing Reds' job of asking Abhisit to leave. Dear me.

Hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

unbelievable ! ha

If i was a composer this would be a worthy storyline for a Thai version of Les Misérables

with Thaksin as the Jean Valjean character

[gl9999]

Not really.

But tanks are useful as a last resort.

In times of war they are

Didn't the Reds announce that they declared war?

Does it ever happen to you when very angry with someone to say I will punch or even kill that person ?

It happens to most of us , myself included .

Does that mean that I would punch or kill that person FOR REAL ? No it does not mean that .

So you got to see the difference between a threat and the real thing .

Granted to you that doing it in public during a political gathering is making the threat much worse

but it is still only a threat .

It is not ONLY a threat. These people aren't supposed to be 'normal' people making idle threats. These people aren't supposed to trash talk. When you're a politician on the stage with thousands of your supporters there listening to you, with the television cameras right at your face, everything you say is serious. The red shirt leaders are politicians and they know that. There's no excuse for this kind of talk.

[pornsasi]

It is not ONLY a threat. These people aren't supposed to be 'normal' people making idle threats. These people aren't supposed to trash talk. When you're a politician on the stage with thousands of your supporters there listening to you, with the television cameras right at your face, everything you say is serious. The red shirt leaders are politicians and they know that. There's no excuse for this kind of talk.

yes thats what i said also .

I mean almost ... however better to just talk bout it then do it for real

Edited May 6, 2010 by pornsasi

[pornsasi]

TAN Network: PAD says PM has failed to solve Thailand's political crisis and should resign

THE NATION: Now PAD is doing Reds' job of asking Abhisit to leave. Dear me.

Hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

unbelievable ! ha

If i was a composer this would be a worthy storyline for a Thai version of Les Misérables

with Thaksin as the Jean Valjean character

Next move . The dems under the PM forms a coalition with PT , Reds are joining in supporting the governement .

Watch this ....

[midas]

TAN Network: PAD says PM has failed to solve Thailand's political crisis and should resign

THE NATION: Now PAD is doing Reds' job of asking Abhisit to leave. Dear me.

Hahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

unbelievable ! ha

If i was a composer this would be a worthy storyline for a Thai version of Les Misérables

with Thaksin as the Jean Valjean character

Next move . The dems under the PM forms a coalition with PT , Reds are joining in supporting the governement .

Watch this ....

Rumour has it that the red leaders are giving the yellows a familiarisation tour of the Rajaprasong facilites

right now so they can have a seamless “ hand over “…

[pornsasi]

Rumour has it that the red leaders are giving the yellows a familiarisation tour of the Rajaprasong facilites

right now so they can have a seamless " hand over "…

nothing impossible in Thai politics

[WinnieTheKhwai]

It gets better: The CRES now claims to be trying to prevent the Reds to smuggle weapons OUT OF the Ratchaprasong area. No doubt they'll do just as a good a job of it as they did preventing them from getting them in!! Unless of course it was just words in both cases..

[noahvail]

<snipped good stuff for brevity>

IF Thailand had a professional riot police, how would they have dealt with grenades and the "black-clad men"

With short, controlled bursts.

[Jingthing]

It gets better: The CRES now claims to be trying to prevent the Reds to smuggle weapons OUT OF the Ratchaprasong area. No doubt they'll do just as a good a job of it as they did preventing them from getting them in!! Unless of course it was just words in both cases..

What's your point? Don't you think it is a good idea to at least try to seize the insurgent's illegal lethal weapons?

[frodo]

Seriously, what does PAD's statement add to the ongoing peace process?

Do they think that Mr Ahbisit is on the ropes, weakened and tired from dealing with the red shirt?

Can they be trying to improve their political position in the country?

Are they looking for a similar treatment of their members as the red shirts have now received/will be receiving?

I'm getting old watching all these bits and pieces unfurl into a tattered flag. But hey, we're just foreigners here, with no legal say (with the exception of our friends who have already obtained citizenship).

It used to be nice to be neutral, easy to take the high ground on any side of the discussion. The Chula fiasco pushed me one way, and now PAD's statements will push me the other way again if they follow their words through with actions.

I agree with you, Noahvail. I too am getting tired of seeing both sides acting like foolish idiots. As a side note, I do hope that when Abhihsit declared no amnesty for those who committed major offences, that will also include PAD. They are just as rotten to the core as the reds.

[quiksilva]

PAD have their own political party namely the New Politics Party, so it could well be positioning for upcoming election looking for hard line yellow support.

Just a thought.

[rixalex]

It gets better: The CRES now claims to be trying to prevent the Reds to smuggle weapons OUT OF the Ratchaprasong area. No doubt they'll do just as a good a job of it as they did preventing them from getting them in!! Unless of course it was just words in both cases..

Just because the CRES say they are going to do something, doesn't mean they will be successful. The real failure here wasn't that they were unable to prevent weapons coming in, it's that the reds decided to bring them.

[quiksilva]

Wow Thai political comedy continues

We all know the Dems could be dissolved for violating financial rules...

BUT for making their boards too SMALL?

The Democrat Party had no malicious intent when it might have violated the Bt29 million funds paid by the Election Commission to subsidise the party's campaign billboards in the last general election, party's MP Charchai Issasenarak said on Thursday.

"It is unbelievable that the oldest political party may be punished by dissolution because it unintentionally made smaller-than-specified billboards which were, in fact, harder for voters to see," he said.

In the party dissolution case under the Constitution Court review, the EC contends the main coalition party violated its financial rules relating to campaign billboards.

Under the rules, the billboards paid by political party subsidies must have the specified size of 2.40 meters by 1.4 meters.

Speechless.