Thai Protesters Accept Pm Abhisit Election Roadmap, but refuse to go home

[george]

Update:

Thai Red Shirts accept roadmap but refuse to go home

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, May 4, 2010 (AFP) - Thailand's anti-government protesters agreed Tuesday to enter the prime minister's proposed reconciliation process, raising hopes of an end to a tense political crisis that has claimed 27 lives.

But the "Red Shirts" said they would not end their mass rally in the heart of the capital yet, calling on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to make clear when he will dissolve parliament for elections and to withdraw troops.

"Red Shirt leaders unanimously agree to join, and welcome, the reconciliation roadmap proposed by the prime minister to prevent further loss of life," protest leader Veera Musikapong announced from the rally stage.

Abhisit said in a nationally televised address late Monday that he was ready to hold elections in mid-November if all parties accepted his reconciliation plan, but the protesters said the Election Commission should set the poll date.

"We will continue the rally until Abhisit says clearly when he will dissolve the House. Then we will discuss our next move," one of the protest leaders, Jatuporn Prompan, told reporters.

The protests by thousands of mostly poor or working-class Reds -- now in their eighth week -- have paralysed Bangkok's commercial heart.

A series of bloody clashes between the demonstrators and security forces in Bangkok have left 27 people dead and nearly 1,000 people injured in the country's worst civil unrest in almost two decades.

Thailand's fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- whose is idolised by many of the protesters -- called for the two sides to settle their differences.

"Reconciliation is good for everybody," he said in a phone-in to a meeting of the opposition Puea Thai Party. "Today, don't think about the past but look to the future. That is how national reconciliation will happen."

Many of the "Red Shirts" are seeking the return of the telecoms tycoon-turned-politician, hailing his policies for the masses.

Arrest warrants have been issued for many leading Red Shirts, who have been defying a ban on rallies under a state of emergency in the city.

The authorities are ready to discuss an amnesty for protest leaders, according to a government source.

"The government wants to create a good climate and end the protests. Details will be discussed later. However, one of the topics that will discussed is related to an amnesty," the source told AFP, asking not to be named.

The British-born, Oxford-educated head of the establishment Democrat Party does not have to go to the polls until the end of next year.

Some observers say that when he does face the people, his failure to connect with the rural masses means he faces a tough battle against the pro-Thaksin forces that have won every election for a decade.

Abhisit's party came to power via a parliamentary vote in 2008 and for Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thailand expert at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, it will be "very difficult" for him to win an election.

"Because he represents the Bangkok elite, it's hard to win the hearts and minds of the people in the north and northeast," the analyst said. "Meanwhile Thaksin remains hugely popular in those regions."

The Red Shirts have fortified their sprawling protest site in the city's main shopping district with barricades made from piled-up truck tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

In recent days, however, a weary air has descended on the rally area, which is strewn with garbage.

Many of the protesters have been sleeping on the streets for weeks with little or no shelter and fatigue appears to be setting in, along with the start of the rainy season, which brought heavy downpours to the capital Tuesday.

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

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-04

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[filingaccount]

So, a face saving move by all parties?

What did this move solve?

Will resentment still brew under the surface and be ready to explode at the first disagreement?

Will the protesters feel like they gained something from their long time protesting (spanning years), or will they demand compensation (not necessarily money)? The leaders can only do so much.

Will both sides accept the election results and not take to the streets should they "feel" the election didn't go as planned?

Will the "ronin" (black shirts?) simply disappear without a fuzz?

Is there an established terror cell (or more) in Bangkok now? One would guess there is plenty of stashed weaponry in and around the capital.

and many more questions that haven't been addressed in any way, shape or form yet.

Edited May 4, 2010 by filingaccount

[timekeeper]

i wonder if this is considered a win and the Red protestors will get their ID cards back and get paid for their efforts?

i heard they would only get paid by Thaksin if Abhisit was forced out and the house dissolved....

i bet there's many a red in Bangkok wondering exactly the same thing.........

[TheOldWolf]

I think this thread is a little bit early? Or have I missed something?

[pornsasi]

AT LONG LAST

Hope this does not include a secret clause for amnesty to Mr T

[george]

Update:

Red-shirt core leader Veera Musikkapong has formally accepted the proposal made by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva as a foundation for further negotiations to end the red-shirt rally to avoid any more casualty.

[draftvader]

I think this thread is a little bit early? Or have I missed something?

I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking this. "a leader said on Tuesday", says something about the internal politics of the Red Shirts!!

[george]

Red-shirt leaders demand PM to specify House dissolution date

The red-shirt leaders Tuesday demanded that the prime minister announce a specific day for House dissolution before they will join the government's roadmap for political resolution.

They announced that the prime minister had no authority to set the election date on November 14 as the power belongs to the Election Commission.

They demanded that the government must show its sincerity towards political reconciliation by halting all kinds of intimidation towards the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

[Mosha]

Here we go.

[WAERTH]

Ermmm George my Thais is fairly well and I hear them say other things on stage than you are saying here .....

W

[TheOldWolf]

Red-shirt leaders demand PM to specify House dissolution date

The red-shirt leaders Tuesday demanded that the prime minister announce a specific day for House dissolution before they will join the government's roadmap for political resolution.

They announced that the prime minister had no authority to set the election date on November 14 as the power belongs to the Election Commission.

They demanded that the government must show its sincerity towards political reconciliation by halting all kinds of intimidation towards the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

I think we can close this thread until further notice. MYbe I am dumb, but why must there be a house dissolution before the the election.

[pornsasi]

Here we go.

Just a face saving show for the red leaders .....

[midas]

Here we go.

Why not demand more certainty ?

What can Abhisit expect if he says 14th Nov “ IF ”...............

Anytime before Nov, he could simply say “ sorry but the conditions were not met ” ( and soley by his standards ) ?

[cdnmatt]

[EDIT: Nevermind, I'm stupid]

Edited May 4, 2010 by cdnmatt

[mrcycling]

I think we can close this thread until further notice. MYbe I am dumb, but why must there be a house dissolution before the the election.

To have an early election, the house needs to be dissolved. Otherwise, they have to wait until the official term for the MP ends.

[WAERTH]

MCOT English news just now:

Court allows DSI to use existing arrest warants, adding terrorist charges against 9 UDD core leaders if they are detained

big coincidence that they release this news just after the red shirts raving?

W

[Chaimai]

Red-shirt leaders demand PM to specify House dissolution date

The red-shirt leaders Tuesday demanded that the prime minister announce a specific day for House dissolution before they will join the government's roadmap for political resolution.

They announced that the prime minister had no authority to set the election date on November 14 as the power belongs to the Election Commission.

They demanded that the government must show its sincerity towards political reconciliation by halting all kinds of intimidation towards the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

I think we can close this thread until further notice. MYbe I am dumb, but why must there be a house dissolution before the the election.

I agree.

Premature to declare acceptance that is only a 'foundation for further negotiation'.

More water to pass under the bridge I think and the Fat Lady has not yet sung.

[TheOldWolf]

I think we can close this thread until further notice. MYbe I am dumb, but why must there be a house dissolution before the the election.

To have an early election, the house needs to be dissolved. Otherwise, they have to wait until the official term for the MP ends.

thank you, I understand. Is there any timeframe how long before the election?

[LikeHeat]

Red-shirt leaders demand PM to specify House dissolution date

The red-shirt leaders Tuesday demanded that the prime minister announce a specific day for House dissolution before they will join the government's roadmap for political resolution.

They announced that the prime minister had no authority to set the election date on November 14 as the power belongs to the Election Commission.

They demanded that the government must show its sincerity towards political reconciliation by halting all kinds of intimidation towards the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

I think we can close this thread until further notice. MYbe I am dumb, but why must there be a house dissolution before the the election.

There must be a dissolution so nobody is in charge and the radical REDS can stir it up as much as they want and maybe even take over. I would not be surprised to see Cambodia give a bit of help to their new advisor buddy.

I always wondered why the end of April was crucial for the reds to win, and then the Government transferred money from the frozen accounts on the first banking day in May. I bet those poor reds do not get paid now since a crapload of money just got lost. They made their choice. Hope they remember this in future.

[george]

Update:

Thai Red Shirts accept roadmap but refuse to go home

by Anusak Konglang

BANGKOK, May 4, 2010 (AFP) - Thailand's anti-government protesters agreed Tuesday to enter the prime minister's proposed reconciliation process, raising hopes of an end to a tense political crisis that has claimed 27 lives.

But the "Red Shirts" said they would not end their mass rally in the heart of the capital yet, calling on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to make clear when he will dissolve parliament for elections and to withdraw troops.

"Red Shirt leaders unanimously agree to join, and welcome, the reconciliation roadmap proposed by the prime minister to prevent further loss of life," protest leader Veera Musikapong announced from the rally stage.

Abhisit said in a nationally televised address late Monday that he was ready to hold elections in mid-November if all parties accepted his reconciliation plan, but the protesters said the Election Commission should set the poll date.

"We will continue the rally until Abhisit says clearly when he will dissolve the House. Then we will discuss our next move," one of the protest leaders, Jatuporn Prompan, told reporters.

The protests by thousands of mostly poor or working-class Reds -- now in their eighth week -- have paralysed Bangkok's commercial heart.

A series of bloody clashes between the demonstrators and security forces in Bangkok have left 27 people dead and nearly 1,000 people injured in the country's worst civil unrest in almost two decades.

Thailand's fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- whose is idolised by many of the protesters -- called for the two sides to settle their differences.

"Reconciliation is good for everybody," he said in a phone-in to a meeting of the opposition Puea Thai Party. "Today, don't think about the past but look to the future. That is how national reconciliation will happen."

Many of the "Red Shirts" are seeking the return of the telecoms tycoon-turned-politician, hailing his policies for the masses.

Arrest warrants have been issued for many leading Red Shirts, who have been defying a ban on rallies under a state of emergency in the city.

The authorities are ready to discuss an amnesty for protest leaders, according to a government source.

"The government wants to create a good climate and end the protests. Details will be discussed later. However, one of the topics that will discussed is related to an amnesty," the source told AFP, asking not to be named.

The British-born, Oxford-educated head of the establishment Democrat Party does not have to go to the polls until the end of next year.

Some observers say that when he does face the people, his failure to connect with the rural masses means he faces a tough battle against the pro-Thaksin forces that have won every election for a decade.

Abhisit's party came to power via a parliamentary vote in 2008 and for Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a Thailand expert at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, it will be "very difficult" for him to win an election.

"Because he represents the Bangkok elite, it's hard to win the hearts and minds of the people in the north and northeast," the analyst said. "Meanwhile Thaksin remains hugely popular in those regions."

The Red Shirts have fortified their sprawling protest site in the city's main shopping district with barricades made from piled-up truck tyres, razor wire and bamboo stakes.

In recent days, however, a weary air has descended on the rally area, which is strewn with garbage.

Many of the protesters have been sleeping on the streets for weeks with little or no shelter and fatigue appears to be setting in, along with the start of the rainy season, which brought heavy downpours to the capital Tuesday.

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

-- ©Copyright AFP 2010-05-04

Published with written approval from AFP.

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Ponbkk]

I do believe that the election commission sets elections and UFN those are Dec 2011. Abhisit can "set" an election by dissolving the house. Duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, dissolution would be 15 days (?) before the election???? The red shirt leaders need a math lesson. 

The four conditions are a clear date for the dissolution of Parliament paving way for the November 14 poll

[timekeeper]

Red-shirt leaders demand PM to specify House dissolution date

The red-shirt leaders Tuesday demanded that the prime minister announce a specific day for House dissolution before they will join the government's roadmap for political resolution.

They announced that the prime minister had no authority to set the election date on November 14 as the power belongs to the Election Commission.

They demanded that the government must show its sincerity towards political reconciliation by halting all kinds of intimidation towards the red-shirt protesters.

-- The Nation 2010-05-04

I think we can close this thread until further notice. MYbe I am dumb, but why must there be a house dissolution before the the election.

BBC are reporting that the reds are unconcerned by the date of election, they want to know when the house will be dissolved

this is still in line with their previous demands, so nothings really changed

they want Abhisit to dissolve the house quickly, so that he cannot pass the 2011 budget, and more importantly so he cannot amend the constitution to keep Thaksin and his cronies out and so that he can oversee the military reshuffle to see Anapong retire, and install Thaksin hater General Prayuth who will be the hard man that will bring the Army back on track

the reds know that if Abhisit can achieve these items on his personal road map then the red cause will be all but over bar the shouting

he can dissolve parliament almost when he chooses to

Gordon Brown dissolved the UK parliament on April 6th 2010 and the elections are the day after tomorrow

so a month is feasable and would be good news for Abhisit

get everything passed, in the meantime get the red shirt leaders, their associates and the Phua Thai Mp's charged with terrorism, lesse majeste, treason and murder

get the Phua Thai party dissolved for treason,

Thaksin will be proven to be a murderous, traiterous conspirator

there will be more trials here than there were in Salem

Abhisit will romp home with Korn as deputy in the biggest landslide this country has ever seen

[Crushdepth]

All of the announcements coming from the red shirt stage so far basically indicate that they DO NOT SUPPORT THE ROADMAP. Just the "idea" of reconciliation.

But peace, love and happiness are good things, yeah we agree with that.

[siampolee]

The four conditions are a clear date for the dissolution of Parliament paving way for the November 14 poll, a show of sincerity by stopping all types of intimidation, no amnesty on criminal charges related to terrorism and anti-monarchy offence and immediate stop to involving the monarchy in the political conflict.

Remember of course that this situation and set of conditions must apply to all sides involved in the conflict.

Perhaps as a retrospective action involving the Yellow Shirts too ?

[Herm]

Well, you can say what you want, but this is it. Abhisit has done what is possible and leaned over further than any politician ever before him and the reds are not happy (which was to be expected). They will not be happy unless a total pardon is given which is impossible. Thaksin is not happy because he would not be able to get back into power despite what his "medium" predicted.

Mr. Abhisit, it is time!

Nobody can put any blame upon you or the Thai government for any dead rand wounded ed's during a clean-up operation and the arrest of their leaders etc..

PLEASE do it tonight

They simply will and can not stop until they get what they want since they know, anything else will mean jail

[timekeeper]

the problem the reds have now is getting all the heavy munitions out of the area without the authorities catching them doing it

if they catch them trying to move all the munitions buried in Lumpini park then thats another nail in the 'we were peaceful protestors'' coffin and adds to the terrorist charges that they are so keen to defend in court.

if they leave them then the authorities will find them anyway

so they have a rock and a hard place problem

they can hardly claim 'not us' when they are concealed behind enemy lines ...........

[jdinasia]

"We will continue the rally until Abhisit says clearly when he will dissolve the House. Then we will discuss our next move," one of the protest leaders, Jatuporn Prompan, told reporters.

Yeppers, jatuporn heard "No Amnesty" and that ended negotiations. typical.

The message --- Thailand doesn't matter to the Reds. Do what we want THEN we will talk about what you want. I am afraid the reds may get what they want over the next few days .... a real crackdown.

[Herm]

the problem the reds have now is getting all the heavy munitions out of the area without the authorities catching them doing it

if they catch them trying to move all the munitions buried in Lumpini park then thats another nail in the 'we were peaceful protestors'' coffin and adds to the terrorist charges that they are so keen to defend in court.

if they leave them then the authorities will find them anyway

so they have a rock and a hard place problem

they can hardly claim 'not us' when they are concealed behind enemy lines ...........

NOTHING HAS CHANGED

[misterjag]

Abhisit deserves credit for independently fashioning a satisfactory compromise in a statesman-like fashion and avoiding further bloodshed.

The Red Shirts have successfully pushed their issues to the forefront of the political agenda, rallied impressive numbers of Thais to their cause, and galvanized their supporters ahead of parliamentary elections in six months. There they'll have the opportunity via the ballot box to start down the path of transforming the political landscape.

[monkfish]

The announcement was made in English and in Thai so should be available soon.