Abhisit Has Played His Last Card

[ozzieman05]

1- I understand the Red Shirts position; as Abhisit has some oppositions in its own side, the situation is too much uncertain. Red Shirts cannot go home with the risk to be fooled few days later: Abhisit stepping down and all the agreements voided.

A clarification is required and all Thais actors must support the Road map, the elections; too much risky to fold everything until the situation is cleaned

2- Abhisit supporters should voice their feelings strongly and marginalise Yellow and PAD extremists.

3- Abhisit should threaten his opponents by a direct call to people: a referendum and he should create his own movement now, sidelining the old corrupted MPs. I think he has the support of the Population: he is winner if he get rid off the old click of Politicians: perfect timing now.

His own side has supported it. The Yellows have started their own movement. He isn't part of the Yellows.

If the reds can't go home because of "IF"s, then they can never go home. There will always be an IF.

why do you think he's not part of the yellows? the Foreign Minister was on the airport stage supporting them - most of his people are yellow supporters - no question - they only start distancing now the yellows want him out too - bit of a joke really...

Please tell me which is worse

An airport siege

Or an invasion of a hospital where many die

Your complaint is very old hat, and minimal in comparison

time to rip up that photo of the airport invasion on come into the present

[ozzieman05]

double posting

Edited May 7, 2010 by ozzieman05

[ChiangMaiFun]

1- I understand the Red Shirts position; as Abhisit has some oppositions in its own side, the situation is too much uncertain. Red Shirts cannot go home with the risk to be fooled few days later: Abhisit stepping down and all the agreements voided.

A clarification is required and all Thais actors must support the Road map, the elections; too much risky to fold everything until the situation is cleaned

2- Abhisit supporters should voice their feelings strongly and marginalise Yellow and PAD extremists.

3- Abhisit should threaten his opponents by a direct call to people: a referendum and he should create his own movement now, sidelining the old corrupted MPs. I think he has the support of the Population: he is winner if he get rid off the old click of Politicians: perfect timing now.

His own side has supported it. The Yellows have started their own movement. He isn't part of the Yellows.

If the reds can't go home because of "IF"s, then they can never go home. There will always be an IF.

why do you think he's not part of the yellows? the Foreign Minister was on the airport stage supporting them - most of his people are yellow supporters - no question - they only start distancing now the yellows want him out too - bit of a joke really...

Please tell me which is worse

An airport siege

Or an invasion of a hospital where many die

Your complaint is very old hat, and minimal in comparison

time to rip up that photo of the airport invasion on come into the present

Comparisons are odious... however - the yellows with their despicable take over of the international airports and their totally selfish actions which hurt thousands of businesses set the TONE and EXAMPLE - 'if' there was an early crackdown on all such law breaking we may not be where we are. The hospital thing was dreadful and I have said that consistently.

[ozzieman05]

In order to make the road map go smoothly, another red leader Jatuporn Promphan proposed all concerned parties, including the government, coalition parties, opposition party, the PAD, DAAD and the military sign an accord to accept the road map and the result of the next election.

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The reds wants democracy

A democracy that says you must do what the Red leaders say or else

Sawat, 28, was the first family member to attend the anti-government rally held by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship.

According to his father, Sawat was not an aggressive man. Also, he had never joined a political rally until the DAAD started their rally near where he lived in Bangkok in March.

"After he went to the rally, he came back to tell me and his younger brother that it's good. He said there was music and protest leaders talked about social injustice," Samran said.

After hearing about the rally, Sawat's father and younger brother joined the DAAD, too.

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So who is guilty when young Thai men are convinced that coming to the rally is all fun and music

Did the red leaders ever tell them of the dangers involved

I have said before The PM failure to bit this in the bud at the beginning gave the red shirts the feeling they where above the law and could not be touched

Both the Red shirt leaders and the PM are responsible

But at least the PM can say, he was trying to keep the peace

[rabo]

why do you think he's not part of the yellows? the Foreign Minister was on the airport stage supporting them - most of his people are yellow supporters - no question - they only start distancing now the yellows want him out too - bit of a joke really...

The Yellows support him because he's not red. He doesn't support the yellows.

Why would the yellows start their own party if the Dems were the yellow party?

Well the same could be said for the reds? anyway why appoint a yellow to Foreign Minister? you gloss over that - he is far more yellow than red put it that way and he must be feeling sick over his cornflakes in his Army home this morning.

Answer is very simple, actually. There were a whole lot of people, parties, and groups that were opposed to

the re-emergence of Thaksin's power, not just the yellows. The yellows are simply one political faction, probably not that big.

If you want to label all these people (anti-Thaksin power) you will need a new color.

Perhaps see-khee-ma.

[Jerrytheyoung]

1- I understand the Red Shirts position; as Abhisit has some oppositions in its own side, the situation is too much uncertain. Red Shirts cannot go home with the risk to be fooled few days later: Abhisit stepping down and all the agreements voided.

A clarification is required and all Thais actors must support the Road map, the elections; too much risky to fold everything until the situation is cleaned

2- Abhisit supporters should voice their feelings strongly and marginalise Yellow and PAD extremists.

3- Abhisit should threaten his opponents by a direct call to people: a referendum and he should create his own movement now, sidelining the old corrupted MPs. I think he has the support of the Population: he is winner if he get rid off the old click of Politicians: perfect timing now.

His own side has supported it. The Yellows have started their own movement. He isn't part of the Yellows.

If the reds can't go home because of "IF"s, then they can never go home. There will always be an IF.

why do you think he's not part of the yellows? the Foreign Minister was on the airport stage supporting them - most of his people are yellow supporters - no question - they only start distancing now the yellows want him out too - bit of a joke really...

Please tell me which is worse

An airport siege

Or an invasion of a hospital where many die

Your complaint is very old hat, and minimal in comparison

time to rip up that photo of the airport invasion on come into the present

The past is the past: we try to avoid the worse for the future. Let the Courts managing all the incidents.

Be positive: How to get out of this critical situation?

Abhisit has to regroup his supporters under a new banner now; (too much confusion, oppositions within the Democrats/ yellow/ PAD). Then we go to referendum with the agreement...then Elections with a new political landscape...

Edited May 7, 2010 by Jerrytheyoung

[lazurus]

double posting

The reds have demanded an end to double postings.

[Redsunset]

Why not just continue with the roadmap (which I think is reasonable) and show some leadership - 'here's the map - I'm PM let's move forward'

The reds need to agree with it.

If they don't then it is off the table (or at least the dissolution/election part of it is).

Abhisit said he is going to go forward, regardless of whether the reds agree or not.... this means they have a few days to pack their bags and get out of there.... otherwise it is dispersion time....

I agree... Abhisit has shown very little when it comes to courage and bold leadership. He seems to give in to pressure so easily... yes, I understand, but there comes a point in every man's life where he has to say, enough is enough... this is right, that is wrong, I will do what is right.

He's given the reds an out. His next step if they don't accept will be telling.

If the reds don't accept just because the yellows don't like it, that will also be telling. They should be saying "We don't care what the yellows think. We want to move forward. We accept."

Agree... the reds should NOT CARE LESS what the yellows think... the reds are stalling... they do not want to give in, but they do not want to be the party poopers... maybe because the leaders are afraid once they are dispersed, the police can capture them one by one... no longer hiding amongst their human shields.

[lazurus]

double posting

The reds have demanded an end to double postings.

The reds have demanded an end to double postings.

*except when done by reds.

[givenall]

Enough is enough. Since the government can’t or won’t do anything, just put a fence all around the Rajprasong and make a gate on one side, and give them key to the Red Shirt.

Who cares about Paragon, Central world, etc. they can have it. It is loss to bunch of rich elite. If they want it back let them hire their own army to go and fight the Res Shirts

[SICA]

As you all know I sympathise with many of the reds issues - BUT - enough really is enough - we have the elections this year. A major achievement - it REALLY is time to pack up and go home - and time for Abhisit to declare the dates and stick to them - no matter who agrees or disagrees - even his own 'team yellow' want him out now (farcical really). This is his last play.

I agree, this IS a REAL achievement. Why do I sense that the reds just don't want to go home yet ?

There is no reason for them to stay - unless there is a hidden agenda.

Of course there is. Democracy was only a smoke screen in the first place. Now that elections are scheduled they have to come up with minor flaws in the plan to hide the fact that they weren't there to force an election anyway. The reds need to call their boss and get a real list of demands so that the PM and the Thai people know what they are really up to. Giving into these thugs is a mistake, they'll only ask for more without ever living up to their end of the bargain.

I couldn't agree more. Now is surely the time for the Red Shirt leaders to show their manifesto. I am sure there are many of us interested in seeing this - the REAL reason why they are still using Bangkok as a camp site.

Surely, anybody can see that the PM and his government are offering an olive branch for the good of the country. There is no point in dissolving the house now whilst there is still the chance of protests and worse. It makes complete sense to have a "road-map" in place for when the Government do dissolve and the election fun begins.

For the good (and the sanity) of the residents of BKK and the tourists the Red's now need to pack up and go home leaving their leaders to discuss the way forward with the PM and his cronies. In my opiniopn this should be behind closed doors, not on a stage so the Red leaders can show themselves as being hard done by, but like real politicians and real men.

The PM is obviously attempting to put a plan in place for the good of the country, the way he sees it (and as PM that is his job). Whether we agree with the outcome, his policies or his plans, this looks like a genuine attempt at reconciling the country.

I am totally non-biased with Thai politics, neither red, multi-coloured or other, but i strongly disagree with the way the reds are handling this and need to get off the soap-box, grow up and discuss options like real men. Not hide behind all the propoganda bo**ocks they are trying to whip-up. This situation is effecting millions of people everyday.

[schuimpje]

"Please tell me which is worse

An airport siege

Or an invasion of a hospital where many die

Your complaint is very old hat, and minimal in comparison

time to rip up that photo of the airport invasion on come into the present"

Ozzieman, that's listed for best comment of the day.

I'm still puzzled why nobody sees how much worse the current protest is.

- There's rockets and grenades exploding almost daily

- The heart of Bangkok is occupied by hooligans

- Military on the streets everywhere with drawn guns

- Most countries have a negative travel-advise out for their citizens

The airport-siege was a very limited and short-term inconvenience at best for most tourist and some business people.

These people where on their way home, and while not a nice end to their holiday, they'd spent their money anyway. So compare that to the current protest, where:

- Tourist can not spend their money (shopping centers closed)

- Tourist can not go to Thailand (negative travel advise)

- Tourist see the news about the unrest, attacks on public transport, raiding a public hospital

The average tourist would not come even close to Thailand for the next 5 years.

Now the airport-siege was bad, sure...but to always take that example as a: " they did this and we do that, same same... " is just plain rubbish. Typical for the Red-shirts to first point a finger at someone and then say, we can do also.

There's another nice question/opinion that comes up every now and then:

If I look at the PAD at the time, I had the idea that they had very clear set goals for very clear reasons.

Now the UDD, to me, seems to just try and justify their protest with all kind of BS-talks about democracy, but their ultimate goal? What is it?

PAD's goal was to oust Takki...they came back when the then government tried to change the new constitution. Again very clear..what about the Reds?

[Jerrytheyoung]

One more way to secure the Roadmap is to present it to Parliament now and to announce a referendum, get a vote on it: this will be a clarification of who is supporting what.

[whybother]

why do you think he's not part of the yellows? the Foreign Minister was on the airport stage supporting them - most of his people are yellow supporters - no question - they only start distancing now the yellows want him out too - bit of a joke really...

The Yellows support him because he's not red. He doesn't support the yellows.

Why would the yellows start their own party if the Dems were the yellow party?

Well the same could be said for the reds? anyway why appoint a yellow to Foreign Minister? you gloss over that - he is far more yellow than red put it that way and he must be feeling sick over his cornflakes in his Army home this morning.

What could be said for the reds?

I am not saying that there aren't some in the Dems that support the Yellows. They are all anti-Thaksin after all. But the yellows have started their own party. They believe that the Dems are not doing what they want. Maybe there will be some defections from the Dems.

The point is, Abhisit is not a yellow. And most of the other Dems are not yellow.

The FM spoke on the yellow stage, so is a yellow supporter, but he is not a yellow leader or organiser (from what I have seen).

[whybother]

One more way to secure the Roadmap is to present it to Parliament now and to announce a referendum, get a vote on it: this will be a clarification of who is supporting what.

So the reds will be on site for another month or 2 while this is all done ... except they have to go home to vote!! And the leaders will be giving themselves up next week too.

And any referendum now will also delay the road map.

[Thai at Heart]

why do you think he's not part of the yellows? the Foreign Minister was on the airport stage supporting them - most of his people are yellow supporters - no question - they only start distancing now the yellows want him out too - bit of a joke really...

The Yellows support him because he's not red. He doesn't support the yellows.

Why would the yellows start their own party if the Dems were the yellow party?

The PAD has a party registered waiting in the wings if any of the Dems heavy hitters want to find a home. That is going to be Abhisit's problem now. How to hold any dissenters in line.

[Samuian]

As you all know I sympathise with many of the reds issues - BUT - enough really is enough - we have the elections this year. A major achievement - it REALLY is time to pack up and go home - and time for Abhisit to declare the dates and stick to them - no matter who agrees or disagrees - even his own 'team yellow' want him out now (farcical really). This is his last play.

I agree, this IS a REAL achievement. Why do I sense that the reds just don't want to go home yet ?

There is no reason for them to stay - unless there is a hidden agenda.

Of course there is. Democracy was only a smoke screen in the first place. Now that elections are scheduled they have to come up with minor flaws in the plan to hide the fact that they weren't there to force an election anyway. The reds need to call their boss and get a real list of demands so that the PM and the Thai people know what they are really up to. Giving into these thugs is a mistake, they'll only ask for more without ever living up to their end of the bargain.

I couldn't agree more. Now is surely the time for the Red Shirt leaders to show their manifesto. I am sure there are many of us interested in seeing this - the REAL reason why they are still using Bangkok as a camp site.

Surely, anybody can see that the PM and his government are offering an olive branch for the good of the country. There is no point in dissolving the house now whilst there is still the chance of protests and worse. It makes complete sense to have a "road-map" in place for when the Government do dissolve and the election fun begins.

For the good (and the sanity) of the residents of BKK and the tourists the Red's now need to pack up and go home leaving their leaders to discuss the way forward with the PM and his cronies. In my opiniopn this should be behind closed doors, not on a stage so the Red leaders can show themselves as being hard done by, but like real politicians and real men.

The PM is obviously attempting to put a plan in place for the good of the country, the way he sees it (and as PM that is his job). Whether we agree with the outcome, his policies or his plans, this looks like a genuine attempt at reconciling the country.

I am totally non-biased with Thai politics, neither red, multi-coloured or other, but i strongly disagree with the way the reds are handling this and need to get off the soap-box, grow up and discuss options like real men. Not hide behind all the propoganda bo**ocks they are trying to whip-up. This situation is effecting millions of people everyday.

"Smokescreen", "desperatly buying time" - spot on!

The whole red shirt blues is about none else - "edible democracy, real or genuine democracy" .... is a farce, they show

their antidemocratic tainted face every day clearer and clearer, unmistakeably clear what their "Movement" is all about!

Their employers paycheck and the looming promises of serving him.... in his dream about absolute authoritarian ...ah' well I don't need to go here more into details... which are a wide known fact

[Jerrytheyoung]

One more way to secure the Roadmap is to present it to Parliament now and to announce a referendum, get a vote on it: this will be a clarification of who is supporting what.

So the reds will be on site for another month or 2 while this is all done ... except they have to go home to vote!! And the leaders will be giving themselves up next week too.

And any referendum now will also delay the road map.

No the vote by Parliament can be obtained within few days and if the principle of the referendum is sealed, it gives the garantees to the Red Shirts. for example, Rajaprasong occupation may stop middle of next week with a parliament session organised this monday. The Roadmap and referendum sealed by Parliament is a little more guarantee that anything may happen to Abhisit (stepping down because of the Democrat case or because his coalition opponents for example), the agreement will go on.

Too much uncertainty around Abhisit, this has to be cleared or overpassed.

[Redsunset]

Actually, I think most of the protesters are probably the lost, lazy, irresponsible folks who blame the government for their poverty. That is bullshit.

Sure there are things we can do - better schools, continued health care, but opportunity depends on the person as much as the system.

I know plenty of hard working Thais who came from nothing. They work seven days a week in restaurants or menial jobs striving for success. They sweat, suffer, but every day, they show up. They are always lured by corruption, but they stay the course and work hard.

These are role models for how the democratic system "should" work in Thailand.

I do not for a moment believe that setting up programs to enhance opportunities will make a huge dent in the livelihood of the poor person's life. You can be given an opportunity, but you have to have the ambition and hard work to fulfill that opportunity. It is not handed to you.... ask any hard working immigrant... they will tell you how to succeed.

[SICA]

Actually, I think most of the protesters are probably the lost, lazy, irresponsible folks who blame the government for their poverty. That is bullshit.

Sure there are things we can do - better schools, continued health care, but opportunity depends on the person as much as the system.

I know plenty of hard working Thais who came from nothing. They work seven days a week in restaurants or menial jobs striving for success. They sweat, suffer, but every day, they show up. They are always lured by corruption, but they stay the course and work hard.

These are role models for how the democratic system "should" work in Thailand.

I do not for a moment believe that setting up programs to enhance opportunities will make a huge dent in the livelihood of the poor person's life. You can be given an opportunity, but you have to have the ambition and hard work to fulfill that opportunity. It is not handed to you.... ask any hard working immigrant... they will tell you how to succeed.

Absolutely agree with most of what you have written. However i think the first step is to give the person the opportunity and then educate them about how to use to benefit their livelihood. For instance, It's a waste of time giving a person a computer if you don't tell them how to turn it on.

Handled correctly, even the smallest of benefit or opportunity can impact a person in ways we can't imagine as, i am sure the majority of posters here, come from democratic countries and have had opportunites handed to them all their life.

My work takes me to Isaan very regularly and through my work i hand opportunites and benefits to poor, rural communities. Seeing first hand the impact it has keeps me going back there and keeps me organising opportunites. There is genuine thanks and appreciation.

[Redsunset]

Actually, I think most of the protesters are probably the lost, lazy, irresponsible folks who blame the government for their poverty. That is bullshit.

Sure there are things we can do - better schools, continued health care, but opportunity depends on the person as much as the system.

I know plenty of hard working Thais who came from nothing. They work seven days a week in restaurants or menial jobs striving for success. They sweat, suffer, but every day, they show up. They are always lured by corruption, but they stay the course and work hard.

These are role models for how the democratic system "should" work in Thailand.

I do not for a moment believe that setting up programs to enhance opportunities will make a huge dent in the livelihood of the poor person's life. You can be given an opportunity, but you have to have the ambition and hard work to fulfill that opportunity. It is not handed to you.... ask any hard working immigrant... they will tell you how to succeed.

Absolutely agree with most of what you have written. However i think the first step is to give the person the opportunity and then educate them about how to use to benefit their livelihood. For instance, It's a waste of time giving a person a computer if you don't tell them how to turn it on.

Handled correctly, even the smallest of benefit or opportunity can impact a person in ways we can't imagine as, i am sure the majority of posters here, come from democratic countries and have had opportunites handed to them all their life.

My work takes me to Isaan very regularly and through my work i hand opportunites and benefits to poor, rural communities. Seeing first hand the impact it has keeps me going back there and keeps me organising opportunites. There is genuine thanks and appreciation.

Great response... your efforts and patience are noteworthy. It is a shame that you have to do the job that parents should do.... but rather than to dwell on that, I am just grateful that you have the compassion to help others help themselves.... good for you!

[quiksilva]

I have lost quite a bit of respect for Thanong's blog. Abhisits last card? Nonsense. Give it a break Thanong, its not his last card at all, but its a far better card than the other one which risks being smeared in the blood of protesters which he seems to advocate, despite the fact that these include children and the elderly.

Its a well timed olive branch, a middle of the road solution that offers the Reds a face saving route out of this hole, yet does not give amnesty for violent criminal acts.

A solution that is, in the PM's own words, non negotiable. For the hawks the PM has also not ruled out dispersal, which could happen after the coronation festivities end on Sunday, just before school term starts the following week on the 17th, just days after the leaders have promised to turn themselves in when all those kids should have left to go back home to prepare for school, if they are not being used as human shields that is.

[Jingthing]

Red shirts. Give 'em an arm, they'll take a leg. How much of this is about the red shirt leader's cowardice to face legal charges? As I suspected, they are dragging their feet (lots of limb analogies) and this is far from over.

[SICA]

Actually, I think most of the protesters are probably the lost, lazy, irresponsible folks who blame the government for their poverty. That is bullshit.

Sure there are things we can do - better schools, continued health care, but opportunity depends on the person as much as the system.

I know plenty of hard working Thais who came from nothing. They work seven days a week in restaurants or menial jobs striving for success. They sweat, suffer, but every day, they show up. They are always lured by corruption, but they stay the course and work hard.

These are role models for how the democratic system "should" work in Thailand.

I do not for a moment believe that setting up programs to enhance opportunities will make a huge dent in the livelihood of the poor person's life. You can be given an opportunity, but you have to have the ambition and hard work to fulfill that opportunity. It is not handed to you.... ask any hard working immigrant... they will tell you how to succeed.

Absolutely agree with most of what you have written. However i think the first step is to give the person the opportunity and then educate them about how to use to benefit their livelihood. For instance, It's a waste of time giving a person a computer if you don't tell them how to turn it on.

Handled correctly, even the smallest of benefit or opportunity can impact a person in ways we can't imagine as, i am sure the majority of posters here, come from democratic countries and have had opportunites handed to them all their life.

My work takes me to Isaan very regularly and through my work i hand opportunites and benefits to poor, rural communities. Seeing first hand the impact it has keeps me going back there and keeps me organising opportunites. There is genuine thanks and appreciation.

Great response... your efforts and patience are noteworthy. It is a shame that you have to do the job that parents should do.... but rather than to dwell on that, I am just grateful that you have the compassion to help others help themselves.... good for you!

Thanks, RedSunset.

I honestly don't do my work for thanks or praise. I do it because i can and whilst the thanks from the communities and the elders remains genuine i will continue to do it.

It is a vicious circle they are in. They are some of the 'forgotten people' of Thailand and the schooling system in many parts is horrendous. Without a complete overhaul of the education system up there, things won't change. Generations to come will continue to struggle day to day. To be around these people really shows me how lucky I am and i will never forget that. It really is an important point to remember.

I am not getting on my soapbox, i would never preach to anybody, but one thing we must remember is that the majority of us on this forum, who are living in thailand, CHOOSE to do so. We have a choice because we were all very fortunate in the country we were raised in. If you want to see the 'real' Thailand then please visit the communities on the outskirts of the major towns and cities outside of BKK and you will really see what the country and the government is up against.

As i tell all of my customers who come to Thailand to help me, Thailand is two totally different countries in one - BKK and the rest. In my opinion, one major first step is to stop this divide. It's going to take a super-human effort but i am sure it can be done.

[SICA]

Actually, I think most of the protesters are probably the lost, lazy, irresponsible folks who blame the government for their poverty. That is bullshit.

Sure there are things we can do - better schools, continued health care, but opportunity depends on the person as much as the system.

I know plenty of hard working Thais who came from nothing. They work seven days a week in restaurants or menial jobs striving for success. They sweat, suffer, but every day, they show up. They are always lured by corruption, but they stay the course and work hard.

These are role models for how the democratic system "should" work in Thailand.

I do not for a moment believe that setting up programs to enhance opportunities will make a huge dent in the livelihood of the poor person's life. You can be given an opportunity, but you have to have the ambition and hard work to fulfill that opportunity. It is not handed to you.... ask any hard working immigrant... they will tell you how to succeed.

Absolutely agree with most of what you have written. However i think the first step is to give the person the opportunity and then educate them about how to use to benefit their livelihood. For instance, It's a waste of time giving a person a computer if you don't tell them how to turn it on.

Handled correctly, even the smallest of benefit or opportunity can impact a person in ways we can't imagine as, i am sure the majority of posters here, come from democratic countries and have had opportunites handed to them all their life.

My work takes me to Isaan very regularly and through my work i hand opportunites and benefits to poor, rural communities. Seeing first hand the impact it has keeps me going back there and keeps me organising opportunites. There is genuine thanks and appreciation.

Great response... your efforts and patience are noteworthy. It is a shame that you have to do the job that parents should do.... but rather than to dwell on that, I am just grateful that you have the compassion to help others help themselves.... good for you!

Thanks, RedSunset.

I honestly don't do my work for thanks or praise. I do it because i can and whilst the thanks from the communities and the elders remains genuine i will continue to do it.

It is a vicious circle they are in. They are some of the 'forgotten people' of Thailand and the schooling system in many parts is horrendous. Without a complete overhaul of the education system up there, things won't change. Generations to come will continue to struggle day to day. To be around these people really shows me how lucky I am and i will never forget that. It really is an important point to remember.

I am not getting on my soapbox, i would never preach to anybody, but one thing we must remember is that the majority of us on this forum, who are living in thailand, CHOOSE to do so. We have a choice because we were all very fortunate in the country we were raised in. If you want to see the 'real' Thailand then please visit the communities on the outskirts of the major towns and cities outside of BKK and you will really see what the country and the government is up against.

As i tell all of my customers who come to Thailand to help me, Thailand is two totally different countries in one - BKK and the rest. In my opinion, one major first step is to stop this divide. It's going to take a super-human effort but i am sure it can be done.

I have just re-read it and i apologise! I didn't mean 'you' personally, i am talking writing in general. Hope you didn't misunderstand me.

[ozzieman05]

In order to make the road map go smoothly, another red leader Jatuporn Promphan proposed all concerned parties, including the government, coalition parties, opposition party, the PAD, DAAD and the military sign an accord to accept the road map and the result of the next election.

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The reds wants democracy

A democracy that says you must do what the Red leaders say or else

Sawat, 28, was the first family member to attend the anti-government rally held by the Democratic Alliance against Dictatorship.

According to his father, Sawat was not an aggressive man. Also, he had never joined a political rally until the DAAD started their rally near where he lived in Bangkok in March.

"After he went to the rally, he came back to tell me and his younger brother that it's good. He said there was music and protest leaders talked about social injustice," Samran said.

After hearing about the rally, Sawat's father and younger brother joined the DAAD, too.

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So who is guilty when young Thai men are convinced that coming to the rally is all fun and music

Did the red leaders ever tell them of the dangers involved

I have said before The PM failure to bit this in the bud at the beginning gave the red shirts the feeling they where above the law and could not be touched

Both the Red shirt leaders and the PM are responsible

But at least the PM can say, he was trying to keep the peace

[ozzieman05]

Red-shirt rally core leader Weng Tojirakan today the 7th May called on at least one-million red-shirt people from across the country to mobilize to the Ratchaprasong intersection to put pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the parliament as soon as possible.

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Here we go again

It all starts over again

Please Mr. PM do your job and clear this mob before innocent people get killed

At this point in time no one can in real truth call protesting red shirts innocent people

[lazurus]

Red shirts. Give 'em an arm, they'll take a leg. How much of this is about the red shirt leader's cowardice to face legal charges? As I suspected, they are dragging their feet (lots of limb analogies) and this is far from over.

Their reach has exceeded their grasp (on reality)

[ozzieman05]

On May 6 a source within the Royal Thai Army has reported that the armed forces has submitted a request to dismiss Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol to the prime minister for his consideration.

Khattiya who is commonly known as “Sae Dang” is a staunch supporter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and has been linked with the anti-government movement's armed group.

Khattiya is now facing an arrest warrant issued by the Department of Special Investigation or DSI for violating the emergency decree and for his involvement in armed terrorism.

Khattiya has also been investigated for his role as an adviser to the anti-government movement's armed group, which has been linked with the grenade attacks on the Royal Thai Army headquarters in Bangkok.

I disagree don't consider it

DO IT

[schuimpje]

Red-shirt rally core leader Weng Tojirakan today the 7th May called on at least one-million red-shirt people from across the country to mobilize to the Ratchaprasong intersection to put pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the parliament as soon as possible.

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Here we go again

It all starts over again

Please Mr. PM do your job and clear this mob before innocent people get killed

At this point in time no one can in real truth call protesting red shirts innocent people

Let them keep talking...every word they say before ending the rally, to me is just another dig of dirt out of their grave.

The more they talk, the deeper their grave.

They just keep talking because they want as many people there when 15 May comes.

With a large group of protesters, they hope that the police-office they go to will be overwhelmed and scared to keep them in custody, simply taking their statements and then releasing them.

It's again a matter of UDD and tactics of fear & violence.

It will only take a couple more days for them to fall down hard. By now there's so many people with itchy fingers to pull the trigger on them that I would not dare to walk in a 100m circle around them in fear of being accidentally becoming the target.