Thai Authorities To Sever Red-Shirts Supply Lines

[MaxLee]

I told you yesterday: Even though it's affecting our well being in daily life and to our frustration, you must admit that the Reds are doing a great job, keeping on fighting for what they believe in. That teaches the government that they are being challenged and that oppositions do not back down easily like in a video game where you just press reset button to start all over again...

[Ulysses G.]

Is there a red supporter out there who can put a good case which doesn't start with yellows did it first. Please anyone?

I support the Prime Minister, but pointing out that the yellows started all this and mostly got away with it is perfectly valid. The reds have just copied what they did last year.

As far as I am concerned, the reds have not kept their word and any measures necessary to disperse them are warranted. However, there is the problem of very possibly starting a very nasty civil war. Most of us do not want that.

[daboyz1]

I told you yesterday: Even though it's affecting our well being in daily life and to our frustration, you must admit that the Reds are doing a great job, keeping on fighting for what they believe in. That teaches the government that they are being challenged and that oppositions do not back down easily like in a video game where you just press reset button to start all over again...

What exactly do they believe in? They wanted early elections. Abhisit said fine. The they changed the goal posts with this Suthep stuff. I don't think they know what they believe in. Only thing I can tell is they want parliament dissolved immediately. That's not gonna happen.

[Lopburi99]

I told you yesterday: Even though it's affecting our well being in daily life and to our frustration, you must admit that the Reds are doing a great job, keeping on fighting for what they believe in. That teaches the government that they are being challenged and that oppositions do not back down easily like in a video game where you just press reset button to start all over again...

Personally I think the Reds have outsmarted Abhisit almost every step of the way. They made some stupid major mistakes yes (the hospital raid, etc) but for weeks outmaneuvered the gov't day after day. That said however, their most incredible mistake has been in not declaring victory, waiting for the election, and going home. Now they face no new November elections (maybe, I wouldn't count on it) and stand to lose all their gains which were on the platter in front of them.

edit: typo - wouldn't

Edited May 13, 2010 by Lopburi99

[ChiangMaiFun]

Is there a red supporter out there who can put a good case which doesn't start with yellows did it first. Please anyone?

I support the Prime Minister, but pointing out that the yellows started all this and mostly got away with it is perfectly valid. The reds have just copied what they did last year.

As far as I am concerned, the reds have not kept their word and any measures necessary to disperse them are warranted. However, there is the problem of very possibly starting a very nasty civil war. Most of us do not want that.

I agree with this (apart from supporting the PM who has shown good management in some areas but poor leadership generally) - 'if' the yellows had been treated severely and law upheld this would not have happened - for sure.

However, I believe the reds should have honoured their acceptance of the roadmap and gone back and prepared for the election - so I think, although they have good cause to be pi**ed off, their strategy is flawed - they should have gone home in 'triumph' flags waving.

Whoever is advising them needs their head tested! the window is, sadly, gone. Now what?

Another thing - if, as so many yellow fellows on here claim - Abhisit's election was going to be this year anyway - in other words nothing to do with the reds - why has he cancelled it??? seems childish to me - he would have gained brownie points by sticking to his roadmap AND dispersing the reds - it's like watching a classroom of 12 year olds.

[ChiangMaiFun]

I told you yesterday: Even though it's affecting our well being in daily life and to our frustration, you must admit that the Reds are doing a great job, keeping on fighting for what they believe in. That teaches the government that they are being challenged and that oppositions do not back down easily like in a video game where you just press reset button to start all over again...

Personally I think the Reds have outsmarted Abhisit almost every step of the way. They made some stupid major mistakes yes (the hospital raid, etc) but for weeks outmaneuvered the gov't day after day. That said however, their most incredible mistake has been in not declaring victory, waiting for the election, and going home. Now they face no new November elections (maybe, I would count on it) and stand to lose all their gains which were on the platter in front of them.

This crossed with my largely similar post - they 'had it' - now they have thrown it away...

[MaxLee]

Is there a red supporter out there who can put a good case which doesn't start with yellows did it first. Please anyone?

I support the Prime Minister, but pointing out that the yellows started all this and mostly got away with it is perfectly valid. The reds have just copied what they did last year.

As far as I am concerned, the reds have not kept their word and any measures necessary to disperse them are warranted. However, there is the problem of very possibly starting a very nasty civil war. Most of us do not want that.

ditto!!! At least it's not the airport that they are closing down... shshshs....

[pornsasi]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 bahts per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

In a war with foreign powers the peasants would be the first to go on the field of battle die for their king and country , do they

have no rights ?

Meanwhile the middle class in Bangkok saw their standard of living increase as the country develloped itself like the rest of Asean

Now I am not talking to the few thais in here posing as farangs that are paid PAD activists and mistaken dems supporters

, known liars and deceivers trying to convince others that this is all about Thaksin return. Well they can only

convince those that are already on their side anyway , not much of an achievement

I am talking instead to the farangs that have been blessed to be born in countries where there is a sense of social justice

and some moral responsability by the polical class . Would you support such thing as happened in Thailand in your own country ?

I demand nothing more but to believe those dems like the PM who claims they have changed and that

from now on they will behave differently . I just wait to see if they will keep their promises .

I hear that the military coup in Thailand in 2006 was because no other choice

Any other choice for the reds but to protest , they have been robbed of their votes , their newspapers , their websites , their radios ,their

only one TV station ? What do you expect from a man that has been robbed of dignity for so long ?

Do you expect him to be polite and nice ?

Yes for sure , Abhisit will manage to get the reds to terminate their protest , but the problems will remain until

someone solves them . Whether or not Abhisit will be the one remains to be seen

Meanwhile lets try to be more moderate and see the real nuts and bolts of the division that affects Thailand today .

Even ppl from the elite like Khun Annand can see that something is definitely wrong .

Thank you

Edited May 13, 2010 by pornsasi

[AleG]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 baths per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

...

So, what's the red's plan to solve those problems?

[Ulysses G.]

ditto!!! At least it's not the airport that they are closing down... shshshs....

They also get points for doing it during low season, but as several posters have remarked, they are very close to throwing away the gains that they have made.

Peace now. Go home.

[brahmburgers]

So how long is "soon" translated to English?

'soon' (nai mai sha) spoken by a Thai is sometime within the next few hours, tomorrow, or never. As you probably know, the Thai word 'soon' is their word for zero. Does that explain it? Didn't think so.

I told you yesterday: Even though it's affecting our well being in daily life and to our frustration, you must admit that the Reds are doing a great job, keeping on fighting for what they believe in. That teaches the government that they are being challenged and that oppositions do not back down easily like in a video game where you just press reset button to start all over again...

What exactly do they believe in? They wanted early elections. Abhisit said fine. The they changed the goal posts with this Suthep stuff. I don't think they know what they believe in. Only thing I can tell is they want parliament dissolved immediately. That's not gonna happen.

'Doing a great job' ??? Perhaps you'd also think local engineers did a great job when they put in storm sewers in my northern Thai town, and had to entirely dig them up and re-do the job - not once, but twice. Perhaps you'd think the Thai navy did 'a great job' when they purchased a used aircraft carrier from Spain, but then found out they couldn't run it and didn't have planes and pilots who could use it.

One recent turn of events I'm thankful for: Abhisit can rightfully stay as PM for the rest of his term, until Dec. 2011 ...and perhaps beyond, if the coalition votes him back in for a 2nd term. Now, if he would only take his 'courage & resolution' pills each morning.....

Edited May 13, 2010 by brahmburgers

[way2muchcoffee]

Lol good job you ain't applying for the job.

Cut there Phones cut there Electric! sure no problem

But intentionaly cutting off food and water would be massive violation of Human Rights.

Think about it

How so? There would be plenty of food and water just a 3 minute walk away from their bunkers.

[pornsasi]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 baths per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

...

So, what's the red's plan to solve those problems?

How can they solve this problem ? They are not the governement .

The only thing they can do is to protest . Maybe based on 40 years

experience some of the reds do not believe the present administration care much .

Do you blame them ?

Others reds , more moderate ones , like Veera , are willing i think to give Abhisit a chance .

[bkkjames]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 baths per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

...

So, what's the red's plan to solve those problems?

How can they solve this problem ? They are not the governement .

The only thing they can do is to protest . Maybe based on 40 years

experience some of the reds do not believe the present administration care much .

Do you blame them ?

Others reds , more moderate ones , like Veera , are willing i think to give Abhisit a chance .

Porn, don't you every sleep mate? I suggest to cut down on all the RED BULL

[koosdeboer]

I'm getting really worried after reading the following article from the Asia Times online.

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LE13Ae01.html

May 13, 2010

Thai power grows from the barrel of a gun

By William Barnes

BANGKOK - The relative success of Thailand's red-garbed anti-government protest group in outmaneuvering the government and military owes much to Maoist revolutionary thought and guerilla tactics.

Therdpoum Chaidee, a former communist and colleague of key protest leaders, says that the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship's (UDD) strategy has necessarily required violence, or at least the threat of violence, to divide and immobilize Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government.

"The revolution walks on two legs. One political leg and one army leg. Violence is the essential ingredient in the mix. That is what we were taught," said Therdpoum.

The UDD has publicly portrayed itself as a non-violent, pro-democracy movement, a line many international media outlets

have perpetuated. It has occupied a large swathe of Bangkok's luxury shopping and hotel district for more than six weeks, paralyzing the symbolic heart of the country's capitalist economy.

Abhisit's government has threatened but failed to remove the thousands of protesters, apparently over fears that the use of force would result in multiple deaths and possible international censure. UDD leaders have threatened "civil war" if security forces crack down on their supporters, known locally as the "red shirts".

The protest group has rallied around its symbolic hero and presumed patron, former populist prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The businessman-cum-politician was ousted in a 2006 military coup and later fled into exile to avoid a two-year jail sentence related to a corruption conviction. Thaksin has since cajoled UDD supporters to rise up and topple the government through various video-linked phone-in addresses.

UDD leaders have demanded the dissolution of parliament, currently controlled by a coalition of political parties and backed by the Bangkok establishment, and new elections that they anticipate would be won by the Thaksin-aligned opposition Puea Thai party. They have recently accepted in concept a compromise reconciliation roadmap presented by Abhisit, which calls for new elections to be held on November 14, but not yet abandoned their protest sites.

Tensions spiked violently on April 10, when a routine crowd clearance operation - of the sort successfully deployed by the army against a similar UDD protest in April 2009 - turned into a nightmare of bloodshed. Mysterious commandos, clad in black and circulating freely through the red shirt protesters, used M79 grenades to attack tactical army commanders, killing a highly respected colonel and maiming others.

In the mayhem that followed, 25 protesters and solders were killed and over 800 injured after an operation that started with soldiers wielding batons and ended in deadly firefights. Coincident with the UDD's protest has been a string of anonymous M79 grenade attacks, with over 50 incidents in Bangkok and at least 30 more across the country since mid-March.

On April 22, five grenades were fired into Bangkok's main business district directly opposite a UDD erected bamboo and car-tire street barricade. One person was killed and 90 others injured or maimed, including members of a small pro-government protest group that has expressed opposition to the UDD's protests.

Fog of war

The government has said it aims to separate ''terrorists'' from the ordinary protesters, while some red shirts have thanked the anonymous black-clad assailants for coming to their defense against state security forces. Therdpoum, a former member of parliament under Thaksin's original Thai Rak Thai party, says there has been obfuscation and propaganda on both sides of the conflict.

"The people who are the real planners, not the people up on stage making protest speeches, these people probably keep a very low profile, but they must calculate that aggression is vital," he said. "Aggression paralyzes and divides opponents. This is what we were taught, this is how a smaller force can defeat overwhelming power. The message was: divide and conquer."

Whether the UDD's shadowy armed wing consists of mafia thugs, unemployed irregulars or disaffected regular soldiers, they must be capable of ruthless and focused violence, he said.

Therdpoum, born in humble circumstances in northeastern Thailand, was a hotel union organizer who fled to the communist underground in 1975 to oppose a brutal right wing government. Many hundreds of the country's most energetic students and intellectuals did the same. Most, like Therdpoum, later renounced the ideology.

His five-year odyssey with the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) included a three-month period in Hanoi in the heady period following the unification of Vietnam under communist rule. There, Therdpoum and a handful of hand-picked Thai activists, like prominent student leader Seksan Prasertkun, as well as current UDD leaders Weng Tochirakan and Jaran Dittapichai, were drilled in Maoist revolutionary theory.

The five tactics they learned for unseating a government included: divide your enemies; form a united front; use provocative violence; secure the loyalty of people inside the ruling regime; and, finally, win over the army.

"That is what we have seen. The government people have been quarrelling about what to do. Some senior figures have a divided loyalty. The army and the police cannot move. Provocative violence has been very successful," said Therdpoum, referring to the UDD's campaign to topple Abhisit's government.

"The tactic is to keep saying that you are a peace-loving people. The many factions folded into the united front [uDD] organization are not told what the real strategy is because they might not agree and they might not act their part convincingly," he added.

A generation ago, the eager young communists in Thailand's underground movement, many of whom now play major roles on Thailand's political stage, were told that propaganda should be blunt, simple and repeated incessantly to be effective. The UDD has similarly shunned hard policy debates in favor of simple credos of justice denied and the hypocrisy of elites.

"The red shirt people have been told over and over that greedy people in authority have denied them justice and their fair share. They have been pumped full of toy-town leftism and told to hate every institution that has held this country together. I worry that the bitterness and hatred produced by this propaganda now runs so deep it will cause tension and problems for a long time," Therdpoum said.

"Many of them are now absolutely convinced that Thaksin was the best leader in Thai history, that he was a kind and generous man who holds the solution to all their problems. They don't need a program - they just need a new Thai state with Thaksin in charge. It has become very emotional - as it was designed to be," he added.

Ignorance over knowledge

Other observers believe that the anti-Thaksin, yellow-garbed People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protest group that occupied Government House for several weeks and closed down Bangkok's airports for 10 days in 2008 helped to show the UDD how effective determined and prolonged protests could be. To be sure, there were violent moments during the PAD's many protests, launched first to remove Thaksin and later his proxy governments, but not to the extent of the current shadowy campaign of bombings and shootings.

The red shirts consist of many passive supporters, many active ones and, now, a hand-picked core of "professional revolutionaries" chosen for their loyalty and street smarts, according to Therdpoum. Behind them are many "deep secrets and hidden messages" that are revealed to only a privileged few in the movement, while an even smaller number know the entire strategy, he claimed.

"Old communists know that when it comes to revolution, ignorance is much more powerful than knowledge," Therdpoum said.

It is thus ironic that more former communists are currently on side with the royalist PAD than the supposedly pro-poor UDD, which is simultaneously striving to restore the billionaire Thaksin's wealth and power. So, too, is the fact that while the UDD has called with revolutionary zeal for a new political order, the Thaksin-aligned Puea Thai party that will contest the next elections is packed with old-style and corruption-tainted patronage politicians.

Therdpoum believes that the UDD's sincere left-wing members are using Thaksin and anticipate the opportunity to eventually dump his personal agenda in favor of the establishment of a more socialist society. Some of the former communists who took up arms and fled into the jungle in the 1970s and 1980s and were once in Thaksin's inner circle include Prommin Lertsuridej, Phumtham Wechayachai, Sutham Saengprathum, Phinit Jarusombat, Adisorn Piangket and Kriangkamon Laohapairot.

Its unclear how many of those former communists are now active from behind-the-scenes in the UDD's planning and strategy. Some media have recently published photographs of the UDD's three main stage leaders, Veera Musigapong, Natthawut Saikua and Jatuporn Prompan, with the exiled Thaksin in what appear to be planning sessions leading up to the current protests. It is debatable, however, how much real power they wield over broad strategy and tactics; Therdpoum, for one, discounts them as "showmen".

UDD organizer Jaran Dittapichai told this correspondent that the protest group had adopted "Mao Zedong's method of thinking" and some of his techniques, including the establishment of a united front. "I was a communist and several leaders were former communists ... but the red shirt people don't like communism or socialism. We use his principles to build up our front and to work with people who are not red shirts, but who are fighting for democracy like us."

He, like other UDD leaders, has consistently denied that the group is behind the mysterious bombing campaign that has coincided with its protest activities. "There is no third hand. There is only the first hand and the second hand ... the government side and our people," Jaran said.

"Before we started we discussed the [potential] problem of the third hand and who they might be. We were worried that someone might throw a bomb at us or shoot at us. We still have good luck - no one comes to throw a bomb [at us]."

William Barnes is a Bangkok-based journalist.

[dhrobertson]

Lol good job you ain't applying for the job.

Cut there Phones cut there Electric! sure no problem

But intentionaly cutting off food and water would be massive violation of Human Rights.

Think about it

How so? There would be plenty of food and water just a 3 minute walk away from their bunkers.

This is Thailand. They can't get anything right.

Can't even block the entrances.

No breach of human rights as they are free to leave and be arrested.

[nyles]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 bahts per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

In a war with foreign powers the peasants would be the first to go on the field of battle die for their king and country , do they

have no rights ?

Meanwhile the middle class in Bangkok saw their standard of living increase as the country develloped itself like the rest of Asean

Now I am not talking to the few thais in here posing as farangs that are paid PAD activists and mistaken dems supporters

, known liars and deceivers trying to convince others that this is all about Thaksin return. Well they can only

convince those that are already on their side anyway , not much of an achievement

I am talking instead to the farangs that have been blessed to be born in countries where there is a sense of social justice

and some moral responsability by the polical class . Would you support such thing as happened in Thailand in your own country ?

I demand nothing more but to believe those dems like the PM who claims they have changed and that

from now on they will behave differently . I just wait to see if they will keep their promises .

I hear that the military coup in Thailand in 2006 was because no other choice

Any other choice for the reds but to protest , they have been robbed of their votes , their newspapers , their websites , their radios ,their

only one TV station ? What do you expect from a man that has been robbed of dignity for so long ?

Do you expect him to be polite and nice ?

Yes for sure , Abhisit will manage to get the reds to terminate their protest , but the problems will remain until

someone solves them . Whether or not Abhisit will be the one remains to be seen

Meanwhile lets try to be more moderate and see the real nuts and bolts of the division that affects Thailand today .

Even ppl from the elite like Khun Annand can see that something is definitely wrong .

Thank you

That's the first decent contribution I've seen so far! Thank you!

[Samuian]

Veera resigned, Road Map was "accepted" the "Grand Master" whistled them back - back to square one - so the Thai News this morning!

\

More very strange stuff surfaced, about reincarnations of an ancient king, whose demise wasn't much anyone would like to go for, talk about superstition, rituals and the moving of some family remains this morning up north in some city to "unite" some "lonely man", in self chosen exile, with his family!

Who need to cares about the "rest" the businesses, daily life, international recognition, investors confidence, if all these fortune tellers , witch and spin doctors, quacks and spiritual guides are all at it already...... who needs to care about an entire country, if there is so much to care for already in the periphery of it all... is a whole nation gone over the river?

Edited May 13, 2010 by Samuian

[brahmburgers]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken. They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history since 1948. What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living on 3000 bahts per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening with a bit of salted fish once a while ?

Before Thaksin came to power, the poor in Issan were seeing some decent developments. Their kids could go to school. Many roads were paved, electric grids put in. Hospitals in all large cities and most large towns. Pretty much anyone who wanted a motorbike could get one. TV's and fridges in nearly all houses. .....all those basic amenities were being developed PRIOR to Thaksin's time as PM.

Not high on the hog, but certainly a lot better off than poor folks in many other countries. Even now, nearly all of Burma (and Laos and Cambodia) still have dirt and gravel roads and are at a development level roughly of where Thailand was three or four decades ago.

Thaksin is a master at basking in the adulation for other peoples' achievements. He took existing social policies, dusted them off, renamed them, and now the Issanaites think he's their savior. Thaksin himself has said in recent interviews that he's the only one qualified to help the poor of Thailand.

If you want to see truly disadvantaged people in Thailand, look farther afield at the hill tribers (my wife's family shares one outdoor 15 liter plastic tub with 4 other families - that's their communal cleaning spot). Of course, Reds don't ever mention hill tribe people. Why should they? Hundreds of thousands of Hill Tribers within Thailand can't vote (can't get ID) so they simply don't matter. They're essentially non-entities in the view of elites and Reds.

[AleG]

How can they solve this problem ? They are not the governement .

The only thing they can do is to protest . Maybe based on 40 years

experience some of the reds do not believe the present administration care much .

Do you blame them ?

Others reds , more moderate ones , like Veera , are willing i think to give Abhisit a chance .

The reds are tanking the economy, that is going to hurt the people they claim to care for, while at the same time not proposing any solutions or projects to improve their situation in life.

So tell me, for all the grief and damage this protest is causing, what are the benefits to those poor, downtrodden masses that it will achieve?

[pornsasi]

From my experience, everyone here is corrupt.

In over ten years, I have never had a staight deal. Not once.

Awful place. No natural sence of right and wrong.

Yes , what you say is entirely true .

[Ulysses G.]

From my experience, everyone here is corrupt.

In over ten years, I have never had a staight deal. Not once.

Awful place. No natural sence of right and wrong.

I do business with a lot of Thais and have had very few problems with them trying to cheat me and very few complaints. I can not say the some about some of the farangs that I have had to deal with here, but even they are a small minority.

[Who, me ?]

From my experience, everyone here is corrupt.

In over ten years, I have never had a staight deal. Not once.

Awful place. No natural sence of right and wrong.

I do business with a lot of Thais and have had very few problems with them trying to cheat me and very few complaints. I can not say the some about some of the farangs that I have had to deal with here, but even they are a small minority.

Same here!

[pornsasi]

How can they solve this problem ? They are not the governement .

The only thing they can do is to protest . Maybe based on 40 years

experience some of the reds do not believe the present administration care much .

Do you blame them ?

Others reds , more moderate ones , like Veera , are willing i think to give Abhisit a chance .

The reds are tanking the economy, that is going to hurt the people they claim to care for, while at the same time not proposing any solutions or projects to improve their situation in life.

So tell me, for all the grief and damage this protest is causing, what are the benefits to those poor, downtrodden masses that it will achieve?

So your solution is that the red should not had protested and kept silent ?

Well in every situation you got pro and cons , you dont make omelletes without breaking

eggs . If more pro then cons they its worth it .

My view is that the reds should go home now and give a chance to the PM to make good on his promises

But I am not thai , I am not a red p[rotester , and frankly i dont know if i am right

[SomTumTiger]

Well, I publicly speculated that the rally would be over by now. I suppose I put to much faith in the Red Leadership being the least bit honorable. They are not. They are scoundrels, thugs, and just plain evil men. May they rot in their container for months, economy be damned.

[landofthefree]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 baths per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

...

So, what's the red's plan to solve those problems?

How can they solve this problem ? They are not the governement .

The only thing they can do is to protest . Maybe based on 40 years

experience some of the reds do not believe the present administration care much .

Do you blame them ?

Others reds , more moderate ones , like Veera , are willing i think to give Abhisit a chance .

3000 baths per month! They must be very clean!

[pornsasi]

From my experience, everyone here is corrupt.

In over ten years, I have never had a staight deal. Not once.

Awful place. No natural sence of right and wrong.

I do business with a lot of Thais and have had very few problems with them trying to cheat me and very few complaints. I can not say the some about some of the farangs that I have had to deal with here, but even they are a small minority.

What dhrobertson was trying to say perhaps was refering to politics .

I took it in this context

Yes in business i have done quite a few of them with thais ( malays

and singaporeans as well) and usually thais are ok , though often

very long to get paiement .

Cant compare with the corruption in the Philippines .

[pornsasi]

The "democrats" party is the oldest party in Thailand , they exist since 1948 if am not mistaken.

They have been in power in most civilian governements that Thailand had in its tumultuous history

since 1948.

What did the self named "democrats" achieve for the poor thais that live in the countryside , many of them STILL living

on 3000 baths per month (thats not even US$100) for a familly of four , eating sticky rice morning , lunch and evening

with a bit of salted fish once a while ? Nothing at all , except enrich themselves and knowingly

keeping the poor uneducated , and dependant with no hope for the future nor dignity .

...

So, what's the red's plan to solve those problems?

How can they solve this problem ? They are not the governement .

The only thing they can do is to protest . Maybe based on 40 years

experience some of the reds do not believe the present administration care much .

Do you blame them ?

Others reds , more moderate ones , like Veera , are willing i think to give Abhisit a chance .

3000 baths per month! They must be very clean!

ya ya LOL . i edited my post . typical farang mispelling

[OzMick]

No sound-proof windows?

You can't get an "IGNORE" function for windows.

[Zolt]

Flip - *ù*ing - flopping. The morons in charge of the CRES should be fired right away. How many big pompous statements have they made thay they withdrew the next day. Being incompetents and liars is kind of the norm, but being incompetents and *bad* liars is pushing it, even in Thailand. Note that the red leaders are pretty much the same.

It almost makes me wish Thaksin would come back. For all his flaws, indecisiveness was not one of them.