Clashes Continue, Turning Central Bangkok In Virtual Warzone

[whybother]

YOU obviously from Bangkok and an elitist thug.The majority won the vote by whatever means,the rich took the vote back by whatever means.Both corrupt,but the only reason this happens is because the elitist cannot get the vote.

<snip>

Correct.

The "majority won the vote".

It's just that the majority are not the reds.

[rreddin]

Am utterly appalled at the reds. They had such sympathy a month and a half ago, now they are just a bunch of criminals working for their master Thaksin to the detriment of the entire nation. Disgusting.

OK. However, I can't understand any civilized person having any sympathy for them at all after Pattaya Asean and Black Songkran.

So, you can't understand half of the population. That is not surprising. I've met Red-supporters, rich and poor and middle class, actually I've known many for years. They are good people who, frightening to some, support greater democracy and less military intervention in Thai politics. I've met a few Yellows too and some are also good people. The most rabid yellows seem to be the farangs who are unnecessarily afraid of being lifted off their pedestal.

I agree with you totally. Your experiences are very similar to mine.

To those farangs who for the last two months have been calling for the use of lethal force I say be careful for what you wish for. You just might get it and you may not like the outcome.

[timekeeper]

Red shirts toughen demands

The red-shirt leaders Friday announced they would no longer compromise with the government and toughened their demands for the administration to comply with.

The red-shirt leaders demanded Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to meet the five demands as following:

1) The government must cease fire immediately.

2) The government must withdraw troops immediately.

3) The government must lift the state of emergency immediately.

4) The House must be dissolved immediately.

5) Abhisit and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban must resign and must not be in the caretaker Cabinet.

-- The Nation 2010-05-14

Thaksin demands, Jataporn demands, Reds demand, Phua Thai demands

demand, demand, demand

or what?

and what about us?

maybe if we demand they obey the law and go home

or would that be just more wasted rhetoric for the benefit of the media.........?

[ChiangMaiFun]

Abhisit's thugs have killed over 30 protesters thus far. This tends to bring out a bit of anger in the democracy protesters. It really isn't that much of a mystery.

Democracy protesters, are you from Somalia?

yes democracy - that small thing that allows you to vote for government? the thing that has not happened with this government? and you wonder why people are upset and angry? not sure where you come from but let your government apparatus ban political parties and MP's at the drop of a hat - see how you feel.

CMF ... what part don't you understand about voting and parliament in Thailand?

You know ... people vote for MPs ... MPs vote for PM. The people voted. Abhisit is PM.

MPs banned? Parties banned? Tanks in BKK? Coups? what is it YOU don't understand?

[jcbangkok]

Sorry to blow everyone’s bubble, does anyone know how long this is going to go on?

"blow" or burst everyone's bubble?

[TonyBkk]

3hrs of sunlight left before the spooks come out. Hoping the army are fully prepared.

Thaksin wanting to negotiate a sign the reds are on the back-foot, or is he merely reading from the script...?

Well, Abhisit used the illusion of negotiations as a prelude to his murderous military offense against civilians. Might Thaksin stoop to Abhisit's level? Why not?

I think your Essan wife has you brain washed, didn't your innocent Thaksin give the orders in 2003 for the murder of a whole bunch of drug dealers during the war against drugs, by declaring provincial governors and senior civil servants would be transferred if they failed to deliver results in the areas under their jurisdiction.

[Publicus]

This occupation has to be brought to its end now because if, for no other reason, calling off the school year (effectively) is too much, as would be opening schools and having children aged 5-15 exposed to the Red thugs who, in their increasing desperation, would not be beyond abducting school kids as ransom to get Thaksin's way against the government.

We just can't have a city full of schoolchildren required to move around and about, whether on foot or by bus etc in the midst of these Red insurrectionist thugs. The usual rules don't apply any more as demonstrated April 10th when high ranking army officers were shot, killed or seriously wounded and now Seh Daeng getting popped. The government continues to show restraint but there's still the reality that among the radical reds anything goes - this is Thaksin's last stand so we should expect anything.

This can't be allowed to deteriorate to the level of Chairman Mao or his pal Pol Pot when the closing of all schools signaled the complete breakdown of the society.

[whybother]

I agree reds have lost an opportunity and have made some silly mistakes - BUT Abhisit would have risen in stature had he stuck to the date announced and risen above the furore - but he has set himself LOW standards and then FAILED to achieve them

He may still go with a November 14 election. But the reds aren't accepting that and they're still protesting.

They don't want elections on November 14 so there is no point Abhisit saying that they are going to be then.

Yes I know - and what? is he going to be swung here and there by them? I supported his decision to hold in Nov and think the reds are foolish to not accept - BUT - who cares? hold them anyway - can you imagine any other country allowing 6000 demonstrators to alter the date of an election? think about it - it's bizarre! it's Thailand! and it's Amazing!

The reds don't want them then, so hold them when they are scheduled in Dec 2011.

[Jingthing]

I agree reds have lost an opportunity and have made some silly mistakes - BUT Abhisit would have risen in stature had he stuck to the date announced and risen above the furore - but he has set himself LOW standards and then FAILED to achieve them

He may still go with a November 14 election. But the reds aren't accepting that and they're still protesting.

They don't want elections on November 14 so there is no point Abhisit saying that they are going to be then.

Yes I know - and what? is he going to be swung here and there by them? I supported his decision to hold in Nov and think the reds are foolish to not accept - BUT - who cares? hold them anyway - can you imagine any other country allowing 6000 demonstrators to alter the date of an election? think about it - it's bizarre! it's Thailand! and it's Amazing!

Doubt that you care, but your spin is NOT LOGICAL. The radically EARLY election date was a major concession to these red shirt violent insurgents. Many felt that was caving in to terrorists. In any case he made the concession with CONDITIONS. The insurgents broke the conditions so of course there is no longer any reason to honor the original offer.

[Zolt]

Natthawut announced Thailand will see big tragedy tonight if PM Abhisit does not dissolve House immediately and pull out troops.

So what's the big tragedy? Is he going to turn his loudspeakers all the way up and fart into the mike?

I think it's quite clear now that the hardcore red leaders won't accept any compromise - hence a political solution is impossible and the use of force is, sadly, the only way out.

[ETatBKK]

Sorry to blow everyone's bubble, does anyone know how long this is going to go on?

government said - before dark, and they don't want to fight in the dark ( repeat Apr 10 incident )

reds shirt - until they win, or they run away, or they de_d !

bad alreday 2 dead today.

[Jingthing]

Natthawut announced Thailand will see big tragedy tonight if PM Abhisit does not dissolve House immediately and pull out troops.

So what's the big tragedy? Is he going to turn his loudspeakers all the way up and fart into the mike?

I think it's quite clear now that the hardcore red leaders won't accept any compromise - hence a political solution is impossible and the use of force is, sadly, the only way out.

Yes, because if the red leaders lose they know they are going to jail, and they know they DESERVE to go to jail.

[frodo]

Natthawut announced Thailand will see big tragedy tonight if PM Abhisit does not dissolve House immediately and pull out troops.

OMG, what a WOODENHEADS!!!!!!!!!!

They are REALLY not care even a single life of their shheps!!! It is OVER, Natthawut. THE GAME IS OVER!!!! Save a lives while you can - just bow to the law and stip the show!!

PS: may I see the photo where this so-called "peaseful fighter for a democracy" clashes with the army by his bare hands, in front of his ppl and leading'em forward? He himself, I meant.

I've tired of his bullshit being sent from the nearest VIP room at the nearest hotel, while the sheeps are fighting for his ambitions...

Pls God, pls save the lives of those who is yet innocent but simply brainwashed...save'em while possible....

He and the others simply do not care. The sheeple are nothing but fodder for them.

Jonestown 2010.

[Netfan]

Natthawut announced Thailand will see big tragedy tonight if PM Abhisit does not dissolve House immediately and pull out troops.

OMG, what a WOODENHEADS!!!!!!!!!!

They are REALLY not care even a single life of their shheps!!! It is OVER, Natthawut. THE GAME IS OVER!!!! Save a lives while you can - just bow to the law and stip the show!!

PS: may I see the photo where this so-called "peaseful fighter for a democracy" clashes with the army by his bare hands, in front of his ppl and leading'em forward? He himself, I meant.

I've tired of his bullshit being sent from the nearest VIP room at the nearest hotel, while the sheeps are fighting for his ambitions...

Pls God, pls save the lives of those who is yet innocent but simply brainwashed...save'em while possible....

Just a coincidence that a car bomb was found and defused an hour after he made this little statement? The govt needs to take these guys out now - and yes, that is what i mean, as they obviously mean to kill and maim innocent people.

[Zolt]

Yes I know - and what? is he going to be swung here and there by them? I supported his decision to hold in Nov and think the reds are foolish to not accept - BUT - who cares? hold them anyway - can you imagine any other country allowing 6000 demonstrators to alter the date of an election? think about it - it's bizarre! it's Thailand! and it's Amazing!

Doubt that you care, but your spin is NOT LOGICAL. The radically EARLY election date was a major concession to these red shirt violent insurgents. Many felt that was caving in to terrorists. In any case he made the concession with CONDITIONS. The insurgents broke the conditions so of course there is no longer any reason to honor the original offer.

Hmm, is it just me or are you two guys saying exactly the same thing? Have fun preaching to the converted

[timekeeper]

if the reds are fighting for democracy, why have they been told to vote Phua Thai by their paymasters?

[ChiangMaiFun]

Because its one rule for one set of people and entirely another for the other set. Double standards galore.

Hello! Your red mates are running round Bangkok chucking petrol bombs and your sterling contribution is the 'double standards' mantra.

Funny how the word 'illegal contributions' and 'Thaksin' cannot cross your red lipsticked lips.

I am not pro red..

But if you cant see the huge gaping double standards, and that those people who are out there chucking petrol bombs (while being shot at) are doing so because of those same double standards.. Perhaps remove the double standards and the petrol bomb problems go away ??

that's right - but the Army are now just pawns - thais killing thais this will lead to... who knows what - and why? because the elite in BKK have their heads up their a***s and refuse to recognise the genuine grievances of the red movement - there is more to come unfortunately and it won't be pretty. We have had:

The red lose a great opportunity to grasp the roadmap - a HUGE mistake

and

Abhisit lose a great opportunity to LEAD and show he will not be bullied or pushed and stick to the election date - a GIGANTIC error

So what now...? chaos

[whybother]

CMF ... what part don't you understand about voting and parliament in Thailand?

You know ... people vote for MPs ... MPs vote for PM. The people voted. Abhisit is PM.

MPs banned? Parties banned? Tanks in BKK? Coups? what is it YOU don't understand?

Coup ousting a care-taker PM - Illegal. Elections - PPP 40%, Democrats 40%.

MPs banned for electoral fraud. By-elections to replace them.

Parties disbanded and Executives banned for electoral fraud. By-elections to replace them.

Every electorate has voted for MPs and everyone is represented. The majority of MPs voted for Abhisit as PM.

What else do I need to understand?

[eurasianthai]

The red lose a great opportunity to grasp the roadmap - a HUGE mistake

and

Abhisit lose a great opportunity to LEAD and show he will not be bullied or pushed and stick to the election date - a GIGANTIC error

So what now...? chaos

I go with this one

[Jingthing]

Yes I know - and what? is he going to be swung here and there by them? I supported his decision to hold in Nov and think the reds are foolish to not accept - BUT - who cares? hold them anyway - can you imagine any other country allowing 6000 demonstrators to alter the date of an election? think about it - it's bizarre! it's Thailand! and it's Amazing!

Doubt that you care, but your spin is NOT LOGICAL. The radically EARLY election date was a major concession to these red shirt violent insurgents. Many felt that was caving in to terrorists. In any case he made the concession with CONDITIONS. The insurgents broke the conditions so of course there is no longer any reason to honor the original offer.

Hmm, is it just me or are you two guys saying exactly the same thing? Have fun preaching to the converted

It IS just you. Next ...

[saintofsilence]

3 grenades just fired at soldiers at Rajaprarop when the singing ended. About 10 shots back. Street deserted. People hiding in side sois.

One of grenades before hit Airport link terminal roof, attached.

Are you sure the peacefull reds threw 3 grenades " i am shocked "

[khunjamespittman]

Soon we will have UDD protesters in every part of Thailand, not only Ratchaprasong and Silom.

By protesters do you mean armed insurgents?

You are not a very respectful guest here. You obviously would like to tell the Thais how to run their country. That's pretty arrogant of you. Why not go home? Maybe no one their respects you?

[ETatBKK]

Natthawut announced Thailand will see big tragedy tonight if PM Abhisit does not dissolve House immediately and pull out troops.

So what's the big tragedy? Is he going to turn his loudspeakers all the way up and fart into the mike?

I think it's quite clear now that the hardcore red leaders won't accept any compromise - hence a political solution is impossible and the use of force is, sadly, the only way out.

think this way, red shirts already have plenty of time to negotiate, to discuss probably. yet they focus on marginal demands.

today, in the event of military action, there is no discussion, too late.

[bermuda]

Firstly, I'm neither red nor yellow nor any other colour for that matter, I'm just curious.

Many people on ThaiVisa refer to the reds an being controlled by Thaksin. Someone just now used the word Thaksinista.

From what I understand, these protesters/insurgents,terrorists, whatever takes your fancy, were historically Thaksin supporters when he was in government. Does being a supporter of someone automatically mean that you are controlled by them?

I no longer live in Thailand but follow the news, albeit mostly "headline news" about what's happening there and I don't remember seeing anywhere a piece of evidence that Thaksin is the person controlling the red's actions.

Why would he? Could he ever make a triumphant return to govern Thailand?

I genuinely look forward some of your answers. Educate me please.

Thaksin still has a few billions of Baht. He does not have to return and govern Thailand. He can just enjoy his life peacefully. The problem is that he is power hungry. Hitler style.

[ChiangMaiFun]

CMF ... what part don't you understand about voting and parliament in Thailand?

You know ... people vote for MPs ... MPs vote for PM. The people voted. Abhisit is PM.

MPs banned? Parties banned? Tanks in BKK? Coups? what is it YOU don't understand?

Coup ousting a care-taker PM - Illegal. Elections - PPP 40%, Democrats 40%.

MPs banned for electoral fraud. By-elections to replace them.

Parties disbanded and Executives banned for electoral fraud. By-elections to replace them.

Every electorate has voted for MPs and everyone is represented. The majority of MPs voted for Abhisit as PM.

What else do I need to understand?

Your devotion to the principal of fairness in the Courts and their lack of political bias is to be applauded.

[jcbangkok]

One of the big mistakes the gov't is the slowness in terms of dispersing this violent lawless mob. Not in terms of waiting but in terms of making small tactical moves rather than just getting it all over with one battle. It does them no good to keep having to deal with all these small number of reports of injury or death. This is Thailand and if they moved in on one continued battle everyone in Thailand would forget about the the many casualties in a matter of weeks and the world would follow in 6-months.

Of course they should make all attempts to remove them peacefully and without force (like they have for 2 months now) but it is clear the mob is not only not going to listen to lawful orders but will attack those there giving the lawful orders. This cannot be acceptable in any democratic society and this is the first step Thailand needs to take towards real democracy. There are NUMEROUS lawful ways to voice displeasure and seek change in Thailand but too many times in the past has unlawful methods been shown to work much quicker. When Thais realize unlawful and violent actions will not only result in not getting your way but will also have sever consequences then and only then can they begin to have true democracy.

[btunes]

We need a miracle......let ignorance turn into wisdom...i need to do some biz over in China town......any suggestions in getting over to that area while this mess is going on? I'll be coming in from the airport.....i usually head over in a a taxi from the Sukumvit area....but from what I am reading that might not be a wise place to rest my head for a few nights....suggestions?

[LivinLOS]

CMF ... what part don't you understand about voting and parliament in Thailand?

You know ... people vote for MPs ... MPs vote for PM. The people voted. Abhisit is PM.

MPs banned? Parties banned? Tanks in BKK? Coups? what is it YOU don't understand?

Coup ousting a care-taker PM - Illegal. Elections - PPP 40%, Democrats 40%.

MPs banned for electoral fraud. By-elections to replace them.

Parties disbanded and Executives banned for electoral fraud. By-elections to replace them.

Every electorate has voted for MPs and everyone is represented. The majority of MPs voted for Abhisit as PM.

What else do I need to understand?

That when people voted for Newin / Barnham controlled seats it was on a Pro red platform.. And then they got bought off and sold the choice seats at the trough so they jumped ship.

Would be like voting from your true blue conservatives and have them jump ship to a labour government because they could get a seat on the cabinet. The voters would rightly feel cheated.

[Jingthing]

Soon we will have UDD protesters in every part of Thailand, not only Ratchaprasong and Silom.

By protesters do you mean armed insurgents?

You are not a very respectful guest here. You obviously would like to tell the Thais how to run their country. That's pretty arrogant of you. Why not go home? Maybe no one their respects you?

I am not a guest. I am an expat. This is home. Nothing to go back to. Next ...

[Neilly]

Why doe they have to disperse a crowd with live ammunition? I've seen several time hooligans being dispersed with a water canon.

Why do these clashes always have to be so bloody and cause so many casualty's?

Because the red insurgents are using LETHAL weapons, that's why. Duh.

The Abhisit's thugs use live ammunition because they have a history of hanging protesters from trees and using many other forms of intimidation besides Abhisit's main tactic of suppression of free thinking by mass censorship. It is no coincidence that Abhisit's thugs have targeted journalists.

I have just put you on my ignore list as reading your absurd invective is a total waste of bandwidth.

Funnily enough so have I...just pure twaddle