Clashes Continue, Turning Central Bangkok In Virtual Warzone

[khunjamespittman]

So let's have an election then. OK?

I vote for an election. What are we electing? Suppose we vote on how many believe the transient farangs here are a bunch of Wackos spouting off about things they have absolutely no knowledge in an effort to cause trouble.

[Netfan]

Especially all those red women and children... and let's not forget the elderly that are there as well. They should be the first ones gunned down right?

They are human shields used the same way Al Queda uses similar people. You can't blame the government for that.

So it would be acceptable if they were caught in the crossfire then? Of course not you fool, just sit back from the keyboard for a minute and think about what you're typing. Innocent peoples lives are at stake, it's not some video game.

So instead of lying to the people they are supposedly responsible to and for, why don't the leaders tell them "PLEASE, the army is coming, take your children somewhere safe." ? Is it because women and children hit in any crossfire would be good press for the Reds? More important than their safety to the red leaders, who are dam_n sure to be hiding out of the line of fire.

[gbswales]

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.

Most countries are run by a minority of the population - it has always been that way and always will be. This is not about "the people" taking control of Thailand but about which self interested group of politicians has power - overthrowing governments should be left to either the ballot box or the army. It wont matter a jot in real terms to thai peasant farmers, the hotels and tourist businesses and more importantly the people who feed their families from the deserted or closed down market areas.......it is easy enough to convince a few thousand people with the right oratry that change is possible but it simply isnt - NO politican promises can ever be counted on and it is all too easy for governments to do "just enough" to convince people things are changing. The sad truth is that in the long term it wouldnt make a fraction of a difference to ordinary people whether they are governed by Abhisit, Thaksin or even the army. It is commerce, business and tourism that can bring benefits to them in the long term (and I mean for the next generation) When will people learn their are no short term wins for ordinary people no matter where in the world you live!

[deepskyfreak]

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?

Will you get over the guest crap.

We live in Thailand. We support Thai families. We have Thai friends. We pay Thai taxes. We work with Thais. We employ Thais.

We are not guests.

Maybe on your next border run you will discover the door can close for you. You don't seem to comprehend that it doesn't matter if you work or pay taxes orhow many times you've renewed your visa. Everyone with a bank account pays taxes even if they are not residing in Thailand. Only when you have been granted Thai citizenship can you claim to be Thai. Where you reside temporarily only make you a temporary guest. You're visa only gave you a right to enter the country not a say in how it is run. Get over it. Face it, you're just visiting here!

If you don't like the rules, pack your bags and go back to your homeland.

I'm not claiming to be Thai, but I plan to be residing here for a long time.

I am paying my way to be here. I am supporting other people here. I have family and friends here.

I have an opinion. This is a forum where I am allowed to express that opinion.

If you don't like farangs expressing their opinions about Thailand on a Thailand focussed web site, why do you bother reading it?

Hm, guests we are?

Well, quite a few "guests" have been invited to Thailand as advisers in governmental institutions - suggesting to the Thais how to work more efficiently/effectively. Hey, and some get even paid! What a surprise. Guests paid by Thai govt for an opinion - amazing Thailand.

With that in mind, it is understandable that so many guests train their opinion-expressing skills in this forum.

Maybe I should go to local Amphoe and ask them to issue a guest card for me... in addition to the Tabien Baan entry.

Edited May 14, 2010 by deepskyfreak

[dobadoy]

Picture of Nelson Rand being taken to hospital by redshirt ambulance.

http://twitpic.com/1nnc8l

Ah, him! Not surprised he got shot, I saw him in pictures on Thai TV this afternoon strutting around in front of the red shirts barricades as missiles and rockets were being fired. As in the picture of him on the bike, he wasnt' wearing either a flak jacket or a helmet.

[SabaiBKK]

Perhaps you can explain why the last 4 elections have been red majorities then ??

It took a disbanding of the TRT, banning of its representatives, and a lot of backroom dealing and turn coats to make the coalition..

Wonder if the Democrats will be barred from the next election because of their illegal contributions ???

VOTE BUYING ! duh!

[LuckyLew]

I think you had better check. A Thai wife doesn't make you a Thai citizen. It can help a guest getting a Visa. I your wife has a Thai ID she has a voice. You do not.

Hey pittman ... got anything else to type besides "you are a guest"

I suspect you have just learned how to use cut and paste

[Wuffy]

Thats a bit harsh...kill the innocent protestors in the camp that are sticking up for the rights whether they are right or wrong?

It never ceases to amaze me how farangs on thaivisa seem to think they know best about thailand and how to deal with thailands problems.

What is also very funny is that i have scoured the thai tv channels to seem some live coverage and all i can find is thai soaps and other nonsense things...yet thaivisa has thousands of high intelligent members going crazy about others people problems..If you are a farang with a thai passport then fair enough..its your problem as well you fellow country mens.

"Red Shirts haven't committed a crime. What they are doing is failure to comply with the law."

Just to agree with that post and add a little flavour.

This really cannot be called a protest anymore, or even at all.

I can not recall the last time I heard anywhere a protest who shut down business' (Peta would love to have your recipe I'm sure.)

When was last time you had a protest fortify itself into a compound in the middle of the street?

When was the last time a protest involved searching cars and people going about their daily lives?

How about shutting down a LARGE section of a city?

How about declaring that the army couldn't make them move or they will attack them?

They have moved in, it's occupation.

And I don't know about you but I am rather annoyed that couch surfer has stayed so long. And when someone told him ok enough go home, suddenly it turns into a brawl.

I might even agree that the red shirts had grievances, things that need to be resolved...

I would have liked the red shirt protest to um... Actually point them out.

Calling for house dissolution and a New election isn't a grievance, it's a really shitty shortcut workaround.

That probably wont work.

[humfurry]

Sniper just tried to take out Jatuporn on the stage at Rachaprasong...

I saw that he fell ... I didn't see blood. I think it was a fake sniper or the heat and his nerves getting to him.

[dobadoy]

So let's have an election then. OK?

I vote for an election. What are we electing? Suppose we vote on how many believe the transient farangs here are a bunch of Wackos spouting off about things they have absolutely no knowledge in an effort to cause trouble.

How dull. One more for the ignore list. This guy hasn't said a word of sense all day.

Edited May 14, 2010 by dobadoy

[FatherF]

TAN_Network

INN: Attack on Ratchprasong stage, more than 10 injured; 3 more deaths reported bringing day's death toll to 4 1 minute ago via Digsby

[redparrot]

Perhaps you can explain why the last 4 elections have been red majorities then ??

It took a disbanding of the TRT, banning of its representatives, and a lot of backroom dealing and turn coats to make the coalition..

Wonder if the Democrats will be barred from the next election because of their illegal contributions ???

VOTE BUYING ! duh!

Seriously? 20 million votes bought? You don't think Thais take money from both sides and then vote for whoever they want?

[LuckyLew]

Perhaps you can explain why the last 4 elections have been red majorities then ??

It took a disbanding of the TRT, banning of its representatives, and a lot of backroom dealing and turn coats to make the coalition..

Wonder if the Democrats will be barred from the next election because of their illegal contributions ???

VOTE BUYING ! duh!

Perhaps you can tell is why they were disbanded?

With were there reps. barred from politics?

[FatherF]

So let's have an election then. OK?

I vote for an election. What are we electing? Suppose we vote on how many believe the transient farangs here are a bunch of Wackos spouting off about things they have absolutely no knowledge in an effort to cause trouble.

How dull. One more for the ignore list. This guy hasn't said a word of sense all day.

All day? try ever!

[minburi2]

A red-shirt guard was killed in clashes near Bon Kai intersection on Friday evening, red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan said.

It was the second death of the day.

The guard was killed when red shirts clashed with troops in front of a gas station, according to a television report.

He was reportedly shot in the back.

He got shot in the back???? by friendly fire!! or was he clashing with his ass towards the army!!!

[Capealava]

"The soldiers just opened up on everyone. Old people, women, ambulance crews."

This a tweet from Time journalist Andrew Marshall on the scene now.

http://twitter.com/Journotopia

Can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs.

I hope you enjoy your omelet

Bloodthirsty Farang isn't he

[yoshiwara]

So let's have an election then. OK?

I vote for an election. What are we electing? Suppose we vote on how many believe the transient farangs here are a bunch of Wackos spouting off about things they have absolutely no knowledge in an effort to cause trouble.

...except you of course.

[brahmburgers]

As for the FARANG tourists that you seem to dislike so much- they prop up the economy in this country, without them the economy will crash imo.

You seem to thing that Tourism is the main source of income for thais. Its not. Remove yourself from Tourist Thailand and go check the rest of it out......tourist schmourist.

I beg to differ, you forget all the things and jobs not counted as tourism industry but which would not have existence without the tourists. clothes, internet cafes in tourist areas, restaurants in tourist areas, shops in tourist areas, all the money sent normally by bar girls , gogo dancers, freelancers to their famillies, all the bars and discos aimed at tourists all the taxis who work exclusively off tourists, all the gem scams shops, all the beer bottles that tourists buy at 7/11, all the condoms bought, all the indian tailors, all the spas, relaxation parlors, all the foot massages , all the beach masseuses, all the motorcycle/ car rentals etc etc all these and more are NOT counted as tourism revenue but yet is totally dependant on tourism .... and its a HUGE part of the Thai budget.

I agree, and have articulated this several times: Farang, both visitors and residents, contribute a vast amount of revenue to Thailand. Certainly the largest single chunk of 'outside money' coming to Thailand is from farang - mostly via their addiction to ATM's.

Much of that money is undocumented as dowries, and other under the table expenditures.

Plus, let's look at who Thais are. A significant proportion came here relatively recently from China, certainly most of the big business owners did, Thaksin's family included. Thais are a mix of immigrants from every compass direction. Where do you draw the line between farang and Thai? Particularly tough when considering children of mixed marriages.

[dobadoy]

So let's have an election then. OK?

I vote for an election. What are we electing? Suppose we vote on how many believe the transient farangs here are a bunch of Wackos spouting off about things they have absolutely no knowledge in an effort to cause trouble.

How dull. One more for the ignore list. This guy hasn't said a word of sense all day.

[neverdie]

So let's have an election then. OK?

I vote for an election. What are we electing? Suppose we vote on how many believe the transient farangs here are a bunch of Wackos spouting off about things they have absolutely no knowledge in an effort to cause trouble.

How dull. One more for the ignore list. This guy hasn't said a word of sense all day.

All day? try ever!

You can say that again.

[MKAsok]

Sniper just tried to take out Jatuporn on the stage at Rachaprasong...

I saw that he fell ... I didn't see blood. I think it was a fake sniper or the heat and his nerves getting to him.

Right - whatever it was (if anything), it didn't hit him. They were shining lights around to try and see where whatever it was came from.

EDIT: Clarity

Edited May 14, 2010 by MKAsok

[redparrot]

17:54 THE NATION: Security forces will not try to disperse red-shirts at Ratchaprasong tonight, CRES spokesman said Fri

19:34 INN: Attack on Ratchprasong stage, more than 10 injured, 3 more deaths reported bringing day's death toll to 4 /via @TAN_Network

[frodo]

Bomb has exploded @ red stage. Dozen injuries:INN

It was only a matter of time.

Edited May 14, 2010 by frodo

[ETatBKK]

Especially all those red women and children... and let's not forget the elderly that are there as well. They should be the first ones gunned down right?

They are human shields used the same way Al Queda uses similar people. You can't blame the government for that.

So it would be acceptable if they were caught in the crossfire then? Of course not you fool, just sit back from the keyboard for a minute and think about what you're typing. Innocent peoples lives are at stake, it's not some video game.

I hope most of the innocent peoples already been at home for 6 weeks, after been laid off !

those still on the street, either they call themselves 'hero', or they are the victims of their beloved leaders, or they are on duty !

[Jingthing]

Perhaps you can explain why the last 4 elections have been red majorities then ??

It took a disbanding of the TRT, banning of its representatives, and a lot of backroom dealing and turn coats to make the coalition..

Wonder if the Democrats will be barred from the next election because of their illegal contributions ???

VOTE BUYING ! duh!

Seriously? 20 million votes bought? You don't think Thais take money from both sides and then vote for whoever they want?

Nope as there are reports that village heads have ways of monitoring compliance with the vote payments, with extremely negative consequences for those not conforming.

[redparrot]

@karmanomad: Report frm near French Emb Sathon, police wanting to pull back, army not allowing, tension bet them, locals claim shots ...

Looks like we'll have fighting between the army and the police soon.

[TAWP]

Perhaps you can explain why the last 4 elections have been red majorities then ??

Easy, as there was NOT.

Posting lies isn't helping your case.

[hammered]

Something about bomb at red stage

[TheOldWolf]

As for the FARANG tourists that you seem to dislike so much- they prop up the economy in this country, without them the economy will crash imo.

You seem to thing that Tourism is the main source of income for thais. Its not. Remove yourself from Tourist Thailand and go check the rest of it out......tourist schmourist.

I beg to differ, you forget all the things and jobs not counted as tourism industry but which would not have existence without the tourists. clothes, internet cafes in tourist areas, restaurants in tourist areas, shops in tourist areas, all the money sent normally by bar girls , gogo dancers, freelancers to their famillies, all the bars and discos aimed at tourists all the taxis who work exclusively off tourists, all the gem scams shops, all the beer bottles that tourists buy at 7/11, all the condoms bought, all the indian tailors, all the spas, relaxation parlors, all the foot massages , all the beach masseuses, all the motorcycle/ car rentals etc etc all these and more are NOT counted as tourism revenue but yet is totally dependant on tourism .... and its a HUGE part of the Thai budget.

I agree, and have articulated this several times: Farang, both visitors and residents, contribute a vast amount of revenue to Thailand. Certainly the largest single chunk of 'outside money' coming to Thailand is from farang - mostly via their addiction to ATM's.

Much of that money is undocumented as dowries, and other under the table expenditures.

Plus, let's look at who Thais are. A significant proportion came here relatively recently from China, certainly most of the big business owners did, Thaksin's family included. Thais are a mix of immigrants from every compass direction. Where do you draw the line between farang and Thai? Particularly tough when considering children of mixed marriages.

And how much contribute farangs living outside Thailand with money send to wife or girlfriends family in Thailand or do business with thai companies

[bkkjames]

Sorry but in between all the debating, did I read a post about a sniper trying to take out jutaporn on stage???