Order Restored In Bangkok And Provinces: PM Abhisit

[keithaustin]

The Reds had a point: Thailand is a very unequal society, with a handful of key families controlling so much of its commercial life - & pocketing the proceeds.

Of course they were used by the odious Thaksin - who must never be allowed to influence Thai polity again.

And they contained their fair share of violent nutters.

But their key point remains valid: Thailand is precipitously unequal.

Unless that is rectified, the Reds will rise again.

That might be the end of the present elite, even the end of civil peace.

Better to make a deal now, to bring about fairness.

But, every country has inequality and many are worse than Thailand and some are MUCH worse. And look at the privileged 'celebrity' clubs in the West, the relatively new, superior, condescending ego-class - especially USA and UK. Ditto the fat cats.

[Tod Daniels]

The entire crack down was carried out with as little loss of life as could be expected given the heavy resistance the red radical faction put up once it started.

More and more munitions are being found in what were red rabble held areas. Most if not all the looting/violence videos are disenfranchised reds angered at their illustrious leaders surrender, venting their anger.

I think the country has a long way to go, but at least the P/M got thailand thru this so far, so let's see what he's gonna do to address the issues he freely admitted were valid during negotiations with the red-rabble leaders.

I listened to sock puppet red radio from the stage at Rachaprasong for nearly 5 solid days before this crackdown and NOT ONE SINGLE TIME did I hear anything that resembled talk of reconciliation, a call for peace, or a call for unity. All I heard was hate filled, violence inciting, divisive brain-washing to the red-rabble protestors.

They listened to it for nearly 8 solid weeks; of course they're a little brain washed in their way of thinking. Is it any wonder some of the more radical element wouldn't buy the surrender when it came and preferred instead to burn, loot and destroy anything they could get their grubby little mitts on?

The blame for this entire debacle deserves to be laid at the feet of the core red-rabble leaders (Jatuporn, Arisman, Suporn, Nattawut, Kwanchai, Wing-Nut Weng, et al), they could have stopped this WEEKS ago as Abhisit had already acquiesced to every 'demand' they'd made. Instead they made more and more unreasonable demands, so much so that Veera Musikapong finally just disappeared from the rally. The hard line leaders forced the governments hand in this; I hope they get what they deserve.

As an aside; I think the BMA is doing an incredible job in getting this city back on track and running again, they are the heroes now.

Just as the young soldiers who were tasked with a difficult job during the crackdown were the heroes during that time.

Is it me or is the T/V Forum now flooded with newbie members who've got a handful of posts yet have morphed somehow into thai political pundits? To a person they seem to be mindless foreign sock-puppet red-apologists, refusing to let something like FACTS get in the way of their red tinted posting penchants. Truly sad and pathetic. .. Take of your red goggles and try Google before you post mindlessness. (My ignore bin is filling up )

[Milo]

Every single Thai I know supports this man - I hope in the weeks and months ahead, he shows everyone a path towards peace, reconciliation and unity.

I don't know what you are drinking but it must be strong. I have not met 1 Thai who supports this man, I have been to Udon, Korat, Khon Kaen and Non Kai in the last 12 months and have not met this SINGLE Thai you talk about. I can say I've met hundreds and not met a supporter of the present government. Maybe this 1 you met was hiding.

Well, probably not every single Thai, but the big silent majority. Wait for elections, and if the reds don't buy to many votes we will know the real truth.

Precisely, a very valid point indeed. We live in Udorn, I've mates in KK, Nk and the other provinces you speak about, also dealing with Thais on a daily basis for business, we travel constantly and I've only met about 10% supporting the reds. Now up in the north where we tour, that was a different matter, though I wouldn't like to offer any recent opinion as I've not visited over this last month. Hardly wise to base such a sweeping generalisation on his limited personal experience I'd suggest? Rather like saying all the Irish are Catholic because all those that he met were!!

[webfact]

Full English Transcript of PM's speech at 14:00 Today

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=3628762

[nickupton]

The entire crack down was carried out with as little loss of life as could be expected given the heavy resistance the red radical faction put up once it started.

More and more munitions are being found in what were red rabble held areas. Most if not all the looting/violence videos are disenfranchised reds angered at their illustrious leaders surrender, venting their anger.

I think the country has a long way to go, but at least the P/M got thailand thru this so far, so let's see what he's gonna do to address the issues he freely admitted were valid during negotiations with the red-rabble leaders.

I listened to sock puppet red radio from the stage at Rachaprasong for nearly 5 solid days before this crackdown and NOT ONE SINGLE TIME did I hear anything that resembled talk of reconciliation, a call for peace, or a call for unity. All I heard was hate filled, violence inciting, divisive brain-washing to the red-rabble protestors.

They listened to it for nearly 8 solid weeks; of course they're a little brain washed in their way of thinking. Is it any wonder some of the more radical element wouldn't buy the surrender when it came and preferred instead to burn, loot and destroy anything they could get their grubby little mitts on?

The blame for this entire debacle deserves to be laid at the feet of the core red-rabble leaders (Jatuporn, Arisman, Suporn, Nattawut, Kwanchai, Wing-Nut Weng, et al), they could have stopped this WEEKS ago as Abhisit had already acquiesced to every 'demand' they'd made. Instead they made more and more unreasonable demands, so much so that Veera Musikapong finally just disappeared from the rally. The hard line leaders forced the governments hand in this; I hope they get what they deserve.

As an aside; I think the BMA is doing an incredible job in getting this city back on track and running again, they are the heroes now.

Just as the young soldiers who were tasked with a difficult job during the crackdown were the heroes during that time.

Is it me or is the T/V Forum now flooded with newbie members who've got a handful of posts yet have morphed somehow into thai political pundits? To a person they seem to be mindless foreign sock-puppet red-apologists, refusing to let something like FACTS get in the way of their red tinted posting penchants. Truly sad and pathetic. .. Take of your red goggles and try Google before you post mindlessness. (My ignore bin is filling up )

Excellent post. Those "leaders" must never be allowed out again or to address the red mobs again.

[keithaustin]

The Reds had a point: Thailand is a very unequal society, with a handful of key families controlling so much of its commercial life - & pocketing the proceeds.

Of course they were used by the odious Thaksin - who must never be allowed to influence Thai polity again.

And they contained their fair share of violent nutters.

But their key point remains valid: Thailand is precipitously unequal.

Unless that is rectified, the Reds will rise again.

That might be the end of the present elite, even the end of civil peace.

Better to make a deal now, to bring about fairness.

But, all countries have inequality and most have more inequality than Thailand and some MUCH more. One of the examples is that of sports, film, pop and other 'stars' being mega-rich and getting richer, the worst countries for this are USA and UK in that order. All the rest of us (and some extremely talented) partake in sports, theatre acting, singing for peanuts (or free) and/or have much better personalities/charisma. And then, of course, there are the fat cats - again the worst countries being USA, UK in that order. These people are not saints and do not deserve any of the hero-worship and other perks that they get, true saints are good-hearted, unselfish people such as Marie Theresa.

[mpetersen]

PM: we've restored order, it's time to reunify and move forward

BANGKOK: -- In his latest televised address, both in Thai and English, prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed the restoration of order, urging for reunification despite differences of opinions and reiterating the prioritisation of the value of lives. Those responsible for arson, violence and other crimes will be prosecuted strictly according to the rule of law, but also with fairness and transparency. He mentioned that the previously rejected 5 point reconciliation plan proposed by the government will be employed.

"We belong to the same house" he said.

The prime minister pointed out immediate solutions, with ad-hoc Rapid Response Force set up to assist those affected. He said the rehabilitation of damages are as important as restoring morale of the people.

As for longer-term solutions, Abhisit listed the revocation of rights-ridden government decrees, fair and transparent prosecutions, as well as reunification of the country.

"This goverment has every intention to move this country forward."

-- Tan Network 2010-05-21

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

About 3 minutes ago I heard an explosion. Sound coming somewhere from the direction of Central/Asoke direction.

[cyb]

Really? I don't think any supports the PM's actions at all. The PM's and his yellow followers are not Buddhist at all but are killers of Freedom. If this Junta government stays power they will need to change the name of the country to something other than Thailand because it will not be a free country.

Are you for real?

The Pm did a fantastic job in a difficult situation, My wife's family and mine turned against Thaksin and his red terrorists a long time ago and will vote for the current government in the next elections.

[neverdie]

A leader who brings a country through a bloody crisis is going to make significant gains in popularity. Abhisit is in charge. Thaksin will be fighting terrorism charges ...

[neverdie]

The entire crack down was carried out with as little loss of life as could be expected given the heavy resistance the red radical faction put up once it started.

More and more munitions are being found in what were red rabble held areas. Most if not all the looting/violence videos are disenfranchised reds angered at their illustrious leaders surrender, venting their anger.

I think the country has a long way to go, but at least the P/M got thailand thru this so far, so let's see what he's gonna do to address the issues he freely admitted were valid during negotiations with the red-rabble leaders.

I listened to sock puppet red radio from the stage at Rachaprasong for nearly 5 solid days before this crackdown and NOT ONE SINGLE TIME did I hear anything that resembled talk of reconciliation, a call for peace, or a call for unity. All I heard was hate filled, violence inciting, divisive brain-washing to the red-rabble protestors.

They listened to it for nearly 8 solid weeks; of course they're a little brain washed in their way of thinking. Is it any wonder some of the more radical element wouldn't buy the surrender when it came and preferred instead to burn, loot and destroy anything they could get their grubby little mitts on?

The blame for this entire debacle deserves to be laid at the feet of the core red-rabble leaders (Jatuporn, Arisman, Suporn, Nattawut, Kwanchai, Wing-Nut Weng, et al), they could have stopped this WEEKS ago as Abhisit had already acquiesced to every 'demand' they'd made. Instead they made more and more unreasonable demands, so much so that Veera Musikapong finally just disappeared from the rally. The hard line leaders forced the governments hand in this; I hope they get what they deserve.

As an aside; I think the BMA is doing an incredible job in getting this city back on track and running again, they are the heroes now.

Just as the young soldiers who were tasked with a difficult job during the crackdown were the heroes during that time.

Is it me or is the T/V Forum now flooded with newbie members who've got a handful of posts yet have morphed somehow into thai political pundits? To a person they seem to be mindless foreign sock-puppet red-apologists, refusing to let something like FACTS get in the way of their red tinted posting penchants. Truly sad and pathetic. .. Take of your red goggles and try Google before you post mindlessness. (My ignore bin is filling up )

Well said Mr Daniels.

[Meadowlark]

PM: we've restored order, it's time to reunify and move forward

BANGKOK: -- In his latest televised address, both in Thai and English, prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva affirmed the restoration of order, urging for reunification despite differences of opinions and reiterating the prioritisation of the value of lives. Those responsible for arson, violence and other crimes will be prosecuted strictly according to the rule of law, but also with fairness and transparency. He mentioned that the previously rejected 5 point reconciliation plan proposed by the government will be employed.

"We belong to the same house" he said.

The prime minister pointed out immediate solutions, with ad-hoc Rapid Response Force set up to assist those affected. He said the rehabilitation of damages are as important as restoring morale of the people.

As for longer-term solutions, Abhisit listed the revocation of rights-ridden government decrees, fair and transparent prosecutions, as well as reunification of the country.

I am very proud of prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and the incredible patience and courage he has shown in the face of this national crisis. He is indeed a Tiger, and a brilliant leader. Thais,for the most part,have not appreciated this beautful country and its' potential. Surrounded by 3 out of 4 countries whose citizens live in fear, Thailand stands as a beacon of freedom and a country that can,once more, uphold the rights of all citizens who place 'love of country' over selfish terrorist acts. I ask that those involved be punished and no one should have parliamentary immunity for the terrorist insanity that was displayed by the red shirt leaders.

[mpetersen]

Yes the salient point being that Toxin and his ilk are indeed at the top echelons of said wealthy elite

They are nowhere near.

However for right or for wrong he has now given the rural masses a sense of enfranchisement.

But he had nothing to do with it..! He said so on his Twitter and through his excellent lawyer, therefore he must be telling the truth.

so you're basically saying that one can 'buy' the truth via twitter and expensive lawyer's mouth???

Of course it's called propaganda.

[NanaFoods]

Those that do not support this man probably can't read or have been bribed.

Or have been lied to (brainwashed) like many of the newbie shills we see coming on here attempting to propagandize for the Red Shirt communists.

[jcbangkok]

I think it is mainly die hard red sympathizers who continue to say (wish) the violence isn't over and will just get worse. There is no indication violence will continue after this slap down and in fact is likely to not happen again on this level in terms of the reds.

But even if some one off terrorist folks decide to cause havoc ... it is not like these people would have ever been model citizens anyway and surely would have found other reasons for violence. So, better authorities have the opportunity to nip them in the bud now for the future of Thailand.

These crazed red mob sympathizers here would have you believe the current Gov't has done anything bad towards the poor of Thailand when the facts are the opposite. When you consider this fact, you have to wonder what Thaksin and his puppet PM after him did for the poor that have left them so angry. Certainly they provided NO lasting opportunity chances in their 6 plus years in charge.

Next step is to take Thaksin out of the game so these brainwashed followers will hold somebody else in above human esteem that is more deserving or simply realizing they need to depend on themselves and work hard as opposed to demanding from others and putting so much faith into criminals and people who exploit and harm them.

[cyb]

Those that do not support this man probably can't read or have been bribed.

Or have been lied to (brainwashed) like many of the newbie shills we see coming on here attempting to propagandize for the Red Shirt communists.

Exactly, Thailand has the chance to move forward now and the red shirt leaders must be put down like the rabid dogs that they are.

Edited May 21, 2010 by cyb

[frankman]

REDS GO HOME!!!

[mpetersen]

Those that do not support this man probably can't read or have been bribed.

Or have been lied to (brainwashed) like many of the newbie shills we see coming on here attempting to propagandize for the Red Shirt communists.

I am not sure the reds are communists (Seh Daeng was a big anti-communist hero general), however they are using communist maoist tactics to divide and conquer.

[wayfarer108]

The Reds had a point: Thailand is a very unequal society, with a handful of key families controlling so much of its commercial life - & pocketing the proceeds.

Of course they were used by the odious Thaksin - who must never be allowed to influence Thai polity again.

And they contained their fair share of violent nutters.

But their key point remains valid: Thailand is precipitously unequal.

Unless that is rectified, the Reds will rise again.

That might be the end of the present elite, even the end of civil peace.

Better to make a deal now, to bring about fairness.

But the UDD had zero plan for how to achieve so-called equality. Abhisit and his admin do, and they have done more to work towards such goals than any previous administration including that of the ex-PM the UDD supports and wanted to call back to rule again.

Throughout the early stages of the demonstration Abhisit asked for concrete suggestions on how the government could meet the needs of the protestors. They came up with nothing.

Would early elections have made any difference in the social order? We all know the answer to that.

As Abhisit has noted, 'We are all equal under the law but we have unequal opportunities,' and his govt is working towards the latter problem with such programs as free education, free health care and the first tax on unused land, which will expand the tax base on which to develop social programs. T and the UDD had no such plans. Rather than build, they want to destroy.

Despite claims to the contrary, IMO the UDD and the Red movement are anti-democratic and anti-equality. Actions speak louder than words

I listened to sock puppet red radio from the stage at Rachaprasong for nearly 5 solid days before this crackdown and NOT ONE SINGLE TIME did I hear anything that resembled talk of reconciliation, a call for peace, or a call for unity. All I heard was hate filled, violence inciting, divisive brain-washing to the red-rabble protestors.

They listened to it for nearly 8 solid weeks; of course they're a little brain washed in their way of thinking. Is it any wonder some of the more radical element wouldn't buy the surrender when it came and preferred instead to burn, loot and destroy anything they could get their grubby little mitts on?

Hear, hear. I lived near the stage for over a month, bailing only when the shooting, burning and looting started, and can vouch for your description of the stage rhetoric. Anyone listening who knew the first thing about democracy and democratic movements could see that the agenda was not to build but to destroy.

Edited May 21, 2010 by wayfarer108

[jcbangkok]

Those that do not support this man probably can't read or have been bribed.

Or have been lied to (brainwashed) like many of the newbie shills we see coming on here attempting to propagandize for the Red Shirt communists.

I am not sure the reds are communists (Seh Daeng was a big anti-communist hero general), however they are using communist maoist tactics to divide and conquer.

IMO they are very about communism. Just think about the very very very few times they actually talk about what they want outside the PM resigning and house dissolution. The have even stated that the PM could not set any policies that would make them not demand his resignation. One would have to be an idiot to believe these poor people are willing to shoot themselves in the foot for simple so-called democracy.

There whole agenda was to force the gov't to act harshly and then say the gov't is out of control and cannot control. Next would be house dissolution & resignation of the PM at which time they would have their coup and install their leaders.

The one thing they seem real angry about is their are rich people who have more than them and they want MORE of the rich people's money. This doesn't sound like capitalism to me but rather communism or socialism. I am not saying this is bad but in my mind it is clearly what they want and they clearly are not being honest about it.

Here is also a good read about their tactics ... http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/LE13Ae01.html

[cyb]

The Reds had a point: Thailand is a very unequal society, with a handful of key families controlling so much of its commercial life - & pocketing the proceeds.

Of course they were used by the odious Thaksin - who must never be allowed to influence Thai polity again.

And they contained their fair share of violent nutters.

But their key point remains valid: Thailand is precipitously unequal.

Unless that is rectified, the Reds will rise again.

That might be the end of the present elite, even the end of civil peace.

Better to make a deal now, to bring about fairness.

But the UDD had zero plan for how to achieve so-called equality. Abhisit and his admin do, and they have done more to work towareds such goals than any previous administration including that of the ex-PM the UDD supports and wanted to call back to rule again.

Would early elections have made any difference in the social order? We all know the answer to that.

As Abhisit has noted, 'We are all equal under the law but we have unequal opportunities,' and his govt is working towards the latter problem with such programs as free education, free health care and the first tax on unused land, which will expand the tax base on which to develop social programs. T and the UDD had no such plans. Rather than build, they want to destroy.

Despite claims to the contrary, IMO the UDD and the Red movement are anti-democratic and anti-equality. Actions speak louder than words

With the reds and Thaksin it was survival of the fittest, Give the poor a carrot they will vote for us and we will survive. How wrong they were.

[norwayeagle]

This all remind me of a song (In Norway)

Think it's in English too......( here it goes)...................( Kids singing): Lala Little Lamb,do you have any wool.

(Lamb sing the Aswer) :Yeah yeah my dear little child,i have the body full. ..Sunday clothes for Ma and Sunday clothes to Pa...(lalala) Aaaand two pear of suckers ( Ouch , those in rubber to suck on ) ( ( (

( Ahaaa,,socks it was) ,to tiny miny bro.

[fullcave]

Bullshit, in fact the Thais DO know how to forgive and forget!

Their preoccupation with Preah Vihear suggests otherwise.

no clear relation...

typo-

Edited May 21, 2010 by fullcave

[Ayutthaya69]

Every single Thai I know supports this man - I hope in the weeks and months ahead, he shows everyone a path towards peace, reconciliation and unity.

yes Abhisit its good Thaksin Is A Loser how manny people die for him a lot and i didnt Winn verry sad storry sorry i hope Thaksin have more the 2 years Jail should be life sentence at the luxury Bangkok Hilton

[cyb]

This all remind me of a song (In Norway)

Think it's in English too......( here it goes)...................( Kids singing): Lala Little Lamb,do you have any wool.

(Lamb sing the Aswer) :Yeah yeah my dear little child,i have the body full. ..Sunday clothes for Ma and Sunday clothes to Pa...(lalala) Aaaand two pear of suckers ( Ouch , those in rubber to suck on ) ( ( (

( Ahaaa,,socks it was) ,to tiny miny bro.

There is an English one, The same (this is my version)

Baa Baa Red shirt leader have you any wool?

Yes sir, yes sir, Three bags full.

Two for me and one for the poor that live down the lane.

Edited May 21, 2010 by cyb

[norwayeagle]

This all remind me of a song (In Norway)

Think it's in English too......( here it goes)...................( Kids singing): Lala Little Lamb,do you have any wool.

(Lamb sing the Aswer) :Yeah yeah my dear little child,i have the body full. ..Sunday clothes for Ma and Sunday clothes to Pa...(lalala) Aaaand two pear of suckers ( Ouch , those in rubber to suck on ) ( ( (

( Ahaaa,,socks it was) ,to tiny miny bro.

There is an English one, The same (this is my version)

Baa Baa Red shirt leader have you any wool?

Yes sir, yes sir, Three bags full.

Two for me and one for the poor that live down the lane.

, Have a "nice evening Sir.

[goonerone]

Every single Thai I know supports this man - I hope in the weeks and months ahead, he shows everyone a path towards peace, reconciliation and unity.

Why doesn't that surprise me? Being a member of PAD I should imagine you are quite cut off from the rest of the world.

Every decent Thai I know thinks he is the leader of the most evil government Thailand has known for decades.

Don't think the rest of the world doesn't know what went on in Thailand in the last few days. All the manipulation of the Thai press and the take over of Thai Visa Forums will not suppress the truth indefinitely.

The people of Thailand will learn the truth over time.

However, I too hope for reconciliation and unity, but that won't come through people like you.

And it wont come through people like you ether will it with talk like "Every decent Thai I know thinks he is the leader of the most evil government Thailand has known for decades"

Have you spoke to every decent Thai, The Thai government showed great restraint in this matter in any other western country the police would of moved it with tear gas and water cannons before the week was out.

[Neilly]

I love to try the drugs that Abhisit is on. It must be great stuff. The only thing Abhisit is capable of is reading prepared statements made by his boss Suthep. During the crisis we have not sen him one time on TV answering reporters questions. Too difficult, too dangerous. He and Suthep are Ernie and Bert of Sesame street.

Thailand has never had a more intelligent PM in its history and probably never will. Men with his education usually go into private business where they can quickly become millionaires. It is good for Thailand to have a man as PM who has never been a member of the Thai military, therefore did not come up through a system of corruption. One of the reasons we watched the police stand by as the Reds expanded their barricades each day, was b/c the police have always been some of the most corrupt in the world and PM Abhisit has been trying to clean up corruption in the police department. That is why when videos and Television pictures of the Reds & their supporters burning all government buildings in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Konkaen, Udon Thani (thaksin strongholds), etc. we saw the police officers just standing and watching and some were actually doing something - directing traffic, to keep some moving while the mobs continued to throw fire bombs at the already burning buildings. Until the police forces are cleaned up in Thailand the country can never have real law & order. I suppose you would like to see another policeman (like Thaksin) or a military general as PM. That has been the problem with Thailand's government in the past and it will continue if we do not have civilian PM. In Bangkok it was easy to see that the police department was still loyal to Thaksin.

Four of the five Maoist Tactics used to overthrow government's were successful or at least partially successful. Only the fifth, "win over the army" failed. Two of the UDD (Red Shirt) leaders are former members of the Communist Party of Thailand - Weng Tochirakan & Seksan Prasertkun - and were trained to use the Maoist tactics.

They are: (1). Divide your enemies; (2). Form a united front; (3) Use provocative violence; (4) Secure loyalty of people inside the ruling regime, and (5) win over the army. These are tactics that Thaksin knows well. They were used by such butches as Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, Lenin, Castro, Kim Il Sung, and many more of the world's foremost killers.

Propaganda should be blunt, simple, and repeated incessantly to be effective. We had hours of fiery revolutionary speeches from the stage from the Red leaders every evening for two months. Many of the peasant protestors were easily manipulated and many, if not most were brainwashed by these charlatan Red leaders. Always remember, red is the color of Communism and at least two of the Red leaders were members of the Thai Communist Party.

Good post

[SanSaiExPat]

Every single Thai I know supports this man - I hope in the weeks and months ahead, he shows everyone a path towards peace, reconciliation and unity.

You have a very narrow group of friends. Do you get out much or are you house bound?

[cyb]

I love to try the drugs that Abhisit is on. It must be great stuff. The only thing Abhisit is capable of is reading prepared statements made by his boss Suthep. During the crisis we have not sen him one time on TV answering reporters questions. Too difficult, too dangerous. He and Suthep are Ernie and Bert of Sesame street.

Thailand has never had a more intelligent PM in its history and probably never will. Men with his education usually go into private business where they can quickly become millionaires. It is good for Thailand to have a man as PM who has never been a member of the Thai military, therefore did not come up through a system of corruption. One of the reasons we watched the police stand by as the Reds expanded their barricades each day, was b/c the police have always been some of the most corrupt in the world and PM Abhisit has been trying to clean up corruption in the police department. That is why when videos and Television pictures of the Reds & their supporters burning all government buildings in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Konkaen, Udon Thani (thaksin strongholds), etc. we saw the police officers just standing and watching and some were actually doing something - directing traffic, to keep some moving while the mobs continued to throw fire bombs at the already burning buildings. Until the police forces are cleaned up in Thailand the country can never have real law & order. I suppose you would like to see another policeman (like Thaksin) or a military general as PM. That has been the problem with Thailand's government in the past and it will continue if we do not have civilian PM. In Bangkok it was easy to see that the police department was still loyal to Thaksin.

Four of the five Maoist Tactics used to overthrow government's were successful or at least partially successful. Only the fifth, "win over the army" failed. Two of the UDD (Red Shirt) leaders are former members of the Communist Party of Thailand - Weng Tochirakan & Seksan Prasertkun - and were trained to use the Maoist tactics.

They are: (1). Divide your enemies; (2). Form a united front; (3) Use provocative violence; (4) Secure loyalty of people inside the ruling regime, and (5) win over the army. These are tactics that Thaksin knows well. They were used by such butches as Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Hitler, Lenin, Castro, Kim Il Sung, and many more of the world's foremost killers.

Propaganda should be blunt, simple, and repeated incessantly to be effective. We had hours of fiery revolutionary speeches from the stage from the Red leaders every evening for two months. Many of the peasant protestors were easily manipulated and many, if not most were brainwashed by these charlatan Red leaders. Always remember, red is the color of Communism and at least two of the Red leaders were members of the Thai Communist Party.

Good post

I assume you mean Grey and not the barbarian, I see so many posts on Thaivisa and it's almost impossible to know who they are referring to.

[thisismysong]

Every single Thai I know supports this man - I hope in the weeks and months ahead, he shows everyone a path towards peace, reconciliation and unity.

Same here and yes I hope he does.

After all this drama, I would like Abhisit to continue as the PM of the country but change all his sidekicks. I love Princess Sirindhorn and of course the King of Thailand. Edited May 21, 2010 by thisismysong