More Trouble To Arrive On Our Own Doorstep Shortly..?

[Hachi]

Just watched Al Jazeera on TV where they had a new short story on the red movement in Chiang Mai.

Did you see it? A leader of the red shirts announcing the future plans for their upcoming underground movement.

Now I am REALLY starting to wonder where it is all heading.

By the statements of that person there will definately be worse arriving on our own doorstep in the near future.

Haven't commented at all on the goings on over the past few months but I really feel I had to say something

about the latest reports especially as they relate directly to Chiang Mai.

It affects us all and will do so much more soon, going by the interviewed person's predictions..

Jazeera interview (Click the play button)

If the link gets removed go to the English Al Jazeera site, then to asia-pacific, then to the title "Concerns over Thailand detainees". Click the play button on the video box.

[Donnyboy]

i dont think they will be targeting innocent people, like the insurgency down south. Its a concern never the less.

[johnsjourney]

i dont think they will be targeting innocent people, like the insurgency down south. Its a concern never the less.

Yes highly speculative at this stage. They (unconfirmed) may have the same weapons, but there is no evidence they have the same intent. Also there isn't much tourism to get at now. But I think everyone, especially the wealthier parts of society will be increasing precautions.

It could be an attempt to discredit the red shirts by trying to link them to the south, i.e. the targeting individuals rather than places.

Thanks Hachi for the video.

Edited May 23, 2010 by johnsjourney

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Does anyone know where that coffee shop is that was in the video?

[Jingthing]

Yes that was the report that inspired me to start a poll about mall usage.

[Kidcosmic]

Kinda worried about travelling on the BTS right now. Hope they will beef up security. :s

[WarpSpeed]

IMO anyone who didn't see that coming has their head in the sand..

[orang37]

Sawasdee Khrup TV CM Friends,

Unfortunately, yes, we did watch the linked to Al Jazeera video: a complete waste of time. An example of sensationalistic irresponsible journalism designed to tittilate and exploit emotion by juxtaposing unconnected images and themes while making statements attributed to un-named sources, or sources who refused to be interviewed. In short: video garbage worthy of Fox News.

Khun Hachi wrote:

A leader of the red shirts announcing the future plans for their upcoming underground movement.

There's no evidence this young man is a "leader" of the Chiang Mai Red Shirts, that he is typical of Chiang Mai Red Shirts: there is an assertion he had a radio program on a "Red" radio station; it appears he has a coffee shop; it appears he likes big pictures of Gandhi, Thaksin, and Che Guevara. The only thing missing, to our eyes, were pictures of Marlon Brando (in "On the Waterfront"), James Dean, and Elvis.

There is no "plan" discussed, just vague innuendoes. The interviewer states that young man will go "into hiding," but there's no indication he was a participant in the events in Bangkok.

Khun Hachi wrote:

By the statements of that person there will definitely be worse arriving on our own doorstep in the near future.

It is the reporter who brings in images of the south of Thailand, and tries to imply that similar things could happen here in Chiang Mai, completely ignoring the fundamental differences between the historical/cultural/racial/linguistic background of what's happening in the south, and the nature of Lanna's own complex historical/cultural relationship to the modern Thai nation of which it is, now, an integral part.

As to the analysis made that because some protestors used weapons, home-made bombs, etc. similar to those used in the south that it suggests a connection: well, guess what, terrorist bomb-makers all over the world get their recipes or whatever from the internet: no surprise devices should be similar. And weapons stolen from the Thai army depot are going to be probably the same all over the country. Ditto weapons smuggled in from Myanmar or wherever.

Now if the weapons and devices used in the south could be traced reliably to Hezbollah, or whoever, and those same types of weapons and ammunition, or devices, could be traced in use here, or in Bangkok: that would be a story.

By the way, anyone with any sensitivities to Chiang Mai Buddhist culture would have immediately recognized that in order to photograph the red shirt protestor framed in the entrance to the Wat, obviously facing the main shrine area: the camera person would have had to have his or her back turned to the main Buddha image.

What is true, ioho, is that in times of chaotic cultural change, random acts of violence, and crime, will increase in frequency. More juvenile delinquents will do destructive stuff, etc.

If you want to be paranoid about something: look in the mirror.

best, ~o:37;

Edited May 23, 2010 by orang37

[Loaded]

Kinda worried about travelling on the BTS right now. Hope they will beef up security. :s

Ahem ... well... I'm not sure how to break the news to you, so I'll be direct: there is no BTS in Chiang Mai; so if you are planning on taking it, you'll be waiting a very long time.

PS

Good post Orang37

Edited May 23, 2010 by Loaded

[gotlost]

Does anyone know where that coffee shop is that was in the video?

Te coffee shop is called RED'S it sets in the sw corner of the parking lot of the Maninarakorn Hotel on Sridonchai Road. A friend of mine is married to a pass owner of the establishment. She sold out about 6 months ago.

[Hachi]

Sawasdee Khrup TV CM Friends,

Unfortunately, yes, we did watch the linked to Al Jazeera video: a complete waste of time. An example of sensationalistic irresponsible journalism designed to tittilate and exploit emotion by juxtaposing unconnected images and themes while making statements attributed to un-named sources, or sources who refused to be interviewed. In short: video garbage worthy of Fox News.

Khun Hachi wrote:

A leader of the red shirts announcing the future plans for their upcoming underground movement.

There's no evidence this young man is a "leader" of the Chiang Mai Red Shirts, that he is typical of Chiang Mai Red Shirts: there is an assertion he had a radio program on a "Red" radio station; it appears he has a coffee shop; it appears he likes big pictures of Gandhi, Thaksin, and Che Guevara. The only thing missing, to our eyes, were pictures of Marlon Brando (in "On the Waterfront"), James Dean, and Elvis.

There is no "plan" discussed, just vague innuendoes. The interviewer states that young man will go "into hiding," but there's no indication he was a participant in the events in Bangkok.

Khun Hachi wrote:

By the statements of that person there will definitely be worse arriving on our own doorstep in the near future.

It is the reporter who brings in images of the south of Thailand, and tries to imply that similar things could happen here in Chiang Mai, completely ignoring the fundamental differences between the historical/cultural/racial/linguistic background of what's happening in the south, and the nature of Lanna's own complex historical/cultural relationship to the modern Thai nation of which it is, now, an integral part.

As to the analysis made that because some protestors used weapons, home-made bombs, etc. similar to those used in the south that it suggests a connection: well, guess what, terrorist bomb-makers all over the world get their recipes or whatever from the internet: no surprise devices should be similar. And weapons stolen from the Thai army depot are going to be probably the same all over the country. Ditto weapons smuggled in from Myanmar or wherever.

Now if the weapons and devices used in the south could be traced reliably to Hezbollah, or whoever, and those same types of weapons and ammunition, or devices, could be traced in use here, or in Bangkok: that would be a story.

By the way, anyone with any sensitivities to Chiang Mai Buddhist culture would have immediately recognized that in order to photograph the red shirt protestor framed in the entrance to the Wat, obviously facing the main shrine area: the camera person would have had to have his or her back turned to the main Buddha image.

What is true, ioho, is that in times of chaotic cultural change, random acts of violence, and crime, will increase in frequency. More juvenile delinquents will do destructive stuff, etc.

If you want to be paranoid about something: look in the mirror.

best, ~o:37;

OK ok Orang37. You and everyone else are of course entitled to their own opinion.

I put it on here as I felt and still feel that everyone interested could view it and listen to it then make up their own minds.

Your commentary on the video and my few sentences, is in itself rather much of a personal viewpoint isn't it?

The vid footage clearly states the person interviewed is a opposition leader. It says so there in plain English. Whether he is or not in actuality I have no idea. It is as I read it on screen.

Me? Paranoid?

[whiterussian]

Hmm.. doesn't seem the type to me...

this is what red leaders look like.

[Hachi]

"By the way, anyone with any sensitivities to Chiang Mai Buddhist culture would have immediately recognized that in order to photograph the red shirt protestor framed in the entrance to the Wat, obviously facing the main shrine area: the camera person would have had to have his or her back turned to the main Buddha image."

PS: I have yet to see any Thai or foreigner walk sideways or backwards inside, or to exit, any temple here.

Edited May 23, 2010 by Hachi

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Does anyone know where that coffee shop is that was in the video?

Te coffee shop is called RED'S it sets in the sw corner of the parking lot of the Maninarakorn Hotel on Sridonchai Road. A friend of mine is married to a pass owner of the establishment. She sold out about 6 months ago.

Thanks!

And a great post by Orang! (first of all because it is the very first of his posts that I actually understood and managed to read in full, and secondly because it's spot on. )

[mamborobert]

$64.00 question folks

Why does the commentary make mention of Thaksin photo being next to Gandhi (a promoter of NON violent protest as a means to change) and Che (a good idealist at that time, but a failed military leader who was abandoned even by the Cubans in the end) and later shows close ups of the two photos, but no mention of the only other photo on the wall, and no close up, Nelson Mandela.

What has Nelson done to offend Al Jazeera?

[gotlost]

Does anyone know where that coffee shop is that was in the video?

Te coffee shop is called RED'S it sets in the sw corner of the parking lot of the Maninarakorn Hotel on Sridonchai Road. A friend of mine is married to a pass owner of the establishment. She sold out about 6 months ago.

Thanks!

And a great post by Orang! (first of all because it is the very first of his posts that I actually understood and managed to read in full, and secondly because it's spot on. )

They sold big Leo for 45 baht. Check it out.

[hanuman1]

Just watched Al Jazeera on TV where they had a new short story on the red movement in Chiang Mai.

Did you see it? A leader of the red shirts announcing the future plans for their upcoming underground movement.

Now I am REALLY starting to wonder where it is all heading.

By the statements of that person there will definately be worse arriving on our own doorstep in the near future.

Haven't commented at all on the goings on over the past few months but I really feel I had to say something

about the latest reports especially as they relate directly to Chiang Mai.

It affects us all and will do so much more soon, going by the interviewed person's predictions..

Jazeera interview (Click the play button)

If the link gets removed go to the English Al Jazeera site, then to asia-pacific, then to the title "Concerns over Thailand detainees". Click the play button on the video box.

From what i can gather, far from becoming a shadowy 'underground' group, the redshirt movement will continue as a bona fide (i.e. not banned) group with further meetings planned not just today but in the weeks and months to come.

If you're talking about normal red shirts, you have no need to fear anything. If you're talking about those who fight and vandalise in the name of those goals the red shirts espouse, then surely the overwhelming force of the authorities coupled with the evident ongoing witch hunts should keep them subdued. Again, no worries.

Hope I've put your mind at rest.

Edited May 23, 2010 by hanuman1

[mrmillersr]

So why the long post trying to discredit the Al Jazeera video? Take it for what its worth - a foreboding of things to come that all of us should be concerned about.

And it's not paranoia to worry about what could be brewing down the road. Anyone who doesn't take this seriously, I believe will be in for a rude awakening. When and what will happen, we'll just have to wait and see. Can't do anything about it but making flippant remarks and thinking they're words of wisdom shows a complete lack of common sense. Wait and see.

[Lizard2010]

We will all have to wait and see what happens whether the Red Shirts keep causibg trouble.

Or will they go underground and start terrorism tactics.

[CobraSnakeNecktie]

Thaksin and the red shirts have billions of reasons to keep stirring the pot. If a sympathetic to Thaksin govt is in power then he might be able to get a lot of his seized wealth back.

No idea what their strategy will be but I seriously doubt they will give up now.

So far they haven't resorted to blowing up their fellow countrymen but setting a bunch of buildings on fire comes close to saying game on.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed. On the bright side I really don't see CM being in the crosshairs of the Reds etc but there might be some influential property and business owners they wish to "influence" in CM.

[crgram]

The "real damage" has already been done, you can see it just by walking around. Closed shops and restaurants, hotels half or more empty. We expats add to the economy here but tourism is what really counts and the image of Thailand as a peaceful place to vacation is badly stained. It will be interesting to see how/if things improve this coming fall.

The real problem with that so called news video is it just adds to the image problem.

cr

[rohitsuk]

Not for the first time, I find myself in total agreement with Orang37 whose calm, well-reasoned and thoroughly sensible assessment of the situation is the perfect counter to Al Jazeera's typical media desire, to exaggerate, sensationise and inflame. But many thanks, nonetheless, to Hatchi for making us aware of it.

My hope is that the good people of CM, be they red, yellow or sky blue pink and covered in yellow dots are far too sensible and way too proud of our lovely city to allow it to be damaged by hatred, ignorance and rank stupidity.

Right thinking people, of whatever political persuasion, will acknowledge the just cause is some of what the more moderate red brigade are saying and this has certainly been accepted by the PM, who needs all support in his efforts to heal and reconcile a seriously damaged society and nation.

For our part, let the foreign residents of Thailand miss no opportunity to express our sadness for the loss and damage, our encouragement for reconciliation and rebuilding, our support for the voice of reason and moderation, our love of Thailand and our undoubted loyalty to His Majesty, our most beloved King.

[Ulysses G.]

There are some good logical posts on here and I enjoyed khun orang's post in particular (I understood every single word ). However, I've been here 20 years and I still have little idea why Thai people do what they do and using logic does not seem to help in the least.

The truth is that, if one wants to keep living in Thailand, we will just have to wait and see what actually happens. Jumping the gun and running scared is not going to accomplish anything.

[uncletom]

I agree with mrmillersr post. When and what will happen, we'll just have to wait and see.

Off topic a bit, but what political party is the Govenor of Chiang Mai? Just curious and want to know.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Can I say something sensible:

There is another reason why a comparison with Deep South or Al Qaeda style terrorism isn't valid. Namely that those groups claim to be fighting for goals that are completely unacceptable to just about anyone outside of the extremist core. There is no way ever that 'the free world' will give as much as in inch in any kind of negotiation, nor is 'compromise' a goal for those groups.

The Red movement by and large, which by the way is made up of many different groups, loosely want things that are VERY acceptable to the majority of Thai people, and if not for a hand ful of nut-jobs they would have accepted Mr. Abhisit's very reasonable compromise proposal two weeks ago. The issue was that the Red Shirt protest had been reduced to the absolute most hard-core fringe; those were the guys still there in Bangkok. Compare that to an overwhelming majority of people in the 'red heartland' who were pleased with Mr. Abhisist's road map, and were appalled by the stubborn, violent and irrational way things unfolded.

So, the Al Jazeera reporter's angle was that 'underground struggle' is now all that's left. It's not. It's MUCH more likely that 'the Thai way' will prevail, and elections will take place late this year or early next year. Meanwhile all the groups in the red movement will have to do some soul searching and decide who they want to be: socialists, democracy activists, Thaksin-fanboys, or Phua Thai Party-elite.

[dave2]

csnt

re ... On the bright side I really don't see CM being in the crosshairs of the Reds etc but there might be some influential property and business owners they wish to "influence" in CM.

maybe thats why rubbish bins are not being put outside 7 elevens in chiang mai anymore ?

last week / month .... one outside every shop .... last few days .... none

dave2

[elektrified]

Excellent post Orang! Spot on. And I too, understood every word of it.

[anonymouse]

There are some good logical posts on here and I enjoyed khun orang's post in particular (I understood every single word ). However, I've been here 20 years and I still have little idea why Thai people do what they do and using logic does not seem to help in the least.

The truth is that, if one wants to keep living in Thailand, we will just have to wait and see what actually happens. Jumping the gun and running scared is not going to accomplish anything.

Here's another for our favourite primates most lucid post.

UG is also spot on regarding Thai logic and I have no idea what the outcome of all this will be but listening to rumour mongering by the largely ignorant international media is pointless.

[nikster]

So why the long post trying to discredit the Al Jazeera video? Take it for what its worth - a foreboding of things to come that all of us should be concerned about.

Is there any actual benefit to the concern? If so I'd like to know what it is. If there isn't, I'll opt out.

[earlofwindermere]

Al Jazeera is not the only news agency reporting potential problems for Chiang Mai. Here are two more news articles specifically about the Red Movement in the city. One site is Thai-based:

The Globe and Mail (Canada)

Prachatai News (This site now seems to have been added to the rapidly expanding "blocked" list)

According to the The Globe and Mail article, there is going to be a large protest this Saturday.

Edited May 23, 2010 by earlofwindermere