Many Thai Red Shirts Abandoned By Their Leaders: Human Rights Activist

[Ricardo]

Good to see PM-Abhisit was perfectly willing to meet with her, still supports the right to peaceful meetings despite his recent experiences, and that someone at least cares about the 'little people'.

The fuller report on the meeting, quoted in another thread further down the page, makes it clear that some other red-leaders regard this as merely a personal-meeting by Khun Thida, and expect an explanation to the rest of the movement, since they certainly don't think she spoke on their behalf.

So much for the unity of their movement, their concern for the poor or their misled supporters, and the prospects for reconciliation.

[Buchholz]

Good to see PM-Abhisit was perfectly willing to meet with her, still supports the right to peaceful meetings despite his recent experiences, and that someone at least cares about the 'little people'.

The fuller report on the meeting, quoted in another thread further down the page, makes it clear that some other red-leaders regard this as merely a personal-meeting by Khun Thida, and expect an explanation to the rest of the movement, since they certainly don't think she spoke on their behalf.

So much for the unity of their movement, their concern for the poor or their misled supporters, and the prospects for reconciliation.

Perhaps Thida should focus on reconciliation within the Reds itself, particularly if they can't all agree on having her as their Leader. She could reinforce her stated stance of non-violence by assisting with the apprehension of the violent Reds and removing the revolutionary anti-monarchists from her group.

As for the government offering its continued assistance for the incarcerated Reds who are not Red Leaders, it's showing its stance. While Thida continuing to seek release of the Red Leaders, who don't require financial assistance from the same governmental agency, Rights and Liberties Protection Department (RLPD), and at the same time not offering up these Red financial resources for the rank and file Reds is showing her stance.

.

Edited December 17, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

PM affirms no deal with UDD on bail for peaceful rally

BANGKOK, Dec 17 -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva explained that there has been no secret deal between the government and the anti-government 'Red Shirt' United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) over bail for the jailed protest leaders following his 'chance' meeting with Thida Thavornseth, acting UDD chairperson at a Bangkok hotel Thursday.

The prime minister encountered Mrs Thida and reportedly discussed her concern to secure bail for the detained Red Shirt leaders. Mr Abhisit said that there was no secret deal with the UDD and the group's planned rally must be held under the limits of the law. He said that any bail procedures would follow the law and regulations, and above all, the decision would be the court's decision, not influenced by the prime minister or his government.

The process would proceed according to the facts in the cases, he said, adding that there were no preconditions in exchange for government bail assistance, and no collusion. The premier said some of detained 180 Red Shirt protesters deserve bail assistance, but some don't. The government would give priority to the ones who did not have a lawyer to fight the case and the Red shirt leaders will not enjoy more rights than other protesters.

He said that even though every detainee had the right to seek bail, it would be inappropriate if the Red Shirt leaders were the first to receive bail assistance.

The government would be criticised for having a double-standard of treatment if it helped the UDD leaders, said Mr Abhisit. It was not possible to do one thing that could satisfy all 180 detained Red Shirt protesters, he added.

In related development, Suwana Suwanjutha, director-general of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, met 19 detained Red Shirt leaders today at the Bangkok Remand Prison.

After discussion for two hours, Mrs Suwana said 11 of the 19 have asked for assistance in providing lawyer and financial aid for their bail bond from the Justice Fund. The remaining eight UDD leaders requested help on documents to the court to support their bail bid. They said they would use their own lawyers and collateral. She said she will report the results of her visit to the justice minister, who chairs the Justice Fund, at a meeting on Tuesday at 1pm.

Mrs Thida said she would attend the meeting and would try to secure the bail before New Year in order the let the detainees reunite with their families. The top Red Shirt leaders have been detained since they surrendered to police after the army operation broke up their protest at Ratchaprasong on May 19, followed by the arrest of many of the movement's allies and supporters whom authorities believed caused violence during the ten weeks of demonstrations.

Most Red Shirt leaders, charged with terrorism, were denied bail as the court expressed concern regarding their possible flight.

-- TNA 2010-12-17

[Buchholz]

Government to release 104 red shirts

The government will push for the temporary release of some 104 red shirts involved in minor violations related to the Bangkok unrest in April and May, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Tuesday.

After Tuesday's lifting of emergency rule, the public prosecutors, police and the Department of Special Investigation will not oppose bail applications for those reds facing misdemeanour charges, Abhisit said, noting that the judiciary will have the final say on whether to grant bail.

The temporary release is being processed as per the recommendation of the Kanit na Nakorn panel tasked to seek the truth and reconciliation related to the unrest, he said.

-- The Nation 2010-12-21

[hyperdimension]

The temporary release is being processed as per the recommendation of the Kanit na Nakorn panel tasked to seek the truth and reconciliation related to the unrest, he said.

I hope the releases will be temporary, for those who did do wrong.