Red Shirts To Hold Mass Rally In Chiang Mai Sept 18

[Jingthing]

Don't forget what the reds did to Bangkok. They try to get even 50 smelly piss-drenched cyclists here in Bangkok, run the fuc_k them over with your cars.

Inciting violence is against the forum rules. Apart from that, let them cycle through BKK. If peacefully, route known by police, tolerate them. Why not.

They said they were "peaceful" last time. That is when their leaders weren't saying to bring a million Molotov cocktails to town. Let's put it this way, their track record is horrific.

[ogb]

As a business owner in Chiang Mai I am begging, pleading and groveling for the PM to re-institute the ban on gatherings in Chiang Mai. Our summer season was destroyed (about %40 of what it should have been) because of the political problems. What are these people thinking. When I saw the red shirts parading down the Sunday walking street market again my heart sank. I scraped by in hopes tourists would have forgotten about all this by winter and we could recoup some of our losses. Doesn't any body realize that travel plans will be made for winter travel in the next month? I am wondering why Thais will not become a voice to stop this before it starts. I know personally 30 businesses (that include Thais) that will close permanently if they don't get a good winter income. The amount of foreign owned businesses up for sale now are too many to mention and many more will follow and with sorrow that their love affair with this country is over will move on to another place to call home. I would love to continue to call Thailand my home (I have lived here 9 years now) but I cannot afford to lose any more money and live with no certainty of the future. I hope there is a place we business owners foreign and Thai can all can be a strong voice to the PM to pay attention to this major problem. We need to kill the monster while it is still a baby and not let this grow again to an unmanageable problem.

So I am begging to PLEASE BAN GATHERINGS again.

So Redshirts are to blame for the GFC and the PAD airport invasion? Thailand tourism plummets

Supposedly they are also to blame for swine flu, and the tourism downturn in Ireland , Canary Islands , Queensland and numerous other places.

Most tourists in Chiang Mai have not been, and are not bothered, by redshirts, and placing the blame on them for bad economic times is scapegoating.

We should be commending the 24th June group (a rare good coup) for remembering the anniversary of 19th Sept 2006 (bad coup)

[webfact]

UPDATE

COUP ANNIVERSARY

Red shirts plan Bangkok-Chiang Mai rally

By Pravit Rojanaphruk

The Nation

The red shirts will organise a motorcade rally from Bangkok to Chiang Mai along with other activities to mark the fourth anniversary of the September 19 military coup that ousted Thaksin Shinawatra.

Other events include a gathering at the Rajprasong intersection in Bangkok to commemorate both the fourth anniversary of the coup and the fourth month since the May 19 military crackdown on the red-shirt protesters.

The motorcade rally will leave Bangkok on September 18 from Imperial World Lat Phrao, and is scheduled to arrive in Chiang Mai the following day. About 50 vehicles are expected to take part. In Bangkok, red shirts led by Sombat Boon-ngam-anong, leader of the Red Sunday group, will tie dozens of red cloth pieces at the Rajprasong intersection.

Meanwhile in London, a group of red shirts led by exiled activist Ji Ungpakorn is expected to hold a rally on the same day.

At a press conference yesterday, Suwit Lertkraimaethee, a former member of the now-defunct 19 September Network against the Coup d'Etat and a key member of the July 24 Democracy group - a leftist faction of the red shirts - said the September 19 coup marked the beginning of the declaration of war against the people by the amataya, or bureaucratic elite.

"We know whom we are fighting against. The [incident] unveiled the dark force as never before. People have opened their eyes and crossed that darkness that shrouded their thoughts as never before," Suwit told a press conference in front of Red Power magazine's editorial office at Imperial World Lat Phrao. "People are now brave enough to be willing to bring down this system."

Suwit said the struggle would be long and September 19 this year would mark the launch of the "eye-opening campaign" against the old elite. He said the deaths of red shirts in April and May had made more people aware of the current political problems.

Somyos Prueksakasemsuk, editor of Red Power and leader of the July 24 Democracy Group, urged the government to release all red-shirt "political prisoners" immediately to foster the right climate for reconciliation. He said his group would push for economic reforms such as the introduction of progressive income tax and land and inheritance taxes.

Somyos, whose magazine was threatened this week with a closure order by the Centre for Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) after being accused of attacking a senior general and the monarchy, said he would move the printing of the publication to another province such as Chiang Mai, which is currently not under emergency rule. If the CRES continues to insist on closing down Red Power elsewhere, Somyos said he would then organise a mobile rally to discuss political problems in all provinces.

Somyos warned the government not to resort to assassinating key red-shirt members. He said many people believed a red-shirt guard was recently shot to death, allegedly by the military.

"Assassination cannot stop the movement [of the reds]. Let me remind the government that we come with good intentions and want to reform this country. I thank [PM's Office minister in charge of the media] Ong-art Klampaiboon for saying he doesn't think [Red Power] should be shut down yet."

-- The Nation 2010-09-04

[jackr]

As a business owner in Chiang Mai I am begging, pleading and groveling for the PM to re-institute the ban on gatherings in Chiang Mai.

We need to kill the monster while it is still a baby and not let this grow again to an unmanageable problem.

With a bit of luck the ground will open up and swallow them. Walked past a bunch of them last week at the Three Kings... standing there like they owned the place trying to be all imposing-like and tough.

Inciting violence is against the forum rules. Apart from that, let them cycle through BKK. If peacefully, route known by police, tolerate them. Why not.

Totally disagree. Don't show them any quarter. We all know what they're capable... look what happened the last time they were allowed to do their thing.

[jackr]

Most tourists in Chiang Mai have not been, and are not bothered, by redshirts, and placing the blame on them for bad economic times is scapegoating.

Delusion at its best.

I'm bothered by them. They're a scourge and are morbid and depressing... the hard times over the past few months IS directly attributable to their actions.

[ogb]

Most tourists in Chiang Mai have not been, and are not bothered, by redshirts, and placing the blame on them for bad economic times is scapegoating.

Delusion at its best.

I'm bothered by them. They're a scourge and are morbid and depressing... the hard times over the past few months IS directly attributable to their actions.

Delusion - very apt

[craigt3365]

Based on their latest "peace offerings", it will be interesting to see how this proceeds...if truly peaceful, fantastic! But the odds are against it...

[whybother]

... release all political prisoners ...

... just make sure the criminal ones from the may riots stay in jail.

[bdenner]

I just hope the police and military show some balls this time and SQUASH the WHOLE thing quickly and efficiently at the slightest hint of civil disobedience. NO EXCUSES they have had plenty of warning and time to prepare.

[bendejo]

...

let them cycle through BKK. If peacefully, route known by police, tolerate them. Why not.

The police? Did you notice how active they were during the March to May moron-a-thon?

Red shirts on the street means police vacation. Unless, perhaps, someone who can pay them more than TS comes along...

Also, redshirt leaders doesn't mean anything, there is only one leader; the clowns 'in charge' are just his stooges, nothing more. They operate by remote control, and have severely limited capacity, basically they're just errand boys.

Edited September 4, 2010 by bendejo

[hammered]

It is highly unlikel;y the reds are going to riot and burn things in CM when a lot of the businesses are owendby the PTP/red backers and they also rely on tourism in CM which has been right down. Consdiering that quite a numbe rof those who attend the rally will also be orgnaized by those very business owners and powerful local polticians it becomes and even lower chance.

This is a show we are peaceful parade after going beserk in Bangkok - killing, arson, hospital raids, intimidation, beating 7 eleven workers etc etc. The new brand must be established

[craigt3365]

It is highly unlikel;y the reds are going to riot and burn things in CM when a lot of the businesses are owendby the PTP/red backers and they also rely on tourism in CM which has been right down. Consdiering that quite a numbe rof those who attend the rally will also be orgnaized by those very business owners and powerful local polticians it becomes and even lower chance.

This is a show we are peaceful parade after going beserk in Bangkok - killing, arson, hospital raids, intimidation, beating 7 eleven workers etc etc. The new brand must be established

Let's not forget all the other cities they burned...all in red country...could happen for sure in CM. Especially if a few renegade crazies are on the prowl.

[hammered]

It is highly unlikel;y the reds are going to riot and burn things in CM when a lot of the businesses are owendby the PTP/red backers and they also rely on tourism in CM which has been right down. Consdiering that quite a numbe rof those who attend the rally will also be orgnaized by those very business owners and powerful local polticians it becomes and even lower chance.

This is a show we are peaceful parade after going beserk in Bangkok - killing, arson, hospital raids, intimidation, beating 7 eleven workers etc etc. The new brand must be established

Let's not forget all the other cities they burned...all in red country...could happen for sure in CM. Especially if a few renegade crazies are on the prowl.

Only symbols of government went up in redland. We will see but the stagnant tourism of CM will not exactly mean the red leaders and PTP powerful ones will want to see their businesses suffer. They wont want NY to be as unsuccesful as Songkhran was imho. They likely wont also want the uncontrollable mob that they released in one part of BKK which ended up buring nmore than just chosen targets losing PTP and reds some of their own business supporters.

In sure the reds wouldnt mind the army putting them down in CM but not at this point when Thaksin and the powerful people behind PTP/red are looking at an election or the cancellation of an election rather than street uprisings.

[Buchholz]

We should be commending the 24th June group (a rare good coup) for remembering the anniversary of 19th Sept 2006 (bad coup)

There's an article on Reuters yesterday concerning this Red Siam group and one of its leaders, but there's too many revolutionary and anti-monarchy references in it to post it here so I will just say the leader, communist Surachai Danwattananusorn, is no stranger to violence.

Here he is with his fellow "good guy" and current fugitive Arisaman when they were arrested for their bloody violence in Pattaya last year:

Surachai Danwattananusorn (center) and Arisamun Pongruenrong (right) sit before surrendering to Chon Buri police to face charges of storming into ASEAN meeting venue in Pattaya earlier this month.

The Nation - April 29, 2009

Let's hope this "rare good" group doesn't repeat their violence in Chiang Mai.

[Buchholz]

Meanwhile in London, a group of red shirts led by exiled activist Ji Ungpakorn is expected to hold a rally on the same day.

Yet another Red Anti-Monarchist who is also a criminal fugitive on the run

@ misleading "exiled" moniker

Edited September 4, 2010 by Buchholz

[Buchholz]

I just hope the police and military show some balls this time and SQUASH the WHOLE thing quickly and efficiently at the slightest hint of civil disobedience. NO EXCUSES they have had plenty of warning and time to prepare.

Newly appointed Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army Prayuth Chan-ocha is a concern for the Red Shirts:

excerpt from TIME magazine's article:

Thai Opposition Red Shirts Balk at New Army Chief

Prayuth commanded the May 19 operation to clear Bangkok of the protest camps, according to reports in the English-language Bangkok Post and the Nation, and had been pushing for tougher action against the Red Shirts since the protest began.

[Mitker]

Most tourists in Chiang Mai have not been, and are not bothered, by redshirts, and placing the blame on them for bad economic times is scapegoating.

We should be commending the 24th June group (a rare good coup) for remembering the anniversary of 19th Sept 2006 (bad coup)

Up to you to pick up your very personal "good" vs "bad" coups.

As for me I just wonder: Red thugs in CM already beat eldery to death, destroyed and put fire trucks ablaze... (just entertainment for tourists, right?)

what's next for these glorious "peaceful" freedom fighters? Attack a nursery with bombs? shoot pregnant women from the distance?

[Buchholz]

Will British Red Shirt Chiang Mai Arsonist Keith Wayne Bush be able to hear the demonstration going on outside from his confinement area?

[ableguy]

I bet it rains

Good they can have a free wash.

[LindsayBKK]

What happened to reconciliation?

The Red Shirt Movement do not have intentions of any reconciliation.

They only want one of their kind in power.

It will only continue. Some people are just never satisfied.

Or until Mr Thaksin's money runs out.

Neverending stories to talk about in Thaivisa.

Maybe Thaksin should pay Thaivisa for advertising.

[sirchai]

What happened to reconcilliation?

They will also release flying lanterns as a symbol to light up the country,............

[hagler]

As a business owner in Chiang Mai I am begging, pleading and groveling for the PM to re-institute the ban on gatherings in Chiang Mai. Our summer season was destroyed (about %40 of what it should have been) because of the political problems. What are these people thinking. When I saw the red shirts parading down the Sunday walking street market again my heart sank. I scraped by in hopes tourists would have forgotten about all this by winter and we could recoup some of our losses. Doesn't any body realize that travel plans will be made for winter travel in the next month? I am wondering why Thais will not become a voice to stop this before it starts. I know personally 30 businesses (that include Thais) that will close permanently if they don't get a good winter income. The amount of foreign owned businesses up for sale now are too many to mention and many more will follow and with sorrow that their love affair with this country is over will move on to another place to call home. I would love to continue to call Thailand my home (I have lived here 9 years now) but I cannot afford to lose any more money and live with no certainty of the future. I hope there is a place we business owners foreign and Thai can all can be a strong voice to the PM to pay attention to this major problem. We need to kill the monster while it is still a baby and not let this grow again to an unmanageable problem.

So I am begging to PLEASE BAN GATHERINGS again.

lol... yes indeed. Of course ALL freedom of expression should be banned so that small business can make money. Really. Think about what it is that you are saying.

[ogb]

We should be commending the 24th June group (a rare good coup) for remembering the anniversary of 19th Sept 2006 (bad coup)

There's an article on Reuters yesterday concerning this Red Siam group and one of its leaders, but there's too many revolutionary and anti-monarchy references in it to post it here so I will just say the leader, communist Surachai Danwattananusorn, is no stranger to violence.

Surachai Danwattananusorn (center) and Arisamun Pongruenrong (right) sit before surrendering to Chon Buri police to face charges of storming into ASEAN meeting venue in Pattaya earlier this month.

The Nation - April 29, 2009

Let's hope this "rare good" group doesn't repeat their violence in Chiang Mai.

From that Rueters article:

Surachai Danwattananusorn, has a dramatic solution to fix Thailand's political crisis: a "democratic revolution" to end what he sees as a monopoly of power by the royalist elite.

Surachai says "he only wants changes that would guarantee royal power cannot be abused"

What reasonable person could argue with those goals?

[rubl]

Somyos warned the government not to resort to assassinating key red-shirt members. He said many people believed a red-shirt guard was recently shot to death, allegedly by the military.

"Assassination cannot stop the movement [of the reds]. Let me remind the government that we come with good intentions and want to reform this country. I thank [PM's Office minister in charge of the media] Ong-art Klampaiboon for saying he doesn't think [Red Power] should be shut down yet."

I wonder why K. Somyos felt the need to state this about assassination. I thought most were jailed awaiting their process to start and a few just across the border. Would he care to mention names ?

As for 'most people believe a red-shirt guard shot by the military' well, in your classes 'propaganda 101' it is stressed the usefulness of repetitive statements to blacken the opponent without the need to be truthful. That's why PTV was shutdown, and that's why your magazine 'Red Power' may be shutdown again.

[Robby nz]

"Assassination cannot stop the movement [of the reds]. Let me remind the government that we come with good intentions and want to reform this country. I thank [PM's Office minister in charge of the media] Ong-art Klampaiboon for saying he doesn't think [Red Power] should be shut down yet."

I seem to have missed the good intentions.

Anyone notice them?

[Insight]

What happened to reconcilliation?

They will also release flying lanterns as a symbol to light up the country,............

Hi red shirt propagandist 591, original question still stands.

[asiawatcher]

What happened to reconcilliation?

Let's say that it went the same direction as most of the budget and most other promises of the Abhisit government: Down the drain.

PM offered early elections if I am missing something I believe Red Shirts turned him down. On dear to bad not satisfied with what the wanted from the get go and got nothing.

You believed correctly - the Reds had it won then by their own stupidity - threw the baby out with the bathwater! But that is demonstrable intelligence by the Kwai Daeng. Nothing yet has come along to replace them. They have no leadership - they do have legitimate grievances - but they have no idea how to obtain changes and by continuing bombings, useless rallies that everyone has seen and 'heard' enough of, they continue to denigrate their cause to the point of extinction. The sooner the better.

[thaimelody]

will the last tourist please turn out the light

[yellow1red1]

PM offered early elections if I am missing something I believe Red Shirts turned him down. On dear to bad not satisfied with what the wanted from the get go and got nothing.

missing something? a couple of things

When conditions for November elections were offered; Sondhi/PAD screamed bloody blue that he would taked Abhisit out of power; when power broker Sondhi gives the orders one better listen

Sondhi put Thaksin in power, took him out and other PMs put Abhisit in

The reds turned down the conditions for the elections, the yellows ordered the elections OFF

(no need to Post links, it's fressh memories)

[cbc]

I don't think it's the rallies and or protests that are keeping tourism down.Just look at the exchange rate's baht versus the dollar,euro and the pound sterling.The majority of tourists here are backpacker's and they travel on a budget.Also,not to mention that the expats living here and the tourists alike must pay atm fee 150 baht per transaction to withdraw money to spend on the economy here.Also,have a look around and see that many of the backpacker's here now choose to use a songtau rather then the tuk tuk for taxi because of the price gouging and double standard of pricing.Travelled to bangkok a few week's ago and what tourists there are down there are mostly from the middle east who spend more time trying to bargain and don't purchase anything.Any tourists that come here know well enough to stay away from the area of the protest or rallies! Having said that,as foreigner's living here as a guest in thailand we cannot say they (thai's ) should not be allowed to hold a rally or have a protest.No,it's not the protests or the rallies that ruin tourism.It's the above mentioned thing's plus the situation in the western and european economies is still in bad shape.People don't have money to travel or are choosing to travel at home and cannot travel abroad.