Thaksin Phones In During Pattaya Rally

[webfact]

Thaksin phones in during Pattaya rally

By The Nation

Fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra last night made his presence felt during a 10-minute phone-in before a gathering of several thousands of supporters in the eastern resort city of Pattaya.

"This is the genuine voice of former prime minister Thaksin. I'm still alive and my health is fine. When I kept quiet, they said I'm dead, when I talked, they said I'm a trouble-maker," said the fugitive, who fled the country to avoid a two-year jail term.

Last night's phone-in was his first in months.

The red-shirt gathering took place in Pattaya, Chon Buri, after the government lifted the emergency rule in the tourist province.

Pheu Thai MPs Jatuporn Promphan and Apiwan Veerachai also joined the gathering on Sukhumvit Highway leading to Pattaya where a concert was held. Public speakers criticised the Abhisit government's performance as well as the treatment of red-shirt protesters in criminal cases.

Pheu Thai MPs urged supporters to join forces by placing roses in front of prisons nationwide on September 17.

The opposition party also said there are irregularities in the government's handling of the sensitive Viktor Bout case.

-- The Nation 2010-09-05

[Robby nz]

where a concert was held.

Wonder how many were really red shirt supporters and not 'Just there for the concert' ?

[Jingthing]

where a concert was held.

Wonder how many were really red shirt supporters and not 'Just there for the concert' ?

As long as they are listening to music and clacking their clappers rather than bombing and torching, no worries ...

[TallForeigner]

Wonder how many were really red shirt supporters and not 'Just there for the concert' ?

What a stupid question...

Do you believe many thousands of people wearing a red shirt and going to a concert organized by redshirts and performed by redshirts are not redshirts?

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Here a photo of yesterday's concert in Pattaya.

[chainarong]

If the red shirts confined their efforts to winning an election, who cares what they do, its when they start on alternative choices that the problems start, they also give out mixed signals , one minuet they are backing Thaksin, then they are for the poor people ,Thaksin phoning in gives a clear message that the red shirts are being manipulated for personal gain.

[Jingthing]

What do they want? Democracy? You want to buy the Brooklyn Bridge?

[Insight]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

To think I fell for your posts a while back about the reds in Ratchaprasong.

[jayboy]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

Easy boy.It is a matter of record that many unarmed civilians were shot by the army.The question is how many.However in the tradition of the Thai military covering up their crimes unfortunately it seems unlikely there will ever be a credible or thorough investigation.

You can call it bullshitting red propaganda if you like but most reasonable people would just like a proper enquiry.

[princejohnjay]

Wonder how many were really red shirt supporters and not 'Just there for the concert' ?

Very silly question. They were all wearing their red shirt, very happy jumping and clapping when Thaksin phoned in. Tell me, isn't that enough clue to show they were all red? Moreover no yellow shirt or pro-government supporter would join a red activity, be it rally or concert...with the numbers of supporters yesterday at pattaya they are guaranteed winners of next general election...they are indeed the majority of Thailand...

They have started non-violent, hope the government doesn't turn violent on them

[elcent]

lets change the phone ins to whine ins.

[Insight]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

Easy boy.It is a matter of record that many unarmed civilians were shot by the army.The question is how many.However in the tradition of the Thai military covering up their crimes unfortunately it seems unlikely there will ever be a credible or thorough investigation.

You can call it bullshitting red propaganda if you like but most reasonable people would just like a proper enquiry.

If people shoot at the army, you can expect the army to shoot back. If you congregate with people shooting at the army you're in the line of fire. It's not rocket science.

Or is it?

[OhMyCodBangkok]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Well at least if they burn down Pattaya it will be an improvement. Just teasing, it's one thing to have the Red Propaganda machine angry with me quite another to upset the fun loving Patts boys...

Edited September 5, 2010 by OhMyCodBangkok

[jayboy]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

Easy boy.It is a matter of record that many unarmed civilians were shot by the army.The question is how many.However in the tradition of the Thai military covering up their crimes unfortunately it seems unlikely there will ever be a credible or thorough investigation.

You can call it bullshitting red propaganda if you like but most reasonable people would just like a proper enquiry.

If people shoot at the army, you can expect the army to shoot back. If you congregate with people shooting at the army you're in the line of fire. It's not rocket science.

Or is it?

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

[whybother]

Very silly question. They were all wearing their red shirt, very happy jumping and clapping when Thaksin phoned in. Tell me, isn't that enough clue to show they were all red? Moreover no yellow shirt or pro-government supporter would join a red activity, be it rally or concert...with the numbers of supporters yesterday at pattaya they are guaranteed winners of next general election...they are indeed the majority of Thailand...

They have started non-violent, hope the government doesn't turn violent on them

How, exactly, does a few thousand supporters "guarantee" that they will win the next general election?

They weren't the majority in the last general election. The recent Bangkok elections show that they have LOST support in some areas. Ofcourse, they will continue to win in the heart lands (areas in the North and North East), but that won't give them a majority.

The reds started non-violent last time. But that didn't last long, with them confronting the army at their barracks, and then breaking through police lines at Government house and Thaicom, then going on and kidnapping the Thaicom boss.

[whybother]

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

It counteracts the tired and discredited points that none of the red shirts were armed.

No one is saying that NO unarmed civilians were killed. But to suggest that all of those killed were unarmed, or were not supporting and congregating with those that were armed, is the "laughable rubbish".

[craigt3365]

Wonder how many were really red shirt supporters and not 'Just there for the concert' ?

What a stupid question...

Do you believe many thousands of people wearing a red shirt and going to a concert organized by redshirts and performed by redshirts are not redshirts?

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Here a photo of yesterday's concert in Pattaya.

Murder? If they had protested peacefully, those who DIED might still be around. They brought it upon themselves....unfortunately...

Glad I was nowhere near this rally....

[alstaxi]

This topic has more than a few of thaksins PR team , and the logic they are famous for, this is a rhetorical question for them, please dont try to answer it , how long before we are going to be subjected to someone spouting "red shirt freedom fighters" and "thaksin was legally elected". gag me with a spoon.

[slapout]

If the red shirts would employee a good song writer to write some ballads about their absentee, want to be hero, he may, with time be recognized in a similar light of Jesse James, Ned Kelly, and others who had a calling for like livelihoods.

Sorry but the legend of Robin Hood would probably not fit, Baby Doc Marcos, etc may be more appropriate comparison. Just some individual random thoughts on this beautiful day in paradise.

[Insight]

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

It counteracts the tired and discredited points that none of the red shirts were armed.

No one is saying that NO unarmed civilians were killed. But to suggest that all of those killed were unarmed, or were not supporting and congregating with those that were armed, is the "laughable rubbish".

Notice Jayboy is also referring to "snipers" killing civilians. What chances does any inquiry have of actually revealing the identity of these snipers?

Because the reds were obviously supported by an armed force themselves means the calls for an inquiry are gaining very little attention or sympathy outside the red movement, both in Thailand and overseas.

[ToffeEFCpower]

Great to see Reds still have supporters and yes maybe one day they can consider becoming a political party and challenge for govermnent. Of course, before they do that they need to find and elect 'democratically' a leader, then they need to invent an agenda to promote in parliment.

Edited September 5, 2010 by sbk
misquoted posts removed

[Xonax]

Incredible that PM´s in Thailand cannot be proscecuted for anything - not even terrorism and murder because of their political immunity!

In western countries the government would just vote to have their political immunity seized. Why does this not happen here? If it is not possible with the current constitution, then change the constitution ASAP!

[jayboy]

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

It counteracts the tired and discredited points that none of the red shirts were armed.

No one is saying that NO unarmed civilians were killed. But to suggest that all of those killed were unarmed, or were not supporting and congregating with those that were armed, is the "laughable rubbish".

Notice Jayboy is also referring to "snipers" killing civilians. What chances does any inquiry have of actually revealing the identity of these snipers?

Because the reds were obviously supported by an armed force themselves means the calls for an inquiry are gaining very little attention or sympathy outside the red movement, both in Thailand and overseas.

So in your opinion an inquiry can be dispensed with.That's a fairly clear statement of your attachment to the truth.On my part I simply want a credible and transparent investigation

[SpoliaOpima]

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

What's more laughable are your feeble attempts as a red propagandist. Any objective observer of the events during the Tai Rouge occupation of Bangkok know that that is exactly what happened.

At any rate, whether you recognise that the unarmed deaths were collateral rather than intentional, the poster has a point about the choices the UDD members made. The occupation was illegal and its leaders promoted violence daily on the stage. That is a matter of abundant public record, so you're calling that appraisal 'rubbsih' won't fly. The physical, social and economic damage the UDD caused amounts to terrorism under their cheerless leader's own definitions as approved by an elected parliament. The government showed admirable restraint in enforcing the law.

[philw]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

To think I fell for your posts a while back about the reds in Ratchaprasong.

Exactly how many murdered red shirts by your estimation ???

And army casualties ??

Maybe you could sow down a bit with the abusive comments........

[jayboy]

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

What's more laughable are your feeble attempts as a red propagandist. Any objective observer of the events during the Tai Rouge occupation of Bangkok know that that is exactly what happened.

At any rate, whether you recognise that the unarmed deaths were collateral rather than intentional, the poster has a point about the choices the UDD members made. The occupation was illegal and its leaders promoted violence daily on the stage. That is a matter of abundant public record, so you're calling that appraisal 'rubbsih' won't fly. The physical, social and economic damage the UDD caused amounts to terrorism under their cheerless leader's own definitions as approved by an elected parliament. The government showed admirable restraint in enforcing the law.

One wonders whether someone like this has any limit on the amount of bloodshed he is happy to endorse.Clearly this fellow, to the extent he expresses himself coherently, is at the reactionary end of the spectrum.Even government spokesmen pay lip service to the concept of a rigorous inquiry - not that they are really prepared to commit to one.Historically the Thai army has always covered up its crimes and avoided accountability.Actually in this case I think the army acted reasonably professionally but there's still a need for a proper inquiry

[craigt3365]

That's a tired and discredited point that apologists for the crimes of the military often trot out.Absurdly,if taken literally, it means that the many civilians murdered by the military somehow got caught in the crossfire as snipers aimed at the militants.What laughable rubbish.

What's more laughable are your feeble attempts as a red propagandist. Any objective observer of the events during the Tai Rouge occupation of Bangkok know that that is exactly what happened.

At any rate, whether you recognise that the unarmed deaths were collateral rather than intentional, the poster has a point about the choices the UDD members made. The occupation was illegal and its leaders promoted violence daily on the stage. That is a matter of abundant public record, so you're calling that appraisal 'rubbsih' won't fly. The physical, social and economic damage the UDD caused amounts to terrorism under their cheerless leader's own definitions as approved by an elected parliament. The government showed admirable restraint in enforcing the law.

One wonders whether someone like this has any limit on the amount of bloodshed he is happy to endorse.Clearly this fellow, to the extent he expresses himself coherently, is at the reactionary end of the spectrum.Even government spokesmen pay lip service to the concept of a rigorous inquiry - not that they are really prepared to commit to one.Historically the Thai army has always covered up its crimes and avoided accountability.Actually in this case I think the army acted reasonably professionally but there's still a need for a proper inquiry

Which snipers are you referring to? The army's or the red's? Both had them....

I agree a proper inquiry is needed. I read they are making progress on it, especially the ones killed in the wat. It will be interesting to see how that comes out.

But for all this to calm down, the reds need to calm down. Get rid of Jatuporn. Let the recently submitted peace proposal move ahead. I see the government willing to do it, but the reds have a bad history of trying to make peace...burnt buildings are proof positive of their violent nature...the army had nothing to do with that...

[Robby nz]

Fishing's great today

The reds are biting well.

But it is the same old stuff: "army murdered 90" PM lied etc.

Cant Mr Amsterdam come up with something new for you to write?

Perhaps you could give us a run down on what Thaksin said with his phone in, what did he promise, other than he is not going to die.

When will he come back?

Guess the warders would like to know so they can change the sheets in the VIP room in the Hilton.

[jayboy]

I agree a proper inquiry is needed. I read they are making progress on it, especially the ones killed in the wat. It will be interesting to see how that comes out.

I think all deaths need to be investigated properly, both military and civilian.

Anyway it's comforting that you "read" that "they" are making progress on it.

[jayjay0]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

Easy boy.It is a matter of record that many unarmed civilians were shot by the army.The question is how many.However in the tradition of the Thai military covering up their crimes unfortunately it seems unlikely there will ever be a credible or thorough investigation.

You can call it bullshitting red propaganda if you like but most reasonable people would just like a proper enquiry.

If people shoot at the army, you can expect the army to shoot back. If you congregate with people shooting at the army you're in the line of fire. It's not rocket science.

Or is it?

It is for a red shirt

[way2muchcoffee]

The army murdered over 90 of them - many millions are left and will never give up.

Another bullshitting pro-red propagandist. That 90-odd figure you are quick to throw around INCLUDES murdered army personnel.

Easy boy.It is a matter of record that many unarmed civilians were shot by the army.The question is how many.However in the tradition of the Thai military covering up their crimes unfortunately it seems unlikely there will ever be a credible or thorough investigation.

You can call it bullshitting red propaganda if you like but most reasonable people would just like a proper enquiry.

jayboy and insight both have it right. People were killed. The post insight objected to was exaggerated propaganda and the number of deaths Tallforeigner gave was a lie of exaggeration.

jayboy is also correct that the military will cover it's butt and any damning information they collect will likely be covered up. And reasonable people do in fact want a full and transparent investigation. We all know this won't happen because it will be done Thai style. Everyone on either side are looking to cover their collective <deleted>. That's just how it is.