UN Sec-Gen Meets Thai PM As Red Shirts Submit Petition At UN Bangkok

[webfact]

UN Sec-Gen Meets Thai PM as Red Shirts Submit Petition at UN HQ

As UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is meeting with Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House, red shirt leaders are submitting a letter at the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok.

The petition floats the possibility of asking for political asylum for red shirt leaders.

It also demands that the UN pressure the Thai government in releasing red shirt leaders still being detained.

-- Tan Network 2010-10-26

[whybother]

How does the UN grant political asylum?

Doesn't a country need to do that, and don't they need to get to that country to actually get asylum?

[hammered]

It is all about publicity and news cycles and nothing to do with what can and cant be done by the UN

[webfact]

UN chief arrives Thailand for one-day working visit

BANGKOK, Oct 26 -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Thailand early Tuesday as a guest of the Thai government on his way to attend the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vietnam.

Mr Ban made a working visit to Thailand, prior to attending the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit on Friday in Hanoi, Vietnam.

This visit is arranged following an the invitation earlier extended by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva when he met with Mr Ban while attending the official opening of the Exhibition to promote the Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates (ELFI) Project on October 6 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Secretary-General’s visit to Thailand will provide a good opportunity for him to familiarise himself with the constructive role of Thailand in the region, as well as an opportunity for both parties to discuss issues of common interest including: Thai-UN cooperation, ASEAN-UN, the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the UN Partnership Framework and Thailand’s role as chair of the UN Human Rights Council.

Upon arrival, the UN chief will have a bilateral meeting with the prime minister at Government House, followed by a luncheon hosted by the premier. A joint press conference is scheduled to be held later.

Tuesday afternoon, the UN chief will meeting with the UN team at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) offices on Ratchadamnern Road, and deliver remarks on the occasion of UN Day, and will leave Thailand in the evening for Cambodia before proceeding to attend the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Secretary-General's working visit is part of a four nation-tour in Asia, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and China.

Reinforced security measures have been prepared as Bangkok is still under a state of emergency.

Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday said no political gatherings are allowed in the capital during Mr Ban's visit but representatives can instead present a letter to the UN chief.

He said police will be main force to provide security for Mr Ban and his visit venues, while the army will be on standby to help police if needed. Rapid response mobile units have been prepared to be deployed if any untoward incident occurs, but initially there are no reports of possible violence.

Police Bureau Division 1 Commander Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai said four companies of police -- about 600 officers -- have been prepared to provide security at the UNESCAP building.

Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Panithan Wattanayakorn said that he was confident that the authorities could handle the security measures, ensuring safety for the UN chief until he leaves Bangkok at around 6pm.

Regarding the plan of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship 'Red Shirts' to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the UDD demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.

Five representatives of the anti-government activist organisation, including Jatuporn Prompan, will submit the letter at 2pm.

At least 89 people died and nearly 1,900 were injured during two months of political unrest, during a number of confrontations between army personnel and Red Shirt protesters in April and May.

Representatives of Thai and international NGOs intend to present a letter to the UN secretary general on Thailand's treatment of migrant workers from Myanmar. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-10-26

[webfact]

BAN'S VISIT

Reds ask UN chief to give political asylum for leaders

By The Nation

Red shirts on Tuesday handed a letter to visiting UN chief Ban Ki Moon, asking the UN to give status of political asylum seekers for runaway red shirt leaders.

In the letter, the pro-Thaksin movement asked Ban to put pressure on Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajjiva to revoke emergency decrees and free all political prisoners.

Representing the UN chief, UN Deputy Head of Security Laura Certuche came to receive the letter from Somyos Phruksaksemsuk, leader of the June 24 Group.

Ban on Tuesday made a working visit in Bangkok before going to Cambodia and UN-Asean Summit in Hanoi.

The letter said that all the red shirts prisoners presently detained in prison are political prisoners.

Somyos mentioned their fugitive leaders as Arisamun Pongruengrong and Suporn Attawong.

Somyos told reporters said he was disappointed to see Ban shake hand with Abhisit. "We are very disappointed to see that hand shaking. Abhisit has his blood on his hands as his government violated basic human rights," he said.

He said "Ban Ki Moon should be condemned for shaking hands with murderer. We don't need to meet Ban in person. We were disappointed that the UN failed to ensure peace in Thailand during the protests in April and May this year."

Somyos invited Ban to meet the red shirts leaders who are gathering in front of The UN building at 2 PM this afternoon after having lunch with Abhisit.

He has also criticised the police from overreacting by detaining placards from the red shirts protesters.

Police have deployed hundreds of police to safeguard the red shirts' gathering in front of the UN building on Rachadamnoen Nok road. Police seized the placards whose messages criticised the government.

Police said they would put the signs away for a while and will return them to the red shirts when their gathering has ended.

Later on, about 100 of red shirts have joined the group in front of The UN building and showed the assaulting signs in both Thai and English languages with photos of police using weapons on to the innocent people.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

[hammered]

There is a bit of difference between asking for poltical asylum for someone who expressed poltical views and was persecuted for it and asking for poltical asylum for someone filmed calling on people to burn a city

[Zolt]

Mo-rons. UN is not a country. Anyway, the red leaders are already in jail for the most part. To request asylum in a country they'd have to get there first.

[jonclark]

Maybe Mr Ban will ask Thailand to provide asylum for the red shits shirts.

[Insight]

Red shirts once again displaying their limited understanding of how the (outside) world actually works.

Worthy of a repost, but at the time many people were also upset with the govt for not doing something sooner to deal with this lot:

[tomyummer]

So, asking for asylum, then condemning the man in charge of the party you're asking asylum from? These guys need proper lessons in etiquette or a really, really good PR company.

Another question: When you ask for political asylum from the U.N., where are you to go? Within the compounds of various U.N. offices? Okay, sure, here, I'm sending you all to Darfur?

Hmmmm.....maybe that doesn't sound so bad.

[Thai at Heart]

Assembly to where? The great nation called the United Nations? Do they want the general assembly to take them in?

Maybe they have some space for night porters or something....

[webfact]

UN chief on red shirts' petition: This is a Thai issue that should be solved by Thais. /via @tulsathit

The UN head, however, pledges technical assistance if asked, and expresses confidence reconciliation will occur./via @tulsathit

[webfact]

Reds movement is internal issues : Ban Ki moon

UN has regarded as Thailand's internal affairs the problems of red shirts protests which turned into violence in April and May, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

"This is the Thai issues that should be solved by Thais," Ban said in a press conference.

The UN chief is making a brief official visit to Thailand on Tuesday before going to Cambodia and then to Hanoi to co-chair UN-Asean UN Summit.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

[givenall]

How does the UN grant political asylum?

Doesn't a country need to do that, and don't they need to get to that country to actually get asylum?

This show the extend of the intelligent of the Red Shirt and their puppet leader.

Plus since when United Nation has solved any conflict. They are another organization who employees people and basically are a place of employments. I have never seen that UN was able to do anything good. Somalia, West Bank, Iraq, etc. etc are some examples. They are like Thai government they only pay attention to what worked automatically and shy away from real problems

[slapout]

Somyos may have missed the stated position of the UN in regard to the fugitives from Thai justice/charges. Another man who forgot to do his homework on the concept of responsibility of the individual. Another Red Shirt who has demonstrated his lack of problem solving in a rational manner.

[slapout]

Somyos may have missed the stated position of the UN in regard to the fugitives from Thai justice/charges. Another man who forgot to do his homework on the concept of responsibility of the individual. Another Red Shirt who has demonstrated his lack of problem solving in a rational manner.

Edited October 26, 2010 by slapout

[chantorn]

Red shirts once again displaying their limited understanding of how the (outside) world actually works.

Worthy of a repost, but at the time many people were also upset with the govt for not doing something sooner to deal with this lot:

You all must be color blind. I saw only orange-ish red shirt. All others does not wear red-shirt at all.

I suppose 1 sparrow does make a summer?

[random]

I think it is many people in here that are missing the point, the point is they are highlighting the issue in any way they can.

To be honest I would point the finger at the illustrious new head of the army who had the mentality 'please don't protest, it will make the country look bad to foreigners' when we want to talk about people being clueless about the outside world.

[chantorn]

Reds movement is internal issues : Ban Ki moon

UN has regarded as Thailand's internal affairs the problems of red shirts protests which turned into violence in April and May, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

"This is the Thai issues that should be solved by Thais," Ban said in a press conference.

The UN chief is making a brief official visit to Thailand on Tuesday before going to Cambodia and then to Hanoi to co-chair UN-Asean UN Summit.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

So is Afgan.

[webfact]

RED SHIRTS

Reds matters should be solved by Thais : UN Chief

By The Nation

UN has regarded as Thailand's internal affairs the problems of red shirts protests which turned into violence in April and May, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

"This is the Thai issues that should be solved by Thais," Ban said in a press conference.

The UN chief is making a brief official visit to Thailand on Tuesday before going to Cambodia and then to Hanoi to co-chair UN-Asean UN Summit.

A group of red shirts supporters gathered in front of the UN headquarters on Ratchadamnoen Nok road and submitted a complaint to Ban via a UN official as Ban was meeting with PM Abhisit Vejjajiva at the Government House.

The complaint claimed that that Abhisit had blood on his hands for violating basic human rights and put in jail the red shirt supporters. It also asked the UN to give status of political asylum seekers for their runaway leaders.

Speaking at a press conference after meeting with Abhisit, Ban said that he consulted the matter (of red shirts) with the Thai PM. "He told me that the government has set up a committee to work out on this particular issue.

"I express to the PM that the UN is ready to provide assistance to the committee on the work and hope that all issues should be addressed in transparency manner," he said.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

[jonclark]

Reds movement is internal issues : Ban Ki moon

UN has regarded as Thailand's internal affairs the problems of red shirts protests which turned into violence in April and May, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

"This is the Thai issues that should be solved by Thais," Ban said in a press conference.

The UN chief is making a brief official visit to Thailand on Tuesday before going to Cambodia and then to Hanoi to co-chair UN-Asean UN Summit.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

So is Afgan.

Well, it was until the Taliban allowed Afgan to be used as a base for third parties to attack other countries ala 9/11.

[dominique355]

How does the UN grant political asylum?

Doesn't a country need to do that, and don't they need to get to that country to actually get asylum?

This show the extend of the intelligent of the Red Shirt and their puppet leader.

Plus since when United Nation has solved any conflict. They are another organization who employees people and basically are a place of employments. I have never seen that UN was able to do anything good. Somalia, West Bank, Iraq, etc. etc are some examples. They are like Thai government they only pay attention to what worked automatically and shy away from real problems

Agree with you, Givenall, especially about the IQ of these Red Shirt leaders.

The UN reflects the determination of its members to resolve a conflict. With the Veto right for a few "more equal" nations, nothing will ever be accomplished. But isn't it nice to listen to them talk and talk and talk and ... (you get the picture).

[Insight]

You all must be color blind. I saw only orange-ish red shirt. All others does not wear red-shirt at all.

I suppose 1 sparrow does make a summer?

How have you lasted this long?

[dominique355]

Reds movement is internal issues : Ban Ki moon

UN has regarded as Thailand's internal affairs the problems of red shirts protests which turned into violence in April and May, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday.

"This is the Thai issues that should be solved by Thais," Ban said in a press conference.

The UN chief is making a brief official visit to Thailand on Tuesday before going to Cambodia and then to Hanoi to co-chair UN-Asean UN Summit.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

So is Afgan.

I didn't know Afgan (or perhaps Afghanistan) is going to Hanoi, or that they are even member of ASEAN. Can you elaborate, Chantorn?

[jayboy]

This show the extend of the intelligent of the Red Shirt and their puppet leader.

Classic.Reminds me of those morons holding up the banner about the Reds not being "educate"

[OzMick]

Red shirts once again displaying their limited understanding of how the (outside) world actually works.

Worthy of a repost, but at the time many people were also upset with the govt for not doing something sooner to deal with this lot:

You all must be color blind. I saw only orange-ish red shirt. All others does not wear red-shirt at all.

I suppose 1 sparrow does make a summer?

Your avarian analogy is inaccurate. Sparrows do not migrate. You mean swallow, a word with more than one meaning.

[monkfish]

Did the Thai press get it wrong again??

Are we the fools to believe what they print??

http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2010/10/26/letter-to-ban-ki-moon-on-human-rights-in-thailand/

Mr.Ban Ki-moon

Secretary General

United Nations

1st Avenue, 46th Street

New York NY 10017

USA

October 26, 2010

Dear Sir,

We are writing to you on behalf of the Thai people who need a true democracy, equal treatment, and human rights the same as people in democratic countries across the world. As the United Nations Secretary General, we would appreciate your concern and actions about the undemocratic conditions and violations of human rights in Thailand by Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government since his Democrat Party came to power in January 2009 through underhanded tactics with the support of the military.

In its one year and more in power, the Abhisit government has corrupted and distorted democratic principles, abused human rights, sacrificed freedom of speech and expression of the people, and destroyed the rule of law. The violent crackdown against red shirt demonstrators by the Ahbisit government during April-May 2010 led to the tragedy of more than 91 deaths, thousands of injured, and hundreds of disappeared and imprisoned. In addition, many community radio stations and political web sites were closed down, and more innocents opposed to the current government have been charged and jailed without fair treatment.

The Abhisit government not only refuses to take responsibility for the massacre of red shirts but also uses the Thai media under its complete control to bombard Thai society with distorted information, suggesting without any evidence that the 91 deaths and thousands of injured might have been caused by terrorists who mingled with the red shirt protestors. The Abhisit government used the word “terrorists” to deceive society and justify the use of heavy weapons and live ammunition to kill and maim hundreds of peaceful demonstrators.

Hundreds of people have been imprisoned across the country since May 2010 without fair treatment or the possibility of release on bail. In contrast, the crimes against humanity done by the Abhisit government during April-May 2010 have not been transparently and honestly investigated by acceptable neutral agencies. Furthermore, the state emergency decree that suppresses the basic rights of the people is still enforced in some provinces including Bangkok.

To stop the human rights violations and violence by the Abhisit government, we would like to ask the United Nations, as the representative of the world’s nations, for immediate action to help save innocent lives and bring back basic rights to the Thai people.

With help from the United Nations, we believe that political prisoners could be freed or given bail. The state emergency decree should be lifted across Thailand; freedom of speech, press, and expression should be returned to all Thai people; and fair treatment with respect to human rights should be taken seriously by the current Thai government.

Sincerely,

Progressive Democracy Group

[OzMick]

Did the Thai press get it wrong again??

Are we the fools to believe what they print??

http://asiapacific.a...ts-in-thailand/

Mr.Ban Ki-moon

Secretary General

United Nations

1st Avenue, 46th Street

New York NY 10017

USA

October 26, 2010

Dear Sir,

We are writing to you on behalf of the Thai people who need a true democracy, equal treatment, and human rights the same as people in democratic countries across the world. As the United Nations Secretary General, we would appreciate your concern and actions about the undemocratic conditions and violations of human rights in Thailand by Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva's government since his Democrat Party came to power in January 2009 through underhanded tactics with the support of the military.

In its one year and more in power, the Abhisit government has corrupted and distorted democratic principles, abused human rights, sacrificed freedom of speech and expression of the people, and destroyed the rule of law. The violent crackdown against red shirt demonstrators by the Ahbisit government during April-May 2010 led to the tragedy of more than 91 deaths, thousands of injured, and hundreds of disappeared and imprisoned. In addition, many community radio stations and political web sites were closed down, and more innocents opposed to the current government have been charged and jailed without fair treatment.

The Abhisit government not only refuses to take responsibility for the massacre of red shirts but also uses the Thai media under its complete control to bombard Thai society with distorted information, suggesting without any evidence that the 91 deaths and thousands of injured might have been caused by terrorists who mingled with the red shirt protestors. The Abhisit government used the word "terrorists" to deceive society and justify the use of heavy weapons and live ammunition to kill and maim hundreds of peaceful demonstrators.

Hundreds of people have been imprisoned across the country since May 2010 without fair treatment or the possibility of release on bail. In contrast, the crimes against humanity done by the Abhisit government during April-May 2010 have not been transparently and honestly investigated by acceptable neutral agencies. Furthermore, the state emergency decree that suppresses the basic rights of the people is still enforced in some provinces including Bangkok.

To stop the human rights violations and violence by the Abhisit government, we would like to ask the United Nations, as the representative of the world's nations, for immediate action to help save innocent lives and bring back basic rights to the Thai people.

With help from the United Nations, we believe that political prisoners could be freed or given bail. The state emergency decree should be lifted across Thailand; freedom of speech, press, and expression should be returned to all Thai people; and fair treatment with respect to human rights should be taken seriously by the current Thai government.

Sincerely,

Progressive Democracy Group

The worst part of is that some of these people actually believe this to be true.

[hammered]

What the UN sec-gen said was totally predictable. I seriously doubt the reds even expected anything else. However, it was a reasonably good publicity opportunity for both reds and government. Right now the floods however continue to dominate

[dominique355]

This show the extend of the intelligent of the Red Shirt and their puppet leader.

Classic.Reminds me of those morons holding up the banner about the Reds not being "educate"

Well, that's the difference between form and content.