Bangkok Red Shirt Rally To Be Peaceful: Jatuporn

[webfact]

RED SHIRTS PROTEST

Tomorrow's red rally to be peaceful: Jatuporn

By The Nation

The red-shirt rally planned for tomorrow will abide by the law and remain within the right to a peaceful assembly as prescribed by the Constitution, Pheu Thai MP and organiser Jatuporn Promphan said on Thursday.

"The red shirts will exercise their constitutional right to a peaceful assembly in order to mark the six-month rememberance of fellow protesters killed, injured and imprisoned," he said.

Jatuporn was speaking after a meeting at the Metropolitan Police Bureau to coordinate orderly activities for the red shirts.

The tomorrow's rally is expected to include three main activities the Bangkok Remand Prison where red-shirt leaders are being remanded, the Department of Special Investigation which is handling the probes into violence triggered by the unruly protests between March and May and Rajprasong Intersection, the main rally site.

After meeting with police, Jatuporn travelled on to the Army Auditorium to pay a visit to Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

Jatuporn said he wanted to report himself to Sansern after the CRES said it planned to summon rally organisers to ensure peace and social order.

But he was turned back at the auditorium gate due to a lack of appointment.

-- The Nation 2010-11-18

[SomTumTiger]

They have no choice - they have no money (Frozen) - they have no leaders (except for Jatuporn the asshat) - and they have no platform to stand on

Peaceful or else...

[random]

They have no choice - they have no money (Frozen) - they have no leaders (except for Jatuporn the asshat) - and they have no platform to stand on

Peaceful or else...

how disapointed will you be if it is peaceful?

[SomTumTiger]

They have no choice - they have no money (Frozen) - they have no leaders (except for Jatuporn the asshat) - and they have no platform to stand on

Peaceful or else...

how disapointed will you be if it is peaceful?

Yes, you caught me, I love bloodshed - thanks for that witticism

[Robby nz]

There must be conditions on Jatuporn's bail.

Wonder how far he has to go to break those conditions and end up where he belongs?

As an aside, sorry off topic again.

Went past 3 prisons, including the remand, when I was in BKK the other day and looked for all the red roses and ribbons that are supposed to be put out every week.

Only saw one tatty odd red ribbon on the fence of the remand prison.

Guess that one has been forgotten.

[rubl]

There must be conditions on Jatuporn's bail.

Wonder how far he has to go to break those conditions and end up where he belongs?

As an aside, sorry off topic again.

Went past 3 prisons, including the remand, when I was in BKK the other day and looked for all the red roses and ribbons that are supposed to be put out every week.

Only saw one tatty odd red ribbon on the fence of the remand prison.

Guess that one has been forgotten.

Maybe wrong day, the red-shirts are supposed to do the 'red roses' part every Friday morning. Don't know why or who choose this day, normal people have to work then.

[rubl]

From the OP:

After meeting with police, Jatuporn travelled on to the Army Auditorium to pay a visit to Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation.

Jatuporn said he wanted to report himself to Sansern after the CRES said it planned to summon rally organisers to ensure peace and social order.

But he was turned back at the auditorium gate due to a lack of appointment.

things really get lost in translation. 'to pay a visit' and 'wanted to report himself' is not really the same, but here refers to the same statement of k. Jatuporn. I'm sure he only wanted to drop by and say hello.

PS Some seem not to believe k. Jatuporn for whatever reason. Just got an SMS from the Netherlands Embassy: 'On 19/11 there will be red-shirt demonstrations in Bangkok (Ratchaprasong) en ChiangMai. Avoid gatherings and follow news on local media'

[Cuchulainn]

The engine is running (has run??) out of steam!!

[dumpling]

Interesting. so a parallel rally is to be held, is this a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend!

The mixing of red and yellow are we soon to see the rise of the orange shirt?

[jdinasia]

With the redshirt history of violence going back years, I would take any promise of a peaceful rally with a grain of salt.

[rubl]

With the redshirt history of violence going back years, I would take any promise of a peaceful rally with a grain of salt.

To be fair JD, there have been a few peaceful ones recently, even in BKK still under E.D. Discussed beforehand between red-leaning organizers and police, end-of-event set, police escort to provide proper traffic flow, etc., etc. Clean-up afterwards still need improvement, but that's a general Thai issue

[slapout]

Well if you are turned away due to lack of an appointment (a colonel at that), maybe the big shot wannabe can crash a party that the object of his potential attention is attending. Then again he may be charged with stalking.

[jdinasia]

With the redshirt history of violence going back years, I would take any promise of a peaceful rally with a grain of salt.

To be fair JD, there have been a few peaceful ones recently, even in BKK still under E.D. Discussed beforehand between red-leaning organizers and police, end-of-event set, police escort to provide proper traffic flow, etc., etc. Clean-up afterwards still need improvement, but that's a general Thai issue

Oh, I don't deny that there have been some peaceful rallies ... but the redshirt propensity for violence is HUGE. Thankfully many of their agitators are in jail or on the run from justice.

[Buchholz]

The Nation's article didn't include the last bit from the other paper:

Red Leader Jatuporn met with police today to discuss tomorrow's rally. He said that they planned to be at Ratchaprason for only about an hour and.... and that the rally would be peaceful.

He did, however, caution police to be on the look out for third-hand parties who might stir up violent incidents.

[Skywalker69]

The engine is running (has run??) out of steam!!

Maybe they run out of money to buy gasoline?

[jdinasia]

The Nation's article didn't include the last bit from the other paper:

Red Leader Jatuporn met with police today to discuss tomorrow's rally. He said that they planned to be at Ratchaprason for only about an hour and.... and that the rally would be peaceful.

He did, however, caution police to be on the look out for third-hand parties who might stir up violent incidents.

Ah yes ... the ever elusive third-hand parties (complete with video evidence of them mingling directly with the reds in the past!.)

[Buchholz]

Meanwhile, Somyos, the editor of such intelligently heady publications as Red Power, Red News, and the Voice of Taksin chimes in with:

Reds to hold parallel rally with yellow shirts next month

The red shirts plan next month to hold a parallel and separate rally with the yellow shirts to oppose the border limitation recommended by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, organiser Somyos Pruksakasemsuk said on Thursday.

The yellow shirts will hold their rally on December 11, so will the red shirts but at a separate venue, he said.

Somyos said he shared the same position as the yellow shirts related to the border dispute.

Commenting on tomorrow's rally by the red shirts, he said he expected more than 10,000 protesters to turn up at Rajprasong Intersection to mark the six-month remembrance of the rally which ended in bloodshed.

-- The Nation 2010-11-18

[rubl]

The Nation's article didn't include the last bit from the other paper:

Red Leader Jatuporn met with police today to discuss tomorrow's rally. He said that they planned to be at Ratchaprason for only about an hour and.... and that the rally would be peaceful.

He did, however, caution police to be on the look out for third-hand parties who might stir up violent incidents.

Ah yes ... the ever elusive third-hand parties (complete with video evidence of them mingling directly with the reds in the past!.)

Well, this might explain the SMS I got from my Embassy ( )

Edited November 18, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Somyos said he shared the same position as the yellow shirts related to the border dispute.

Seems the Cambodian dispute is no longer the exclusive domain of PAD.

[rubl]

Meanwhile, Somyos, the editor of such intelligently heady publications as Red Power, Red News, and the Voice of Taksin chimes in with:

Reds to hold parallel rally with yellow shirts next month

The red shirts plan next month to hold a parallel and separate rally with the yellow shirts to oppose the border limitation recommended by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, organiser Somyos Pruksakasemsuk said on Thursday.

The yellow shirts will hold their rally on December 11, so will the red shirts but at a separate venue, he said.

Somyos said he shared the same position as the yellow shirts related to the border dispute.

Commenting on tomorrow's rally by the red shirts, he said he expected more than 10,000 protesters to turn up at Rajprasong Intersection to mark the six-month remembrance of the rally which ended in bloodshed.

-- The Nation 2010-11-18

Well, 10,000 protesters on a Friday at Ratchaprasong! Maybe I should take a day off rather than get stuck in traffic. On the other hand I sincerely hope that lots of people with regular jobs will not take a day off to protest. Our upcountry friends will probably stay home as well. If recent protest attendance can be an indication, less than 1000 on a working day might be possible.

Edited November 18, 2010 by rubl

[Buchholz]

Red Leader Jatuporn met with police today to discuss tomorrow's rally. He said that they planned to be at Ratchaprason for only about an hour and.... and that the rally would be peaceful.

He did, however, caution police to be on the look out for third-hand parties who might stir up violent incidents.

Well, this might explain the SMS I got from my Embassy ( )

The addition of Chiang Mai and other info from my Embassy's notice:

They're expanding to include Chiang Mai now:

(November 18, 2010) This message alerts U.S. citizens in Thailand to planned demonstrations in Bangkok on November 19, and to the possibility of political demonstrations and road closures in and around Chiang Mai city from November 19-22 (the final weekend of the Loy Krathong festival).

From 8:00 am until approximately 9:00 pm on Friday, November 19, the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD-Red Shirts) plans to hold demonstrations in various areas of Bangkok, including the Rajaprasong area (around Central World), to mark the six- month anniversary of the incident during which 89 lives were lost when the UDD occupied parts of Bangkok's central commercial zone in April and May of 2010.

The streets in all directions around Rajaprasong are expected to be filled with 10,000 to 15,000 persons, and many vehicles will be parked along Rajadamri and Ploenchit roads, snarling traffic throughout the area. Although the gatherings around Rajaprasong are scheduled to peak in the evening, we suggest avoiding that area throughout the day and

evening. It is possible that Siam Paragon will also be affected. A smaller demonstration is planned in the morning at Klong Prem Prison on Ngam Wong Wan Road.

Also, media report that supporters of the UDD plan a rally November 20 near the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek site in Mae Hia, just south of Chiang Mai city. Demonstrations at other sites in and around Chiang Mai city are possible November 19-22. In addition, Loy Krathong celebrations in Chiang Mai regularly lead to road closures and traffic delays. In particular, expect heavy traffic in the Mae Jo area November 20 for the mass release of floating lanterns, and road closures in central Chiang Mai city November 22 for the Loy Krathong parade.

We are not aware of any general, specific, or implied threat to U.S. citizens or U.S. interests throughout this period. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence with little or no warning. You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings. You should monitor local media to keep updated with the latest information about demonstrations and areas to avoid. Although the level of violence in Bangkok and Chiang Mai subsided following the UDD protests in April and May 2010, the potential for random acts of politically-motivated violence remains. You should maintain a heightened sense of awareness, be cognizant of any unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places, and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement personnel.

- U.S. Embassy email message / November 18, 2010

[Insight]

Meanwhile, Somyos, the editor of such intelligently heady publications as Red Power, Red News, and the Voice of Taksin chimes in with:

Reds to hold parallel rally with yellow shirts next month

The red shirts plan next month to hold a parallel and separate rally with the yellow shirts to oppose the border limitation recommended by the Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission, organiser Somyos Pruksakasemsuk said on Thursday.

The yellow shirts will hold their rally on December 11, so will the red shirts but at a separate venue, he said.

Somyos said he shared the same position as the yellow shirts related to the border dispute.

Commenting on tomorrow's rally by the red shirts, he said he expected more than 10,000 protesters to turn up at Rajprasong Intersection to mark the six-month remembrance of the rally which ended in bloodshed.

-- The Nation 2010-11-18

Well, 10,000 protesters on a Friday at Ratchaprasong! Maybe I should take a day off rather than get stuck in traffic. On the other hand I sincerely hope that lots of people with regular jobs will not take a day off to protest. Our upcountry friends will probably stay home as well. If recent protest attendance can be an indication, less than 1000 on a working day might be possible.

Good luck anybody trying to find themselves a motorbike taxi tomorrow night...

[Buchholz]

Well, 10,000 protesters on a Friday at Ratchaprasong! Maybe I should take a day off rather than get stuck in traffic.

That's described as "snarling" traffic in the American notice.

[gemini81]

Well, 10,000 protesters on a Friday at Ratchaprasong! Maybe I should take a day off rather than get stuck in traffic.

That's described as "snarling" traffic in the American notice.

It was interesting to observe the news during the floods in the south and the NE. The people in the south interviewed said they will find their own solutions on their own and take care of themselves. All the ones from Korat all wanted handouts from the government and compensation. Speaks for itself live on channel 3 just what sort of people are being bred up there.

Can't believe they are still going at it over this red shirt silliness, and all the credibility they've all lost. They need a new way of thinking.

Edited November 18, 2010 by gemini81

[otherstuff1957]

There must be conditions on Jatuporn's bail.

Wonder how far he has to go to break those conditions and end up where he belongs?

As an aside, sorry off topic again.

Went past 3 prisons, including the remand, when I was in BKK the other day and looked for all the red roses and ribbons that are supposed to be put out every week.

Only saw one tatty odd red ribbon on the fence of the remand prison.

Guess that one has been forgotten.

Maybe wrong day, the red-shirts are supposed to do the 'red roses' part every Friday morning. Don't know why or who choose this day, normal people have to work then.

I drive past Klong Prem every Friday afternoon. I've never seen a single red flower or ribbon. Either they've forgotten to put them there for the past month or two or else someone cleans them up right away.

[gemini81]

There must be conditions on Jatuporn's bail.

Wonder how far he has to go to break those conditions and end up where he belongs?

As an aside, sorry off topic again.

Went past 3 prisons, including the remand, when I was in BKK the other day and looked for all the red roses and ribbons that are supposed to be put out every week.

Only saw one tatty odd red ribbon on the fence of the remand prison.

Guess that one has been forgotten.

Maybe wrong day, the red-shirts are supposed to do the 'red roses' part every Friday morning. Don't know why or who choose this day, normal people have to work then.

normal people ARE busy then. So the abnormal reds will take to the streets. They don't seem to like work much anyway. Hope they don't receieve any handouts from Thaksin under their work boots, they won't find them!

[asiawatcher]

There must be conditions on Jatuporn's bail.

Wonder how far he has to go to break those conditions and end up where he belongs?

As an aside, sorry off topic again.

Went past 3 prisons, including the remand, when I was in BKK the other day and looked for all the red roses and ribbons that are supposed to be put out every week.

Only saw one tatty odd red ribbon on the fence of the remand prison.

Guess that one has been forgotten.

Probably an AIDS reminder...

[webfact]

Thai 'Red Shirts' to rally six months after crackdown

BANGKOK, November 18, 2010 (AFP) - Thousands of Thailand's "Red Shirts" are due to gather in Bangkok on Friday to mark the six-month anniversary of a deadly army crackdown on their rally against the government.

Police estimated that 10,000 people will take to the streets by the evening in the upmarket central shopping zone that the Reds brought to a standstill earlier this year with their unsuccessful campaign for snap elections.

Major General Vichai Sangparpai of the Metropolitan Police told AFP a 1,000-strong security force would police the event, while the US Embassy warned foreigners to keep away and predicted as many as 15,000 people could attend.

The protest movement, mostly comprising supporters of fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra who was ousted in a 2006 coup, took to the streets in mid-March, with numbers peaking at 100,000.

Clashes between between demonstrators and soldiers ensued, ending with a crackdown by security forces on May 19.

In total more than 90 people -- mainly civilians -- were left dead during the protests and nearly 1,900 were injured.

Despite an emergency law invoked in response to the violence, which bans assemblies of more than five people, the Red Shirts have since held several mass gatherings to remember the dead and continue to press their demands.

The mainly poor and working class protesters accuse the government, led by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, of being elitist and undemocratic.

Though no-one has been convicted, 19 senior Reds are currently in jail in Thailand on terrorism charges relating to the unrest in April and May, while others thought to have played key roles remain on the run.

Since the crackdown a number of small blasts have rattled the capital and an explosion killed four people at a Bangkok apartment block last month.

The government has pointed the finger at Reds but they deny any involvement and accuse authorities of looking to justify tougher security powers. Bangkok and three surrounding provinces remain under a state of emergency.

The authorities have used the wide-ranging powers to arrest hundreds of suspects and silence anti-government media -- earning criticism from rights groups.

"Why do we have the emergency law? It is to limit the people's freedom," Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, a leading protester for Friday's rally, told AFP.

"We have the right to express our feelings."

The Reds are expected to start gathering in the Thai capital at 8:00 am (0100 GMT), with some of them rallying at the prison where their leaders are held, but the larger crowds were expected in the commercial district later in the day.

"You should avoid areas that may be targeted for demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations or large gatherings," the US Embassy statement said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-11-19

[siampolee]

"Why do we have the emergency law? It is to limit the people's freedom," Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, a leading protester for Friday's rally, told AFP.

"We have the right to express our feelings."

As in the burning and the looting of buildings the interference with the daily lives of uninvolved citizens along with the prolonged closure of schools due to the protest.

What a wonderful ideal Somyot Pruksakasemsuk has of , ''freedom.''

Freedom is for all, not just a few individuals who were being funded by a criminal to further his, and his family along with their acolytes own ends.

Edited November 19, 2010 by siampolee

[slapout]

I think Jatuporn's immunity comes to a end when the upcoming recess starts. Wonder if he will stay in country to begin the Thai shuffle to stay out of the monkey house?