Red Shirts Affirm Sunday's Rally In Bangkok To Be Staged Peacefully

[webfact]

Red Shirts affirm Sunday's rally to be staged peacefully

BANGKOK, Dec 18 -- Thailand's anti-government movement, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD), on Saturday reaffirmed that it's rally planned for Sunday at Ratchaprasong intersection will be conducted peacefully, according to Metropolitan Police Division 1 chief Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai.

Gen Wichai, assigned by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Pol Lt-Gen Chakthip Chaijinda to head the negotiation team to liaise with the demonstrators on Sunday, met acting UDD chairperson Thida Thavornseth who said the group's demonstration tomorrow will be held peacefully. From now on, Mrs Thida said, the UDD will rally on the 10th and 19th of every month.

Disruption of traffic as Ratchaprasong is worrisome, said Gen Wichai, as Ratchaprasong is main economic centre, He said also that the use of loudspeakers and amplifiers was banned under the emergency decree.

Police have prepared cars equipped with loudspeakers and amplifiers at three locations to use for crowd control, Gen Wichai said, noting that the UDD would be allowed to use them for crowd control only.

The authorities are also concerned regarding actions or provocations that may be considered lese majeste and vandalisation of public property with rude graffiti. Gen Wichai has asked the UDD leaders to help prevent both actions.

He also asked the Red Shirt demonstrators to refrain from floating paper lanterns into the sky as they may cause fires, particularly at high rise buildings surrounding the Ratchaprasong area.

Mrs Thida affirmed that the rally would be run peacefully, but asserted the UDD would continue twice monthly rallies until justice is returned and its core leaders detained for terrorism-related charges are released.

She said there would be no paper lantern floating as the demonstrators have opted to use red balloons instead.

The Red Shirts will begin their activities at 5pm Sunday by performing a religious rite for those who died in the May 19 military and protesters confrontation in front of Wat Pathumwanaram before reading a statement. The rally will end at 8pm.

The Red Sunday Group, a UDD affiliate led by Sombat Boonngamanong will hold a separate activity at 1.30pm.

About 1,600 police will be deployed to maintain law and order, said Gen Wichai. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-12-18

[asiawatcher]

So the red rabble will again push the limits of the police and test how far they can go and nothing will be done. Pickups will double and triple park with no risk of being wheel clamped or impounded. Speakers without amplifiers? Yeah right, this will be a real test of compliance with law.

Seems to me the army needs to do some field exercises at the intersection tomorrow, preferably with tear gas.

[Cuchulainn]

...and plastic bullets.

[surangw]

...and plastic bullets.

paint ball guns, so they can id who they hit later ( be sure to use yellow balls)

[manarak]

From now on, Mrs Thida said, the UDD will rally on the 10th and 19th of every month.

huh?

does the emergency decree allow this?

Why are the reds again allowed to disrupt traffic and trade there?

Why can't the government assign them to another location to hold their rally, for example a big, empty car park?

This is getting ridiculous, or should I say, the situation was ridiculous in the past and there is no sign of improvement?

[axact]

.

A ban on paper lanterns ? is Sunday more of a fire risk than the loy krathong Festival I wonder?

Is it something about Sundays, more combustable air perhaps ?

[hanuman1]

The chance of the authorities preventing a red shirt gathering since 8 months ago has diminished with each subsequent (and peaceful) rally there has been. If they were going to prevent one at all, it would have been the first one after the major violence occurred. A precedent has been set. These gatherings will probably continue unless violent elements cause trouble again or cause some kind of significant economic damage.

[stoneyboy]

The chance of the authorities preventing a red shirt gathering since 8 months ago has diminished with each subsequent (and peaceful) rally there has been. If they were going to prevent one at all, it would have been the first one after the major violence occurred. A precedent has been set. These gatherings will probably continue unless violent elements cause trouble again or cause some kind of significant economic damage.

Have/Have Not :jap:

[phiphidon]

...and plastic bullets.

paint ball guns, so they can id who they hit later ( be sure to use yellow balls)

I think you'll find Cuchulainn is referring to the struggle against the "<deleted> blackshirts" in a slightly oblique way by referencing the Spanish Civil War, but I may be wrong..........you need to look at the signature.

[webfact]

PM unfazed over red-shirt protests

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Despite promise of peaceful gathering, about 1,600 officers to be deployed to maintain security

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday said he had no concerns over today's protest by the red shirts, but police were not taking any risk and planned to deploy some 1,600 officers.

Seven companies of anti-riot police will be deployed, including 150 plainclothes police, 180 from the special task force and 200 traffic police, Metropolitan Police Bureau 1 commander Maj-General Wichai Sangprapai said yesterday.

The red-shirt movement's caretaker chairperson, Thida Thawornset, said she expected more than 30,000 protesters to turn up today. However, she added that the protests would be held peacefully.

The group plans to hold protests on the 10th and the 19th of every month until their demands for justice are met, she said.

Wichai yesterday met Thida at the Imperial World shopping mall in the Lat Phrao area. He asked her to refrain from blocking traffic, using loudspeakers and insulting the high institutions during their protest at the Ratchaprasong business district.

He said police would be lenient towards the protesters if they just floated balloons but not paper lanterns. He said the lanterns were dangerous if people did not know how to properly light them in a high-rise area. He said the protesters would face harsh penalties if they caused fire during the protest.

Police arrested 10 red-shirt protesters who floated lamps on December 10 at the Democracy Monument.

Abhisit yesterday said he was not worried because the red shirts had agreed to hold a peaceful protest, but added police would constantly evaluate the situation.

But Thepthai Senpong, personal spokesman for Abhisit, expressed concern over Pheu Thai Party party-list MP Jatuporn Promphan's stance of not accepting national reconciliation. Thepthai said Jatuporn, who he believed was the red-shirt leader, should come to an understanding with the new red-shirt leader so that the protest moves in the same direction.

"Otherwise red-shirt protesters may be confused and that could bring about negative consequences,'' he said.

He was referring to Jatuporn's remark that the meeting between Abhisit and Thida was personal and had nothing to do with the red shirts.

-- The Nation 2010-12-19

[whybother]

The red-shirt movement's caretaker chairperson, Thida Thawornset, said she expected more than 30,000 protesters to turn up today.

30,000 - that's the biggest since the first day, isn't it? Why such a large increase since the last couple?

[andrew55]

Keep it mature and civil and maybe some legitimacy can be re-gained, all of which was lost during earlier fiascos. We'll see.

[SomTumTiger]

They can rally as often as they want - as long as they DONT BURN ANYTHING DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Emptyset]

The red-shirt movement's caretaker chairperson, Thida Thawornset, said she expected more than 30,000 protesters to turn up today.

30,000 - that's the biggest since the first day, isn't it? Why such a large increase since the last couple?

Not sure. This could be the first official DAAD/UDD rally in BKK since the crackdown? Perhaps that's why. But I'm only speculating. The other rallies were mostly put together by Sombat/Somyot as far as I know. Or maybe she's just being optimistic.

[Ricardo]

PM unfazed over red-shirt protests

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

<snip for brevity>

But Thepthai Senpong, personal spokesman for Abhisit, expressed concern over Pheu Thai Party party-list MP Jatuporn Promphan's stance of not accepting national reconciliation. Thepthai said Jatuporn, who he believed was the red-shirt leader, should come to an understanding with the new red-shirt leader so that the protest moves in the same direction.

"Otherwise red-shirt protesters may be confused and that could bring about negative consequences,'' he said.

He was referring to Jatuporn's remark that the meeting between Abhisit and Thida was personal and had nothing to do with the red shirts.

-- The Nation 2010-12-19

Now is Khun Thida the new leader, or not, seems that Jatuporn for one may not be accepting her. Perhaps the Supreme-Financier should call-in, and set his followers straight, about who his current nominee is ? But that might upset some of his other sub-leaders.

Or should the red-shirts simply hold an open-election, and decide for themselves, would that be too democratic ?

Meanwhile a personal spokesman for the current-PM, gives advice to the red-shirts, on sorting-out their democratic-leadership issues ! You simple could not make it up !

But at least Khun Thida continues to stress the importance of protests being peaceful, and PM-Abhisit continues to accept the reds' right to be politically-active, I guess this is what progress & reconciliation look like !

[BlackJack]

what is emergency rule mean then?

[dmsnsa]

is it just me or does this sound way too familiar, peaceful protest, promise of compliance ... time to start sell Thai stocks short again.

[spidermike007]

These are honest, well intentioned Thai people, who have been completely misled, by the biggest fool that Thailand has ever produced. Every single time they go out into the streets, they are sabotaging their own country. They are destroying the image of law and order, and are killing the tourism sector. Bookings are down nationwide, during the peak holiday season, due to their earlier foolishness. Yes, it will be better if there are peaceful demonstrations, but any street action at this point looks like unrest for foreigners contemplating a trip to Thailand. And who knows, maybe the black shirts will hijack the proceedings again. The red shirts seemed to lose control before, so who is to say that will not happen again. They seem to be as incompetent as anyone out there. What these people do not understand is that their neighbors are losing their jobs in the tourism sector, as they protest. And for what? What is the end result? Abhisit missed a historic opportunity when he did not call snap elections back in May. He could have stolen the election. The big dummy Thaksin would not have had the time to prepare, and buy the vote. Had he called elections in 30 days, more than likely the democrats would have walked away with it all, and this may have been settled. Instead Abhisit showed a tremendous lack of courage, and did what all politicians do. He tried to buy time, and in the process showed a great lack of vision, which was exactly what Thailand needed at that time.

[whybother]

is it just me or does this sound way too familiar, peaceful protest, promise of compliance ... time to start sell Thai stocks short again.

My motto: "Give them enough rope to hang themselves".

They've proven over the last couple of months that they can obey the law in regards to their protests. As long as they keep it peaceful, they should be allowed to protest. But, as soon as they step out of line, they should be arrested.

[whybother]

These are honest, well intentioned Thai people, who have been completely misled, by the biggest fool that Thailand has ever produced. Every single time they go out into the streets, they are sabotaging their own country. They are destroying the image of law and order, and are killing the tourism sector. Bookings are down nationwide, during the peak holiday season, due to their earlier foolishness. Yes, it will be better if there are peaceful demonstrations, but any street action at this point looks like unrest for foreigners contemplating a trip to Thailand. And who knows, maybe the black shirts will hijack the proceedings again. The red shirts seemed to lose control before, so who is to say that will not happen again. They seem to be as incompetent as anyone out there. What these people do not understand is that their neighbors are losing their jobs in the tourism sector, as they protest. And for what? What is the end result? Abhisit missed a historic opportunity when he did not call snap elections back in May. He could have stolen the election. The big dummy Thaksin would not have had the time to prepare, and buy the vote. Had he called elections in 30 days, more than likely the democrats would have walked away with it all, and this may have been settled. Instead Abhisit showed a tremendous lack of courage, and did what all politicians do. He tried to buy time, and in the process showed a great lack of vision, which was exactly what Thailand needed at that time.

If Abhisit had called a snap election in April, it would have set a very bad precedent of armed mobs demanding legitimate governments to call elections. And if elections were held because of mob demands, the mob would have felt that they could have got away with more which wouldn't have led to a free and fair election.

IMO, offers of November elections, if they had been accepted, would have been the best solution at that stage. But seeing as they weren't accepted, the red shirts will have to wait until the government is ready (or the end of 2011, whichever comes first).

[timekeeper]

''Red Shirts affirm Sunday's rally to be staged peacefully''

thats ok then, the authorities can give everyone a day off

i mean these boys have never lied before have they? .............

[BKKjohan]

Nobody cares anymore..

[Soi Sauce]

So, it's sunday now. What is actually happening?

[whybother]

So, it's sunday now. What is actually happening?

Nothing yet ... it's supposed to be from 5 (or 6) until 8.

[csolgosz]

Same old dismal commentary from the wretched Farangs who have lived here too long and find the Amart Fascist regime acceptable.

Of course they think they have the majority of the opinion because no one else can offer any balance without being howled down. Oh YES! You do have the majority here. Most opposing contributors left Thai Visa long ago because of your drivvle...

Red Shirt movements are the beginning of the only hope for real democracy in Thailand whether you comfortable lot like it or not!

[Insight]

Red Shirt movements are the beginning of the only hope for real democracy in Thailand whether you comfortable lot like it or not!

The old ones are the best.

[timekeeper]

Same old dismal commentary from the wretched Farangs who have lived here too long and find the Amart Fascist regime acceptable.

Of course they think they have the majority of the opinion because no one else can offer any balance without being howled down. Oh YES! You do have the majority here. Most opposing contributors left Thai Visa long ago because of your drivvle...

Red Shirt movements are the beginning of the only hope for real democracy in Thailand whether you comfortable lot like it or not!

i think some of us old farts might have gleaned what is likely to happen to us if the reds take charge

Thaksin said he would take revenge on the Brits in Thailand after the UK government cancelled his visa and seized his stolen assets

we could not fail to notice how the reds felt that it was ok to attack and violently intimidate anyone who did not share their red philosophy

we saw with our own eyes that Red democrasy in action, as the streets ran red with the Armys blood, buildings being burned, government officials clamouring over walls of the senate to escape thugs like Arisaman and the many, many other atrocities committed by the paid up Red faithful on behalf of the cowardly, fugitive criminal meglomaniac terrorist Thaksin and his disjointed family

please forgive me if i prefer Kuhn Abhisits version of democracy

[corkman]

Same old dismal commentary from the wretched Farangs who have lived here too long and find the Amart Fascist regime acceptable.

Of course they think they have the majority of the opinion because no one else can offer any balance without being howled down. Oh YES! You do have the majority here. Most opposing contributors left Thai Visa long ago because of your drivvle...

Red Shirt movements are the beginning of the only hope for real democracy in Thailand whether you comfortable lot like it or not!

i think some of us old farts might have gleaned what is likely to happen to us if the reds take charge

Thaksin said he would take revenge on the Brits in Thailand after the UK government cancelled his visa and seized his stolen assets

we could not fail to notice how the reds felt that it was ok to attack and violently intimidate anyone who did not share their red philosophy

we saw with our own eyes that Red democrasy in action, as the streets ran red with the Armys blood, buildings being burned, government officials clamouring over walls of the senate to escape thugs like Arisaman and the many, many other atrocities committed by the paid up Red faithful on behalf of the cowardly, fugitive criminal meglomaniac terrorist Thaksin and his disjointed family

please forgive me if i prefer Kuhn Abhisits version of democracy

The corruption and injustices perpetrated by the yellow-shirt brigade are unquestionably wrong. The fact that they got to power by illegitimate means is further a slap in the face of democracy and immediately discredits anythings they have to say or do......... BUT....... the red gang are far from angels. How many people were executed for alleged involvement in the drugs trade? 2500? Judge, jury, and executioner...... very democratic and just and civilised. "paying" people to protest..... that is not a "protest" that is a mercenary army...... the leaders want to be exempt from civil prosecution presumably on the basis that they are "soldiers of democracy", in otherwords self appointed leaders - leaders who motivated the mob that did all the burning etc. oh but wait, the leaders arent taking responsiblity for that, those people acted unilaterally (in spite of being ordered to do so)...... so make up your mind, are you leaders or not? If you are leaders then you are accountable for the actions of your flock, and for the discipline of them......

I have first hand experience of the lifestyle in Isaan, and it is the case with a large percentage of them that they dont want to work..... its not cant, its wont. Why? Because they earn crappy wages compared to the so called "elite" bangkok counterparts...... why? because the ones in bangkok are educated to start with...... why? because the bangkok people come from generations of people that have built upon the sucesses of their forefathers, and continue to reap the benefits...... the reds claim to be down troddem and disenfranchised...... they are just bitter and lazy, full stop. Yes, the so called "elite" are happy with the status quo...... of course they are, why shouldnt they be..... theyre doing well....... if the reds want to work them selves up to the same level, let them work...... but why should those who have achieved sucess in life stoop to accomodate those that cannot be bothered....... I am sick to my eye teeth of hearing about the "poor" people up in Isaan..... all I ever see and hear about the place is people getting p!$$ed on Laos Kow (sp?) and Chang...... sounds like a council estate back in the UK...... and it really is no different.

[whybother]

The corruption and injustices perpetrated by the yellow-shirt brigade are unquestionably wrong. The fact that they got to power by illegitimate means is further a slap in the face of democracy and immediately discredits anythings they have to say or do......... BUT....... the red gang are far from angels. How many people were executed for alleged involvement in the drugs trade? 2500? Judge, jury, and executioner...... very democratic and just and civilised. "paying" people to protest..... that is not a "protest" that is a mercenary army...... the leaders want to be exempt from civil prosecution presumably on the basis that they are "soldiers of democracy", in otherwords self appointed leaders - leaders who motivated the mob that did all the burning etc. oh but wait, the leaders arent taking responsiblity for that, those people acted unilaterally (in spite of being ordered to do so)...... so make up your mind, are you leaders or not? If you are leaders then you are accountable for the actions of your flock, and for the discipline of them......

I have first hand experience of the lifestyle in Isaan, and it is the case with a large percentage of them that they dont want to work..... its not cant, its wont. Why? Because they earn crappy wages compared to the so called "elite" bangkok counterparts...... why? because the ones in bangkok are educated to start with...... why? because the bangkok people come from generations of people that have built upon the sucesses of their forefathers, and continue to reap the benefits...... the reds claim to be down troddem and disenfranchised...... they are just bitter and lazy, full stop. Yes, the so called "elite" are happy with the status quo...... of course they are, why shouldnt they be..... theyre doing well....... if the reds want to work them selves up to the same level, let them work...... but why should those who have achieved sucess in life stoop to accomodate those that cannot be bothered....... I am sick to my eye teeth of hearing about the "poor" people up in Isaan..... all I ever see and hear about the place is people getting p!$ed on Laos Kow (sp?) and Chang...... sounds like a council estate back in the UK...... and it really is no different.

"The corruption and injustices perpetrated by the yellow-shirt brigade are unquestionably wrong. The fact that they got to power by illegitimate means ..."

By your first sentence, I am assuming you are saying that the yellows are in power. They are not. The Democrat Party is in power, not the yellow shirts or their party, the NPP.

If your second sentence actually refers to the Democrat party, what is illegitimate with the way they got to power? There was an election. A majority of MPs elected Samak as PM. Somchai was elected as PM after Samak was forced to step down. Abhisit was elected PM after the PPP was disbanded due to electoral fraud.

[Credo]

what is emergency rule mean then?

It means the same thing as the helmet law.

Any word on how things are going at the gathering. If anyone has any news, I hope they post it.