Red Shirts Plan For Future, Next Bangkok Rally With 60,000 People

[webfact]

Red shirts plan for future, next rally

By Naya Jittanon

The Nation

Despite the absence of its legally-gagged leader Jatuporn Promphan, the red-shirt group has vowed to continue as planned, announcing structural reform for more strength in the coming year.

Caretaker red-shirt leader Thida Thawornseth said yesterday a rally would take place at Democracy Monument on January 9 from 3-8pm - the group's first rally since the lifting of the state of emergency in Bangkok. The demonstration, she said, would be peaceful and lawful.

Thida expected 60,000 people to take part.

The Criminal Court on Tuesday imposed additional bail conditions barring red shirt leader and Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan from taking part in political assemblies of more than five people. The court also issued a gag order on Jatuporn to stop spreading information that could influence his coming case involving terrorism charges.

Jatuporn did not join Thida's press conference.

Thida said the group would have a big restructuring. Elections would be held to find representatives from each locality and region to be members of the red-shirt committee. Voting would be an example for democracy with no money or other influence affecting the group, she said.

"The (red shirt) organisation would be strong and be able to survive. It will no longer be unstable nor dependent on individuals. A person can be captured or die, but the organisation stays," Thida said.

Thida said another press conference on the issue of bail for detained red shirts would take place at 11am next Tuesday, January 4.

-- The Nation 2010-12-30

[silp1979]

here we go again 60.000 or more?....glad i am not in bkk anymore

thaipeople reconcile and not just fake it

[asiawatcher]

One or two more rallies should see the end of the Thai public's patience with these morons. Go ahead - make our day! Sooner the better. As Mt 'T' says - "fool".

[jayjay0]

Is this going to be a bring your own rocket launcher affair.

[Ricardo]

Encouraging sign, to see "caretaker red shirt leader" Khun Thida's proposals for bringing more democracy into the red-shirt movement, let's hope that she gets support from her colleagues ? Don't all rush at once !

[SomTumTiger]

Why do they insist on announcing numbers beforehand?

[sungod]

60,000 eh? Mathematics have never been a strong point for any group when it comes to accounting for supporters. I remember the 'million man march' earlier this year when it all kicked off, 10% would be a fair total of the maximum numbers that showed.

I thought the plan was the 10th of every month at Phan Fa, and the 19th at Rajaprasong?

We now have the 9th at Rajaprasong, seems the new 'leadership' is equally inept at keeping promises.

[SamritT]

600 people turn up at noon (under the blazing sun), and the media will take some photos, and report the number with evident. Evident is FACT.

[rubl]

Encouraging sign, to see "caretaker red shirt leader" Khun Thida's proposals for bringing more democracy into the red-shirt movement, let's hope that she gets support from her colleagues ? Don't all rush at once !

Back to grass-root movement sounds good. Voting for new local representatives with no money or other influence affecting the group, very good. Not easy with the age-old patronage system still in place in large parts of Thailand, but really needs to be tried and done. I wish them well in this.

I do not like "A person can be captured or die, but the organisation stays". It suggests a militant attitude (keeping in mind the unrest in March - May 2010).

One issue seems open. What does the red-shirt movement stand for, apart from 'democracy', 'release our leaders', 'justice for 'our' dead' ?

Edited December 30, 2010 by rubl

[hyperdimension]

What does the red-shirt movement stand for, apart from 'democracy', 'release our leaders', 'justice for 'our' dead' ?

'Bring back Thaksin', with whom they have nothing to do with.

[rubl]

What does the red-shirt movement stand for, apart from 'democracy', 'release our leaders', 'justice for 'our' dead' ?

'Bring back Thaksin', with whom they have nothing to do with.

Surely you must be mistaken. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that one of PTP's election program points?

[hyperdimension]

What does the red-shirt movement stand for, apart from 'democracy', 'release our leaders', 'justice for 'our' dead' ?

'Bring back Thaksin', with whom they have nothing to do with.

Surely you must be mistaken. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that one of PTP's election program points?

Maybe my sarcasm didn't work this time.

[Nisa]

Red Shirts Plan For Future, Next Bangkok Rally With 60,000 People

Clearly the need to get a better plan writer considering what the Rally accomplished for them earlier in the year.

[yellow1red1]

If they just DONT occupy airports, block businesses, take over hotels,

DO NOT!!!

-

Freedom of assembly ENDS when 1 other persons 'freedom' is curtailed.

Did Thomas jefferson say that?

Edited December 30, 2010 by yellow1red1

[yellow1red1]

"The (red shirt) organisation would be strong and be able to survive. It will no longer be unstable nor dependent on individuals. A person can be captured or die, but the organisation stays," Thida said.

called 'cell structure' DUH

successfully used to implement 19th and erly 20 century labor unions, which have been so successful in Western economies.

successfully used to implementCommunists governments which were distrous to the World. eg ussr used 'cells' to organise

and quickly moved elitism when in power,, replacing one kind of despotism with another..

reds, just like yellows, want the bribery $,, it's THAT simple

[mogoso]

SIEU International and its ilk coming back for round two. More farang goons to urge them on, and step back and say I had nothing to do with what people have done,I did nothing.

[phetaroi]

Maybe its time for the Red Shirts to try a different strategy. Being part of a truly responsible political party that gains the nation's respect...over time. Never happen. Easier to burn down buildings.

[TheyCallmeScooter]

Why do they insist on announcing numbers beforehand?

Yup. sigh.

60,000 eh? Mathematics have never been a strong point for any group when it comes to accounting for supporters. I remember the 'million man march' earlier this year when it all kicked off, 10% would be a fair total of the maximum numbers that showed.

Yup. sigh

They actually had to boost their numbers with a lot of children, if I remember correctly. Warmed the cockles to see such a large contingent of those children stayed for the fireworks and the militancy, with some even performing remarkably effectively (and admirably) in their assigned roles as little cute human shields. And people say the youth have no interest in politics...pfft.

One issue seems open. What does the red-shirt movement stand for, apart from 'democracy', 'release our leaders', 'justice for 'our' dead' ?

Come on, rubl - that's not really playing fair, is it? What do you expect them to answer with? Some kind of 'policy platform' or 'table of demands' or 'something'? Who is going to write up this Wish List?

Let's be reasonable, for heaven's sake.

[Nisa]

Maybe its time for the Red Shirts to try a different strategy. Being part of a truly responsible political party that gains the nation's respect...over time. Never happen. Easier to burn down buildings.

First they need to have some actual goals and ideas instead of ridiculous demands followed by threats and acts of anarchy if their demands are not met.

It is odd that you will see people outside the Red Group talking about the struggles or the poor farmers but you never (or rarely) here the Reds talking about ideas to improve the conditions of their communities and the poor. Are any of the Red Shirt leaders and mouth pieces actually poor or farmers?

[phetaroi]

Maybe its time for the Red Shirts to try a different strategy. Being part of a truly responsible political party that gains the nation's respect...over time. Never happen. Easier to burn down buildings.

First they need to have some actual goals and ideas instead of ridiculous demands followed by threats and acts of anarchy if their demands are not met.

It is odd that you will see people outside the Red Group talking about the struggles or the poor farmers but you never (or rarely) here the Reds talking about ideas to improve the conditions of their communities and the poor. Are any of the Red Shirt leaders and mouth pieces actually poor or farmers?

Yes. I think there's no question that they rightfully see the inequity that is so evident (and always has been) in Thai life, particularly between city-dwellers and those in the countryside. But, they keep talking about democracy -- use the word constantly -- while red is their color (and that's no accident), and their definition is that it's democracy if our side wins. Oops. That's the opposite of democracy. And you're right. They have no conceptual platform. They simply make it a power struggle.

[jayjay0]

Maybe its time for the Red Shirts to try a different strategy. Being part of a truly responsible political party that gains the nation's respect...over time. Never happen. Easier to burn down buildings.

First they need to have some actual goals and ideas instead of ridiculous demands followed by threats and acts of anarchy if their demands are not met.

It is odd that you will see people outside the Red Group talking about the struggles or the poor farmers but you never (or rarely) here the Reds talking about ideas to improve the conditions of their communities and the poor. Are any of the Red Shirt leaders and mouth pieces actually poor or farmers?

If they were Mr. T would cut off there pay checks.

[jayjay0]

Maybe its time for the Red Shirts to try a different strategy. Being part of a truly responsible political party that gains the nation's respect...over time. Never happen. Easier to burn down buildings.

First they need to have some actual goals and ideas instead of ridiculous demands followed by threats and acts of anarchy if their demands are not met.

It is odd that you will see people outside the Red Group talking about the struggles or the poor farmers but you never (or rarely) here the Reds talking about ideas to improve the conditions of their communities and the poor. Are any of the Red Shirt leaders and mouth pieces actually poor or farmers?

Yes. I think there's no question that they rightfully see the inequity that is so evident (and always has been) in Thai life, particularly between city-dwellers and those in the countryside. But, they keep talking about democracy -- use the word constantly -- while red is their color (and that's no accident), and their definition is that it's democracy if our side wins. Oops. That's the opposite of democracy. And you're right. They have no conceptual platform. They simply make it a power struggle.

There is no denying it. there is a big equability gap in the social system of the world.

Putting all that aside how many of them care about it until they are told they should care about it.

How many are proud of what they do and do not need the struggle to obtain equality that they are told they should have by people who are using them for there own nefarious goals.

Yes work for it but give it the time it needs. It is more than giving it to them they will need time to accept it and believe in and be comfortable in it.

If a red shirt approaches you and talks about equality and democracy grab your wallet and run.

[hammered]

It will take money and powerful local organisers to muster that amount. Interesting to see whether the funds and PTP godfathers are back on line. There will also be observers from afar seeing how it goes and there is the leadership of PTP issue to consider too.

Mingkwan may not want top get embroiled in the red fun but if he wants to be annointed as PTP leader he will likely have to

You dont get 60K without using the rural patronage systems or at least the godfathers who control several provinces around Bangkok who are PTP ammat.

[aznyron]

I have no Interest in Thai politics but I sense a large number of thai citizens are unhappy with the present government since they were appointed not elected which is not the democratic way. I was not happy when the supreme court appointed GW Bush to be my President so I understand there frustration. I also want to say peaceful demonstration are good but you do not get the results your after I suspect if the election was to be held the red shirts would win with 70 % of the votes which tell me that elite ruling class fear the loss of power. I also want to ad shooting & killing unarmed demonstrators is not good policy it just ad more anger & fear & when people are tired of being afraid they become a super fighting force & nothing will stop them. I suspect the red shirts are hungry & with the economics of Thailand being loss of tourism & exports due to very strong Baht it the working poor that get hurt the most. / this is only my opinion

[whybother]

I have no Interest in Thai politics but I sense a large number of thai citizens are unhappy with the present government since they were appointed not elected which is not the democratic way. I was not happy when the supreme court appointed GW Bush to be my President so I understand there frustration. I also want to say peaceful demonstration are good but you do not get the results your after I suspect if the election was to be held the red shirts would win with 70 % of the votes which tell me that elite ruling class fear the loss of power. I also want to ad shooting & killing unarmed demonstrators is not good policy it just ad more anger & fear & when people are tired of being afraid they become a super fighting force & nothing will stop them. I suspect the red shirts are hungry & with the economics of Thailand being loss of tourism & exports due to very strong Baht it the working poor that get hurt the most. / this is only my opinion

No interest in Thai politics ... and no knowledge of Thai politics.

[Nisa]

I have no Interest in Thai politics but I sense a large number of thai citizens are unhappy with the present government since they were appointed not elected which is not the democratic way. I was not happy when the supreme court appointed GW Bush to be my President so I understand there frustration. I also want to say peaceful demonstration are good but you do not get the results your after I suspect if the election was to be held the red shirts would win with 70 % of the votes which tell me that elite ruling class fear the loss of power. I also want to ad shooting & killing unarmed demonstrators is not good policy it just ad more anger & fear & when people are tired of being afraid they become a super fighting force & nothing will stop them. I suspect the red shirts are hungry & with the economics of Thailand being loss of tourism & exports due to very strong Baht it the working poor that get hurt the most. / this is only my opinion

Understand what you are saying but this is not the US and Thais don't elect their president (Prime Minister) in elections. Being from the US I am not sure I understand how it exactly works but I think the bottom line is they elect their parliamentary leaders who then elect the Prime Minster. Abhisit was elected this same way by the parliament after the previous PM was thrown out.

Bush is probably a bad example to use since there is one more closely related in US Politics. Nixon's VP resigned (forget his name) over scandal and Nixon appointed Ford as the new VP. Then Nixon resigned making Ford the new President yet he was never elected by the people. On the other hand, Abhisit was elected to parliament by the people (a number of times I believe) and he was elected by parliament to be the PM as is the way things work here.

[TheyCallmeScooter]

I have no Interest in Thai politics

I suspect the red shirts are hungry & with the economics of Thailand being loss of tourism & exports due to very strong Baht it the working poor that get hurt the most

No interest in Thai politics ... and no knowledge of Thai politics.

To be fair, his understanding of Thai economics is rock solid.

Turning the CBD into a scene from Apocalypse Now was an inspired move for the tourism industry. An estimated $3 billion or so in damages to infrastructure / expected GDP, was it?

I mean, it's not like the handouts they are demanding might rely on an unaffected economic recovery or anything.

Thankfully, the millions of tourists who flood into Thailand to check out Isan's rice paddies weren't scared away by the rioting and arson and killing for two months. So...all should be fine, fingers crossed. Rock on, populism.

[Nisa]

Thankfully, the millions of tourists who flood into Thailand to check out Isan's rice paddies weren't scared away by the rioting and arson and killing for two months. So...all should be fine, fingers crossed. Rock on, populism.

that made me LOL

[Ricardo]

I have no Interest in Thai politics but I sense a large number of thai citizens are unhappy with the present government since they were appointed not elected which is not the democratic way. I was not happy when the supreme court appointed GW Bush to be my President so I understand there frustration. I also want to say peaceful demonstration are good but you do not get the results your after I suspect if the election was to be held the red shirts would win with 70 % of the votes which tell me that elite ruling class fear the loss of power. I also want to ad shooting & killing unarmed demonstrators is not good policy it just ad more anger & fear & when people are tired of being afraid they become a super fighting force & nothing will stop them. I suspect the red shirts are hungry & with the economics of Thailand being loss of tourism & exports due to very strong Baht it the working poor that get hurt the most. / this is only my opinion

"the present government since they were appointed not elected"

In fact the current government is the third arising from the democratic election in December 2007, all perfectly legal, and in no way "appointed". You may be thinking of the junta-appointed interim-government from September 2006 to December 2007 ?

"I suspect if the election was to be held the red shirts would win with 70% of the votes"

Happily there is an election due this year, so we'll all be able to see, but at the last election the red-shirts then-nominee party was the now-defunct PPP, and they got roughly half the support you ascribe to them above.

Since then one large faction has left them, to form their own new party, and there have been the tragic violent-demonstrations in Bangkok, also their former-leader has been convicted and gone back into self-imposed exile to escape jail, these factors may well have some impact on their support amongst the voters, but it seems unlikely that the result would be a doubling of their share of the vote. We shall see.

[rubl]

60,000 ? Mind you the OP gave last year's expectation, or more precise 2010-12-30 07:05

This new Nation newsflash suggest it might be a wee bit less. Last sentence

"About 10,000 people are expected to show up."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/01/07/national/Red-protest-absences-threaten-Thida&039;s-credibil-30145864.html