Thai Firms Say Red Shirt Protests Threaten Jobs

[asiawatcher]

These Red Scumbags are going to keep at it so why not let them protest a few more months and have the Govt say they will not call elections until the rallies cease! And by then the whole of BKK will want to kills these buffaloes so good bye votes. Then once out voted they are out and gone with no right of refusal.

I live in hope -

But the economy in general has remained resilient, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand said last week there had been a "remarkable" recovery.

[jdinasia]

These Red Scumbags are going to keep at it so why not let them protest a few more months and have the Govt say they will not call elections until the rallies cease! And by then the whole of BKK will want to kills these buffaloes so good bye votes. Then once out voted they are out and gone with no right of refusal.

I live in hope -

But the economy in general has remained resilient, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand said last week there had been a "remarkable" recovery.

Their electoral base isn't really in BKK. Recent by-elections indicate things will remain about the same. No real back-lash against the Freinds of Newin defection to create the BJT party. So all things being equal, the Dems will pick up a few more seats. PTP may get more than anyone but still be the opposition party. (Which is a laugh, because they haven't ever acted as an opposition party to date.) PTP may actually have to come up with a platform that includes something other than a pardon for Thaksin and we want him back. If so, they are in deep trouble, Maybe their slogan can be "But hey! Jatuporn has parliamentary immunity and Thaksin can be pardoned!"

[whybother]

<snip>

PTP may get more than anyone but still be the opposition party.

<snip>

If the PTP win the most seats again, but can't get a coalition together to form government, will they be able to understand that they didn't "win" the election?

[mca]

http://notthenation.com/2011/01/rajprasong-vendors-demand-reds-buy-more-handbags/

[truethailand]

Sorry but your tunnel vision is showing.I sympathise with those who are inconvenienced but in the greater scheme of things (the future direction of the country) it's not that important.As I stressed demonstrations of whatever hue should be peaceful and co-ordinated/supervised by the appropriate authorities.

My "hang out" comment was really just a reflection of disgust at those last year who appeared more concerned at lack of access to their vulgar malls than their fellow countrymen mowed down in the street.

The choice of that venue will not affect the future direction of this country. That is YOUR tunnel vision. The deaths throughout April and May are very sad, the grenade attacks against companies opposed to the red shirts are very sad. The fact that the reds are not interested in Democracy or rule of law becomes the deciding factor. Simply said, the people (many of them quite poor) that obtain their livelihoods from working there are more important in the scheme of things than the reds desire to elicit sympathy for a group that certainly has used terrorist tactics and openly states they will not cooperate with the government. You stress that they should be peaceful demonstrations but the ones that led to the April and May crackdowns were not. You say they should be coordinated and supervised but the redshirt leader has already stated she will not cooperate.

I feel the same disgust you do but with a different group of people. The redshirt leaders that played with the lives of their mostly-paid followers (yet quickly ended things when it got hot near their precious bodies) are the target of my disgust. Their vulgar disregard for the lives entrusted to them even if for pay makes me sick. The people that deny the facts of Seh Daeng's Ronin in their midst makes me ill as well.You really did say it right in the other post. "screw them"

Gof7

[whybother]

Gof7

Only 7? Who are they?

[bulmercke]

jayboy said: "My "hang out" comment was really just a reflection of disgust at those last year who appeared more concerned at lack of access to their vulgar malls than their fellow countrymen mowed down in the street."

Yes - the lack of compassion and humanity was truly sickening. And moreover from the so-called civilized and decent stratas of Thai society.

[patjem]

In democracies groups have a right to demonstrate. Mostly the organizers and the police will setup a meeting to discuss subject, route, attendance, limitations, security issues, first-aid preparations/stations, start/stop time, etc., etc. This to ensure a peaceful rally with minimal disturbance.

If the Ratchaprasong business people don't like being singled out for protests they should start talks with police and rally organizers to reach a compromise.

Democracy is action, you've got to love it

What an utterly stupid thing to say. Do you have *any idea* what happened at Ratchaprasong last year? Like shooting people, throwing bombs and finally burning a fair bit of it down? Is that a "peaceful rally with minimal disturbance"?

You're in Thailand now, things work a bit differently here.

No the original comment was very pertinent.The Red Shirts have every right to protest peacefully and obviously this should be done in liaison with police and other authorities, who in turn should consult local residents and business people.

If the protests occasionally inconvenience those who like to "hang" in Bangkok's upmarket malls, screw them.There are more important issues at stake

1) Democracy requires agreements and compromises, not dictation: If the local bully is walking past your home and enquires to you "I urgently need to deficate, would you mind if I used your garden?", to which you naturally object, you will be rightfully upset and annoyed if they went ahead and did it anyway, right? Is it OK if he starts repeating his spiteful little stunt every couple of weeks? Afterall, he desperately needed to go, so should you sympathise with him? It's basically the same situation.

2) yes, everyone has a rite to protest. It doesn't need to be at Rajaprasong (refer to point 1)

3) Peaceful? refer to the track record. After the grenades and looting by red factions when they were camped there last time, the business owners have every reason to not want any repeats.

4) It would be fair to say the traders have been rather more than simply "inconvenienced", so is more of the same fair and balanced for everyone's civil rights (ie- "democratic")?

There will be no movement forward until win/ win situations can be engineered, but a blatant "I'm going to continue doing it in your garden anyway" attitude will never allow that conclusion to be reached.

[jdinasia]

Gof7

Only 7? Who are they?

Truethailand's "Gof7: is just the petulant cry of someone that can't actually discuss the events in question and that whines about the rules. BTW -- he described it in another thread as a "Gang of Seven" that post in all the redshirt threads and control the agenda of a thread stifling neutral voices like his --- he later admitted that he wasn't neutral at all.

Direct to tt- your little "Gof7" posts do show an inability to either discuss the events or deal with the fact that posts, once made, are subject to comments from other posters that may well see things differently than you, or be able to counter all of your points and show them to be flawed. If you really want to have a place where you can discuss anything at all and not get called on it when you get it wrong then I think you will have to create such a space for yourself. Those of us actually in Thailand and dealing with the results of the redshirt's armed insurrection and seeing things like people's businesses, jobs, families, and lives damaged by people that don't even understand the concept of democracy will probably speak out about what we see as wrong.

The people living in the ratprasong area do have the right NOT to live with bi-monthly protests by a group that has shown themselves to be extremely violent in the past (and whose current leader has stated that they will not cooperate with the government.

These protests need to be shunted to a location that does not hurt others, or shut down.

Bullmerke --- the people's compassion ended about the first time the reds started firing grenade launchers as a form of protest. It was certainly gone by the time that the reds burnt Bangkok. It is yet another thing the reds should be ashamed of. That they have beaten the sense of compassion out of many people, leaving those people feeling that whatever happens to the reds is just 'instant karma' for their violence.

[bulmercke]

Gof7

Only 7? Who are they?

Truethailand's "Gof7: is just the petulant cry of someone that can't actually discuss the events in question and that whines about the rules. BTW -- he described it in another thread as a "Gang of Seven" that post in all the redshirt threads and control the agenda of a thread stifling neutral voices like his --- he later admitted that he wasn't neutral at all.

Direct to tt- your little "Gof7" posts do show an inability to either discuss the events or deal with the fact that posts, once made, are subject to comments from other posters that may well see things differently than you, or be able to counter all of your points and show them to be flawed. If you really want to have a place where you can discuss anything at all and not get called on it when you get it wrong then I think you will have to create such a space for yourself. Those of us actually in Thailand and dealing with the results of the redshirt's armed insurrection and seeing things like people's businesses, jobs, families, and lives damaged by people that don't even understand the concept of democracy will probably speak out about what we see as wrong.

The people living in the ratprasong area do have the right NOT to live with bi-monthly protests by a group that has shown themselves to be extremely violent in the past (and whose current leader has stated that they will not cooperate with the government.

These protests need to be shunted to a location that does not hurt others, or shut down.

Bullmerke --- the people's compassion ended about the first time the reds started firing grenade launchers as a form of protest. It was certainly gone by the time that the reds burnt Bangkok. It is yet another thing the reds should be ashamed of. That they have beaten the sense of compassion out of many people, leaving those people feeling that whatever happens to the reds is just 'instant karma' for their violence.

Not so sure it was the Reds who were actually firing those grenade launchers. Recent reports indicate otherwise.

[whybother]

Not so sure it was the Reds who were actually firing those grenade launchers. Recent reports indicate otherwise.

Which reports might those be?

[jdinasia]

Not so sure it was the Reds who were actually firing those grenade launchers. Recent reports indicate otherwise.

Which reports might those be?

Actually, recent CONFESSIONS have put name/names to many of the attacks. Red/red allied/ronin ... call them what you will. It was the reds.

[whybother]

Not so sure it was the Reds who were actually firing those grenade launchers. Recent reports indicate otherwise.

Which reports might those be?

Actually, recent CONFESSIONS have put name/names to many of the attacks. Red/red allied/ronin ... call them what you will. It was the reds.

Yes, so maybe bulmercke can supply us with the reports that have been hidden amongst all the red shirt arrests.

[Emptyset]

Actually, recent CONFESSIONS have put name/names to many of the attacks. Red/red allied/ronin ... call them what you will. It was the reds.

I believe it was the red "ronin" behind most of the attacks. But you shouldn't put too much store in CONFESSIONS. How many times do you see someone confess and then when it goes to court they say they're not guilty and were forced to confess?

[Emptyset]

I'm sure when the airport was taken over by the yellows, you thought .".if the protests inconvenience those who are able to fly, screw them . There are more important issues at stake ??"

Am I right?? .....Thought not.

That is exactly what some anti-Thaksin farang said at the time. "There are more important issues than your stupid holiday!" etc. Of course, missing a flight is far more serious than not being able to shop for a while on Sundays. Of course, if government would speed up the crackdown investigation results, trials of red shirt leaders (or their release on bail) and the election, we wouldn't be talking about this.

[AZBill]

I would suggest that so long as the protests remain peaceful they will become a tourist attraction in their own right. I know I have walked down to take pictures and talk with the locals on occassion and many tourists were also doing the same. Now if things should turn violent again then I agree there could be a big problem.

[toenail]

Interesting, Thais from all over the country are busy in Bangkok trying to make an honest living while the "Red Shirts" have the leisurely time to come down to BKK and demonstrate. Must be nice. Amazing Thailand has difficulty enforcing many of its laws or ordinances, moving these demonstrations elsewhere will be difficult. Any other international city in the world would NOT allow 6000 people to set up camp (like last year) in the middle of their city for months until it gets out of control.

I am a farang living in Thailand for 6 years and is aware of the social-employment discrimination that exists in Thailand. Something needs to be done; however, the Red Shirts choosing to demonstrate in the middle of the city causing havoc to workers and to tourism, will only turn more people OFF to their political organization/ cause.

[cougar52]

The Red Shirts are well known for the excellent cooperation and cheerful dialogue with the authorities.

That goes for any color protester in Thailand, every color cares only for their own agenda and the h*ll with the rest of the WORLD.

[webfact]

RED RALLIES

PM urges talks between retailers

By The Nation

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday encouraged direct talks between the red shirts and the Ratchaprasong retailers to ease the growing discontent among business groups over the reds' regular rallies in the commercial district.

Speaking after his meeting with representatives from the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) at Government House, the prime minister said he would ask the police to mediate in the talks between the red shirts and the retailers.

"I don't want this matter to be viewed as political. This difference should be settled by the two sides involved, with the police acting as the mediator," he said, adding that he expected the retailers to tell the red shirts about the impact of the regular rallies at Ratchaprasong Intersection, where many retail stores are located.

Abhisit said the government would help with the coordination but would not get directly involved in the talks. He denied the government was trying to stay aloof from the problem. "This government has the duty of enforcing the law and we will try to end any chronic problems."

In response to the red shirts' insistence on continuing with their regular demonstrations at the Ratchaprasong commercial district, local retailers yesterday asked for a role in dealing with the street protests in a bid to curb an adverse impact on their businesses.

Chai Srivikorn, president of the RSTA, and 13 other association representatives met with the prime minister for about half an hour to discuss the matter. Metropolitan Police commissioner Maj-General Jakthip Chaijinda was also present during the meeting.

Chai said afterwards that Abhisit promised his government would do its best to deal with the problem, while the businesspeople requested they be involved in any plan to cope with future demonstrations in their area.

"We hope this will help ease our suffering. Also, we will discuss this matter with the red-shirt leaders." He said an appointment was being made for their meeting to discuss the format and size of future rallies that would please both sides.

"Many people have been affected by the demonstrations, and the impacts are worse than many people think or see in the media. We should try to prevent more social divisions," he said.

Chai also disputed a claim by red-shirt leader and opposition Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan that the leaders had coordinated with the Ratchaprasong retailers before each of their previous demonstrations there. "Never," the businessman said.

The RSTA representatives also submitted a complaint signed by some 2,000 people. "We will campaign for more people to sign and I think we will reach 100,000 signatures," Chai said.

"We do not oppose demonstrations and we are not enemies of the demonstrators. What we call for is a clear format for demonstrating, or suffering and hatred will follow," he said, adding that if the red shirts continued with their regular protests at Ratchaprasong Intersection, retail stores in the area might have to lay off about 33,000 employees.

On Tuesday, Chai led some Ratchaprasong retailers to submit a complaint with a Government House official calling for a new law to regulate street demonstrations. They said the red shirts' holding of two demonstrations every month for many months had caused a big business loss for them.

Meanwhile, leaders of the red shirts yesterday insisted they would continue with their plan to hold the next demonstration at Ratchaprasong on January 23 to commemorate the deaths of protesters during the red shirts' 10-week anti-government rally last year that led to unrest and riots.

Worawuth Wichaidit, spokesman for the red-shirt movement, called on the Ratchaprasong businesspeople to be considerate to the red-shirts' cause. He said that on January 23, the red shirts would gather at the intersection at about 1pm before moving to the Democracy Monument at 3pm and ending their demonstration before midnight.

In their demonstration on January 9 last Sunday, the red shirts began their gathering at the Democracy Monument before moving to Ratchaprasong Intersection.

Thida Thawornseth, chairwoman of the red-shirt movement, said the Ratchaprasong gatherings were aimed at commemorating the dead protesters.

"We are pleased to cooperate with the police in arranging a suitable system. We won't accept any more conditions," she said.

-- The Nation 2011-01-13

[whybother]

If the retailers protest against the red shirts, does anyone think that the red shirts will listen to them?

[Buchholz]

Chai also disputed a claim by red-shirt leader and opposition Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan that the leaders had coordinated with the Ratchaprasong retailers before each of their previous demonstrations there.

"Never," the businessman said.

Duly noted and logged as Red Shirt Leader cum Pheu Thai Party MP Jatuporn's Lie Number # 4,239

.

[Buchholz]

If the retailers protest against the red shirts, does anyone think that the red shirts will listen to them?

Only if they could hire a Thaksin impersonator.

[jackr]

If the protests occasionally inconvenience those who like to "hang" in Bangkok's upmarket malls, screw them.There are more important issues at stake

We can do what we want and screw everyone else, eh? You think just like them. :jerk:

[Ricardo]

If the retailers protest against the red shirts, does anyone think that the red shirts will listen to them?

Only if they could hire a Thaksin impersonator.

good one !

But surely he-who-must-be-obeyed doesn't know any of the UDD ?

[aznyron]

what joke I don't even have to read the topic the truth is Bank are the problem they threaten jobs with there over inflated baht the proof is in the every day living of a thai worker & look at the bankers how they live

no comparison

[MunterHunter]

what joke I don't even have to read the topic the truth is Bank are the problem they threaten jobs with there over inflated baht the proof is in the every day living of a thai worker & look at the bankers how they live

no comparison

The Banks are the problem? The banks are threatening the jobs?

Time to put the crack-pipe down methinks, the real world is calling you!

[aznyron]

a note to you expats we are guest in this country & I am not sure we are wanted guest I do know they like our money that why they charge us more than a thai so hear me the red shirts protest is none of your business if they love thaksin that there business I know I hate the banks world wide because they are corrupt & the elected officials world wide are there puppets so if you find your self being put out because of demonstrators that just tough crappo for you I do not feel for you what I do feel for is those who suffer because of lost jobs & being ignored by the Government so if they get 500 baht to demonstrate good for them the slave owners only pay them 200 baht a day & they got to bust there azz for it / I remember the last one I had booked a flight to go back to the USA months earlier & was caught up in it I could not get a flight from Udon to BKK & my wife would not take the train fear of being stuck some were between udon & BKK so we drove to the airport was stop many times by BIB I was not angry even with that inconvenience I was in agreement with those who demonstrated I got my plane & departed to the USA when I returned 4 weeks later it was over GOD bless the people they are the ones who get raped from the elite bankers & politicians & slave owners of business

[MunterHunter]

a note to you expats we are guest in this country & I am not sure we are wanted guest I do know they like our money that why they charge us more than a thai so hear me the red shirts protest is none of your business if they love thaksin that there business I know I hate the banks world wide because they are corrupt & the elected officials world wide are there puppets so if you find your self being put out because of demonstrators that just tough crappo for you I do not feel for you what I do feel for is those who suffer because of lost jobs & being ignored by the Government so if they get 500 baht to demonstrate good for them the slave owners only pay them 200 baht a day & they got to bust there azz for it / I remember the last one I had booked a flight to go back to the USA months earlier & was caught up in it I could not get a flight from Udon to BKK & my wife would not take the train fear of being stuck some were between udon & BKK so we drove to the airport was stop many times by BIB I was not angry even with that inconvenience I was in agreement with those who demonstrated I got my plane & departed to the USA when I returned 4 weeks later it was over GOD bless the people they are the ones who get raped from the elite bankers & politicians & slave owners of business

No really... crack pipe... table... put down...

[stickyrice2000]

The reds are out there to demand justice and democracy. Why would the business owners worry when the tourists are exceeding 15.6 millions last year? The TAT expects a significant increase in tourism this year with all the promotions going on. Tell the business owners to not panic.

[bkkjames]

The reds are out there to demand justice and democracy. Why would the business owners worry when the tourists are exceeding 15.6 millions last year? The TAT expects a significant increase in tourism this year with all the promotions going on. Tell the business owners to not panic.

you forget the sarcasm smiley surely?