Thai Firms Say Red Shirt Protests Threaten Jobs

[Siripon]

If I remember rightly, the father of Chai Sivakorn, the head of Ratchaprasong Trade association, left the Democrat Party together with Veera Musikapong in the early 80s. I wonder if they've kept up their friendship over the years and if it played a part in the decision by the reds to limit their visiting hours to Ratchaprasong.

[Buchholz]

Reds and retailers summit makes little progress

A second round of talks between red shirts and Ratchaprasong retailers yesterday failed to yield concrete measures to prevent more road blockades in the central shopping district.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan, who is also an MP for the opposition Pheu Thai Party, met with Chai Srivikorn, president of the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association, at the Metropolitan Police Bureau in a meeting brokered by the police.

After more than an hour of talks, Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Maj-General Kririn Inkaew said it was agreed the police would set aside two lanes of Ratchaprasong Road for traffic and the remaining lanes for the red-shirt protesters during their street rally on Sunday. However, he said if there was a large number of protesters the road would have to be closed.

He said the red shirts would leave Ratchaprasong at 3pm and head for Democracy Monument, where they would gather until midnight. Kririn described the results of the meeting as "satisfactory".

Jatuporn said he would not be surprised if a lot of red shirts gathered at Ratchaprasong Intersection.

"Many people are dissatisfied with the government now and we cannot prevent them from joining the activity," he said.

Chai said he agreed with the police solution although he disagreed with road closure by the protesters and wanted their rally to be moved elsewhere.

-- The Nation 2011-01-21

[Buchholz]

Red shirts agree to limit Ratchaprasong rally to two hours

Thida said the red shirts would protest at Ratchaprasong intersection for about two hours before moving to the Democracy Monument on Rajdamnoen Avenue.

So much for the Reds agreeing to limit themselves to two hours

TAN Network - January 20, 2011

the group will gather at the intersection at noon before moving to the Democracy Monument at 3 P.M.

[rubl]

More and more I dislike k. Jatuporn being called a red-shirt leader. He's one of the UDD leaders. The UDD is one of the red-shirt factions and the one most close to both k. Thaksin and the PTP. This seems confirmed when Mrs. Thida says Robert A. will help them take their case against the Thai government to the International Criminal Court.

The real red-shirts want self-entitlement, self-sufficiency and democracy. 'free our (UDD) leaders' and 'justice' is more of a second thought to them.

IMHO

[jayboy]

I am pleased to report that there is a fresh compromise in the wings.This will allow Red demonstrators to have their demonstrations in Ratchaprasong on the condition they do a little light shopping.Details follow:

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

[Buchholz]

Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association upset by new business losses from Red Shirts; demands firmer police action /MCOT

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=468666&view=findpost&p=4436019

[OZEMADE]

I seem to remember the Yellow shirts bringing the airport, Bangkok and a lot of Thailand to their knees when they took over the International Airport. They also destroyed Police and Military vehicles knifing their tires, they also took over the Control Tower at the airport and that was deemed by the Government an act of terrorism and they also fired weapons in the car park and on the overpass at the airport they were also accused of murdering a man and dumping his body into a dumpster in the parking ares, although not proved. So in my view they are no better than the Yellow shirts.

Edited May 20, 2011 by OZEMADE

[whybother]

I seem to remember the Yellow shirts bringing the airport, Bangkok and a lot of Thailand to their knees when they took over the International Airport. They also destroyed Police and Military vehicles knifing their tires, they also took over the Control Tower at the airport and that was deemed by the Government an act of terrorism and they also fired weapons in the car park and on the overpass at the airport they were also accused of murdering a man and dumping his body into a dumpster in the parking ares, although not proved. So in my view they are no better than the Yellow shirts.

I think you remember correctly.

Does that make it OK for the red shirts to disrupt peoples businesses? .... every couple of weeks?

[Buchholz]

Might I suggest re-posting your comments in a thread where they are on-topic. There are many such threads to chose from such as:

PAD Oppose Summonses Over Charges Relating To Airports Seizure In 2008

This thread's topic is :

Thai Firms Say Red Shirt Protests Threaten Jobs

.

Edited May 20, 2011 by Buchholz

[OZEMADE]

Might I suggest re-posting your comments in a thread where they are on-topic. There are many such threads to chose from such as:

PAD Oppose Summonses Over Charges Relating To Airports Seizure In 2008

http://www.thaivisa....eizure-in-2008/

This thread's topic is :

Thai Firms Say Red Shirt Protests Threaten Jobs

.

I also remember the Red and Yellow shirts in Bangkok disrupting businesses together last year and it will happen again this year.

Buchholz you cant have it all your way all the time, it seems very one sided.

[Buchholz]

Might I suggest re-posting your comments in a thread where they are on-topic. There are many such threads to chose from such as:

PAD Oppose Summonses Over Charges Relating To Airports Seizure In 2008

http://www.thaivisa....eizure-in-2008/

This thread's topic is :

Thai Firms Say Red Shirt Protests Threaten Jobs

.

I also remember the Red and Yellow shirts in Bangkok disrupting businesses together last year and it will happen again this year.

Buchholz you cant have it all your way all the time, it seems very one sided.

Not sure what you mean. There are threads that cover Yellow Shirts and there are threads that cover Red Shirts and there are threads that cover both.

Usually the thread title gives an indication as to which is which... such is the case with this thread.

.

[steveromagnino]

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

The issue is this. It is a protest which is arguably not in keeping with the spirit nor the letter of the law regarding public assembly, but is cunningly squeezed through anyhow.

RSTA have spoken to police, the red shirt leaders, and the government. THe problem is when they push to enforce their rights, the red shirters basically say what needs to be said to obtain a compromise solution with the govt and with the police. E.g. we will keep to 2 hours we won't block traffic etc. THe govt doesn't want to deny them a democratic right (to protest)for fear of what will happen politically (red shirts love playing the wounded matyr) and the red shirts refuse to go somewhere less newsworthy where they aren't causing a disturbance; the entire purpose of their protest is to create a roadblock and commotion...that's newsworthy.

unfortunately, the yellow shirts and pro Thaksin groups back in 2006 created a precedent of occupying public spaces for their own purposes, although the way the red shirts have used the same approach is considerably more annoying as it is more central and far longer in period and in the case of last year, involved more intimidation and danger for people in that area (e.g. those living in Langsuan) than any of the groups before them. Also, the principle of democracy is to allow these as a check and balance; however when they are always held in the same space, and the red shirts bring their own vendors (illegally circumventing the usual laws and regulations for commerce streetside) it isn't just louis Vuitton that gets screwed; it's also the night market; the noodle vendors; the mall operators; etc etc and the same people are singled out right now twice a month. That's hardly fair.

RSTA you would think have a hotline to the redshirts via the Srivikorn connection (Pimol Srivikorn is a former TRT MP and a relative of Chai Srivikorn and also part owner of the Intercon/Holiday Inn hotels which is a member of RSTA), but there's no one on the other end to help them; the red shirts basically are somewhat spinning out of control and only the most senior MIA leader could reign them in, but now it's an all or nothing approach as if they aren't in Ratchaprasong, probably the numbers they could get in would be far fewer. So their requests to the red shirts are ignored abroad, and of course your chances of having a decent conversation with the other leaders is pretty low at the best of times!

Something like this.....

Where do you live?

Because twice a month I would like to have a protest right outside your house, so you cannot drive a vehicle in or out; I will use your toilet please or else I threaten to damage your house, and during the time I am protesting, I will make a lot of noise and given that the area outside your house is 50sqm, I will cram 20,000 people into that area and trample all over your garden and I will leave a big mess for you to clean up as well.

I will require that all buses etc be rerouted so you and any of your neighbours cannot catch them at the usual place.

I will block access to the hospital near your house.

I will block access for the tourists who stay at neighby hotels that you own, and I will also not confirm when I will start, what my plan is and when I will finish.

I will, however, tell the police that I will provide full access and will not be doing most of the above before hand. Also, if the police do not allow me to do this, I threaten to take them to court.

Since Thai law says I am allowed to run a protest along these lines once, I will choose to run it once.....every 2 weeks.

If you like, I can run it every single day for 3 months.

Since you are richer than me, I feel my actions are totally justified.

Have a nice day!

Edited May 20, 2011 by steveromagnino

[OZEMADE]

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

The issue is this. It is a protest which is arguably not in keeping with the spirit nor the letter of the law regarding public assembly, but is cunningly squeezed through anyhow.

RSTA have spoken to police, the red shirt leaders, and the government. THe problem is when they push to enforce their rights, the red shirters basically say what needs to be said to obtain a compromise solution with the govt and with the police. E.g. we will keep to 2 hours we won't block traffic etc. THe govt doesn't want to deny them a democratic right (to protest)for fear of what will happen politically (red shirts love playing the wounded matyr) and the red shirts refuse to go somewhere less newsworthy where they aren't causing a disturbance; the entire purpose of their protest is to create a roadblock and commotion...that's newsworthy.

unfortunately, the yellow shirts and pro Thaksin groups back in 2006 created a precedent of occupying public spaces for their own purposes, although the way the red shirts have used the same approach is considerably more annoying as it is more central and far longer in period and in the case of last year, involved more intimidation and danger for people in that area (e.g. those living in Langsuan) than any of the groups before them. Also, the principle of democracy is to allow these as a check and balance; however when they are always held in the same space, and the red shirts bring their own vendors (illegally circumventing the usual laws and regulations for commerce streetside) it isn't just louis Vuitton that gets screwed; it's also the night market; the noodle vendors; the mall operators; etc etc and the same people are singled out right now twice a month. That's hardly fair.

RSTA you would think have a hotline to the redshirts via the Srivikorn connection (Pimol Srivikorn is a former TRT MP and a relative of Chai Srivikorn and also part owner of the Intercon/Holiday Inn hotels which is a member of RSTA), but there's no one on the other end to help them; the red shirts basically are somewhat spinning out of control and only the most senior MIA leader could reign them in, but now it's an all or nothing approach as if they aren't in Ratchaprasong, probably the numbers they could get in would be far fewer. So their requests to the red shirts are ignored abroad, and of course your chances of having a decent conversation with the other leaders is pretty low at the best of times!

Something like this.....

Where do you live?

Because twice a month I would like to have a protest right outside your house, so you cannot drive a vehicle in or out; I will use your toilet please or else I threaten to damage your house, and during the time I am protesting, I will make a lot of noise and given that the area outside your house is 50sqm, I will cram 20,000 people into that area and trample all over your garden and I will leave a big mess for you to clean up as well.

I will require that all buses etc be rerouted so you and any of your neighbours cannot catch them at the usual place.

I will block access to the hospital near your house.

I will block access for the tourists who stay at neighby hotels that you own, and I will also not confirm when I will start, what my plan is and when I will finish.

I will, however, tell the police that I will provide full access and will not be doing most of the above before hand. Also, if the police do not allow me to do this, I threaten to take them to court.

Since Thai law says I am allowed to run a protest along these lines once, I will choose to run it once.....every 2 weeks.

If you like, I can run it every single day for 3 months.

Since you are richer than me, I feel my actions are totally justified.

Have a nice day!

What a load of codswallop. All you have said there is what BOTH Parties have done in the past and will do in the coming days and months.

[steveromagnino]

What a load of codswallop. All you have said there is what BOTH Parties have done in the past and will do in the coming days and months.

NAME ONCE THAT THE DEMOCRATS, BJT AND CT HAVE OCCUPIED AN AREA PREVIOUSLY NOT USED FOR PROTESTS FOR 2 MONTHS OR LONGER WITH ROADBLOCKS AND FORCED THE CLOSURE OF MULTIPLE HOTELS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND OFFICES AND CONTINUE TO DO SO EVERY 2 WEEKS.

The Rachadomnoen area is the usual site for protests and has been acceptable for almost every group for many years past. Why on earth should only 1 group have exclusive rights to the heart of BKK that they choose to access at will to the disruption of everyone around them.

Please quote the relevant section of either constitution 1997 or 2007 that entitles them to do this.

I look forward to learning something about constitutional law here.

[whybother]

What a load of codswallop. All you have said there is what BOTH Parties have done in the past and will do in the coming days and months.

What are the yellow shirts doing in the coming days and months? And what relevance does that have to what the red shirts do?

Are you trying to excuse what the reds shirts are doing because of what the yellow shirts have done in the past?

[steveromagnino]

What a load of codswallop. All you have said there is what BOTH Parties have done in the past and will do in the coming days and months.

NAME ONCE THAT THE DEMOCRATS, BJT AND CT HAVE OCCUPIED AN AREA PREVIOUSLY NOT USED FOR PROTESTS FOR 2 MONTHS OR LONGER WITH ROADBLOCKS AND FORCED THE CLOSURE OF MULTIPLE HOTELS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND OFFICES AND CONTINUE TO DO SO EVERY 2 WEEKS.

The Rachadomnoen area is the usual site for protests and has been acceptable for almost every group for many years past. Why on earth should only 1 group have exclusive rights to the heart of BKK that they choose to access at will to the disruption of everyone around them.

Please quote the relevant section of either constitution 1997 or 2007 that entitles them to do this, and from this note when you expect the Democrats for the first time to engage in such conduct in the centre of the city, given that I cannot recall the party holding a rally of this nature previously (and just so you don't waste your time, don't bother trying to describe the yellow shirts as being democrat, we both know they aren't).

I didn't think the red shirts were PT, but since you see them as one and the same, I guess the lines are pretty blurry despite what their leaders say!

I look forward to learning something about constitutional law here.

[OZEMADE]

What a load of codswallop. All you have said there is what BOTH Parties have done in the past and will do in the coming days and months.

NAME ONCE THAT THE DEMOCRATS, BJT AND CT HAVE OCCUPIED AN AREA PREVIOUSLY NOT USED FOR PROTESTS FOR 2 MONTHS OR LONGER WITH ROADBLOCKS AND FORCED THE CLOSURE OF MULTIPLE HOTELS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND OFFICES AND CONTINUE TO DO SO EVERY 2 WEEKS.

The Rachadomnoen area is the usual site for protests and has been acceptable for almost every group for many years past. Why on earth should only 1 group have exclusive rights to the heart of BKK that they choose to access at will to the disruption of everyone around them.

Please quote the relevant section of either constitution 1997 or 2007 that entitles them to do this, and from this note when you expect the Democrats for the first time to engage in such conduct in the centre of the city, given that I cannot recall the party holding a rally of this nature previously (and just so you don't waste your time, don't bother trying to describe the yellow shirts as being democrat, we both know they aren't).

I didn't think the red shirts were PT, but since you see them as one and the same, I guess the lines are pretty blurry despite what their leaders say!

I look forward to learning something about constitutional law here.

Sorry been away for dinner.

Thought I would save me a lot of typing, you can Google yellow shirts bangkok and then Google red shirts bangkok.

There you will find most answers to most of your questions and probably more answers to questions you omitted to ask.

there you will not only find who bought the traders and trade to their knees but they also bought Thailand to their knees.

[whybother]

Sorry been away for dinner.

Thought I would save me a lot of typing, you can Google yellow shirts bangkok and then Google red shirts bangkok.

There you will find most answers to most of your questions and probably more answers to questions you omitted to ask.

there you will not only find who bought the traders and trade to their knees but they also bought Thailand to their knees.

For a whole 9 days. Much like a Heathrow baggage handlers strike.

But, you keep bringing up the yellow shirts as if it excuses what the red shirts were doing, and more importantly, are still doing.

The yellow shirts caused a lot of damage to Thailand.

The red shirts caused a lot of damage to Thailand, AND they not only did it for a week in 2009 and 8 weeks last year, killing a few people and burning down some buildings in the process, but they are continuing to damage the many small and large businesses in the area affecting the lives of thousands of workers and business owners.

Are you saying that's all OK because the yellow shirts caused some damage a couple of years ago?

[Buchholz]

Ratchaprasong Businesses Plan Suit Over Red-Shirt Rally

Ratchaprasong business operators have reported that the red-shirt gathering yesterday caused damage in terms of canceled hotel reservations, seminars and conferences.

They plan to file suit against the red-shirt group and the government for the damage.

Representative of the Democracy Civil Network, Chai Sriwikorn, commented on yesterday's red-shirt rally to mark the first anniversary of the government's crackdown on the protests at the Ratchaprasong Intersection, stating that commuters were troubled by the rally as they were forced to take a detour while more than 1,000 employees in nearby shopping malls had to close shops early.

Chai reported that a total of 1,100 hotel reservations at hotels in Ratchaprasong area were canceled along with 1,600 seminars and events while shops in malls were forced to close early.

The civil network is prepared to file suit against the red-shirt group as well as the government for causing the inconvenience and financial damage.

Chai also asked for opinions and stand of election candidates on how to minimize damage and inconvenience when certain areas are closed off by protesters, disrupting business and public routine.

-- Tan Network 2011-05-20

Edited May 20, 2011 by Buchholz

[OZEMADE]

Sorry been away for dinner.

Thought I would save me a lot of typing, you can Google yellow shirts bangkok and then Google red shirts bangkok.

There you will find most answers to most of your questions and probably more answers to questions you omitted to ask.

there you will not only find who bought the traders and trade to their knees but they also bought Thailand to their knees.

For a whole 9 days. Much like a Heathrow baggage handlers strike.

But, you keep bringing up the yellow shirts as if it excuses what the red shirts were doing, and more importantly, are still doing.

The yellow shirts caused a lot of damage to Thailand.

The red shirts caused a lot of damage to Thailand, AND they not only did it for a week in 2009 and 8 weeks last year, killing a few people and burning down some buildings in the process, but they are continuing to damage the many small and large businesses in the area affecting the lives of thousands of workers and business owners.

Are you saying that's all OK because the yellow shirts caused some damage a couple of years ago?

You agree that both the Red and the Yellow caused a lot of damage to Thailand.

I am not saying that it is OK because the Yellow shirts caused some damage to Thailand either.

I am pointing out that they are as bad as each other and as I said before, both of them will cause the same trouble if these elections go bad again.

[moe666]

The Red Shirts agreeded several months ago to tone down their ralleys in-cooperation with the business people in this area. I guest that has went out the window as they have grown more bold. The whole premiss of fredom of assembly and free speech is lost on the red Shirts and most Thais. they love the so call freedom but have no sense of the responsibility of not taking other peoples rights away.

Freedom and democracy isn't just about doing what you want but about the responsibility these ideas also require so that they work for all.

[moe666]

I think Mr. Savage is back supporting the red shirts.

Edited May 21, 2011 by moe666

[animatic]

What a load of codswallop. All you have said there is what BOTH Parties have done in the past and will do in the coming days and months.

NAME ONCE THAT THE DEMOCRATS, BJT AND CT HAVE OCCUPIED AN AREA PREVIOUSLY NOT USED FOR PROTESTS FOR 2 MONTHS OR LONGER WITH ROADBLOCKS AND FORCED THE CLOSURE OF MULTIPLE HOTELS, SHOPPING CENTRES AND OFFICES AND CONTINUE TO DO SO EVERY 2 WEEKS.

The Rachadomnoen area is the usual site for protests and has been acceptable for almost every group for many years past. Why on earth should only 1 group have exclusive rights to the heart of BKK that they choose to access at will to the disruption of everyone around them.

Please quote the relevant section of either constitution 1997 or 2007 that entitles them to do this, and from this note when you expect the Democrats for the first time to engage in such conduct in the centre of the city, given that I cannot recall the party holding a rally of this nature previously (and just so you don't waste your time, don't bother trying to describe the yellow shirts as being democrat, we both know they aren't).

I didn't think the red shirts were PT, but since you see them as one and the same, I guess the lines are pretty blurry despite what their leaders say!

I look forward to learning something about constitutional law here.

Sorry been away for dinner.

Thought I would save me a lot of typing, you can Google yellow shirts bangkok and then Google red shirts bangkok.

There you will find most answers to most of your questions and probably more answers to questions you omitted to ask.

there you will not only find who bought the traders and trade to their knees but they also bought Thailand to their knees.

Excuse me hate to interrupt.

But Steve KNOWS the answers, He need not google anything, he can ask the sources, and is likely the best connected political observer here for BOTH sides.

He's asking if YOU know, because your response to him shows you likely don't. So, rather than tell him to look them up, show you know,

because he KNOWS the answers first hand, then listen to him,

you might understand more sooner.

Edited May 21, 2011 by animatic

[Buchholz]

The Red Shirts agreeded several months ago to tone down their ralleys in-cooperation with the business people in this area. I guest that has went out the window as they have grown more bold. The whole premiss of fredom of assembly and free speech is lost on the red Shirts and most Thais. they love the so call freedom but have no sense of the responsibility of not taking other peoples rights away.

Freedom and democracy isn't just about doing what you want but about the responsibility these ideas also require so that they work for all.

The lies told on this issue by the Red Shirt began in January... and continued right on through with another lie to limit their rallies in the area to once a month.

Chai Srivikorn, president of the RSTA,

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.

and

the always dishonest Jatuporn strikes again...

BANGKOK, January 24

Red Shirt co-leader and Opposition MP Jatuporn Prompan said the UDD would adjust their strategy and protest only once a month in the future to avoid making trouble for the public.

[Buchholz]

Ratchaprasong biz demanding rally management

BANGKOK, 23 May 2011 (NNT) – Business entrepreneurs at Ratchaprasong Intersection are demanding for good rally management plan after they have been affected by the mass gathering of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 19 May 2011.

Democracy Without Infringement Network representative Chai Srivikorn stated that the recent UDD mass gathering on 19 Sep had caused difficulties and trouble to people and companies around Ratchaprasong Intersection, a famous shopping district of the capital city.

Mr Chai, also the Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) president, further elaborated that companies and shops had to close early while over 1,500 earlier booked rooms and seminar arrangement in hotels in the area were cancelled that day for fear of violence similar to last year.

The RSTA president hence asked the Metropolitan Police Commission to come up with an efficient demonstration management plan to ensure peace and order at all protest sites. He confirmed that his network is not against any group but just wants a good operational regulation to limit demonstrations.

Mr Chai also asked protest groups to inform the date and demonstration venue in advance, refrain from closing Ratchaprasong Intersection or blocking the traffic and open entries and exits around Big C supermarket Ratchadamri branch and the Anoma hotel for employees working in the area.

-- NNT 2011-05-23