Red-Shirt Rally Alert For Bangkok On Sunday

[bubba]

The real cynic in me believes that Central World is being targeted not because of the clientelle they serve, but owing to a vendetta between the red shirt paymaster (who denies he knows the red shirts one minute then very publicly calls into them the next) and the owners of Central World.

Why do you think they're "targeting" it? They're still rallying there for symbolic reasons, it's not to "target" anyone. That's what any red will tell you if you ask them, anyway. Unless you're referring back to the arson, then you're certainly right. I don't know if your average red shirt knows about that, but the initial mob that started the fire must've done it for that reason (and then obviously the armed men that did the bulk of the damage were sent specifically to teach the Chirathivat family a lesson).

Anyway, as soon as they get some results from the investigation into the crackdown and an election, then I imagine rallies there might be just once a year "remembrance" type things.

Right. So who do you think is providing the instructions and approval on where to have the rally, as well as the rationale, and of course the rationale from the paymaster is always swallowed whole by the protestors. An ongoing grudge match?

[hanuman1]

The real cynic in me believes that Central World is being targeted not because of the clientelle they serve, but owing to a vendetta between the red shirt paymaster (who denies he knows the red shirts one minute then very publicly calls into them the next) and the owners of Central World.

Why do you think they're "targeting" it? They're still rallying there for symbolic reasons, it's not to "target" anyone. That's what any red will tell you if you ask them, anyway. Unless you're referring back to the arson, then you're certainly right. I don't know if your average red shirt knows about that, but the initial mob that started the fire must've done it for that reason (and then obviously the armed men that did the bulk of the damage were sent specifically to teach the Chirathivat family a lesson).

Anyway, as soon as they get some results from the investigation into the crackdown and an election, then I imagine rallies there might be just once a year "remembrance" type things.

I get what you're saying, but I think there may be something in what Insight says. Considering any overt dissatisfaction towards the owners of the land on which CW stands (as opposed to those who operate on it), would clearly be illegal, this might be a symbolic way of expressing such dissatisfaction - the type of which is tolerated in most other constitutional monarchies in the world - without expressly breaking that particular law.

Having said that, it remains unclear as to what proportion of red shirt factions would consider that location as appropriate for demonstration based on that particular grievance, but I think that may be what Insight was getting at.

[whybother]

Judging by the scorn and vitriol constantly directed at the Reds by many expats I can only assume that they enjoy priviledged positions amongst the Bangkok elite.

I feel really sorry for the poor sod who could not get into his luxury apartment because the road was blocked. To be deprived of his aircon, hot water, flush toilet, and satellite TV is criminal behaviour by these dastardly miscreants. Lock them up, throw the key away, better yet call in the army to exterminate them.

And what about the poor sods trying to earn a living? They are the ones that are hurt most.

and u give a rats arse about mainly isaan people, working in Bangkok, losing a crust.

It seems that the red shirts and their supporters don't? Do you?

[Emptyset]

maybe this is the reason the poor are so easily led

Recently released data from Thailand show clearly the relationship between poverty and education. According to the National Economic and Social Development Board, of the total number of poor people in 2002, 94.7 per cent had received only primary education or less. A further 2.8 per cent had lower secondary education, 1.7 per cent had upper secondary, 0.48 per cent had vocational qualifications and 0.31 per cent had graduated from universities. Thailandกฏs poor are overwhelmingly uneducated. They also tend to be rural and living in large families.

And who has allowed the education system to remain this way for decades..only those that will benefit from people being too thick to question what they do... This is maybe one of the things they believe they are fighting to change

I don't think it's got much to do with formal education. I know more than a few highly educated people who support the reds, because there really are valid reasons to support them or at least be sympathetic. However, if you're talking about the unquestioning support of powerful men, I'd say it's more cultural than much to do with education. Don't forget Thaksin won overwhelming victories in Bangkok too and assorted other corrupt nak leng types have in the past done well amongst the middle class, Samak to name one (whereas he's hated in the northeast). Chalerm is also Bangkok based and disliked upcountry. Yet Issan is traditionally where communists and rebels have had much of their support base in the past, Pridi also had much of his support from Issan MPs, for instance. But at the same time, Sarit was loved there, so you can't really generalize. Anyway, there are multiple cultural and historical reasons for this, but I don't think more education is the answer. Perhaps a different type of education... but you could argue that the red shirts represent a move away from the acquiescence and meekness that has previously allowed these "poo yai" to dictate to them. I wouldn't be surprised if their eyes open to the poo yai they support soon enough, as they've already had many "eye opening" days already.

In fact red shirts tend not to be the poorest and most ignorant. Studies have shown that red shirts actually tend to be lower middle class, although in general they're poorer than the average person who joined the PAD. And PT voters in general tend to be far poorer than Democrat voters (but that's a different matter). They might be misguided, but it's partly people calling them ignorant and ill-educated that fuels the movement.

"San and his neighbors rallied to the red shirts not because they are hungry, uninformed and desperate but because they are no longer any of those things. Though still very poor compared with Bangkok residents who cheered the red shirts' defeat when government troops moved in on May 19, they are a better-off, better-informed and far more demanding voice in national affairs than their elders. San buys and reads a newspaper every day.

"Farmers in the past didn't ask for anything. They just did their farming," said his daughter, Tasaneeporn Boran, standing next to her brand-new black Nissan, which she bought in February.

"We now know what is going on," she said. "We know what we want and don't want." What she doesn't want most of all is a "government that only looks after the rich, instead of ordinary people."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/08/AR2010060805224_pf.htm

Many of the so-called Red-Shirt protesters who have spent more than two months demonstrating against the government on the streets of Thailand's capital come from the country's rural poor and urban working class. But in the Red-Shirt stronghold in Thailand's northeast, many wealthier Thais also back the movement, and they worry about the violence unfolding in Bangkok. Housewife Uraiwan Suwannasang lives a comfortable life. Her home in the northeastern town of Ban Pheu is filled with trophies and large photos of her three children, all university graduates working in the United States.

Uraiwan and her husband Teerapon, a retired school principal, are fervent supporters of Thailand's anti-government Red Shirts, who have occupied downtown Bangkok in more than two months of protests.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/asia/Support-Spreads-Beyond-the-Poor-in-Thailands-Red-Shirt-Heartland-93939844.html

[monkfish]

No Coupe No protest on Sunday!

Lets just hope Thai's find more democratic solutions in the future!

Power struggle? Yes I believe so. But between who? Military vs the people? or Red vs Yellow

If you live in Thailand get used to it, these demonstrations will last a long time if its nor one group it will be another.

Just wondering how many of those complaining supported the coupe?

[Emptyset]

I get what you're saying, but I think there may be something in what Insight says. Considering any overt dissatisfaction towards the owners of the land on which CW stands (as opposed to those who operate on it), would clearly be illegal, this might be a symbolic way of expressing such dissatisfaction - the type of which is tolerated in most other constitutional monarchies in the world - without expressly breaking that particular law.

Having said that, it remains unclear as to what proportion of red shirt factions would consider that location as appropriate for demonstration based on that particular grievance, but I think that may be what Insight was getting at.

I don't think so. Interesting, but you're probably reading too much into it. Some reds I spoke to were irritated that Sombat had suggested moving to Rajamangala Stadium, they said "how could we leave Ratchaprasong? Our friends died there," etc. Obviously they didn't literally die there, but that's the sentiment. I think it's just symbolic of those who died now, as is Kok Wua/Democracy Monument, that's why they're heading there after. Or do people think they're deliberately targeting Democ because of a grievance with the owners? I don't know why all this vitriol suddenly, when they've agreed to limit the rally there to two hours or so.

[Emptyset]

Right. So who do you think is providing the instructions and approval on where to have the rally, as well as the rationale, and of course the rationale from the paymaster is always swallowed whole by the protestors. An ongoing grudge match?

Well, the protesters themselves (lead by Sombat etc) started gathering at Rajaprasong soon after the crackdown. It became symbolic. And this is just a continuation of that. Anyway, I agree that they shouldn't rally there every couple of weeks, or even every month. Way too much imo. However, it seems a compromise has been reached. Obviously the traders would rather they weren't there at all, but I don't think anyone in the world actually wants a protest on their doorstep, so...

[rubl]

I get what you're saying, but I think there may be something in what Insight says. Considering any overt dissatisfaction towards the owners of the land on which CW stands (as opposed to those who operate on it), would clearly be illegal, this might be a symbolic way of expressing such dissatisfaction - the type of which is tolerated in most other constitutional monarchies in the world - without expressly breaking that particular law.

Having said that, it remains unclear as to what proportion of red shirt factions would consider that location as appropriate for demonstration based on that particular grievance, but I think that may be what Insight was getting at.

I don't think so. Interesting, but you're probably reading too much into it. Some reds I spoke to were irritated that Sombat had suggested moving to Rajamangala Stadium, they said "how could we leave Ratchaprasong? Our friends died there," etc. Obviously they didn't literally die there, but that's the sentiment. I think it's just symbolic of those who died now, as is Kok Wua/Democracy Monument, that's why they're heading there after. Or do people think they're deliberately targeting Democ because of a grievance with the owners? I don't know why all this vitriol suddenly, when they've agreed to limit the rally there to two hours or so.

I have no idea how many actually died at Ratchaprasong intersection during the March - May 2010 protests. I would be surprised if it was even one. Lots here, lots there, total of 90/91, but at Ratchaprasong? I guess the place has been selected & made the symbol rather them being it on merit. Unless you want to count the torching of CTW, ZEN and BigC as merit making ?

As for 'only two hours or so of fun', sorry to say, but even the last few peaceful protests were no real fun.

Edited January 21, 2011 by rubl

[rubl]

Right. So who do you think is providing the instructions and approval on where to have the rally, as well as the rationale, and of course the rationale from the paymaster is always swallowed whole by the protestors. An ongoing grudge match?

Well, the protesters themselves (lead by Sombat etc) started gathering at Rajaprasong soon after the crackdown. It became symbolic. And this is just a continuation of that. Anyway, I agree that they shouldn't rally there every couple of weeks, or even every month. Way too much imo. However, it seems a compromise has been reached. Obviously the traders would rather they weren't there at all, but I don't think anyone in the world actually wants a protest on their doorstep, so...

Still remember when some red-shirt faction decided to do aerobics in Lumpini park instead of going to Ratchaprasong for fun. Pure coincidence that that same day we had a bomb explosion near BigC killing one, wounding a few others. Don't worry, those were non-red-shirts probably anyway.

[MaxYakov]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

Because even this govt. tries to show that it is constitutional democracy.

I think this thread will prove to be a fine example of the intolerance of the expats in Thailand and their total lack of knowledge of how democratic processes are meant to work

Yeah, right. The term 'ccnstitutional democracy' omits the 'representative' descriptor, does it no?

Here's a good read (it may be biased, but at least it gets one thinking):

http://en.wikipedia....ion_of_Thailand

[Chupup]

Why do the government keep letting these rallys happen?

Is so that the Red shirts can have a look at see if all the damage they caused is almost fixed? Ahh yes remember that place we burned down!

Because even this govt. tries to show that it is constitutional democracy.

I think this thread will prove to be a fine example of the intolerance of the expats in Thailand and their total lack of knowledge of how democratic processes are meant to work

Dam right it will

[Chupup]

These <deleted> have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

Exactly right they don't give a monkeys about anyone, just themselves

[Chupup]

As this topic continues, there's a question I would like to ask.

Does any one really know what the Reds or Yellows are fighting for?

I, like most read this forum and like most follow the press. I also talk to as many people as possible about the situation, but every one has always told me a different side and a different point. Does any one actually have an unbiased view of the problems that are happening now.

The reds are not happy with the current system : the rich always be richer, the poor will be poor forever.

People tend to think both reds & yellows are the problem. But actually they are not.

The yellows are pro-right. The reds are pro-left. Both can lead the country well if apply the rule appropriately.

It is the extremists on both side who cause the problems.

From what I found on this forum, farangs are more stupid and ignorant than the so called uneducated red.

They seem to believe the reds are paid to stage up rally, bought by Thaksin etc.

Well is true isn't it, they are paid as reported in the press

[bubba]

As this topic continues, there's a question I would like to ask.

Does any one really know what the Reds or Yellows are fighting for?

I, like most read this forum and like most follow the press. I also talk to as many people as possible about the situation, but every one has always told me a different side and a different point. Does any one actually have an unbiased view of the problems that are happening now.

From what I found on this forum, farangs are more stupid and ignorant than the so called uneducated red.

They seem to believe the reds are paid to stage up rally, bought by Thaksin etc.

OK, call me a stupid and ignorant farang. Until I read your post, I too thought that "protestors" were being paid to participate.

Billions were transferred to Thaksin’s allies during Thailand’s Red Crisis

But remember, Thaksin just said in an interview last week that he didn't support the red shirts and "I don't know them". So maybe you're right.

[Buchholz]

HAVE FUN BANGKOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go get em reds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing I can say is GO GET EM REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Indeed.

Please inform them that the shipment of new Red Shirt t-shirts have arrived from Montenegro... They're free for the most dedicated to this "democracy movement":

[Buchholz]

I would guess it is to give information and make speeches since their radio. tv stations and websites are still closed by government.

Thumbs up Random.. That made me chuckle. A shining light in that bile known as 'nationous'

Indeed.

Thumbs up to issuing death threats.

Now that's a freedom worth supporting.

I would guess it is to give information and make speeches since their radio. tv stations and websites are still closed by government.

Hopefully, they won't be making any death threats at the rally... like their radio does

The Nation - November 24, 2009

The Chiang Mai Provincial Court Tuesday approved police's request to issue an arrest warrant against Phetcharawat Watanapongsiri, PM's Office Minister Satit Wongnongtaey said.

Police sought the arrest warrant after Phetcarawat, a red-shirt leader of Chiang Mai, had made a death threat against Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on community radio stations.

[Buchholz]

EDIT: I also believe Thailand has one of the highest literacy rates in Asia as well as having one of the highest percentage of the total budget dedicated to education. It should also be noted that Thaksin did a lot to help the poor in areas of Education & Healthcare and the these areas continue to be improved since his leaving office.

Appointing himself Education Minister when he was already Prime Minister highlights the lack of importance he attached to education (thinking it was so trivial he could manage the entire Ministry himself as a part-time job in addition to his full-time job).

That he had pretty much unfettered control for the better part of 6 years and during all that time, not one progressive education initiative was done is also revealing.

[jackr]

Now people are making up their own versions of democracy - not interesting, not informed, not intelligent not worth arguing with.

the usual uncritical dim comments by the same people.

I think you found yourself out with that rhetoric.

[Buchholz]

Right. So who do you think is providing the instructions and approval on where to have the rally, as well as the rationale, and of course the rationale from the paymaster is always swallowed whole by the protestors. An ongoing grudge match?

Well, the protesters themselves (lead by Sombat etc) started gathering at Rajaprasong soon after the crackdown. It became symbolic. And this is just a continuation of that. Anyway, I agree that they shouldn't rally there every couple of weeks, or even every month. Way too much imo. However, it seems a compromise has been reached. Obviously the traders would rather they weren't there at all, but I don't think anyone in the world actually wants a protest on their doorstep, so...

Still remember when some red-shirt faction decided to do aerobics in Lumpini park instead of going to Ratchaprasong for fun. Pure coincidence that that same day we had a bomb explosion near BigC killing one, wounding a few others. Don't worry, those were non-red-shirts probably anyway.

No, actually it was a Red Shirt Bomber that has been charged in that case that killed and injured people.

And from the sounds of it, he was preparing for more.

That his co-horts still remain at large is worrying.

Red Shirt Seksan has been charged in the bombing:

Big C Bombing Suspect Charged in Court

The suspect in the Big C Ratchadamri department store bombing case is charged in court for illegal possession of explosives and firearms.

He denies all charges and the court will examine the evidence on December 27.

The Criminal Court has summoned the suspect linked to the bombing of the Big C department store in Ratchaprasong area, 37 year old Seksan Worapiticharoenkul, to answer charges of illegally possessing explosive devices and carrying firearms in public.

Police's investigation found the suspect and two other accomplices who are still at large having in possession 51 bottles of energy drink that contained explosive substances, fire extinguishers filled with ammonium nitrate, home made explosives with mobile phone detonators, three grenade launchers, a .45 caliber pistol and 20 rounds of ammunition.

Continues:

Edited January 22, 2011 by Buchholz

[cbc]

These <deleted> have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

well asiawatcher,i assume you are a expat living here in thailand as i am myself.My comment to your post is.This is their country and we as foreigners are only guests here.Therefore,they can protest or rally when and wherever they want (thais ) that is.If you don't like it go back to your own country.Nobody is keeping you here.

[thailandbluegrass]

These <deleted> have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

Oh dear, your name wouldn't happen to be "Jeff Savage" would it?

Does anyone else here see the part of this news story that say "YELLOW SHIRT RALLY' also or are all of you just always seeing the parth where the red's are wrong? Who was it that seized the airports?

Open your eyes folks and if you're gonna blame the Thai's for rallying down town look at both colors please.

[SkyHigh]

From what I found on this forum, farangs are more stupid and ignorant than the so called uneducated red.

They seem to believe the reds are paid to stage up rally, bought by Thaksin etc.

You are very naive if you believe the majority of people were not compensated for their participation. Even in the US the major political parties pay people to attend rallies and protests.

The difference between you and me is that you think 500 baht is what brings reds together whereas I consider 500 baht is a support to the rally not the goal.

In fact, 500 baht x70 million is payable by current gov budget. In that case it should be no problem buying the whole country ???

Until people realize the problems run deeper more than what about Thaksin & bribed vote, there will be endless rally no matter from what colors.

More & more people do realize now election cannot solve the problem as long as the broken system has not been changed.

[whybother]

<snip>

Does anyone else here see the part of this news story that say "YELLOW SHIRT RALLY' also or are all of you just always seeing the parth where the red's are wrong? Who was it that seized the airports?

Open your eyes folks and if you're gonna blame the Thai's for rallying down town look at both colors please.

The yellow shirts haven't seized any airports for a while. They are annoying people near government house at the moment, and that is bound to escalate with them sticking around until ... whenever.

What most people are complaining about is the red shirts ONGOING protests that are stopping people from going about their daily lives, particularly business people and employees (including poor and low paid people) that are losing money and jobs.

[slinky1876]

These &lt;deleted&gt; have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

well asiawatcher,i assume you are a expat living here in thailand as i am myself.My comment to your post is.This is their country and we as foreigners are only guests here.Therefore,they can protest or rally when and wherever they want (thais ) that is.If you don't like it go back to your own country.Nobody is keeping you here.

This is an E-mail sent last week to members of an expat group in Chiang Mai. It clears shows how much our opinions as expats are valued by Thai society.

"There have been some murmurings of dissatisfaction from some of our Foreign Residents which have reached Khun Boong. there have been some threats to cause confusion if the Governor and Mayor and other important city officials are present at our 'celebration'. We are sure this is not to be taken seriously and was an impulsive reaction.

As a clarification: All Foreign residents are Guests of the Kingdom of Thailand and will always retain that status regardless of how rich or well connected one might claim to be. All of us living here made a voluntary choice to do so and if for whatever reason the magic seems to have disappeared, the choice to continue to live here then needs to be revisited. No one, and absolutely no one is forced to live or even stay here if they are unhappy. The airport is not unreachable and has a variety of international destinations and gateways to try and replace the lost happiness from here."

[Nisa]

From what I found on this forum, farangs are more stupid and ignorant than the so called uneducated red.

They seem to believe the reds are paid to stage up rally, bought by Thaksin etc.

You are very naive if you believe the majority of people were not compensated for their participation. Even in the US the major political parties pay people to attend rallies and protests.

The difference between you and me is that you think 500 baht is what brings reds together whereas I consider 500 baht is a support to the rally not the goal.

Are you saying you now fall into the group of farangs who are more stupid and ignorant than the uneducated reds?

[rixalex]

well asiawatcher,i assume you are a expat living here in thailand as i am myself.My comment to your post is.This is their country and we as foreigners are only guests here.Therefore,they can protest or rally when and wherever they want (thais ) that is.If you don't like it go back to your own country.Nobody is keeping you here.

This is an E-mail sent last week to members of an expat group in Chiang Mai. It clears shows how much our opinions as expats are valued by Thai society.

If you decide that because you think certain people don't value your opinion, you will cease expressing it, that's your free choice.

[Nisa]

These &lt;deleted&gt; have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

well asiawatcher,i assume you are a expat living here in thailand as i am myself.My comment to your post is.This is their country and we as foreigners are only guests here.Therefore,they can protest or rally when and wherever they want (thais ) that is.If you don't like it go back to your own country.Nobody is keeping you here.

This is an E-mail sent last week to members of an expat group in Chiang Mai. It clears shows how much our opinions as expats are valued by Thai society.

Actually the only thing it shows clearly is the authors personal opinion. I highly doubt too many expats believe they have much of a say (if any) when it comes to Thailand but what is clear is the Reds do have a concern over how they are viewed international and have reached out to numerous international groups to try to gain support. Thais in general also love to emulate western ways and the government itself is very concerned with how it is viewed internationally around numerous areas and for numerous reasons. Expats have a lot of influence in terms of people back home understanding happenings here. Try doing a Google search using words such as "thailand red shirt protest" and you will see Thaivisa and expat Youtube videos coming up in the top 5 results.

Clearly expats have no direct say in Thai politics but you are fooling yourself if you believe they don't influence international opinion and that international opinion is not important to Thaksin, the Reds and the Thai Government. The major English newspapers here are tailored for the expat communities and this is also a major source of news coming out of Thailand since the vast majority of people outside Thailand don't read Thai.

Edited January 22, 2011 by Nisa

[Buchholz]

These &lt;deleted&gt; have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

Oh dear, your name wouldn't happen to be "Jeff Savage" would it?

That's strange. I would have thought that question would more appropriately get asked of this poster:

HAVE FUN BANGKOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go get em reds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing I can say is GO GET EM REDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Buchholz]

These &lt;deleted&gt; have no consideration for anyone - and why is it the 8 people burned to death in the Central World arson have never been mentioned in the "91 killed' ??? Red Scum are running amok again and it needs the army to round them up or prevent the blockage of the city. Enough is enough - especially when you live in the towers around the area and cannot get in or sleep due to the insane noise from stages and speakers. When will Thailand wake up?

well asiawatcher,i assume you are a expat living here in thailand as i am myself.My comment to your post is.This is their country and we as foreigners are only guests here.Therefore,they can protest or rally when and wherever they want (thais ) that is.If you don't like it go back to your own country.Nobody is keeping you here.

This is an E-mail sent last week to members of an expat group in Chiang Mai. It clears shows how much our opinions as expats are valued by Thai society.

"There have been some murmurings of dissatisfaction from some of our Foreign Residents which have reached Khun Boong. there have been some threats to cause confusion if the Governor and Mayor and other important city officials are present at our 'celebration'. We are sure this is not to be taken seriously and was an impulsive reaction.

As a clarification: All Foreign residents are Guests of the Kingdom of Thailand and will always retain that status regardless of how rich or well connected one might claim to be. All of us living here made a voluntary choice to do so and if for whatever reason the magic seems to have disappeared, the choice to continue to live here then needs to be revisited. No one, and absolutely no one is forced to live or even stay here if they are unhappy. The airport is not unreachable and has a variety of international destinations and gateways to try and replace the lost happiness from here."

What is the context of this email?

Who is Khun Boong and what celebration is under threat?

[rixalex]

What is the context of this email?

Who is Khun Boong and what celebration is under threat?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/434884-chiangmai-friends/