Yellow Shirts To PM Abhisit: Too Late To Talk

[webfact]

Yellow Shirts to PM: Too late to talk

BANGKOK, Jan 28 - As Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he planned to talk with Thailand's yellow-clad People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) on the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, key protest leaders on Friday said it is too late for the talks and that the movement will seek a consensus of its members to intensify its anti-government campaign this weekend.

PAD key leader Chamlong Srimuang reasserted the group's stance as they continued their rally outside Government House on the fourth day.

The prime minister said prior to his departure to attend the World Economic Forum in Switzerland that concerned officials were scheduling talks between his government and the Yellow

Shirt leaders to find mutual understanding on the Thai-Cambodian border dispute after he comes back from the overseas trip.

But Gen Chamlong said it was already too late and that the prime minister should spend his time to solve the ongoing problem rather than holding the talks.

PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongphan said more protesters upcountry are expected to join the yellow-shirted rally during the weekend. He urged the government to respond to the PAD's three demands unconditionally and speed up help for two Thais remaining in Cambodia to fight illegal entry and espionage charges.

Thailand Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid is the sole Thai detained at Cambodian’s Prey Sar Prison to fight charges of illegal entry and spying.

Mr Veera’s secretary Ratree Pipattanapaiboon also faces the same charges but was released on bail and is staying at the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh.

Seven Thais including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth were arrested Dec 29 on charges of trespassing on Cambodian territory. Five have been released and returned to Thailand after receiving suspended jail term verdict from Cambodian court.

Another PAD leading member Prapan Koonmee said Friday he will propose the PAD leader meeting this weekend to seek the protesters' consensus to intensify the anti-government campaign as the premier and his government did not listen to the public.

The protest leader earlier threatened to prolong the demonstration against the Abhisit administration if their three demands are not met.

They demanded that the government withdraw Thailand from the UNESCO)'s World Heritage Committee, revoke the 2000 MoU signed with Cambodia and push Cambodians now living in border areas which they claim belong to Thailand back to their homeland.

The prime minister however ignored their requests, saying the revocation of 2000 MoU will make Thailand lose territory to the neighbouring country. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-01-28

[webfact]

PAD to make next move after assessing weekend crowds

By The Nation

The People's Alliance for Democracy will decide its next move based on the turnout of crowds at its rally site at Makkhawan Bridge over the weekend, its leaders said on Friday.

"The decision will be made on how long the protest is to last after assessing the surge of protesters on the weekend," PAD leader Chamlong Srimuang said, flanked by co-leader Prapan Koonmee and spokesman Panthep Puapongpan.

The three PAD leaders voiced optimism on swaying the sentiment, saying after four days of protests, the crowds have started to surge.

The three called for an immediate removal of Cambodian flag hoisted over the dispute area covering 4.6 square kilometers near Preah Vihear Temple.

They vowed to elevate their protest activities. Commenting on the possibility that the prime minister might seek talks with the PAD, Chamlong said time has run out for any negotiations.

"Instead of talking, the government should start taking action to meet the PAD's demands," he said, in rerefence to the three demands, including the cancellation of 2000 memorandum of understanding on border dispute with Cambodia.

-- The Nation 2011-01-28

[whybother]

But Gen Chamlong said it was already too late and that the prime minister should spend his time to solve the ongoing problem rather than holding the talks.

That's the problem with these groups. They don't know how to solve problems. Holding talks CAN solve the ongoing problem.

[JetsetBkk]

But Gen Chamlong said it was already too late and that the prime minister should spend his time to solve the ongoing problem rather than holding the talks.

That's the problem with these groups. They don't know how to solve problems. Holding talks CAN solve the ongoing problem.

Perhaps The Nation's translator did a better job:

"Instead of talking, the government should start taking action to meet the PAD's demands," he said, in rerefence to the three demands, including the cancellation of 2000 memorandum of understanding on border dispute with Cambodia.

Either way, I don't see what the f--- it's got to do with these yellow shirts.

[Robby nz]

How is it that these clowns of any colour think that when they make 'demands' that they should be met?

They dont seem to consider properly the consequenses for either the country or the people.

They seem to see themselves as something special while they are just ordinary citizens like any other Thai.

And indeed they are only a very small percentage of the population.

If they want to change policy they should be looking to get themselves elected.

Do these yellow shirt idiots really want to trump the death toll caused by the reds riots?

[whybother]

Chaiwat pleas for reds to back yellow pushing out Abhisit

Thai Patriots Network leader Chaiwat Sinsuwong on Friday called for the red shirts to step out and join force with the yellow shirts in protecting Thai territory and protesting to oust Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Chaiwat made the remarks in his first rally speech following his yesterday's release on bail for terrorism charge in connection with the two Bankok airports seizure in 2008.

"I have received information from the TPN's legal team in Phnom Phen that Abhisit is conspiring to sell off the country to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen," he said.

He said he expected a surge of the crowds for the week-end rally.

He also revealed he had held talks with red-shirt leaders who served in the same remand facility because the two groups had the same objective to remove Abhisit from office.

-- The Nation 2011-01-28

Is Chaiwat and Jatuporn the same person, just wearing different shirts?

[rubl]

He also revealed he had held talks with red-shirt leaders who served in the same remand facility because the two groups had the same objective to remove Abhisit from office.

Common objective? Ah, 'short term goal' is meant I think.

What about after that goal has been reached? Still same objective?

[kuffki]

so they do not want to talk, they do not want the war(as some claimed in other articles) so what is it that they propose?

[mkawish]

so they do not want to talk, they do not want the war(as some claimed in other articles) so what is it that they propose?

1--They demanded that the government withdraw Thailand from the UNESCO)'s World Heritage Committee,

2--revoke the 2000 MoU signed with Cambodia and

3--push Cambodians now living in border areas which they claim (ACCORDING TO U.N. AND INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS RECORDS IN 1980) belong to Thailand back to their homeland.

Edited January 28, 2011 by mkawish

[asiawatcher]

How is it that these clowns of any colour think that when they make 'demands' that they should be met?

They dont seem to consider properly the consequenses for either the country or the people.

They seem to see themselves as something special while they are just ordinary citizens like any other Thai.

And indeed they are only a very small percentage of the population.

If they want to change policy they should be looking to get themselves elected.

Do these yellow shirt idiots really want to trump the death toll caused by the reds riots?

Agree Robby - but what stupidity to 'blockade first then talk'. Would it not be logical to talk it through first then if all else fails, try a protest - but right now the PM is out of the country for a few days so there is no one that can really hear their plight even if they did want to talk. And the issues they are complaining about are purely nationalistic pride with no consequence to resolution. It has been going on for years and the status quo seems more acceptable to let it continue rather than resolve it but if more protesters join the ranks then bring it on - more bullets, more death. Sheer stupidity. By the way check out the 'blue shirt' security these yellows have surrounded themselves with - they leave the red thugs in black looking like dad's army. These guys are well trained and very ready for any altercation so if it does go off the rails they may well trump the red losses.

[animatic]

If they make a move on government house, clear them out.

Same as for the Reds, but don't wait as long.

And do it more correctly than the Police and PPP did at Parliament.

No double standards is an issue, so make it so the moment they disrupt others.

In this case their demands are idiotically unrealistic and harmful to Thailand,

as has been stated before. Abhisit is not same/same as Thaksin by any stretch of the imagination, and so their reasons to act have considerably less resonance and logic for the average Thai.

Edited January 29, 2011 by animatic

[webfact]

PAD rebuffs Govt’s offer to negotiate on TV

BANGKOK, 29 January 2011 (NNT) – The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has shrugged off the government’s proposal to open a televised talk to settle their disagreements stemming from the Thai-Cambodian border issue.

PAD core leader Major General Chamlong Srimuang revealed that a phone call was received from a state official about the possibility for an open discussion to be broadcast on public television in a bid to work out their differing views towards the Thai-Cambodian border dispute. The group, however, disregarded the offer, reasoning that the given deadline had already passed.

The core leader deemed negotiations as a waste of time and advised the government to heed the group’s demands for Thailand’s withdrawal from the World Heritage Committee, the 2000 MoU’s revocation and Cambodian soldiers’ expulsion from the Thai territory.

In addition, Maj Gen Chamlong called on the government to take down the Cambodian flag at Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara immediately. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would also have to show responsibility if the Cambodian Court rules against Mr Weera Somkwamkid and Ms Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, Thai nationals alleged of illegal entry and espionage, on 1 February.

The PAD claimed earlier that it had clear evidence that the two detainees as well as five others already released were arrested by Cambodian authorities while on Thai soil; therefore, the Thai government must take action to protect them.

-- NNT 2011-01-29

[animatic]

...In addition, Maj Gen Chamlong called on the government to take down the Cambodian flag at Wat Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara immediately. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would also have to show responsibility if the Cambodian Court rules against Mr Weera Somkwamkid and Ms Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, Thai nationals alleged of illegal entry and espionage, on 1 February....

-- NNT 2011-01-29

Marching in an taking down the flag is an act of war, even if the territory is in dispute.

Disputed territory is subject to diplomatic negotiations, PAD / TPN are not diplomatic,

nor believe in negotiations.

The Thai government has absolutely no sway over a Cambodian court ruling, so there is no culpability at all. Hence no need to "show responsibility".

The idea that talking is a waste of time, but attacking a neighboring sovereign country is a good use of time, is clear proof that PAD / TPN have utterly lost the plot. Or are simply and cynically using nationalism as a power cudgel to sway the coming elections. Either way they are not doing ANYONE any good and doing much harm to many.

Edited January 29, 2011 by animatic

[webfact]

Protesters reassert three demands to Thai government on temple disputed with Cambodia

BANGKOK, Jan 29 -- Activists of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) encamped near Thailand's Government House for the fifth day Saturday stressed their demands that the government must take action to resolve the dispute over an ancient temple which sits on the border with Cambodia, as well as scrapping three agreements signed by the two countries, threatening that the administration of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva must consider its future if it fails to resolve the problem.

The ‘Yellow Shirt’ activists of the PAD continued to occupy Ratchadamnoen Nok Avenue Saturday afternoon with no sign that they would disperse unless Thailand withdraws from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, revoke three memorandums of understanding signed by Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), and eject Cambodian soldiers and villagers in border areas the group claims belong to Thailand.

The protesters have become enfuriated when a Cambodian national flag was flying above the entrance of Kaew Sikha Khiri Sawara temple near historic Preah Vihear temple, charging that the former is situated well within Thai territory.

Praising the Thai army for conducting an exercise near the border recently, PAD spokesman Panthep Puapongphan told a press conference that two days had passed and the Thai government is still unable to remove the Cambodian national flag in front of the temple while the Cambodian government insists that it would not do so.

“The prime minister must display his responsibility for what has happened and explain [to the public] on ways to resolve the problem,” Mr Panthep said.

He also said two out of seven Thais who were arrested by Cambodian soldiers on charges of violating Cambodian territory on Dec 29 and are due to appear for a court trial Tuesday must also be freed because all were apprehended in Thai territory.

Prime Minister Abhisit, his deputy Suthep Thaugsuban and Foreign Affairs Minister Kasit Piromya must take responsibility for the situation and consider their political futures if the Thai government accepts the Cambodian court verdict, Mr Panthep said.

Accompanied by two other PAD core leaders, retired Maj Gen Chamlong Srimuang and Praphan Koonmee, Mr Panthep said the government would make a big mistake if they disperse the PAD demonstration by force.

Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit, now attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, said in a telephone interview that the border problem with Cambodia must be carried out by peaceful manner, especially as both countries are members of ASEAN --the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-- and his government must uphold the country’s benefits as most important.

“The PAD has every right to make demands but the government must uphold the country’s benefits as its priority,” Mr Abhisit said. “What the government has done would definitely receive support from the majority of the people in the country.” (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-01-29

[mkawish]

If they make a move on government house, clear them out.

Same as for the Reds, but don't wait as long.

And do it more correctly than the Police and PPP did at Parliament.

No double standards is an issue, so make it so the moment they disrupt others.

In this case their demands are idiotically unrealistic and harmful to Thailand,

as has been stated before. Abhisit is not same/same as Thaksin by any stretch of the imagination, and so their reasons to act have considerably less resonance and logic for the average Thai.

animatic....

I am quite amazed at your current stand on the issue of Thailand taking back its territorial parcels of land formerly granted to the UN and the International Red Cross in 1980, to accommodate the fleeing Cambodian refugees....

1--Does Thailand have the right to reclaim and retake those patches of land so graciously granted on humanitarian reasons to accommodate the Camb refugees....?

2--Or do you think that the formerly refugees have the right to claim those patches of land as their own after having squatted there for some 30+ years....?

3--What is so wrong or improper for the Thai people to ask their govt to initial the process of reclamation after the Cambodian and HuSan have been so wantonly encroaching and belittling Thailand sovereignty recently....?

To bring this closer to home....

Would you allow any of your neighbors to encroach upon your deeded property and

to put up signs on your lawn to belittle you and

to claim that.... that certain corner now belongs to him.... since he has been there for a long time because of your demonstrated kindness and grace....?

It just does not make much sense, does it....?

Now, do you think that Thai people have the right to ask their govt and Apisit to protect themselves, their sovereignty and the interests of the Royal Throne.... and to:

1--immediately declares null and void the MOU43 which has been illegal construed and signed without the consensus of the Thai parliament approval....

and to start a new MOU pending on Thai parliamentary approval, if and when the Cambodian and HuSan desires....

2--immediately withdraws from any and all participation actively or passively with JBC.... declaring null and void any and all previous agreements.... and

3--immediately reclaims all Thailand northeastern territorial currently illegally encroached upon by the Camb since 1980.... and sending all the encroaching back to Camb, if necessarily, by force if warranted....

DO THE THAI PEOPLE AND THE YELLOWS HAVE A VALID CASE TO PRESENT AND PURSUE on behalf of all Thai....?

They surely do.... don't they, my friend animatic....?

[whybother]

<snipped>

And would you prefer war with Cambodia over this small piece of land, rather than continuing negotiations?

[mkawish]

<snipped>

And would you prefer war with Cambodia over this small piece of land, rather than continuing negotiations?

Per historical record....

Apisit govt has sent out some twenty letters of negotiation to Cambodian HuSan.... to no avail....

However, just yesterday, when Thai military started to flex its muscle.... HuSan backed down immediately....

and dutifully destroyed its posted signs claiming certain parcels of land as belonging to the Camb....

Peace treaty is much preferred over waring against each other or one another.... for certain....

However, when Thailand has been attempting sheepishly negotiating thru peace processes to please ask the Cambodian to vacate the 1980 areas....

the Camb and HuSan appear to really want to take advantages of the sheepishness of the Thai cultures....

Any way.... I do not think for a second.... that the majority of Thai people would ever ever allow Thailand to lose its sovereignty and parcels of borderline land....

to the Camb or anyone else....

Then again.... what would a retired Farang know really, especially about affairs about Thailand and such....

[Pi Sek]

mkawish, I agree with almost everything you say... the PAD do have a point that some Thai people have been wronged by history and the UN's intervention to allow Cambodian refugees their due human rights, and now they find they have no access or claim to their own land. At the same time, the Cambodians on Thai land have a point on humanity grounds that the land that they have lived on for 30+ years is their home. Is there a middle ground?

The Thais in question are the legal owners of the land under Thai Law. But Cambodia, the UN and so on have to question the relevance of Thai Law as it pertains to the Cambodian citizens.

The map used to demarcate the border is clearly out of date and does not cover all the issues valid today... it may have done the job 10-100 years ago, I can't definitively say that though. Nonetheless, what business did the French have drawing up borders in other peoples' countries (look at the India/Pakistan mess made by the British, or the mess with regions of Arab countries being ruled by local factions - these problems are all over the world, anywhere where the locals were not allowed to draw their own borders)? Answer - 'power'.

There are clearly differences in opinion on 'many' (not just 'both') sides.

My opinion is that these differences need to be discussed and a solution acceptable to all parties can be drawn up. I'm not saying "sell of the country to our neghbour", but would these villagers accept $$$ for their land if someone was to compensate them? Would either Cambodia or Thailand be prepared to lease the land for 30 years if they actively looked to repatriate the settlers in this timeframe? Would the Thai villagers, Cambodian settlers, Thai govt and Cambodian govt allow this or that to happen? These discussions haven't really happened.

However, my opinion is absolutely against what the PAD suggest - specifically their demand to evict the 'squatting' Cambodians by force. This would be an act of war! I don't know about you, I'd rather see talks take place than open fighting.

The PAD are suggesting that the ongoing negotiations are being made without the villagers' rights or Thailand's sovereignty in mind - they say the negotiations are are being made for the personal gain of politicians (hence their other two demands). I would say that, if the govt is not talking to people in the area, then they would have a point. However, the simple fact that the govt sent representatives (e.g. Panich) to check it out themselves nullifies this argument.

Maj Gen Chamlong - it is never too late to talk. Like the Red Shirts, you have a valid grievance. However, like the Red Shirts' grievances, your grievances are being addressed by the Thai government, in a way that placates the vast majority of the country. What the ____ do you think you're playing at? Did you get jealous when Suthep told Jatuporn he was "one of a number of heartless people using innocent civilians for their own gain"? Did he upstage you?

mkawish, please note that I am more yellow shirt than many on this forum. I still wear a yellow shirt with the King's insignia every Monday in respect to HM The King and I absolutely agreed with the motives behind the 2008 protest, even if I did not approve of their methods. But this protest is just plain wrong, in motive and action.

“I would like to tell you that anger will never lead to real peace, and democracy cannot be created by vengefulness and bias”.

Veera Musikapong, upon his surrender on 19 May 2010

[lungmi]

mkawish,

The Buddha and the War of Water, you have heard about it? I doubt.

How much value do you think a removed flag has in comparison with the lives of men?

[whybother]

However, just yesterday, when Thai military started to flex its muscle.... HuSan backed down immediately....

<snipped a lot>

When did the military do any muscle flexing? There was negotiations ... requests to remove the sign. The signs were removed.

Then again.... what would a retired Farang know really, especially about affairs about Thailand and such....

Retired? I wish. I might not know all about the affairs of Thailand, but I can spot exaggerations and propaganda.

[mkawish]

However, just yesterday, when Thai military started to flex its muscle.... HuSan backed down immediately....

<snipped a lot>

When did the military do any muscle flexing? There was negotiations ... requests to remove the sign. The signs were removed.

Then again.... what would a retired Farang know really, especially about affairs about Thailand and such....

Retired? I wish. I might not know all about the affairs of Thailand, but I can spot exaggerations and propaganda.

whybother...

oh, my dear fellow....

I was just humiliating my own super-ego.... not you, definitely....

Just do not want you to have that immense satisfaction.... LOL....

You are truly a rare gem on Thaivisa.... salutations and appreciation indeed.... :jap:

[mkawish]

mkawish, I agree with almost everything you say... the PAD do have a point that some Thai people have been wronged by history and the UN's intervention to allow Cambodian refugees their due human rights, and now they find they have no access or claim to their own land. At the same time, the Cambodians on Thai land have a point on humanity grounds that the land that they have lived on for 30+ years is their home. Is there a middle ground?

The Thais in question are the legal owners of the land under Thai Law. But Cambodia, the UN and so on have to question the relevance of Thai Law as it pertains to the Cambodian citizens.

The map used to demarcate the border is clearly out of date and does not cover all the issues valid today... it may have done the job 10-100 years ago, I can't definitively say that though. Nonetheless, what business did the French have drawing up borders in other peoples' countries (look at the India/Pakistan mess made by the British, or the mess with regions of Arab countries being ruled by local factions - these problems are all over the world, anywhere where the locals were not allowed to draw their own borders)? Answer - 'power'.

There are clearly differences in opinion on 'many' (not just 'both') sides.

My opinion is that these differences need to be discussed and a solution acceptable to all parties can be drawn up. I'm not saying "sell of the country to our neghbour", but would these villagers accept $$ for their land if someone was to compensate them? Would either Cambodia or Thailand be prepared to lease the land for 30 years if they actively looked to repatriate the settlers in this timeframe? Would the Thai villagers, Cambodian settlers, Thai govt and Cambodian govt allow this or that to happen? These discussions haven't really happened.

However, my opinion is absolutely against what the PAD suggest - specifically their demand to evict the 'squatting' Cambodians by force. This would be an act of war! I don't know about you, I'd rather see talks take place than open fighting.

The PAD are suggesting that the ongoing negotiations are being made without the villagers' rights or Thailand's sovereignty in mind - they say the negotiations are are being made for the personal gain of politicians (hence their other two demands). I would say that, if the govt is not talking to people in the area, then they would have a point. However, the simple fact that the govt sent representatives (e.g. Panich) to check it out themselves nullifies this argument.

Maj Gen Chamlong - it is never too late to talk. Like the Red Shirts, you have a valid grievance. However, like the Red Shirts' grievances, your grievances are being addressed by the Thai government, in a way that placates the vast majority of the country. What the ____ do you think you're playing at? Did you get jealous when Suthep told Jatuporn he was "one of a number of heartless people using innocent civilians for their own gain"? Did he upstage you?

mkawish, please note that I am more yellow shirt than many on this forum. I still wear a yellow shirt with the King's insignia every Monday in respect to HM The King and I absolutely agreed with the motives behind the 2008 protest, even if I did not approve of their methods. But this protest is just plain wrong, in motive and action.

"I would like to tell you that anger will never lead to real peace, and democracy cannot be created by vengefulness and bias".

Veera Musikapong, upon his surrender on 19 May 2010

Maj Gen Chamlong - it is never too late to talk. Like the Red Shirts, you have a valid grievance. However, like the Red Shirts' grievances, your grievances are being addressed by the Thai government, in a way that placates the vast majority of the country.

If what Apisit et al said and claimed.... could satisfy the majority of the Thai.... I would surely not be pecking out comments upon comments like this....

The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already....

I live amongst the very rich, the rich, the middle class, the working class and the begging classes of Thai society....

These majority are ready to disown Apisit himself and most of his deputies, particularly SuThep, KaSit et al who publicly chastised the 7 Thai for knowingly crossing into Cambodian territory, which in fact.... those parcels of land have been in the legal possession of the Thai farmers for generations....

The majority of Thai are more than unhappy and they are not standing still to see His Royal Majesty's territorial being corrupted and parceled out to another country....

We'll wait and see.... what the majority of the populace say.... whether or not the yellows are speaking for them and in their behalf.... :jap:

[whybother]

<snipped>

We'll wait and see.... what the majority of the populace say.... whether or not the yellows are speaking for them and in their behalf.... :jap:

Where are these "majority"? Where are all these people protesting against the government?

[Pi Sek]

Maj Gen Chamlong - it is never too late to talk. Like the Red Shirts, you have a valid grievance. However, like the Red Shirts' grievances, your grievances are being addressed by the Thai government, in a way that placates the vast majority of the country.

If what Apisit et al said and claimed.... could satisfy the majority of the Thai.... I would surely not be pecking out comments upon comments like this....

The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already....

I live amongst the very rich, the rich, the middle class, the working class and the begging classes of Thai society....

These majority are ready to disown Apisit himself and most of his deputies, particularly SuThep, KaSit et al who publicly chastised the 7 Thai for knowingly crossing into Cambodian territory, which in fact.... those parcels of land have been in the legal possession of the Thai farmers for generations....

We'll wait and see.... what the majority of the populace say.... whether or not the yellows are speaking for them and in their behalf.... :jap:

Where are these "majority"? Where are all these people protesting against the government?

I think the PAD expect them to show up over the weekend.

However, I have to disagree with mkawish that "The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already...."

I don't get that feeling at all, and I also live amongst all classes of Thais, have done so for 10 years. In fact, I have not met one person who agrees with the PAD's present action (and I am still in touch with many out-and-out Yellows). Maybe because I live in the South?

edit - I have met some of those who are vocal at this protest, but haven't spoken to them since 2008.

Edited January 29, 2011 by Pi Sek

[mkawish]

Maj Gen Chamlong - it is never too late to talk. Like the Red Shirts, you have a valid grievance. However, like the Red Shirts' grievances, your grievances are being addressed by the Thai government, in a way that placates the vast majority of the country.

If what Apisit et al said and claimed.... could satisfy the majority of the Thai.... I would surely not be pecking out comments upon comments like this....

The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already....

I live amongst the very rich, the rich, the middle class, the working class and the begging classes of Thai society....

These majority are ready to disown Apisit himself and most of his deputies, particularly SuThep, KaSit et al who publicly chastised the 7 Thai for knowingly crossing into Cambodian territory, which in fact.... those parcels of land have been in the legal possession of the Thai farmers for generations....

We'll wait and see.... what the majority of the populace say.... whether or not the yellows are speaking for them and in their behalf.... :jap:

Where are these "majority"? Where are all these people protesting against the government?

I think the PAD expect them to show up over the weekend.

However, I have to disagree with mkawish that "The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already...."

I don't get that feeling at all, and I also live amongst all classes of Thais, have done so for 10 years. In fact, I have not met one person who agrees with the PAD's present action (and I am still in touch with many out-and-out Yellows). Maybe because I live in the South?

edit - I have met some of those who are vocal at this protest, but haven't spoken to them since 2008.

Pi Sek...

That is mighty great.... that you are living in the south....

How far away is SaDaow from where you reside.... pls?

We are surely living in the same country, seeing the same classes of populace and talking to them in Thai--sizing up their political preferences....:jap:

You do speak Thai to them to find out what they think politically, correct....?

Much esteemed.... :jap:

[Pi Sek]

Maj Gen Chamlong - it is never too late to talk. Like the Red Shirts, you have a valid grievance. However, like the Red Shirts' grievances, your grievances are being addressed by the Thai government, in a way that placates the vast majority of the country.

If what Apisit et al said and claimed.... could satisfy the majority of the Thai.... I would surely not be pecking out comments upon comments like this....

The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already....

I live amongst the very rich, the rich, the middle class, the working class and the begging classes of Thai society....

These majority are ready to disown Apisit himself and most of his deputies, particularly SuThep, KaSit et al who publicly chastised the 7 Thai for knowingly crossing into Cambodian territory, which in fact.... those parcels of land have been in the legal possession of the Thai farmers for generations....

We'll wait and see.... what the majority of the populace say.... whether or not the yellows are speaking for them and in their behalf.... :jap:

Where are these "majority"? Where are all these people protesting against the government?

I think the PAD expect them to show up over the weekend.

However, I have to disagree with mkawish that "The truth is.... the majority of the Thai are very unhappy in reference to the govt attitudes toward the possibility of already losing parts of Thai sovereignty to Camb and HuSan already...."

I don't get that feeling at all, and I also live amongst all classes of Thais, have done so for 10 years. In fact, I have not met one person who agrees with the PAD's present action (and I am still in touch with many out-and-out Yellows). Maybe because I live in the South?

edit - I have met some of those who are vocal at this protest, but haven't spoken to them since 2008.

Pi Sek...

That is mighty great.... that you are living in the south....

How far away is SaDaow from where you reside.... pls?

We are surely living in the same country, seeing the same classes of populace and talking to them in Thai--sizing up their political preferences....:jap:

You do speak Thai to them to find out what they think politically, correct....?

Much esteemed.... :jap:

No worries.... :jap:

I live quite a long way from Sadao (we talking about the same place, Songkhla province, right?) - but I know it well, down to some of the street names I have some friends that live right next to the level crossing. Usually I reside on Koh Samui, which is not exactly typical Thailand, but I haven't been there since September due to work elsewhere in the South.

Also, yes I speak Thai (or Dai or Isaan or, to a lesser extent, Yawi, Kam Meuang, Suphan or Korat) when I talk politics.

รู้มากกว่าเราอีก "Roo maak kwa rhow ik", I was told last week by an active Phuket PAD supporter. I'm not sure if that was a compliment or not!

edit to add - I don't disbelieve that you have had the opinions offered to you that you report. I'm just saying I've seen the opposite.

Edited January 29, 2011 by Pi Sek

[lungmi]

This stupid narrow nationalism created millions of killed humans in Europe. Germany and France had territory disputes for centenaries, and now I can go to Spain and I don't realize that there is a border. Learn from history, no reason to repeat the proven crazy facts of nationalism/

[jayjay0]

But Gen Chamlong said it was already too late and that the prime minister should spend his time to solve the ongoing problem rather than holding the talks.

That's the problem with these groups. They don't know how to solve problems. Holding talks CAN solve the ongoing problem.

What he meant was that it was to late to talk and save face. They were committed to Cary on with there stupid wants. And no amount of talks could make them look good.