Red Shirts Gather At Democracy Monument.

[Lite Beer]

Red Shirts gather at Democracy Monument.

BANGKOK, Feb 13 - Anti-government red-shirt protesters or the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) on Sunday are set to end their demonstration at Democracy Monument in the capital at midnight but vowed to take to the street again on February 19. .

The demonstrators called for the release of the Red Shirt key leaders in prison on terrorism charges and ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's phone-in address to his supporters was expected at 8.30pm.

Earlier on Sunday, as Red Shirt protesters gathered at the Criminal Court to read an open letter of their leaders in prison, traffic on Ratchadapisek Road became paralysed at noon.

Acting UDD chair Thida Thavornseth and Red Shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan led the protest. Ms Thida said the Reds planned to lay flowers at the Criminal Court on February 21 when the court is scheduled for the hearing of the bail request of seven Red leaders.

Jatuporn said the Redshirts will read the letter again outside the Supreme Court at Sanam Luang on February 19 and if the Red leaders' bail requests are rejected, they will return on the street at the Criminal Court in March.

He protesters laid red roses outside the Criminal Court before moving on to the Democracy Monument.

The Red Shirts have staged a series of one-day rallies in Bangkok in recent weeks. Their rivals, the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD), have been rallying near Government House demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva step down over the government's handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.

The government imposed the Internal Security Act in Bangkok to handle political rallies which might intensify. (MCOT online news).

-- TNA 2011-02-13

[asiawatcher]

"... The government imposed the Internal Security Act in Bangkok to handle political rallies which might intensify"

Funny - very funny.

Edited February 13, 2011 by asiawatcher

[bulmercke]

Strange how the escalation of street protests - and violent turmoil - always seems to coincide with the school holidays.

[jonclark]

Ho-hum another day another pointless and inconvenient demonstration. Still got to credit them persistent little buggers. A bit like cancer.

[hyperdimension]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

[londonthai]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

[whybother]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

A "populist program" of shooting grenades and burning Bangkok?

[MaiChai]

I have to agree. Its fine to protest; what the Red Shirts did before goes beyond the realms of a peaceful protest. The leaders of this need to be held accountable. The law should protect us from what happened; you cannot allow a group to inflict terror on to those who live and work in the area where the reds protested. Before you flame me, the yellow shirts and any other group should also keep to a peaceful protest within the law and not affect people going about their day to day business.

[TAWP]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

What populist program would this be? And what is _really_ improved by the leaders being freed? And to note, no, large portions don't share the red's views that their leaders should be freed. I mean, everyone want more money, but that isn't support for the Reds...

[JamesGoyder]

A couple of pics from the demo at Ratchadapisek:

[webfact]

Opposition protesters back on streets of Bangkok

BANGKOK, (AFP) - Thousands of anti-government protesters massed in the Thai capital Sunday for the latest in a series of rallies by rival political factions ahead of elections expected this year.

Police estimated that up to 25,000 "Red Shirts" -- the movement behind violent mass protests in the heart of Bangkok last year -- gathered near Democracy Monument at the peak of the latest demonstration.

Thousands of police were deployed for the event, which the Reds' hero, fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, addressed in a phone-in from an undisclosed location.

Thaksin remains a controversial figure in Thailand. He draws support among the mainly poor and working class Red Shirts but is loathed by the urban elite, who see him as corrupt, authoritarian and a threat to the revered monarchy.

"We don't want anything but peace and hope the country returns to normal," said the tycoon-turned-premier, who lives overseas -- mostly in Dubai -- to avoid a jail sentence for corruption imposed in absentia.

"We want free and fair elections. We want to see an elected government," he told the red-clad crowd. "I believe an election will be held but not soon because they (the current government) benefit from corruption."

Thaksin again brushed aside rumours that his health is ailing.

Mass protests in April and May of last year by the Red Shirts left 90 people dead in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and the army, which broke up the demonstration.

The Reds, who were campaigning for immediate elections, have held a series of peaceful one-day rallies in the capital in recent weeks calling for the release of key leaders held in prison on terrorism charges.

Red Shirt supporters on Sunday laid red roses in front of Bangkok's Criminal Court where a letter from detained leaders was read out.

Rival "Yellow Shirt" nationalist activists meanwhile have been rallying recently near Government House calling for Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to step down over his handling of a deadly border dispute with Cambodia.

The "Yellow Shirts" were once allies of the establishment-backed Abhisit, but relations have soured recently and the movement's political party has emerged as a rival force to the ruling Democrats.

Abhisit said last week he would call a general election in the first half of this year if there was no fresh political violence.

The government recently invoked the Internal Security Act in Bangkok to cope with the renewed political rallies.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-02-14

[Jingthing]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

Unlike Egypt, these reds want an autocratic strongman IN, not OUT. But they are clearly not the majority so they don't deserve to achieve that dangerous goal. Yes they have a base, but it is way too limited class-wise, and region-wise to support a real organic, ethical, widely popular people power movement. Thailand needs reform, that's for sure, but Thaksin's troops aren't the right stuff. If the reds did triumph, there wouldn't be dancing in the streets except from red loyalists, others would be in a state of dread. Edited February 13, 2011 by Jingthing

[patjem]

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

There was more people at Old Trafford on Saturday. They are just a noisy minority. Furthermore, the leaders were NOT jailed for what they represent, but for inciting violence for your use of the word "program" one could more aptly substitute it for "agenda", the main part of which you fail to even mention.

[jonclark]

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

There was more people at Old Trafford on Saturday. They are just a noisy minority. Furthermore, the leaders were NOT jailed for what they represent, but for inciting violence for your use of the word "program" one could more aptly substitute it for "agenda", the main part of which you fail to even mention.

It seems to me that the most the Reds can muster in terms of crowds are between 10'000 - 40'000 and I'd imagine most of those (and this is pure assumption) are from the NE who work in Bkk. Even at their height when Jatuporn screamed his million man march less the 100'000 turned up. My own view is that the reds have lost their way and are slowly running out of steam (and options) whilst riding on the backs of the 91 dead by claiming to be their champions. Although, to be honest that wasn't the objective of today's rally, was it?

[jackr]

It's all very puerile, nothing more - a bunch of immature, misinformed, brainwashed goons simply getting together (paid or unpaid) because they've got eff all else to do in life. So hey, lets attempt to screw up the country instead. The PAD have a similar amount of nous.

[jonclark]

A couple of pics from the demo at Ratchadapisek:

Nice pics James! Judging from the pics though if you removed the motorcycles, lorries and cars, the whole sea of red would look more lake a good sized lake, than a sea

[random]

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

There was more people at Old Trafford on Saturday. They are just a noisy minority. Furthermore, the leaders were NOT jailed for what they represent, but for inciting violence for your use of the word "program" one could more aptly substitute it for "agenda", the main part of which you fail to even mention.

So they were jailed for inciting violence (I notice you just say jailed, not charged, as yet there have been no charges I believe), so using this logic of yours the yellows recently threatening to invade GH should also be jailed under the same laws??

No starts the pointless argument from the yellows on here that invading GH is not violent and it is possible to forcibly enter secure property without the use of violence etc.

[whybother]

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

There was more people at Old Trafford on Saturday. They are just a noisy minority. Furthermore, the leaders were NOT jailed for what they represent, but for inciting violence for your use of the word "program" one could more aptly substitute it for "agenda", the main part of which you fail to even mention.

So they were jailed for inciting violence (I notice you just say jailed, not charged, as yet there have been no charges I believe), so using this logic of yours the yellows recently threatening to invade GH should also be jailed under the same laws??

No starts the pointless argument from the yellows on here that invading GH is not violent and it is possible to forcibly enter secure property without the use of violence etc.

Talk to Siam Simon about that, since he believes that the Red Shirts take over of the ASEAN summit hotel was done with out the use of violence. The shattered glass was just from the force of people against it.

And I believe the red shirt leaders HAVE been charged ... at least according to http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/Remand-hearing-for-11-red-shirt-leaders-charged-fo-30131623.html (just the first article I came across)

[otherstuff1957]

Some of the Redshirts were having a party, down the street and round the corner, after the rally last night. My wife stopped to chat with them & they told her that they were celebrating because they had been paid 500b each to attend. In the past they had just earned 300b each, but no-one was interested in going out for that price anymore.

Edited February 14, 2011 by otherstuff1957

[bubba]

So they want free and fair elections. On 4 May 2010, Abhisit offered to have new elections in November of last year. Unfortunately, the redshirt "leaders" refused to accept the deal that included those elections because they were more concerned about their personal prospects for bail than for fresh elections. If anything, it would seem that the redshirt masses should be protesting against those leaders who denied them the new elections that they want, rather that rallying to support them.

[Livinginexile]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

Unlike Egypt, these reds want an autocratic strongman IN, not OUT. But they are clearly not the majority so they don't deserve to achieve that dangerous goal. Yes they have a base, but it is way too limited class-wise, and region-wise to support a real organic, ethical, widely popular people power movement. Thailand needs reform, that's for sure, but Thaksin's troops aren't the right stuff. If the reds did triumph, there wouldn't be dancing in the streets except from red loyalists, others would be in a state of dread.

We will see if they are the majority or not after the upcoming elections

Edited February 14, 2011 by Livinginexile

[Pi Sek]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

No I'm afraid you're wrong on both counts.

Firstly they were imprisoned for inciting and/or organising terrorist acts but, hey, these are minor details.

Secondly, even if 1% actually show up to these demos, 10,000, 30,000 or even 120,000 does not represent "a large proportion of the society". It represents a small one.

[pacosvillage]

How would the release of the leaders help the people of Thailand?

they were imprisoned for representing some populist program, demanding release of the prisoners the protesters defend this program. Quite a large proportion of the society do share similar views - todays large crowd's prove it

No I'm afraid you're wrong on both counts.

Firstly they were imprisoned for inciting and/or organising terrorist acts but, hey, these are minor details.

Secondly, even if 1% actually show up to these demos, 10,000, 30,000 or even 120,000 does not represent "a large proportion of the society". It represents a small one.

I respectively disagree with your comment that a small representation isn't possible in getting the result. If you look at Egypt conflict only 200,000 people out of 82 million caused the end of Mu Barrack. And the one thing we can count on with these little reds is that they are unpredictable and don't use intellect in their thinking- only emotions and also the 500B that Thaksin gives them.

Edited February 14, 2011 by pacosvillage

[Pi Sek]

Even at their height when Jatuporn screamed his million man march less the 100'000 turned up.

Curious for my own info - how many really did show up to the heights of both the 2010 UDD and the 2008 PAD protests? Lots of numbers have been banded about.

I've heard there really were a million Red Shirts demonstrating in Bangkok last year (obviously from Red Shirt sources) and I've also heard as few as 60,000 - I'd hazard a guess at 120,000 at its peak.

I think there were well over 100,000 at Suvarnibhumi, but I've heard much smaller and much bigger numbers.

[Wangrin]

I have to agree. Its fine to protest; what the Red Shirts did before goes beyond the realms of a peaceful protest. The leaders of this need to be held accountable. The law should protect us from what happened; you cannot allow a group to inflict terror on to those who live and work in the area where the reds protested. Before you flame me, the yellow shirts and any other group should also keep to a peaceful protest within the law and not affect people going about their day to day business.

MaiChai, I guess you are american ?

How can you imagine people could improve their living conditions without showing they are ready to fight. See what is happening in the Maghreb, half of the planet inhabitants are willing to free themselves from their dictators and from american domination. American way is to extol peacefull changes and to make wars far from their backgrounds.

Note: I am French.

Edited February 14, 2011 by Scott
Royal remark edited out

[animatic]

Ho-hum another day another pointless and inconvenient demonstration. Still got to credit them persistent little buggers. A bit like cancer.

But cancer keeps growing bigger till it kills the host.

This is more like shingles. A persistent painful annoyance.

[ndw]

I see we are getting ready for this years riot season.

[Insight]

Some of the Redshirts were having a party, down the street and round the corner, after the rally last night. My wife stopped to chat with them & they told her that they were celebrating because they had been paid 500b each to attend. In the past they had just earned 300b each, but no-one was interested in going out for that price anymore.

There was some debate on Twitter last night with some of the more prominent, Thai-savy "farang" users insisting that the red shirts they had spoken to had gone completely on their own free will - going as far to say that this year things were "different".

But I also recognise yourself as a long-term TV user telling us what other Thai people have told me about every other red shirt rally - that people have indeed been salaried for their attendance.

Frankly I had my doubts the trend would be bucked this year, and it looks as if that's the case.

[pacosvillage]

I have to agree. Its fine to protest; what the Red Shirts did before goes beyond the realms of a peaceful protest. The leaders of this need to be held accountable. The law should protect us from what happened; you cannot allow a group to inflict terror on to those who live and work in the area where the reds protested. Before you flame me, the yellow shirts and any other group should also keep to a peaceful protest within the law and not affect people going about their day to day business.

MaiChai, I guess you are american ?

How can you imagine people could improve their living conditions without showing they are ready to fight. See what is happening in the Maghreb, half of the planet inhabitants are willing to free themselves from their dictators and from american domination. American way is to extol peacefull changes and to make wars far from their backgrounds.

Note: I am French, we have beheaded our king !...

WEll I am American and we always hear thoughts like yours that extol the lack of merit of American influence, but all of your countries governments and citizens keep their hands out wanting the American dollar for doing nothing. It has been made to be a cliche to the ears of many of us Americans- Yankee go home, but send us your money. (World-class leftist beggars).

Edited February 14, 2011 by pacosvillage

[SomTumTiger]

post='4201995']

Who is damaging the temple? Uhmmm... The Thais are aiming at which direction and the Cambodians are aiming at which direction? The cap