Thai Reds Mass In Bangkok To Mark Anniversary Of Protest

[Lite Beer]

Reds mass to mark anniversary of protest

By The Nation on Sunday

Thousands of red-shirt demonstrators took to the streets yesterday to mark a year since the start of their protest that turned into unrest and deadly riots.

Amid a heavy police presence, the red shirts congregated at Democracy Monument for a rally expected to be the largest since their anti-government gathering ended in May last year.

Police estimated about 30,000 people gathered to commemorate the 10-week protest that started on March 12 last year and largely crippled the capital. Ninety-one people were killed and about 2,000 were injured during the turmoil.

Meanwhile, security forces and immigration officials in Sa Kaeo

yesterday strictly monitored border checkpoints following reports that fugitive Arisman Pongruangrong,

a red-shirt leader who escaped

arrest for charges of terrorism after the red uprising ended in May, may return.

Military officials from the Burapa Forces in charge of checking the border at Rong Klua Market and Aranyaprathet checkpoint teamed up with Sa Kaeo police to set up check-points following reports that Arisman may turn up there.

However the officials did not find the fugitive. Army Captain Charn Wongwaimethi said a Thai gambler who visited a casino in Poi Pet told immigration officials that he met Arisman on Friday night at Grand Diamond Casino. Charn said although the management of the casino denied the report, security forces checked every car that entered Thailand.

Red-shirt leader Jatuporn Promphan said yesterday Arisman would be the last fugitive red-shirt leader to turn himself in, possibly before March 26.

An intelligence official from an internal security unit, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Arisman and Suporn Attawong - another suspect wanted on terrorism charges -had stayed at Grand Diamond City in Poi Pet for two days. The wanted Thais were protected by four security guards of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. So no one dared to touch them.

Both Arisman and Suporn want to turn themselves into Thai police in the hope they will be released on bail after leading red shirt Adisorn Piangket surrendered and was allowed bail, the source said.

Meanwhile, police were prepared for any eventuality by having anti-riot police stationed at the Metropolitan Police Headquarters.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban urged the red-shirt leaders not to stage a prolonged protest but to get ready for the general election.

"Some red-shirt leaders have surrendered in order to contest in general election under the party-list system. Just by applying, they will get immunity and have no need to go to court,'' he said.

-- The Nation 2011-03-13

[asiawatcher]

Another headline that has nothing to do with the majority of the content.

[givenall]

what is next anniversary of anniversary of protest. when will these guys stop wasting their time and everyone else in Thailand

[Thailand]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

[ToffeEFCpower]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

[jonclark]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

And all 65 million are eligible to vote??? LMAO.

[Thailand]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

How many yellows shirts turned up for their rallies in their home territory to support their cause?

Do not underestimate the number of red /PT voters out there,I bet the government do not.

[Buchholz]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

How many yellows shirts turned up for their rallies in their home territory to support their cause?

Do not underestimate the number of red /PT voters out there,I bet the government do not.

And, besides, Chalerm has assured us there will be 300 winning PTP MP's with the next election.

And, if all goes well, 7 indicted terrorist suspects out on bail will all be part of the gang.

.

Edited March 13, 2011 by Buchholz

[Pi Sek]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

And all 65 million are eligible to vote??? LMAO.

No, 63.7m are, I believe.

[KKvampire]

Im sure that in Thailand terrorists reds will end up being elected in a GE. Fact is many of the supporters /voters dont care if their MP is a Thug, Instigator of violence , Its the way it is here.

[chachachacha]

One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter .

Mandella , Castro, French resistance , IRA , Gaddaffi & Mogarbi (spelling)

Lets not forget the terrorist of USA , What are they called ? Founding Fathers or some sort of crap like that .

[Digitalbanana]

what is next anniversary of anniversary of protest. when will these guys stop wasting their time and everyone else in Thailand

Not until the lure of the carrot is removed... not in square heads lifetime.

[AZBill]

Given what has happened in Japan who really gives a rat's rear end about Thailand's stupid little political squabbles!!!!

[Buchholz]

Given what has happened in Japan who really gives a rat's rear end about Thailand's stupid little political squabbles!!!!

If we could listen in, I'm sure that's what they are discussing:

[KKvampire]

One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter .

Mandella , Castro, French resistance , IRA , Gaddaffi & Mogarbi (spelling)

Lets not forget the terrorist of USA , What are they called ? Founding Fathers or some sort of crap like that .

Um so the "Red shirt Freedom Fighters" are going to bring "Their Democracy to Thailand" ? I think I know where the craps coming from

[djlest]

How thoughtful

An anniversary to mark the bombs, grenades, rocket launchers, sharpened bamboo poles, burnt down buildings, killings and propaganda...

oh at that big sign that said peaceful protesters only...

The mentality is really shocking - reminds me so much of 1940's germany on how a nation can be brainwashed so easily the wrong way, yet not have clue about whats real and what is not...

i think 10 minutes of silence to those that lost their lives for a reason none other than ignorance and power would be more fitting than a party.

[KKvampire]

Quote from Nation

"An intelligence official from an internal security unit, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Arisman and Suporn Attawong - another suspect wanted on terrorism charges -had stayed at Grand Diamond City in Poi Pet for two days. The wanted Thais were protected by four security guards of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. So no one dared to touch them."

Hahahaha , so much for Thai internal security when Hun Sens thugs come to another country to protect his Fellow Thai Thugs .

[Cnxforever]

Another headline that has nothing to do with the majority of the content.

well it's "The Nation" what did you expect??

[rubl]

Quote from Nation

"An intelligence official from an internal security unit, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Arisman and Suporn Attawong - another suspect wanted on terrorism charges -had stayed at Grand Diamond City in Poi Pet for two days. The wanted Thais were protected by four security guards of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. So no one dared to touch them."

Hahahaha , so much for Thai internal security when Hun Sens thugs come to another country to protect his Fellow Thai Thugs.

Never been there, but isn't Poi Pet in Battambang province in North Western Cambodia?

[Pi Sek]

Im sure that in Thailand terrorists reds will end up being elected in a GE. Fact is many of the supporters /voters dont care if their MP is a Thug, Instigator of violence , Its the way it is here.

That's very inciteful... I agree that generally Thais do not really care what type of person helps them, as long as they believe they are being helped. I think this is why there is so much propaganda flying around everywhere.

However, I just don't think that PTP will win, because their numbers are not all that. They represent a significant part of the country, but not a majority and not enough to call the shots without allying themselves with those who have different ideas.

In a true democracy, even terrorists have a voice. How loud it is depends on how much of the electorate support their cause. This is why the ultra-nationalist (and potentially quite dangerous on many fronts) NPP are allowed to share their views in the public sector and it's also why MPs attached to terrorists have immunity (see also Gerry Adams). It doesn't mean that everyone else will agree with them - but they have a civic duty to represent the interests of those who vote for them. I will even concede that Jatuporn (in my opinion the most evil man currently in Thailand) - whose motives might be something other than the interests of those who voted for him - really works full time on the "policies" that he has always claimed to represent: to get the red leaders free and bring back Thaksin.

Quote from Nation

"An intelligence official from an internal security unit, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Arisman and Suporn Attawong - another suspect wanted on terrorism charges -had stayed at Grand Diamond City in Poi Pet for two days. The wanted Thais were protected by four security guards of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. So no one dared to touch them."

Hahahaha , so much for Thai internal security when Hun Sens thugs come to another country to protect his Fellow Thai Thugs .

I must say I don't think this report was 100% accurate. It would surprise me immensely if identifiable personal security of Hun Sen were seen escorting Arisaman and Suporn anywhere, although the essence of the report - that they were sighted

at a casino with bodyguards - is quite plausible.

Also, note that Poi Pet is in Cambodia, not Thailand... so maybe you're being a little hard on the Thai internal security.

[anterian]

I used to be neutral in the Red versus Yellow debate, both have valid arguments. Now I am so bored with the outpourings of snide anti Red comments that I want to see the Reds win, just to wipe the smirk of so many members faces.

[jonclark]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

And all 65 million are eligible to vote??? LMAO.

No, 63.7m are, I believe.

I think you're including those under 18 in your count!!! Who number about 15 million (rough guess)

[bulmercke]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You still believe there's going to be an election?

[jdinasia]

PiSek ....

The total population of Thailand does not equal eligible voters. (I think the number is just over 1/2 the total population is eligible to vote. Many are too young etc.) Also with the voting laws in Thailand absentee voting is more complicated which means that some people registered upcountry will have a hard time getting there to vote.

To be fair -- the casino in question is between the 2 checkpoints of Thailand and Cambodia. Regardless, the Thai city corresponding to Poi Pet is Aranyaphrathet.

[rubl]

I used to be neutral in the Red versus Yellow debate, both have valid arguments. Now I am so bored with the outpourings of snide anti Red comments that I want to see the Reds win, just to wipe the smirk of so many members faces.

So you are a reluctant red-shirt supporter only. You want to see them win not for what they can do to/for the country, but just to be able to annoys members here. well that's as good a reason as others have

[rubl]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You still believe there's going to be an election?

YES, as I told you before. IMHO, just like you predicted a coup anytime now awhile ago.

[bulmercke]

I used to be neutral in the Red versus Yellow debate, both have valid arguments. Now I am so bored with the outpourings of snide anti Red comments that I want to see the Reds win, just to wipe the smirk of so many members faces.

A person of my own heart. I know what you mean. The attacks on any member who dares to express even the slightest pro-Red sentiment are swift and unrelenting.

Up the Res!

[jdinasia]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You still believe there's going to be an election?

I do. The only caveat I have is will the reds allow an election (not to mention will they allow candidates from all parties to campaign in all areas?) The reds have a LOT to lose should there be an election, while the Dems have little to lose. They have shown themselves to be an effective opposition party in the past even though the most likely result of an election this year will be the Dems forming another coalition government.

Remember, the reds could have had an election last December ... they chose not to.

[jdinasia]

I used to be neutral in the Red versus Yellow debate, both have valid arguments. Now I am so bored with the outpourings of snide anti Red comments that I want to see the Reds win, just to wipe the smirk of so many members faces.

Your posting history (including some of your very first posts) does not reflect any such neutrality on your part.

This seems to me like a moral victory to the Reds, they can say to their supporters that the government is using every means available to prevent them from holding peaceful rallies. They, themselves are peacefully abiding by the law, even if being unfairly used by a government which is running scared.

That post of yours was made Posted 2009-08-29 17:49:51 ---- well after Black Songkran 2009

Edited March 13, 2011 by jdinasia

[Guest]

Quite a good turnout with the police estimating 30,000 so probably somewhat more than that. If they can still rally that many numbers in an area miles away from their heartland the upcoming election is going to be a tight one.

You really believe 30,000 votes out of 65 million people will make it a tight election? LMAO

Spend some time in Isaan where you'll see plenty of red flags, posters of Taksin, and other indications that they command a great deal of popular support amonst ordinary people. Bangkok does not Thailand make, as has been shown before.